Bravos
Overview
The Bravos are one of the six factions that follow The Covenant. They proclaim themselves as the heirs of Rune, the first High King of Asgartha.
Philosophy
The Bravos accept that the world is harsh and unforgiving, with dangers from the perilous Tumult, altered creatures, unpredictable environments, and erratic elements. Merely surviving has become a challenge. The Bravos accept this state of affairs and thrive in constant struggle and ongoing adversity.
Their philosophy is to confront obstacles, meet challenges, and overcome them. They embrace danger, anticipating opportunities to confront it and triumph. They break the status quo, constantly push limits and boundaries around them and their own limitations. They strive to become the best possible version of themselves at all times.
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. They serve those who cannot fight, those who bear the brunt of the universe’s hostility. They are often regarded as heroes. Champions, explorers, or born leaders, they have always been a bulwark and vanguard for humanity.
The Bravos are eager to explore and reconquer the world after humanity has been cloistered in Asgartha. They seek to discover wonders and dangers within the Terra Incognita, confronting them to prove who they are.
Organization
When not solitary, the Bravos are organized into Companies of varying sizes. They can dedicate themselves to various areas of expertise such as personal protection, firefighting, and artistic endeavors. Many are lured by the call of adventure and migrate towards the horizon in search of challenges, prestige, or freedom. Through these navigators and argonauts, Asgartha has managed to reach new shores conducive to exploration.
Those who have distinguished themselves may be recommended by their peers to have a place at the Parliament of Ashes in Haven, though they have no real obligation to sit there. This honorary position is coupled with a voice in any votes concerning the Faction, but it has been many years since any decision has been made through this body. Those who gather in Haven do so to rest after difficult journeys, recharge, train, or exchange with counterparts regarding achievements.
The Bravos can count on Seiringar, veterans who after years of tribulations prefer to support new recruits of the Faction within Haven to help them fully realize their potential.
Alteration Style: The Avgrunn
The Bravos practice The Avgrunn, a unique style of Alteration. They have the ability to feed on ideas, using Aether as a source of power which they absorb to strengthen themselves. Instead of being parasitized, they convert the ideas they absorb, assimilating them to reinforce who they are. Their mere presence passively alters their environment as they ingest The Tumult and radiate their essence into the surroundings. Only the Bravos manage to master this style.
Bravos often dedicate themselves to a discipline, excelling in that particular field. This unwavering dedication is accompanied by a phenomenon that gives members of the Faction an almost demiurgic aura, akin to 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.
Rites and Initiation
The Bravos proclaim themselves as heirs of Rune, the first High King of Asgartha. He ascended when the Phoenix of Asgartha alighted on his shoulder to offer its blessing. When Rune disappeared into The Tumult at the twilight of his reign, the Phoenix consumed itself, leaving behind an egg that never hatched. The Bravos have carefully watched over the egg since time immemorial, awaiting the emergence of the Phoenix once again.
The Bravos are not burdened by ceremony. Only courage, resilience, and merit matter. It is enough for a prospective member to demonstrate sufficient will and determination to be accepted. A veteran Bravos takes an aspirant under their wing to train and assess them. If they prove themselves, this “squire” may be subjected by their patron to the Imhallat ceremony, an induction ritual involving calling upon an Eidolon and asking for its blessing. If an Eidolon answers the call and agrees to take the squire under its tutelage, they are deemed worthy. However, the Eidolon who bestows its favor will forever color the existence of the young Bravos, delivering an inevitable prophecy regarding their death.
Bravos are accustomed to inscribing their accomplishments on their skin so they may be visible to all. These tattoos recount their lives: battles, triumphs, notable encounters. Upon death, their bodies are brought back to one of the Commanderies, and all these stories are recorded in the Register to ensure their memory endures. Their remains are cremated and ashes deposited in the Parliament of Ashes chamber. It is common for Bravos to pay homage before the urns of predecessors, imploring their valor and blessing. Many Bravos seek to persist beyond death by becoming Eidolons themselves. This belief strongly influences their existence and lightens the burden they place on their shoulders. They know life can be short, so they make it as bold and flamboyant as possible.
Iconic Locations
The Bravos maintain several key locations:
- Haven: A homeport for all Bravos, built in the heart of a cliff in Caer Eidos
- Parliament of Ashes: A massive circular amphitheater within Haven where the ten edicts of The Creed were first enunciated
- Commanderies: Fortresses built all over the peninsula for rapid intervention
- Eastern Commandery: The Ushungi, standing on distant shores of Keleti region
- Western Commandery: The Cebir, reluctantly abandoned due to countless dangers
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 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. Many Bravos dream of scouring the unknown in hope of finding traces of their lost monarch. It is said the chosen one will lead Asgartha to the firmament, ushering in a new era. Many Bravos harbor hope of becoming this prophesied champion, though others believe these are 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 Cierna, and Kacchena, the shifting island, which carries its titanic shell through maritime wanderings. These gargantuan creatures, even if not openly aggressive, represent by their mere existence a threat to humanity. Many Bravos have embarked against the advice of Muna on daring expeditions to neutralize the most dangerous of them and protect the peninsula from their ravages.