Heralds of the Awakening

Shrouded in secrecy, little can really be said of the Heralds of the Awakening. Their membership is strictly secret, and even the most solid connection to them usually amounts to little more than whispers. There are reports that chapters have been established in The Republic, and maybe even in the southern reaches of the Northern Kingdom, but yet again this is little more than idle gossip.
Rumors about the Heralds are often of the unpleasant kind: that they make blood sacrifices to the God Kings, or that they participate in rituals involving spirit magic, etc. They have become something of a boogeyman, and mothers will often caution their children against bad behavior, saying that "the Heralds come for little heathens".

Structure

They are a fairly well organized group with chapters all through the Ironlands, though they appear to be concentrated in The Republic. Local chapters are led by Heralds who have accepted the news of the return, and decided to spend their time in contemplation and service to the God Kings. The news of the return is spread by traveling Heralds who move from town to town organizing secretive sermons and initiation rites. Chapters maintain a distinct aura of secrecy, and are hard to find or identify.
Much of the organization's structure is kept well hidden, but their leadership is based in the southern city of Dannes. Much of the leadership is made up of the city's rich and influential citizenry, as well as many political figures and socialites from other nations. They convene in secret under the cover of the opulent ball season in Dannes.

Public Agenda

Publicly, they appear to be a sort of doomsday cult, encouraging a return to the piety of the old days that they believe has been lost. The rise of a form of atheism among the populace is of particular concern to them. Their message is twofold: firstly that the God Kings are returning, and that their return will usher in an era of greatness for humanity, and secondly that before this era of greatness can begin the Old Gods must be vanquished in glorious battle.
Inwardly, their thinking is slightly more appocalyptic. The high ranking members believe that, while the return of the God Kings might indeed herald a return to what they think might be better times, it is also necessary if humanity wishes to survive the return of the Old Gods. Somewhat correctly, they understand that the only thing keeping the Old Gods at bay was the God Kings, and that should the Old Gods arise without something of equal power to face them the Ironlands would certainly be doomed.

Assets

Their most prominent membership, though secret, includes several high ranking members of government, and many extremely wealthy persons.

History

The Heralds have existed quietly for a very long time, with some accounts having them hailing back to the days before the great exodus. However, their history is shrouded in mystery and very little is really known about them.

Type

Religious, Cult

Demonym

Brother/Sister/Herald