The Cabal
Within The Protectorates the Cabal is spoken of in reverent tones. The story of The Cabal's struggle and sacrifice which saved so many from the Destruction has become legendary. Much of what occurred has been lost or obscured in the retelling since the foundation of the Protectorates, and the accepted truth is tightly controlled by the powers within the Academy and the Lord Protectors.
Origins in the Godling Wars
AsThe Godling Wars threatened to fracture the Stoneforged Assembly, a group of heroes and diplomats from across the nations formed the Cabal in efforts to restore the Assembly to its original ideals of democracy, knowledge and common wealth seen during the Exultancy.From diplomats to saviours
In the first few years the Cabal worked openly. It's many members conducted diplomatic activities across the lands ruled by the Assembly, attempting to re-unite the factions and sects that were splintering. They sought to prevent outbreaks of conflict and to warn against the dangers of divine magics being channelled by the personality cults into the Godlings. Despite their efforts though, the Assembly crumbled and the cults descended into open warfare against each other. These wars grew in scale as the weaker of the godlings were subsumed by the stronger, and their followers along with them. The members of the Cabal was forced into hiding, hunted to near extermination. Those that survived, however, became the greatest heroes of the age and saviours of those that survived the coming Destruction.The Five Heroes of the Cabal
The Five heroes were the group who led the Cabal in its resistance during the Godling Wars, and were responsible for saving the many people who fled to Refuge before the Destruction. Most gave their lives to save the many that fled to Refuge. Most towns across the Protectorates will have statues of the Five Heroes in places of prominence, but traditionally, the statues have no faces. People are taught to visualise themselves in the stead of their heroes and contemplate their own self-sacrifice. The Church of the Faceless originally tried to suppress open worship of the heroes, as it skirts very close to the central Heresay of Proliferation. This is what prompted the Church to adopt the Doctrine of the Faceless Saints. This has allowed the Church to co-opt the worship of the Five Heroes as patron saints of the church, and to remind others of their sacrifice for the greater good.Zurghasta, The Architect
One of the greatest wizards of the age and chief architect of Refuge. He sacrificed himself during the Destruction to ensure the many people who fled to Refuge could be saved. This ideal of self-sacrifice to the greater good is the primary tenet of the Protectorates and central to the traditions of The Choosing.Reina Del Krona, The Mother of Time
another of the greatest sorcerers of the age, Reina mastered the magics that controlled the ebb and flow of life and it was rumoured she could stop time. Many believe she was responsible for the prevention of the full Destruction. Her memory guides the belief that the Destruction can be undone, and she is the patron saint of many of the Defenders of the Grove who work tirelessly to that end.Vorca Kinsculo, The Stone Warrior
Vorca was the mightiest of the Stoneforged, his strength and valor met only by his devotion to the common people of the time. He is the patron of The Shield and others who value justice within the Protectorates.Tidj Sterka, The Vagabond
Tidj is well loved across all echelons of the Protectorates and beyond. Revered as a trickster and subversive, the myths tell of their days as a wandering healer, hiding those in need from danger during the Godling Wars and striking back at abuses of power. In the Protectorates, they are seen as the patron of healers. Unofficially they are also revered amongst thieves, smugglers and political agitators everywhere.Thulaya, The unlooked-for light
Thulaya is depicted as an old woman, usually holding a lamp and a book. She was the keeper of knowledge among the heroes of the Cabal, seeking to save lore and secrets from being destroyed and lost during the Godling Wars. She is the patron of the The Academy and other seekers of truth. Thulaya was the only one of the five heroes who made it into Refuge. While there she led the people for many years until her death. She is remembered fondly as a gentle and kind leader and teacher who saw her people through the worst of the famines and hardships that marked the first generation within Refuge.
The Five Heroes of the Cabal
by
Ononomad, using heroforge.com
Statues commonly seen across the Protectorates. (L-R) Thulaya, Tidj, Zurghasta, Reina and Vorca
The Cabal and Refuge
48 BD - 1 AD
Notable Members
Very cool lore!