Congress of Judges

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The flames of the Brazier burn away more than flesh—they consume doubt, mercy, and will, leaving only vessels for divine purpose. And yet, one wonders, does the immolation leave these Prophets as masters of fate, or merely slaves to it?
—Heritage House Keeper Tarsen Val, From the Jerathial Codices

The Congress of Judges was established after the Emperor Gazreth rose to power and his Decree of the One God called for the total conquest of the planet under his rule. Under the mad Emperor's command, the Hierarchate of Avestar gathered together the world's most faithful clerics (in most cases, by force), and the High Priest of Avestar summoned the avatar of the One God to force these men and women to bear witness to his incarnation, and thus burning away the idolatry of their beliefs.

Many were instantly blinded, and others burned to ash, but of those who survived, the One God bestowed upon them tremendous prophetic power, having transformed them into extensions of his will. Thus, the first of the "Prophets" in the Congress of Judges were created.

The Congress of Judges consists of Nine Prophets, of which one is the Supreme Prophet. Due to the nature of a Prophet's creation, he can be resurrected if his body is burned in the brazier within which Avestar's avatar is summoned. Within the Congress' walls, Imperial paladins are anointed to the cause, and clerics study under the instruction of an Imperial Inquisitor.

Through the Prophets' foretellings, the Congress' primary duty is to chart the destiny of the nascent Empire. The Prophets issue edicts to the governors of state in Albarith, who serve as vassals of the Emperor. They also carry out executions and other judgments on behalf of the Emperor and his Lords.

At the formation of the Empire, the Congress oversaw the mass executions of those who refused to submit to Imperial rule. Many believe the mad Emperor has little direct influence over the Congress, and that true power in Moruin derives from the Congress, its Prophets, and its Imperial Inquisitors.

Adventure Hook

The Prophets were once human beings, subject to tyranny like all other victims of the Imperials. But in their transformed state, they now perpetrate tyranny. The Congress of Judges gives players an opportunity to reflect on the dangers of power devoid of accountability, inviting the party to question how far one can stray from their purpose before becoming what they oppose.

The Empire’s Inquisitors search far and wide for potential candidates to serve as Prophets in the Congress of Judges; it’s an open secret that if a Prophet gives an unfavorable prophecy, they won’t live long enough to give another. Does a PC in the party exhibit arcane potential? Or will an NPC in their care suffice? The candidate is now the target of a ruthless manhunt.

Given that the party vs. the Empire is a David vs. Goliath situation, will the party directly confront their pursuers or devise an elaborate scheme to outwit them?
What lengths will the party go to protect their companion, and how might it strain their relationships?
What unlikely allies could the party encounter, such as Imperial defectors, opportunist Retainers, or terroristic Returners? What risks would arise from seeking their aid?

Tags: Regimes Religious Orders

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