Custodian of the Claw
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{{CaptionedImage|file=Cinnabar on Dolomite.jpg|caption=Crystal mana from the Caves of the Claw has a distinct crimson hue.|align=right|width=500}} | |||
The Custodian of the Claw is an [[Urizen]] [[Imperial title]] created following an [[379YE_Spring_Equinox_Announcements_by_the_Crystal_Architect#Construct the Caves of the Claw|announcement]] in Autumn 378YE by the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]]. | ==Overview== | ||
The Custodian of the Claw is an [[Urizen]] [[Imperial title]] created following an [[379YE_Spring_Equinox_Announcements_by_the_Crystal_Architect#Construct the Caves of the Claw|announcement]] in Autumn 378YE by the [[Crystal Architect of the Spires]]. Expansion of the Caves of the Claw was completed shortly before the 379YE Summer Solstice. | |||
During the Spring Equinox 380YE, a plague of crystal-eating vermin saw the Senate commission [[Construct_Urizen_Sinecure_Outposts|white granite wards]] to help protect the Claw, which had the unexpected outcome of adding additional production to the sinecure. | |||
==Responsibilities== | ==Responsibilities== | ||
The Custodian has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a bounty of [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|crystal mana]] from the [[#The Caves of the Claw|Caves of the Claw]] in [[Morrow]]. If the Caves were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Custodian to deal with those threats. | The Custodian has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a bounty of [[Game_items#Mana_Crystals|crystal mana]] from the [[#The Caves of the Claw|Caves of the Claw]] in [[Morrow]]. If the Caves were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Custodian to deal with those threats. | ||
==Powers== | ==Powers== | ||
== | ===Bounty of Mana=== | ||
The Keeper receives an income of 10 crystal mana each season. | |||
==Appointment== | |||
The Custodian of the Claw is selected by unanimous decision of the [[Urizen]] [[senator|senators]]. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title [[Appointments_by_the_Senate#National_Position|may be appointed]] by the [[Imperial Senate]] instead. | |||
__TOC__ | |||
The title can be held by any Urizen citizen. The Custodian has [[tenure]], and serves until they die or step down. They can be [[revocation|revoked]] by the [[Assembly#General_Assembly|General Assembly]], the Urizen [[Assembly#The_National_Assemblies|National Assembly]], and by the [[Assembly#Assembly_of_the_Nine|Assembly of the Nine]]. | |||
==The Caves of the Claw== | |||
The [[Morrow#Caves of the Claw|Caves of the Claw]] are a series of deep caves in [[Morrow#Ravion|Ravion]] in [[Morrow]]. They were rediscovered by the [[Minister of | The [[Morrow#Caves of the Claw|Caves of the Claw]] are a series of deep caves in [[Morrow#Ravion|Ravion]] in [[Morrow]]. They were rediscovered by the [[Minister of Historical Research]] in 378YE, and during the Spring of 379YE were excavated by [[Urizen_economic_interests|ushabti]] associated with the citadel of Phoenix Reach in [[Morrow]] under the supervision of the Crystal Architect of the Spires. | ||
The caves are extremely unwelcoming. They are damp, narrow and claustrophobic, and the walls are jagged and sharp. In many places, it is | The caves are extremely unwelcoming. They are damp, narrow and claustrophobic, and the walls are jagged and sharp. In many places, it is necessary to crawl through extremely narrow passages - but the journey is definitely worth it. The open chambers of the Caves of the Claw are lined with rough crystal formations of a deep crimson hue and great beauty. | ||
In order to encourage the growth of mana crystals a number of mithril focussing mirrors were positioned in precise locations to scatter daylight throughout the network (or as deep into the network as is feasible), and a series of delicate aqueducts have been constructed to ensure the caves stay moist. This increased flow of water and light has ensured that the caves have begun producing usable crystal mana once again. | In order to encourage the growth of mana crystals a number of mithril focussing mirrors were positioned in precise locations to scatter daylight throughout the network (or as deep into the network as is feasible), and a series of delicate aqueducts have been constructed to ensure the caves stay moist. This increased flow of water and light has ensured that the caves have begun producing usable crystal mana once again. | ||
As a side effect, the excavation work and the new illumination have highlighted the natural beauty of the cave system. [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|Stargazers]] and [[Urizen magical traditions#Seers|Seers]] have begun visiting the caves to engage in meditation on the nature of the realms of Spring - and to a degree of Summer. Hopefully, these pilgrims will be sensible enough not to | As a side effect, the excavation work and the new illumination have highlighted the natural beauty of the cave system. [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazers|Stargazers]] and [[Urizen magical traditions#Seers|Seers]] have begun visiting the caves to engage in meditation on the nature of the realms of Spring - and to a degree of Summer. Hopefully, these pilgrims will be sensible enough not to interfere with the actual structure of the caves. | ||
<box>'''The passion of Irulan'''<br> | |||
Local legends assert that the crystals were not always red; In the distant past, a young woman named Irulan sought to prove her virtue in the hope of impressing a suitor. She | Local legends assert that the crystals were not always red; In the distant past, a young woman named Irulan sought to prove her virtue in the hope of impressing a suitor. She sought to reach the far end of the caves - deeper than anyone had travelled before. Her success won her the attention of her love, but she was badly cut by the sharp crystal formations in the process - and her blood stained the crystals to this day. | ||
