Whisper Gallery - Revision history

Twiggy at 14:21, 11 May 2026

2026-05-11T14:21:37Z

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	The Whisper Gallery were again placed under enmity by the Imperial Conclave during the Summer Solstice 379YE for their role in the [[Bloody murder\|heinous murder]] of a number of members of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Both the enmity, and the threat from the Whisper Gallery to the civil servants of the Department, continue to this day.		The Whisper Gallery were again placed under enmity by the Imperial Conclave during the Summer Solstice 379YE for their role in the [[Bloody murder\|heinous murder]] of a number of members of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Both the enmity, and the threat from the Whisper Gallery to the civil servants of the Department, continue to this day.

	===Appearance===		==Appearance==
	The Whisper Gallery claim to be serpents (that is, their true form is that of winged snakes as distinct from the wyrm-form Night eternals who are more draconic). No magician has ever seen one assume their 'true form' however. Rather, they invariably appear as robed figures wearing full-face masks and gloves. Every part of their body is covered; some scholars have speculated that the shadow courtiers are composed entirely of living shadow inhabiting their garments rather than being physical beings. Some scholars have proposed that the Whisper Gallery as a whole might be a single entity, taking multiple forms; there does seem to be an odd continuity of knowledge among them, although this could be explained by a supernaturally developed method of communication or preternatural levels of intuition.		The Whisper Gallery claim to be serpents (that is, their true form is that of winged snakes as distinct from the wyrm-form Night eternals who are more draconic). No magician has ever seen one assume their 'true form' however. Rather, they invariably appear as robed figures wearing full-face masks and gloves. Every part of their body is covered; some scholars have speculated that the shadow courtiers are composed entirely of living shadow inhabiting their garments rather than being physical beings. Some scholars have proposed that the Whisper Gallery as a whole might be a single entity, taking multiple forms; there does seem to be an odd continuity of knowledge among them, although this could be explained by a supernaturally developed method of communication or preternatural levels of intuition.

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	They are rarely encountered individually; a meeting with the Whisper Gallery usually involves at least two of them and a [[#Members of the Court\|Sommelier]]. When they gather together, they create an aura that encourages mystery, circumspection and secrecy in the mortals they meet with which can make audiences a less than straightforward affair.		They are rarely encountered individually; a meeting with the Whisper Gallery usually involves at least two of them and a [[#Members of the Court\|Sommelier]]. When they gather together, they create an aura that encourages mystery, circumspection and secrecy in the mortals they meet with which can make audiences a less than straightforward affair.

	===Concerns===		==Concerns==
	The Whisper Gallery are obsessed with secrets. Unlike some other Night eternals, they are equally concerned with learning secrets and with ensuring that secrets ''remain'' secrets. They have also evidenced some interest in the way that the things individuals know (or believe they know) about each other influence their interactions and desires.		The Whisper Gallery are obsessed with secrets. Unlike some other Night eternals, they are equally concerned with learning secrets and with ensuring that secrets ''remain'' secrets. They have also evidenced some interest in the way that the things individuals know (or believe they know) about each other influence their interactions and desires.

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	The Shadow Courtiers love to interact with mortals, discussing their hopes and dreams and their innermost secrets. Individual courtiers appear to have specific interests (see [[#\|Courtiers]] below).		The Shadow Courtiers love to interact with mortals, discussing their hopes and dreams and their innermost secrets. Individual courtiers appear to have specific interests (see [[#\|Courtiers]] below).

	===Boons===		==Boons==
	On a mundane level, the Whisper Gallery are privy to an astonishing range of secrets. Before they will share something, however, they must usually be 'paid' with a secret of equal or greater value. They are known to employ mortal agents to uncover specific pieces of lore, or to protect those pieces of lore from being uncovered.		On a mundane level, the Whisper Gallery are privy to an astonishing range of secrets. Before they will share something, however, they must usually be 'paid' with a secret of equal or greater value. They are known to employ mortal agents to uncover specific pieces of lore, or to protect those pieces of lore from being uncovered.

