The Cult of the Dark Overlord was the principal "Ardan" dark religion in the South. Though its adherents revered the dark and its lord, it was not the usual Sauronic trick to bring all people under his banner. The cult was founded in the late 13th century of the Third Age to serve as a rallying point for believers of the Dark. It was firmly controlled however by the Court of Ardor. Gorthaur Morlin was the undisputed High Priests of this organization and oversaw its operations efficiently.