Bravos
Lore
February 15th, 2024
Reading time
Philosophy
The world is harsh and unforgiving, and dangers abound: from the perilous Tumult to the altered creatures, to unpredictable environments and erratic elements... Merely surviving has become a challenge. There are no shortcuts to facing this dangerous life: humans must constantly strive to become better, enduring and clever enough to brave everything that lurks or roams within it. While the slightest mistake can be potentially fatal, it is also a means of learning and improving if one manages to survive. The Bravos accept this state of affairs without hesitation, and more than that, they thrive in this constant struggle, in this ongoing adversity.
The philosophy of the Bravos is to confront the obstacles that litter their path, to meet the challenges that present themselves or that they impose on themselves in order to overcome them. They embrace danger, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to confront it and triumph. To be a Bravos is above all to break the status quo, to become better, to constantly push the limits: the boundaries and barriers that exist around them, but also their own limitations. They know that to live in this way, they must strive to become the best possible version of themselves at all times.
However, this quest for self-improvement would be meaningless if it were not dedicated to a cause. As individualistic as they may be, the Bravos adhere strictly to a code of honor and morality, the Creed, by which they dedicate themselves to others. Boldly, courageously, and with a bit of luck, they serve those who cannot fight, those who bear the brunt of the universe's hostility. That's why they are often regarded as heroes. Champions, explorers, or born leaders, they have always been a bulwark and vanguard for humanity. Because they manage to accomplish the impossible, their exploits and names resonate and endure through a thousand legends…
The Bravos are eager to begin the exploration and reconquest of the world, to plunge into the unknown after humanity has been cloistered in Asgartha for so long. What wonders and dangers will they discover within the Terra Incognita? Confronting them is the best way to prove who they truly are and to show what they're made of. The world better brace itself, for they are about to set out!
Organization
Alteration Style : The Avgrunn
The Bravos have the ability to feed on ideas. Aether is a source of power for them, and they absorb it to strengthen themselves. Instead of being parasitized, they convert the ideas they sponge up, assimilating them to reinforce who they are. It is then their mere presence that passively alters their environment, as they ingest the Tumult and radiate their essence into the surroundings. This unique style of Alteration is called the Avgrunn, and only the Bravos manage to master it.
Bravos often dedicate themselves to a discipline, excelling in that particular field. But this unwavering dedication is accompanied by another phenomenon that gives members of the Faction an almost demiurgic aura, akin to what could be passive Alteration. The more a Bravos improves in their preferred skills, the more strength they draw from ideas associated with that specialty. Eventually, they become an Avatar, capable of modifying their environment through the prism of the ideas they embody. For example, a seafaring Bravos may control the sea to a certain extent, while a fighter will be able to infuse or materialize weapons.
Rites & Initiation
Iconic Locations
Haven (Bastion)
The Parliament of Ashes
Deeply embedded within Haven, the Parliament of Ashes, a massive circular amphitheater with a pierced dome, is the heart of the Bravos Bastion. It is there that they gathered after the foundation of Asgartha, and where they first enunciated the ten edicts of their Creed, which can be summarized in ten principles: Rectitude, Courage, Compassion, Respect, Honesty, Honor, Duty, Composure, Wisdom, Fellowship. The worn stone tiers, arranged in concentric circles, have welcomed many heroes over the ages; and the central stage, many speakers, commanders, and Eidolons, on few occasions transforming into an arena for sworn duels. At the center of the circle burns a brazier with everlasting flames, in which rests the egg of the Asgarthan Phoenix. Along the perimeter of the stair-carved rock, pierced with uneven alcoves, are piles of urns and candles, offerings, relics of times past... And these vases, covered in melted wax, contain the ashes of the greatest heroes of the Faction. It is not uncommon to see members of the Faction paying their respects before these funerary vessels, asking them for strength or courage. However, it has been many decades since any deliberation has been held within the walls of the Parliament.
The Commanderies
The Bravos have built fortresses all over the peninsula. These Commanderies once allowed them to intervene quickly where danger lurked, when the peninsula was not as safe as it is now. At least one Company is permanently stationed within these citadels, although in the past, this number could easily rise to three or four. Nevertheless, this tradition has been maintained to guard against any eventuality, even in the current peace context. Eager to further explore the world, the Bravos have also built two outposts within the Terra Incognita. The Eastern Commandery, the Ushungi, stands on the distant shores of the Keleti region, its small contingent of willing exiles awaiting the arrival of the main bulk of the exploration forces. The Western Commandery, the Cebir, has been reluctantly abandoned due to the countless dangers it faced. The Bravos hope that these remote Commanderies, erected with their blood, will serve as future bases for the Rediscovery Endeavor.
Current objectives
The Kuningas’ Quest
An ancient Bravos legend tells of Rune, the first Kuningas of Asgartha, waiting somewhere within the Tumult for someone to come and join him. It recounts that when he is found, the time will have come for him to designate his rightful successor, and for the Phoenix to finally be reborn. That is why many Bravos dream of scouring the unknown in the hope of finding traces of their lost monarch. It is said that this chosen one will then lead Asgartha to the firmament, ushering in a new era for his people. Many Bravos harbor the hope of becoming this prophesied champion, although others believe that these are nothing but nonsense and rumors.
The Leviathan Hunt
The Bravos know that besides the peaceful Kaibara, many other Leviathans roam the land, sky, and sea: they have seen the one called Garuda cast the shadow of its six wings over the waves of the Cierna... but also Kacchena, the shifting island, which carries its titanic shell through its maritime wanderings. These gargantuan creatures, even if they are not openly aggressive, represent by their mere existence a threat to humanity, much like an elephant is to an anthill. Many Bravos have embarked against the advice of the Muna on daring expeditions to neutralize the most dangerous of them and to protect the peninsula from their ravages.