The Corpus Callosuem

The Corpus Callosuem is the head of The House of Sinew. Also known as the Mind-Knot, the Corpus Callosuem is a warrior whose mental and physical abilities are in perfect balance. They are the first amongst equals, chosen not only for their skill, but for their ability to channel The Far Realm's influence without succumbing to madness.
The Corpus Callosuem is both the greatest strength and the gravest danger to the House of Sinew. This individual—chosen by ritual and necessity—serves as a living tether to the Far Realm, wielding psionic power unparalleled within the House. However, this role comes with a terrible price: The Corpus Callosuem’s mind is so deeply entwined with the Far Realm that it functions as a living portal, a crack through which the alien influence constantly seeps.
The Corpus Callosuem is revered and feared in equal measure by members of the House of Sinew. They are treated with the utmost respect, but their presence is unsettling, even to those who rely on their power. Their role creates tension within the House:

• The Cortex Keeper(First Thread) ensures The Corpus Callosuem’s will aligns with the House’s goals, stepping in if their fragmented mind begins to drift toward madness.
• The Soulbinder (Fourth Thread) monitors The Corpus Callosuem’s physical and mental state, though there is no cure for their inevitable deterioration.
• The Eye of the Abyss (Fifth Thread) studies The Corpus Callosuem as both a subject and a partner, searching for ways to better harness or limit the Far Realm’s influence.

Responsibilities

The Corpus Callosuem has many responsibilities, including:

• Far Realm Mediation: The Corpus Callosuem acts as a conduit between the House and the Far Realm, interpreting its chaotic whispers to gain insight into aberrations, incursions, and psionic energy.
• Power Source: The Corpus Callosuem’s connection amplifies the Shard of Ysradix at the heart of the House, allowing Threads to draw greater psionic power while stabilizing the shard’s influence.
• Anchor of Madness: By serving as a “sink” for the Far Realm’s corrupting influence, The Corpus Callosuem prevents this madness from spreading unchecked throughout the House. The Corpus Callosuem absorbs much of this burden, protecting others from its effects.
• Ritual Leader: The Corpus Callosuem presides over key rituals, such as the anointment of new Threads, the exposure of initiates to Far Realm energy, and the renewal of psionic wards.

Benefits

The Corpus Callosuem’s connection is so profound that their mind is no longer entirely their own. Their consciousness is fragmented, perpetually adrift in alien landscapes of impossible geometry and whispers of madness. This connection has both profound advantages and grave consequences.
Advantages:

• Unparalleled Psionic Power: The Corpus Callosuem’s mental abilities are immense. They can project their thoughts across vast distances, manipulate psionic energy on an unimaginable scale, and summon alien constructs to fight by their side.
• Precognition and Insight: By glimpsing the Far Realm’s incomprehensible timelines, The Corpus Callosuem can predict incursions and aberration activity. These visions often guide the House’s actions.
• Living Ward: The Corpus Callosuem serves as a stabilizing force, containing the Far Realm shard’s energy. Their presence alone weakens aberrations and planar rifts near the House’s strongholds.

Disadvantages:

• Portal to Madness: The Corpus Callosuem’s mind acts as a two-way bridge. While they can draw power from the Far Realm, aberrations and eldritch influences can sometimes slip through. In extreme cases, creatures of the Far Realm can manifest physically through The Corpus Callosuem if their defenses falter.
• Fragmented Identity: The Corpus Callosuem’s consciousness is constantly under siege by alien whispers, making it difficult for them to distinguish between their own thoughts and the Far Realm’s influence. Over time, they lose pieces of their humanity.
• Doomed to Sacrifice: The Corpus Callosuem’s role is inherently sacrificial. Over time, their mind frays, their body warps, and they become less like a person and more like a living artifact.

Type

Nobility, Military

Alternative Naming

The Mind-Knot

First Holder

Kassir Vayne

Current Holders

• Krex Malinius

Past Holders

• Kassir Vayne

Related Locations

• The Stronghold Sinew

Related Organizations

• The House of Sinew