The Watching Ones, sometimes called the Ancestor Spirits, are mysterious beings said to have existed since the earliest days of Carcer.
Legends claim they were created even before the Forsworn as the first race to roam the planet. They have no homeland nor have left any permanent mark upon the earth, yet they are described in ancient texts from every race and can still be seen to this day.
It is said that long ago they were tasked with watching over the world. To whom they made this pact with is uncertain, as they rarely interfere directly in mortal affairs. Instead appearing at moments of importance to observe events, deliver warnings or subtly guide those whose actions may shape the future.
No one truly understands their motives. To some they are guardians of fate; to others they are omens of disaster or unseen manipulators whose plans stretch across centuries. Yet when events transpire that have consequences that may affect the world, you will find them.
Sometimes singular watching ones may be seen following especially important individuals around as if an omen of their potential. Other times whole packs of them can be observed congregating as if holding some secret council to discuss the fate of the world. In either case it is widely accepted that a Watching One does not appear without reason.
Their appearance is distinctive. Watching Ones are easily recognised when they manifest in the mortal world. They traditionally wear crimson and ivory robes bearing symbols of magic. With animal skull masks and black gloves or blackened hands.
It is said that they are not truly alive but rather fragments of a greater whole. They can not die but will rather dematerialise for a time only to manifest again in a different location.
It is widely believed that in times of great convergence, to garner the favour of the watching ones a sacrifice should be made. Often after a successful hunt, people make offerings to the watching ones with the skull of their kill. If accepted the skull will be taken and a new watching one may manifest.
Encountering a Watching One
[edit]Watching Ones may observe events without becoming involved, approach individuals with warnings, reveal hidden information, or guide people toward important moments in history.
Their words are not always straightforward. They may speak cryptically, reveal only part of what they know, or leave you to determine the meaning of what you have witnessed.
Meta: Watching Ones at Games
The Watching Ones also have an important out-of-game function.
A person portraying a Watching One is part of the event team and acts as both an in-game Marshal and Story Guide. They help oversee player safety and the rules while also guiding and narrating the unfolding story.
They are used primarily at larger events, but may also appear alongside, or instead of, regular Marshals during weekly games. This builds on their established function as narrators, rules arbiters and impartial guides within the game.
When dealing with a Watching One, remember that they have two roles: in character, they are mysterious observers of fate; out of character, they are event officials.
If a Watching One gives a rules or safety instruction, that instruction must be followed, as you would any regular marshal.
If they describe something happening within the game world, such as an environmental effect, magical occurrence or story event, players should treat that narration as part of the game. Players are free to trust, fear, question, ignore or interact with them in character.
Watching Ones remain neutral and are there to facilitate the experience rather than favour particular players or factions.