Arlandrian Council

The Council sees all, but few see the Council. Established ~740AC.

Summary

Arlandria is often looked over as a militaristic power because of Isegrád's overzealous use of modern technology and sorcery. In truth, however, it would be a blunder to think as much... and the Council exists to ensure the masses continue to enact that very same blunder. They are shrouded in secrecy, but because of their influence, even general citizens have become aware at least of their existence. The details elude most, but for those who dig deeper, they discover a latent network of thousands of nodes; like roots, spreading throughout not just Arlandria but the entirety of Rhyst or beyond. In some cases, these roots are more literal, with Yggdrasil's reach expanding beyond country bounds. In others, they are metaphorical, instead taking the form of recruited Hedera and druids.

The Origin

Felsen Skarn repeated ad-infinitum that his kin were not to be worshipped. This has worked itself into Arlandrian culture to such an extent that even the true "leaders"- be they the Council discussed here or low-level politicians- of society find such positions uncomfortable, in many cases. As a means to allow themselves to govern without absorbing public influence and thusly becoming corrupt beyond compare, the Council was formed in secret, designed to permit the most functional of Arlandria to provide aid without inflating their egos to unstable levels.

The Council

Arlandria is effectively ruled by the Council- officially deemed the Council of Five, or the Council of the Realm for those in-the-know. Four of these members are almost completely misunderstood, with very little concrete information or evidence beyond rumor and mystery to tie them down. The fifth, especially as of late, has taken up more of a public role, though.

Herald of the Realm - Erosin

Member of the council since before game launch
Throughout the ages, the Council has existed in near-complete secrecy. Their leader, though- now understood as the Herald, Erosin- has made themselves known, and has even publicly discussed not only himself, but also his peers and his prior Heralds as well. The duty of a Herald is not a singular one, but instead a branching hierarchy of responsibilities only a Hedera or deeply attuned druid may attend to.

Erosin himself is one such druid, but has become so attuned to nature that his body is sometimes indistinguishable from the alternative. At most points, he is distant, lost to this world as if peering endlessly into another. When he is present, though, it's clear that he is overtly cautious, if not expressly worried. The rare mandate to dedicate resources to the Isle of Sarea came by his hand and mouth, breaking a decades-old silence from the Council.

In 1009 AC, Erosion was attacked by an unknown assailant and poisoned, causing for them to have to fall back from promience for a brief time, suspected to be from a group that wished to see the uprooting of Yggdrasil. However in 1016 AC, Erosion would fully return after the assassination attempt. He was saved by Chrysalla Viastra.

Elder Druid of the Grove - Katar Elsalor

Member of the council since before game launch
The Elder Druid of the Grove is only recognized due to his persistence in attending the Herald, Erosin, in day-to-day activities. He acts almost as a shadow, protecting and guiding his (ironically-so) elder through all but the simplest of situations. Katar is a Faerla, deeply bonded to Erosin from a reportedly very long-lasting friendship. That being said, it's possible Katar has an even greater bond with Yggdrasil.

His connection to the World Tree is beyond compare. Even when placed among the Hedera, Katar's ability to interface with and peer through the roots of Yggdrasil is without match. The exact purpose of this proficiency is not yet understood, but it's truly a sight to behold (when it does rarely happen in public, anyway). It is presumed this unique ability is what earned him the seat of Elder Druid of the Grove, but that can only be speculated.

Elder Druid of Ash - Ivis Serula

Member of the council since before game launch
As mentioned, very little is known about the members of the Council beside the Herald. As also mentioned, though, some of their secrecy has been broken as of late, and one of the most talented Hedera in Arlandria's repertoire currently has been exposed as the elusive Elder Druid of Ash. This is not only controversial because of the role made apparent to many Arlandrians, but also because many were unaware Hedera could even practice Ash druidry.

This revelation sparked much controversy throughout the higher levels of Arlandria, but has since died down- or at least been temporarily quelled- given the recent announcement referring to the Isle of Sarea as a priority. In the meantime, Ivis Serula has slipped back into the shadows, but it's presumed that their role in the government ties very tightly into defense of the Realm and the Weald. Supposedly they are capable of blanketing entire biomes in thick, billowing ash.

Others - ???

For the moment, we simply don't know! Two seats remain unfilled in the public eye. Only time will expose them to us!

Credit

Written by Roomyrooms
https://forum.verdict.dev/showthread.php?tid=146&pid=758#pid758