Talon Conclave Society

Though a casual onlooker might think that the Talon Conclave rewards the rule of the strong over the weak, this is patently simplistic. Talonites view strength in multiple spectrums, though there is a bias toward martial prowess. In their worldview, true prestige is awarded to those who are skilled, work well with their fellows, and bring glory to their God-Empress.

Social Strata

The Conclave’s Archon is called the Talon-Archon and their word is law, supported by the Talonic Synod beneath them and the Oracle-Avatar above them. Their rule is supported by Invokates of the Synod, who administer the rulings to Hierophants. Beneath the Hierophants are the majority of the Conclave, which includes a civilian social class called the Untaloned or Makers.

Makers/UnTaloned: Noncombatant part of the Conclave - laborers and craftsfolk 

• Apprentice: These individuals are trainees and novices on their path to becoming Artisans of their craft. They are the equivalent of Novitiates..  

• Artisan: Individuals whose products and services have been tried and tested.

• Expert: A rank granted by the local Grandmaster of that craft that commends the quality of their goods or services. This requires several years of work. 

• Master: A rank granted by the local Grandmaster after several years of Expert workmanship, related to the quality of their goods or services.  

• Grandmaster: Usually part of the leadership of a Maker Guild or Company. These are still considered subservient to a Chaptermaster or a Hierophant. 

The Talonites: Pious soldiers -- trained for battle and raised in faith. 

• Novitiate : Untested Talonites who have yet to complete the Trial of Talons. 

• Talonite: Rank and file soldier who has passed their Trial of Talons. This has specific grades of ascension with 3rd class being the lowest and 1st class being the highest. These ranks are colloqually known as Kite Talonite, Hawk Talonite, and Eagle Talonite

• Apostle: A soldier bloodied and commended for several battles. In a minor position of authority within their Chapter. This title has specific grades of ascension, with 3rd class being the lowest and 1st class being the highest. These ranks are colloquially known as Lynx Apostle, Wolf Apostle, and Bear Apostle. Most Talonites stay in this rank or become a Chaplain. 

• Chaplain: A soldier in a position of authority within their Chapter and with knowledge of various religious rites. The latter is especially important in the theocracy of the Talon Conclave. 

• Prelate: A soldier in a position of authority over several Apostles and Chaplains. This is the highest Player Character position without retiring their character. Usually, the Chaptermaster of their Chapter, if they’re the highest ranking member of their Chapter. 

• Hierophant: A religious administrator-general in charge of a small region, managing multiple Prelate. Usually, the Chaptermaster of their Chapter, if they’re the highest ranking member of their Chapter. This is the highest position a retired player character may gain. 

• Invokate: A religious administrator-general in charge of a major territory. An Archon is considered to be the Invokate of their region, though common practice is to assign a Hierophant to assist with most administrative matters. Usually, the Chaptermaster of their Chapter, if they’re the highest ranking member of their Chapter. 

• Archon: The highest rank in a Conclave -- only the Oracle-Avatar themselves may gainsay their commandments. Their replacements are recommended by the current Archon, but are ultimately chosen by the Invokates -- typically from among their own numbers. Also chosen is a replacement Invokate, whose Chapter will be uplifted with their leader. The Talon-Archon makes decisions with input from the Talonite Synod and can veto Synod rulings. 

The Talonite Synod is currently comprised of the following Chapters: Dragontooth (Archonic), Iron Chalice, Godhammer, Ghost Wolf, Sin-Eater, Sea Serpent, Wall Warden

Outcasts: Bandits, thieves, beggars, and scavengers are the first individuals that come to mind, as do some Evictus.

The Chapter

The Chapter is a major social structure within the Talon Conclave, it is their family unit, their squad, and their commanding unit. In the war-like society of the Talons, the Chapter is where most learn their skills, ascend the ranks, and are remembered in battle. Transferring between Chapters requires only the permission of the receiving Chapter, but this is an uncommon practice and sometimes results in a negative relationship between the two.

A Chapter is formed by the command of the Talon-Archon, a Hierophant, or an Invokate. Usually, this creation is built upon the need for one but Chapterhood can be awarded to a small group for a feat of great utility to the Conclave or Temple. The creation of a Chapter also comes with a grant of some land where their primary “Chapterhouse” is built. Similarly, Chapters may spawn other Chapters with positive relationships between the “parent” Chapter and their scion. Chapters may also split into two or more Chapters, though this tends to be less benign than a parental-scion relationship.

The Untaloned

Called Makers, or Hoofs (Pejorative), it is easy to believe that the UnTaloned are a slave caste to their warrior counterparts. In truth, the status of “Maker” can be more akin to that of a non-combatant Civilian. Such individuals are not slaves, but they are expected to perform tasks or duties for the Temple in exchange for food, shelter, clothing, and currency. Most Talon territories are ruled by a Chapter, who handles the logistics and compensation of Makers within their area of responsibility. 

