The Veilbound Council
Shrouded in Power, Hidden in Shadows
The Veilbound Council is an enigmatic and seemingly omnipresent organization that operates from the shadows. Whispers of their influence are tied to manipulation, tragedy, and power plays that span both Wildspace and terrestrial realms. Though their ultimate goals remain unclear, the fragments known about their actions paint a terrifying picture of control and domination.
Known Activities
Torture of Thalin the Splintered:
The Council captured Thalin, a former mercenary of the Wanderers, after he received critical memories during the Day of Echoes. These memories contained knowledge of the world before the Great Cataclysm, including the Council’s forbidden dealings. Thalin was tortured for months, but he never revealed what he knew. His mind eventually fractured, transforming him into the creature now known as The Splintered.
Manipulation of the Echo Herb:
Evidence suggests the Council uses the Echo Herb to manipulate the memories of those who consume it on the Day of Echoes. The herb, instead of just stabilizing minds, implants *suggestive memories*, allowing the Council to rewrite history and shape the thoughts of entire populations.
Rogue factions, such as the Wanderers, are actively working to disrupt the Council’s plans.
Involvement with the Abyssal Wake Crash:
The Council is tied to the crash of the Spelljammer vessel Abyssal Wake. The ship was transporting highly classified cargo, including the Crystal of Memories, a psionic artifact of unknown origin. Whether the crash was sabotage or a result of their manipulation remains unclear.
Speculated Goals
Though their ultimate purpose remains a mystery, their actions hint at two terrifying possibilities:
1.
Memory Control:
By using the Echo Herb and controlling the Day of Echoes, the Veilbound Council could be attempting to rewrite history itself. This would allow them to consolidate power and manipulate the future by altering the world’s recollection of the past.
2.
Subjugation of the Divine:
The Council’s torture of Thalin and their pursuit of the Crystal of Memories suggest they aim to sever divine influence from the mortal realm, reshaping the world to their vision.
Connections and Symbolism
Expanding Influence:
An intercepted note in Willowdell revealed the Council’s increasing boldness:
"The Council grows bolder by the day... Their operatives are now moving beyond the borders."
This suggests their plans are accelerating, with agents embedding themselves in settlements and organizations across Wildspace.
Ties to the Great Cataclysm:
While their exact role remains unclear, the Veilbound Council appears to have benefited from the Great Cataclysm. The event wiped the world’s collective memory, creating the conditions for the Day of Echoes and allowing the Council to manipulate populations through the Echo Herb.
The Wanderers’ Resistance
The Wanderers, a nomadic group of mercenaries, stand in opposition to the Veilbound Council. Though outnumbered and outmatched, they work in secrecy to undermine the Council’s influence. Agents like
Big Al, the Mayor of New Dawn, and
Elara, an herbalist, have embedded themselves in settlements to protect the Echo Herb and combat the Council’s memory-altering schemes.