Twiggy: /* Further Reading */

2026-05-07T15:37:07Z

Rafferty: /* Members of the Court */

2026-05-07T11:44:28Z

Members of the Court

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	'''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[The League\|League]] or [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a herald rather than a true eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Whisper Gallery wish to deliver a message, they will sometimes send a Herald attired in a similar manner to the Sommelier, usually with a message or gift on a silver platter.		'''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[The League\|League]] or [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a herald rather than a true eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Whisper Gallery wish to deliver a message, they will sometimes send a Herald attired in a similar manner to the Sommelier, usually with a message or gift on a silver platter.
			==Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery==
			The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with the Whisper Gallery. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1\|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

			<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
			<tr><td>[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</td><td>[[Whisper Gallery]]</td><td>Enables limited communication with the Whisper Gallery</td><td>Night</td><td>8</td>
			</table>
	<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage\|WhisperGal004.png\|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>		<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage\|WhisperGal004.png\|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>

	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown\|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response		* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown\|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
	[[Category:Eternals]]		[[Category:Eternals]]

Rafferty: /* Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery */

2026-05-07T11:44:12Z

Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery

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	Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.		Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.

	~~===Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery===~~
	The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with the Whisper Gallery. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1\|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

	~~<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>~~
	~~<tr><td>[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</td><td>[[Whisper Gallery]]</td><td>Enables limited communication with the Whisper Gallery</td><td>Night</td><td>8</td>~~
	~~</table>~~

	==Members of the Court==		==Members of the Court==

Rafferty: /* Members of the Court */

2026-05-07T11:44:00Z

Members of the Court

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 7 May 2026
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	'''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[The League\|League]] or [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a herald rather than a true eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Whisper Gallery wish to deliver a message, they will sometimes send a Herald attired in a similar manner to the Sommelier, usually with a message or gift on a silver platter.		'''The Sommelier''': The fifth identifiable courtier never speaks, and is usually dressed in white. While it wears mask and gloves like the other courtiers, it rarely wears a robe. More commonly it appears as a servant or retainer, often in a [[The League\|League]] or [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] style. It attends the other courtiers and their guests, bringing food and drink, arranging chairs and the like. It delivers payment, and is probably a herald rather than a true eternal. Also unlike the other Courtiers, flashes of skin may occasionally be seen beneath its clothing. When the Whisper Gallery wish to deliver a message, they will sometimes send a Herald attired in a similar manner to the Sommelier, usually with a message or gift on a silver platter.
			<div style="float: right; max-width: 350px; margin-right: 10px;">{{HoverImage\|WhisperGal004.png\|WhisperGal005.png}}</div>
			==Further Reading==
			* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown\|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
	[[Category:Eternals]]		[[Category:Eternals]]

Beeswax at 19:42, 15 August 2024

2024-08-15T19:42:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 15 August 2024
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	Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.		Finally, they are known to be fascinated by and perhaps even dimly aware of the many shapes that future events might take. They enjoy hearing the results of rituals such as [[Signs and Portents]], and occasionally are known to speak prophecy - although in such vague and mysterious terms that their pronouncements are invariably incomprehensible until after the event they describe has come to pass.

	===Members of the Court===		===Rituals that deal with the Whisper Gallery===
			The following formulaic rituals are widely known to deal directly with the Whisper Gallery. Rituals with an <sup>[[#1\|(1)]]</sup> are part of [[Urizen lore]] rather than [[Formulaic_ritual#Imperial_Lore_and_the_Ritual_List\|Imperial lore]]. Rituals that are defunct - either withdrawn by the eternal or no longer functional - have a line through them.