A Maker’s place on the social ladder is dependent on three things: what they do, how well they do it, and who they do it for. In most territories, the highest ranking Makers in a Talonite territory are those Grandmaster artisans who provide essential supplies, services, and equipment to that territory’s dominant Chapter. Thanks to the influence of Saint Talon’s love of poetry and calligraphy, art and artistry are of high demand in Talon territories, sometimes even rivaling their more practical counterparts.

In a similar vein, Makers will find high respect from Talonites when it comes to that Maker’s domain of expertise. Regardless of their own battle-skill and triumphs, it is a foolish Templar that does not listen to a carpenter’s opinion about a wall’s fortitude or a farmer’s thoughts on how much food the community needs to survive. That said, a Talonite expects similar deference from a Maker when it comes to war, battle, and survival -- especially when it concerns the Talonite’s ability to protect the Maker.  Bankers and merchants are considered necessary but indecent in Talonite  society -- their tasks rely solely on the sweat and effort of others, without work of their own. 

Those not of the Talon Conclave, including the Carmine Templars may be considered Makers and treated as such, depending on each individual person. Those who are less than Makers (e.g. outlaws, brigands, state enemies), are considered prey and rarely treated with anything higher than caution or apathy. On the other hand, Skull Templars are always treated with deference. 

The Talonite 

The word Talonite is not only a rank within the Conclave, but it also reflects a soldier who has passed their Trials and become a weapon for the Temple of the Shattered Mother.  They become a member of good standing and repute with the Conclave, this is but the first step of many.

Soon after passing one’s Trials, a newly forged Talonite is often sent to their first deployment. Some Chapters actually allow their Talonites some choice in the matter but most do not, assigning deployments out of their current need and the skillset of their soldier.  This is usually an assignment within their Chapter reserved for low-ranking soldiers such as guard duty or patrols, allowing for further training before being sent out on scouting missions, assault missions, or escort assignments. 

On rare occasions, new Talonites are sent on extended deployments. These may have less specific but no less important objectives, such as maintaining influence in a region or ensuring a VIP’s security. Similarly, a Talonite may be “loaned” to another Chapter or to another Conclave to assist in the Temple’s own objectives in a region -- these extended deployments usually have an amount of time assigned to them which may be extended by the needs of the mission or the whims of the Talonite’s Chapter. 

Oftentimes, it is newer Templars that are sent out on extended deployments rather than seasoned Templars, with the exception of those Talonites that appear to enjoy or prefer being away from the Chapterhouse. 

Success at an objective is expected, but superior performance is especially rewarded-- especially when it comes to aiding the Conclave and the Temple as a whole. This can come in the form of monetary awards or promotions. On very rare instances, heroic feats and triumphs may result in the creation of a new Chapter for a group of skilled and victorious Talonites. 

The Evictus

Those who lose their Chapter are called “Evictus”, more colloquially, “Stumps”. This may occur by being evicted from a Chapter for disobedience or wrongdoing. This may also occur to those individuals who are the sole survivors of their Chapter’s destruction. Stumps may find themselves in dire straits within the views of the Talonite society. Fortunate Evictus may be enlisted into a different Chapter. Less fortunate Evictus end up displaced, working as mercenaries for deadly or unprestigious assignments. 

Upbringing

The Creche is a central point of a Chapter’s ongoings. It is both a day-care and their educational center, akin to a military academy. It is customary for Talonite and Maker parents to leave their children in their Chapter’s Creche as soon as they are able to, though some keep their children with them until 6 years of age. This serves two purposes: to allow a parent to return to their duties and to allow experienced individuals to educate the new generation. Most parents visit when they are able.

Every Chapter has its own Creche. Under the auspices of the Conclave or the regional Hierophant, both Talonites and Makers assist in the upbringing of young individuals. 

When the children are older, Creches will distinguish between the Maker children and the Talonite children. At this stage, their education will diverge with the former receiving apprenticeships and the latter receiving martial training. Unless sponsored by a Talonite, the child of a Maker may not choose to become a warrior -- on the other hand, Talonite children may choose to become Maker apprentices or become a Novitiate (a would-be Talonite). 

The Trial of Talons

The Trial of Talons is a Sacramental rite that must be undertaken and survived three times -- one that proves not only that they are an adult but also that they are a worthy soldier for the Conclave. In each Trial, a group of Novitiates (5-10 individuals that are at least 18 years old) must successfully hunt down a horrific monstrosity or a flock of such horrors from beyond the Fall. 

Those adults that are joining the Talon Conclave must undergo this Trial as well, though the circumstances of them may change. Rare is a Trial that must be undergone alone -- at least a group of three must take this Trial. Special dispensations may be made for a Talonite to help a non-Taloned through their Trial. 

More details about this Rite can be found in the Talon Conclave Religion and Rites page. 

Stigmata in the Talon Conclave

Half of the Conclave do not have any Stigmata. Of those that do, most are of the Chimeric or Seraphic persuasion and have no problems with the frigid cold of their homeland. Many of those in the frontlines boast of Necrotic Grafts and terrible Grave-Scars, they tend to be proud of their struggles and their endurance rather than ashamed of them. Psions, Metabionic, and Eidolonic Stigmata are very rare, with Golems being almost non-existent except for a few recruits post-Ember War. 

