Cardynal
Cardynal is a fictional title and proper noun used in fantasy and speculative fiction. It commonly denotes a high-ranking figure who holds spiritual, political, or military authority within a realm, frequently serving as the head of a religious order, a royal adviser, or a commander in times of war. The term is typically rendered with a Y, as Cardynal, to distinguish it from the real-world cardinal and to imply a distinct culture or tradition within the setting.
Etymology and variants: Cardynal is generally presented as an original coinage within a fictional universe. Some
Role and depiction: In narrative use, a Cardynal often wields both spiritual and secular influence. They may
Usage in fiction: Cardynals appear across multiple works of fantasy, video games, and tabletop settings, sometimes
Notable uses: In various fan-created and original works, characters titled Cardynal include leaders of religious orders