Eternals of Cervitas
The Crowngrave
Representing the true essence of Imperial Power, The Crowngrave is not ambition, hunger, or war. It represents the authority of rulers over the community that has raised them up to be leaders. It is the duty of the leader to lead well, and of the follower to obey - this trust between ruler and ruled is essential, and woe is visited upon whichever side of the relationship betrays the other. Revealing itself in the rich sheen of dyed silks, and the comforting weight of headwear, The Crowngrave is the ultimate representation of institutional might.
The Masses
Representing the nature and power of community, The Masses is every bond between comrades, family, and neighbors. It is the strength of the crowd, the power of collective endeavor and the importance of trust in building anything of value. Revealing itself in the muddled voices of overlapping conversations, the raised voices of a crowd, and the terrifying press of bodies all moving in one direction, The Masses shows us the power of the collective spirit of a community.
The Blooded Stone
Representing the importance of tradition, The Blooded Stone represents the influence of ancestral decree, the weight of patriotism, and every ounce of history that a culture remembers. It is a celebration of the truths and actions of ancestors past, and the respect given to the actions of those who came before us. Revealing itself in the cracked but revered headstones and graves, and the knowledge imparted by the older generations, The Blooded Stone clashes frequently with the teachings of Anarch.
Heralds of Cervitas
The Forgotten King
Subordinate Herald of The Crowngrave, The Forgotten King knows everything that has happened in the lands in which he walks, and is personally wounded by all the harm that has happened. Where the Heartsmason is the keeper of our pleasant lies and honorable hymns, the Forgotten King is the keeper of the truth. He knows what we did, when we failed, and where our honor was tested. He is the memory and proof that cultures cannot truly lie to themselves, or to the Spheres.
The Master of Chains
Subordinate Herald of The Crownsgrave, The Master of Chains represents the knife-edge path of the autocrat. Their followers are bound to serve and follow, but only so long as the leader fulfills their own obligations. A leader who fails in their duty is pulled down by the very chains that bound their followers to serve, and suffer the indignities only a fall from such heights can inflict. Bind and be bound in turn.
The Broken Word
Subordinate Herald of The Crowngrave, The Broken Word teaches us that no matter your authority, or even the willingness of your subjects to follow you, all commands are without purpose if they cannot be understood. It is the sole responsibility of the one who gives the command to ensure that it be given well, and it is not the fault of the one who mishears a command to correct the mistake.
The Iron Stag
Subordinate Herald of The Masses, The Iron Stag is the Herald of communities built and maintained both in and through conflict. Soldierly camaraderie, jokes about shared suffering, the sheer destruction of an army on the march, and both the damage and elevation that war can do to communities.
The Heartsmason
Subordinate Herald of The Masses, The Heartsmason represents the pride and glory of community achievement. Every moment raised high on a pedestal, and every obstacle brought low are remembered by the Heartsmason in story or in song. Always the best part of the tale is shared, that it might be used to inspire and push for ever greater achievements and unity.
The Oathwarg
Subordinate Herald of The Masses, The Oathwarg is a shapeshifter who suffers eternally. It is the warning that to betray your bonds and your vows is to lower yourself towards the bearing of a beast, as it is community and trust that elevates us above the animal. Likewise, to stay true to your bonds is to find strength in humanity and the things we create.
The Million Eyes
Subordinate Herald of The Blooded Stone, The Million Eyes teaches us that just as we judge the generations which come after us, so too do we carry the weight of the judgment of those who have come before us, and the commandment to leave the world a better place than we found it. Never forget, however, that through the Journey, you are your ancestors, and they are with you always.
The Patchwork Flag
Subordinate Herald of The Blooded Stone, The Patchwork Flag is the Herald of patriotism in every sense. Patriotism breeds and supports community, and binds together the disparate into a superior whole. No nation lasts forever, however, just as no community stays the same throughout the turning of the ages; everything must come to an end in its time.
The Soulspeaker
Subordinate Herald of The Blooded Stone, The Soulspeaker teaches us to never forget those who have made you what you are, but in service and memory to them, live your life as best you can. This is not just your past lives, but each and every person who has made a positive influence on your life. The Soulspeaker can talk to who you once were before you last took the Journey (if your soul has done so before), and can communicate learned truths from them to you.