Mist: Sects

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The Voices of Mist

The Voices stay current with their brethren through shrines and temples, and the stories of folk who have heard them perform. The travel the northern lands safely knowing they are valued guests, for they bring news of the world. Down south they are not as often so lucky, for the southlanders hold little regard for tradition, honor, and hospitality -or so the Krashinites say. Few as they are, these traveling heralds of Mist seldom meet, but when they do the world seems to explode in a flurry of games, song and drinking. Then, as suddenly as it came, the storm of activity departs, for though they are brothers and sister to each other, their nature sets their course apart.

Voices are predominantly skalds and minstrels, but others with a talent for storytelling and (rarely) dance are seen among them. They are usually friendly people who like to talk and pass the time. But as peaceful as they are when in friendly company, they are twice again that dangerous when they enter combat; their songs are often lumped together and called the Fury of Mist for the battle prowess it gives the Voices and their allies. The Voices are most often trained by other Voices, but a few have training as well as talent before they join.

When a Voice comes to a settlement he or she will be open to take an apprentice if anyone with suitable talent and dedication approaches. The Voice will never ask anyone to apprentice; one should seek out one's desires, not accept an offer from obligation. If a Voice takes an apprentice they will travel together for several years until the Voice thinks the apprentice skilled enough in combat and singing to manage without assistance. They will then travel to a temple of Mist where the new Voice is set before a panel of two priests and a third Voice who grills the applicant about Mist and Her ways. The applicant must also perform a song in their own words praising Lady Doom. If the priests deem the answers good and the Voice finds the hymn pleasing, they will then bestow the title of Voice of Mist upon the applicant. It is then that they become a full member of the Order with the right to take apprentices of their own. Such an event as this is always celebrated amongst the Voices for they have gained a new member, and the festivities are not to be missed.