Council of Eight Faces
The Council of Eight Faces are the leaders of the Union. They are the secret lords of the Sacred Republic and the Church of the Eightfold Way. They are above the Regents of the Church, above the Octarch, but also outside all public structures and authority. Their power is secret, baked into the Church at a very basic level and protected by networks of agents, informers and enforcers.
Each of the Faces wears a mask representing an ancient and sinister aspect of one of the Gods of the Eightfold Way; one that was absorbed into the larger cult during the War of Hubris. This mask defines their role in the Council, and coupled with a hooded robe serves to conceal their identity, even from the other Faces. When a Face retires from the Council, becoming a Shadow, they pass the mask to a chosen successor, usually someone who has not been a part of their public or private life, but whose career they have shaped indirectly.
- Ayus Stormbreaker – Chair of the Council and Coordinator of the Order’s activities. The cult of Ayus was deeply involved with the Lassarate, leading to their destruction by and absorption into the Cult of Iuva.
- Imbrin of the Seal – Captain of the Eyes and coordinator of the Union’s intelligence gathering. The Hands are supposed to report all information gathered to the Imbrin. Imbrin was the source of many of Tinevra’s more deceptive aspects when she was absorbed into the lady of the Scroll’s cult.
- Agrada the Warwing – Captain of the Blades and coordinator of the Union’s enforcers. The Agrada must approve any executive action. The cult of Agrada was a rival order to that of Tanit, whose paladins were absorbed when the larger group took control of Agradine.
- Ornen Hammerhand – Captain of the Factors and coordinator of the Union’s scientific and magical development; the Ornen commands no Hands directly, but has a huge influence over what magic is considered holy and sanctioned. Ornen was an Ardheimer deity whose cult made common cause with that of Ilmar to undermine the rule of the Poet-King.
- Steres Lifecutter – Captain of the Harvest, in charge of supply and treasury. Steres was a minor god of the field who was also associated with death cults.
- Elba Shatterheart – Captain of Whispers, in charge of morale and communication. Elba was a god of discord.
- Thyrsa Ecstasis – Captain of Revels, in charge of destabilising rival organisations, including on occasion the civil state. Thyrsa was a god of abandon and altered consciousness.
- Lathoni the Usher – Captain of the Boundary, in charge of security and secrecy. Lathoni was a minor psychopomp whose cult practiced a form of social engineering through murder of the ‘unworthy’.
Type
Secret, Religious sect
Comments