According to the story, Irulan's arms are marked forever with scars forming the shape of the runes of [[Zorech|Passion]] and [[Rhyv|Blood]]. Of course in the story Irulan apocryphally goes on to become one of the finest Spring realm [[Urizen magical traditions# | According to the story, Irulan's arms are marked forever with scars forming the shape of the runes of [[Zorech|Passion]] and [[Rhyv|Blood]]. Of course in the story Irulan apocryphally goes on to become one of the finest Spring realm [[Urizen magical traditions#Mages|mages]] in Urizen, and credits her experiences in the Caves with her success and deeper understanding of the Spring realm. | ||
The tale is obviously fanciful - there is no evidence that Irulan was a real woman, for example- but it is diverting nonetheless. A much more likely explanation for the rich | The tale is obviously fanciful - there is no evidence that Irulan was a real woman, for example- but it is diverting nonetheless. A much more likely explanation for the rich colour of the crystals is is that they are tainted with trace [[#Materials#orichalcum|orichalcum]] impurities. The story has been handed down through the generations however - even after the location of the caves themselves were lost - and used to teach young Urizen the importance of harnessing one's passions.</box> | ||
[[Category: | <!-- flavour text submitted by Nickey Barnard and Ed Rolinson, ruthlessly edited by Andy Raff --> | ||
{{RecentElections|Custodian_of_the_Claw}} | |||
[[Category:Title]] | |||
[[Category:Urizen]] | [[Category:Urizen]] | ||
Latest revision as of 14:48, 2 May 2024
Overview
The Custodian of the Claw is an Urizen Imperial title created following an announcement in Autumn 378YE by the Crystal Architect of the Spires. Expansion of the Caves of the Claw was completed shortly before the 379YE Summer Solstice.
During the Spring Equinox 380YE, a plague of crystal-eating vermin saw the Senate commission white granite wards to help protect the Claw, which had the unexpected outcome of adding additional production to the sinecure.
Responsibilities
The Custodian has no particular responsibilities; they simply receive a bounty of crystal mana from the Caves of the Claw in Morrow. If the Caves were to be threatened in any way, it would be the responsibility of the Custodian to deal with those threats.
Powers
Bounty of Mana
The Keeper receives an income of 10 crystal mana each season.
Appointment
The Custodian of the Claw is selected by unanimous decision of the Urizen senators. If a unanimous decision cannot be reached, the title may be appointed by the Imperial Senate instead.
The title can be held by any Urizen citizen. The Custodian has tenure, and serves until they die or step down. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Urizen National Assembly, and by the Assembly of the Nine.
The Caves of the Claw
The Caves of the Claw are a series of deep caves in Ravion in Morrow. They were rediscovered by the Minister of Historical Research in 378YE, and during the Spring of 379YE were excavated by ushabti associated with the citadel of Phoenix Reach in Morrow under the supervision of the Crystal Architect of the Spires.
The caves are extremely unwelcoming. They are damp, narrow and claustrophobic, and the walls are jagged and sharp. In many places, it is necessary to crawl through extremely narrow passages - but the journey is definitely worth it. The open chambers of the Caves of the Claw are lined with rough crystal formations of a deep crimson hue and great beauty.
In order to encourage the growth of mana crystals a number of mithril focussing mirrors were positioned in precise locations to scatter daylight throughout the network (or as deep into the network as is feasible), and a series of delicate aqueducts have been constructed to ensure the caves stay moist. This increased flow of water and light has ensured that the caves have begun producing usable crystal mana once again.
As a side effect, the excavation work and the new illumination have highlighted the natural beauty of the cave system. Stargazers and Seers have begun visiting the caves to engage in meditation on the nature of the realms of Spring - and to a degree of Summer. Hopefully, these pilgrims will be sensible enough not to interfere with the actual structure of the caves.
Local legends assert that the crystals were not always red; In the distant past, a young woman named Irulan sought to prove her virtue in the hope of impressing a suitor. She sought to reach the far end of the caves - deeper than anyone had travelled before. Her success won her the attention of her love, but she was badly cut by the sharp crystal formations in the process - and her blood stained the crystals to this day.
According to the story, Irulan's arms are marked forever with scars forming the shape of the runes of Passion and Blood. Of course in the story Irulan apocryphally goes on to become one of the finest Spring realm mages in Urizen, and credits her experiences in the Caves with her success and deeper understanding of the Spring realm.
The tale is obviously fanciful - there is no evidence that Irulan was a real woman, for example- but it is diverting nonetheless. A much more likely explanation for the rich colour of the crystals is is that they are tainted with trace orichalcum impurities. The story has been handed down through the generations however - even after the location of the caves themselves were lost - and used to teach young Urizen the importance of harnessing one's passions.| Summit | Elected |
|---|---|
| Autumn Equinox 386YE | Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach |
| Autumn Equinox 380YE | Valeria |
| Summer Solstice 379YE | Kaylan |
Recent Elections
This title is currently held by Nicassia Avicia of Phoenix Reach. This title has tenure, the occupant may hold the title until it is revoked, they die or they relinquish the position. The table to the right shows the citizens who have been elected to hold this title in the years since Empress Britta died.