			<table class='wikitable mw-collapsed mw-collapsible sortable'><tr><th>Ritual</th><th>Eternal</th><th>Explanation</th><th>Realm</th><th>Mag.</th></tr>
			<tr><td>[[Whispering Shadow Courtiers]]</td><td>[[Whisper Gallery]]</td><td>Enables limited communication with the Whisper Gallery</td><td>Night</td><td>8</td>
			</table>

			==Members of the Court==
	Warwick de Alyons wrote a short treatise on the Whisper Gallery called 'The Book of Whispering Shadows' in which he identified five specific 'flavours' of Shadow Courtier. Four of the courtiers are identified by the colour of their robe and their general interest - and by the fact that there are never two matching these descriptions in the same group. The courtiers do not answer to these names, nor are they names they give themselves; rather these are viewed as being titles that have more weight than whatever name the courtier is claiming at the time.		Warwick de Alyons wrote a short treatise on the Whisper Gallery called 'The Book of Whispering Shadows' in which he identified five specific 'flavours' of Shadow Courtier. Four of the courtiers are identified by the colour of their robe and their general interest - and by the fact that there are never two matching these descriptions in the same group. The courtiers do not answer to these names, nor are they names they give themselves; rather these are viewed as being titles that have more weight than whatever name the courtier is claiming at the time.

Dre: /* Sobriquets */

2024-07-19T17:45:36Z

Sobriquets

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	==Eternal of Night==		==Eternal of Night==
	===Sobriquets===		===Sobriquets===
	The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers'', the Concilium of the Perjured Throne, and the Court of the Shadowed Oracle; the terms are all used interchangeably.		The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers'', the ''Concilium of the Perjured Throne'', and the ''Court of the Shadowed Oracle''; the terms are all used interchangeably.

	Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.		Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.

Matt at 15:16, 19 July 2024

2024-07-19T15:16:09Z

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	==Eternal of Night==		==Eternal of Night==
	===Sobriquets===		===Sobriquets===
	The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers''; the ~~two~~ terms are used interchangeably.		The Whisper Gallery are also known as the ''Shadow Courtiers'', the Concilium of the Perjured Throne, and the Court of the Shadowed Oracle; the terms are all used interchangeably.

	Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.		Specific shadow courtiers (assuming such a concept is relevant) claim to have their own names and demonstrate individual personalities and quirks. However, observers note that these names and personalities seem to lack stability - more than one magician has come away convinced that the courtier she has just spoken to is the same being as a courtier they interacted with on a previous occasion, now with a different name and apparent personality.

Dre at 21:09, 14 August 2020

2020-08-14T21:09:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:09, 14 August 2020
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	'''The Lover Clad in Crimson Robes''': This courtier appears the most pleasant and engaging of the Shadow Courtiers. It is usually dressed in red, although Warwick mentions that sometimes the courtier appears in black or white robe but always with some scarlet element. It is fascinated by concepts of passionate romance, and by what motivates heroic (or villainous) deeds, especially those done in the name of love. In character it seems 'flighty' or impulsive, easily distracted, and apparently responds well to gifts of painting or sculpture.		'''The Lover Clad in Crimson Robes''': This courtier appears the most pleasant and engaging of the Shadow Courtiers. It is usually dressed in red, although Warwick mentions that sometimes the courtier appears in black or white robe but always with some scarlet element. It is fascinated by concepts of passionate romance, and by what motivates heroic (or villainous) deeds, especially those done in the name of love. In character it seems 'flighty' or impulsive, easily distracted, and apparently responds well to gifts of painting or sculpture.

	'''The Vizier Arrayed in the Raiment of Dawn''': This courtier often takes the lead in situations where they are encountered as a group. It is usually dressed in yellow silk or gold, and with a mask to match. It encourages ambition, and is interested in the inner lives of leaders (especially but not restricted to senators; generals; cardinals and gatekeepers; ~~archmagi~~ and grandmasters) and reformers. In character it seems easily angered, and occasionally flies into uncontrollable rages that subside as rapidly as they arose into gloomy introspection. It appreciates deference, politeness and being treated with respect.		'''The Vizier Arrayed in the Raiment of Dawn''': This courtier often takes the lead in situations where they are encountered as a group. It is usually dressed in yellow silk or gold, and with a mask to match. It encourages ambition, and is interested in the inner lives of leaders (especially but not restricted to senators; generals; cardinals and gatekeepers; archmages and grandmasters) and reformers. In character it seems easily angered, and occasionally flies into uncontrollable rages that subside as rapidly as they arose into gloomy introspection. It appreciates deference, politeness and being treated with respect.