As it is with most of the Temple, there is no shame in having Stigmata or having none. The Temple accepts all who are willing to serve and willing to fight for the God-Empress. 

In truth, majority of those in higher positions tend to be Chimeras or Seraphs due to the prevalence of those bloodlines among the first initiates of the Temple as well as their physical advantages. The fact that an non-Stigged individual must be more daring and more skilled to compete with their peers is known but unspoken. 

Law and Sin

Within a territory, the dominant Chaptermaster is law, only superseded by their Archon, by a Prelate of the Sin-Eater Chapter, or by the Oracle-Avatar themselves. Special considerations are given to those high ranking members of the Skull Conclave though the Carmine Conclave is denied this respect.

The following are the six Arch-Sins that constitute a criminal act with the Talon Conclave: Heresy, Blasphemy, Defilement, Malifica, Malfeasance, and Treachery. What each act denotes can be found in the Religion and Rites section. 

Commiting a Sin: When a Sin is committed, a Sinner is expected to remand themselves to the nearest Templar authority for punishment. Alternatively, they may be pursued by local Templar authorities, depending on the severity of the Sin. These same authorities also determine whether a Sin has been committed or not, gathering evidence and witnesses accordingly through practical and magical means. 

The highest Talonite authority of their territory determines their guilt or innocence of the Sin, guided by evidence, witnesses, and faith. This tends to be a closed affair, with only the judge, the accused and their party, and the accusers or prosecutors (and their party) in session. 

Minor transgressions that have been self-reported may not even require a full tribunal, only monetary penance or corporal penance. Major transgressions may involve worse punishments such as execution, demotion, banishment, or forced conscription to the Blockade or the Quarry. 

Particularly egregious Sins, such as Heresy, may result in a type of execution called a “Eldritch Crucifixion” wherein a powerful ritual is placed upon an individual that kills them and affixes their spiritual essence to an effigy -- when done in Ziggurat City, this is said to prevent any type of resurrection and to allow for further torment at the hands of the Skull Conclave.  

Talonite Territories

Talonic Citadel

The eponymous Talonic Citadel is at the heart of the region as well as a major trading port. It is surrounded by farmland, fishing villages, and a handful of forge-towns. Its edges are dotted with watchtowers and mines. The fortress town of Copperglen marks the borders between Citadel territory, the Beringian Blockade, and the Path of Talons.  

Path of Talons

A vast network of roads that carve a path through mountain, taiga, and tundra from Ziggurat City to the Talonic Citadel. The use of Shadow Doors has not lessened the use of these roads, which are always under threat from para-fauna and other dangerous creatures. Five Rivers, Greyhorn, Tenan Cross and Fort Tetlin are the biggest fortress towns in the territory. Of course, this does not include Oxtown which contains the Chapterhouse of the Ghost-Wolves and is a major portion of the Path of Talons and the Path of Flames. 

Path of Flames

A network of roads that carve a path westward from Ziggurat City to the Superior Sea. Oxtown lairs the Chapterhouse of the Ghost-Wolves. From there, the Path of Flames leads to Crownshearth, Westgate, Thunderhall, and terminates at Beacon. Formerly the Flame Conclave’s headquarters, this fortress marks the border between Carmine territory and Talon territory.  

The Beringian Blockade

The Blockade protects a gap in the mountain range, assisted by watchtowers and other walled fortresses. Together, these defend the Temple and the Talon Conclave from invasion from the Auroral Wastelands to the west. The Blockade itself is a walled city that serves as the operational headquarters for the Wall-Warden Chapter as well as the heart of their power base. There are a few farming communities nearby and a scattering of mining communities in various mountains. A few fortress towns lend shelter to travelers and troops on the road to Copperglen and the Path of Talons. 

Kookesh Quarry

A territory situated far to the north and east of the Talonic Citadel. This is the cadaver of a titanic entity, big enough to flatten trees and a mountain from its impact. Its alien flesh and the crystallized earth beneath it are valuable resources that have been mined and fought over for decades. Criminals and desperate folk excavate these components from the ground, under the watchful eye of the Talon Conclave. 

Port Sacrament

Adjacent to the Sacrament Sea, this sizable port town is shared with the Carmine Conclave. From here, the Talonites can lend defensive assistance against any further Pelagic attacks while the Carminians assist in managing trade and industry of the surrounding region. This sphere of influence also includes nearby fishing villages and survivor towns. 

Innsmouth 

Innsmouth and its surrounding regions have been awarded to the Talon Conclave to allow the Temple a greater measure of influence in the east coast and the Mid-Atlantic region. Largely populated by Seraphs, it is a place marked by eldritch crossings and supernatural power now contained with the assistance of the Oracle-Avatar themselves -- a Shadow Door is stationed here, allowing direct (and painful) passage to Ziggurat City. The Calvarians have a small but significant presence in this town.