	'''The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons''': This courtier is always wrapped in green and black, and seems the most cerebral and introverted of the identified courtiers. It often presents a scholarly or even priestly appearance, and seems fascinated by educated discussion and philosophical debate. It considers itself a poet, and is said to appreciate gifts of poetry or song; it favours tragedy over all other themes however. It collects secrets that lead to, or have resulted from, tragic failure or internal flaws. It is especially interested in those who are motivated by jealousy or anger, but never seems entirely satisfied with the results its agents achieve.		'''The Emerald Scholar in Sable Ribbons''': This courtier is always wrapped in green and black, and seems the most cerebral and introverted of the identified courtiers. It often presents a scholarly or even priestly appearance, and seems fascinated by educated discussion and philosophical debate. It considers itself a poet, and is said to appreciate gifts of poetry or song; it favours tragedy over all other themes however. It collects secrets that lead to, or have resulted from, tragic failure or internal flaws. It is especially interested in those who are motivated by jealousy or anger, but never seems entirely satisfied with the results its agents achieve.

Dre at 18:44, 27 October 2019

2019-10-27T18:44:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:44, 27 October 2019
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	The [[Earl#Enchanters\|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons made a study of the Whisper Gallery and identified five distinct 'flavours' of courtier (see [[#Members of the Court\|below]]). Modern magicians have found his notes relatively reliable. The enchanter himself disappeared one night from his locked bedchamber less than a month after he first presented his findings to the Conclave; his sleeping husband was undisturbed by whatever happened to him but later enacted a [[Declaration#Declaration of Enmity\|declaration of enmity]] against the Courtiers, blaming them for the disappearance of his husband. The declaration stood for ten years before being overturned, allegedly in return for information leading to the recovery of tomes of Night magic believed lost during the purges of [[Emperor Nicovar]].		The [[Earl#Enchanters\|enchanter]] Warwick de Alyons made a study of the Whisper Gallery and identified five distinct 'flavours' of courtier (see [[#Members of the Court\|below]]). Modern magicians have found his notes relatively reliable. The enchanter himself disappeared one night from his locked bedchamber less than a month after he first presented his findings to the Conclave; his sleeping husband was undisturbed by whatever happened to him but later enacted a [[Declaration#Declaration of Enmity\|declaration of enmity]] against the Courtiers, blaming them for the disappearance of his husband. The declaration stood for ten years before being overturned, allegedly in return for information leading to the recovery of tomes of Night magic believed lost during the purges of [[Emperor Nicovar]].

	The Whisper Gallery were again ~~place~~ under enmity by the Imperial Conclave during the Summer Solstice 379YE for their role in the [[Bloody murder\|heinous murder]] of a number of members of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Both the enmity, and the threat from the Whisper Gallery to the civil servants of the Department, continue to this day.		The Whisper Gallery were again placed under enmity by the Imperial Conclave during the Summer Solstice 379YE for their role in the [[Bloody murder\|heinous murder]] of a number of members of the [[Historical research#Department of Historical Research\|Department of Historical Research]]. Both the enmity, and the threat from the Whisper Gallery to the civil servants of the Department, continue to this day.

	===Appearance===		===Appearance===

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:37, 7 May 2026
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	==Further Reading==		==Further Reading==
	* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown\|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response		* [[Ourselves_and_immortality#Only_Gossamer,_My_Gown\|Ourselves and immortality]] - 387YE Winter plenipotentiary response
			* [[Secret_meeting#Unseen_Curators\|Secret meeting]] - 386YE Winter plenipotentiary response
			* [[Seven_locks#The_Veiled_Ladies\|Seven locks]] - 386YE Autumn plenipotentiary response
			* [[I_knew_you_were_trouble#Whisper_Gallery\|I knew you were trouble]] - 384YE Winter plenipotentiary response
			* [[Bury_the_hatchet#Whisper_Gallery\|Bury the hatchet]] - 382YE Summer plenipotentiary response
			* [[Immortal_hand#The_Whisper_Gallery\|Immortal hand]] - 381YE Spring plenipotentiary response

	[[Category:Eternals]]		[[Category:Eternals]]