While some survivors demanded harsher punishments for the Council, Lan's empathy and persistence eventually swayed many to see him as an ally. This gradual shift laid the groundwork for the eventual transformation of survivors into the Watchers.
Formation of the Watchers
Over time, as survivors began to heal, many of them expressed a desire to contribute actively to the safety and stability of the Ulverse. Lan and the High Council saw this as an opportunity to honor their resilience and integrate them into Ulversian society.
1. Origins of the Watchers
The survivors proposed the idea of a security force made up of their own people, ensuring no one would ever face the loss of their universe again. Lan supported this proposal and worked with them to establish the Watchers as a unique and vital branch of Ulverse governance.
2. Watcher Design
Blind Yet Seeing:
The Watchers voluntarily gave up their physical sight as a symbol of their impartiality and dedication. Through magical augmentation, they gained the ability to "see" through the eyes of others, perceiving intentions, emotions, and magical flows.Masks of the Watchers:
Each Watcher wears a specially crafted mask resembling a pair of watchful eyes. These masks are more than symbolic; they are enchanted items that allow the Watchers to see through the perspective of multiple beings at once, granting them unparalleled awareness.Uniforms:
Watchers wear simple but elegant robes, often in deep blues or blacks, signifying their neutrality and solemn duty. Their masks are adorned with unique designs that reflect their personal histories or the universes they hail from.
3. Duties of the Watchers
Ulverse Security:
Watchers patrol dimensions, monitoring for threats such as rogue magic, void corruption, and interdimensional instability.Advisors to the Council:
Their impartial perspective and vast observational reach make them invaluable advisors to the Council of Eight, ensuring that the rulers remain accountable.Guardians of Survivors:
Watchers pay special attention to dimensions populated by survivors of destroyed universes, providing them with protection and support.
4. Notable Watchers
Avara Lyric:
The first official Watcher, Avara was a survivor whose universe was destroyed by Non’s negligence. She became a symbol of resilience and often serves as a liaison between the Watchers and the Council.Orin Vale:
A Watcher who specializes in identifying and neutralizing void energy corruption. Orin's mask is adorned with swirling void-like patterns as a reminder of what they lost.
Impact of the Watchers
The Watchers' creation significantly mended the rift between the survivors and the Ulversian rulers. Their presence reassures many that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.
Lan’s role in their formation cemented his legacy as a ruler who learned from history and actively sought to build a better future. He remained a steadfast supporter of the Watchers, frequently consulting with them and championing their contributions to Ulverse security and harmony.
Watcher Names
After becoming Watchers, many chose new names to reflect their role as the "eyes of the Ulverse." These names often relate to sight, perception, or vigilance, symbolizing their dedication to their duty. Below are some examples of Watcher names:
- Ain (Lan’s personal attendant): A minimalist name meaning “eye” or “vision,” symbolizing clarity and precision.
- Iris (Watcher Commander): Named for the part of the eye, representing her focus and leadership.
- Lens: A Watcher specializing in seeing through layers of magic and identifying hidden threats.
- Clair: Derived from "clairvoyance," symbolizing a Watcher who specializes in future-seeing.
- Vista: Known for their ability to see across vast distances and dimensions.
- Prism: A Watcher who perceives magical flows as fragmented, colorful light.
- Glimmer: A compassionate Watcher who focuses on helping survivors and easing emotional burdens.
- Veil: Known for their quiet nature and ability to see through illusions and deception.
- Glance: A swift-moving Watcher who excels in rapid reconnaissance.
- Horizon: A senior Watcher whose name reflects their broad and long-term perspective on the Ulverse.
- Focus: A specialist in precision work, often tasked with analyzing delicate or dangerous magical anomalies.
- Shade: A Watcher who operates in secrecy, observing without being seen.
- Orb: Known for their deep, spherical perception of magical flows and dimensional structures.
Watcher Traditions
The Watchers have developed unique traditions over time, blending their survivor heritage with their solemn duties as Ulverse guardians.
1. Mask-Binding Ceremony
- Upon becoming a Watcher, each individual undergoes the Mask-Binding Ceremony where their sight is sacrificed, and their enchanted mask is fused with their being.
- During this ceremony, the Watcher is given a chance to speak of their past life before their sight is taken, offering a symbolic release of old burdens.
- The mask itself is unique to each Watcher, with its design crafted based on their personality, abilities, and past experiences.
2. The Night of Silence
- Every year, the Watchers observe a night of complete silence, dedicating themselves to listening to the voices of the Ulverse through their magical senses.
- It is a meditative tradition, allowing them to attune to the rhythms of existence and detect subtle shifts or disturbances in universal balance.
3. The Vigil
- A solemn tradition where Watchers gather to reflect on their purpose and reaffirm their oath to protect the Ulverse.
- During the Vigil, they recount stories of universes lost and the lessons learned from those tragedies.
4. Oath of Clarity
- Before embarking on their first mission, every Watcher recites the Oath of Clarity:
“I am the eye that watches, the vision that sees beyond, the shadow that shields the light. I guard the threads of existence and weave vigilance into the fabric of all.”
5. Passing the Mask
- When a Watcher retires or is lost in duty, their mask is ceremonially passed to the Hall of Watchers, a repository of masks and histories of all who served. It acts as both a memorial and a source of inspiration for future generations.
Interactions with the Ulverse
The Watchers occupy a unique position in Ulverse society. While respected for their dedication and abilities, their impartiality and mysterious nature sometimes make them intimidating or misunderstood.
With the Public
Protectors, Not Rulers:
The Watchers are seen as protectors of universal stability, distinct from the Council of Eight or other governing bodies. They focus on security and defense rather than policy or administration.Guides and Observers:
Watchers often serve as mediators in disputes, using their heightened perception to uncover truths. Their impartiality makes them trusted arbitrators.Watchers and Survivors:
Survivors see the Watchers as an extension of their community, often revering them as symbols of resilience and justice. However, some survivors view the transition into Watcherhood as a loss of individuality.
With the Council of Eight
Advisors, Not Subordinates:
The Watchers offer advice and insights to the Council but maintain their independence. This dynamic ensures they can provide unbiased perspectives.Lan’s Collaboration with Ain:
Ain, as Lan’s personal attendant, plays a significant role in bridging the gap between the Watchers and the Council. Their close relationship symbolizes mutual respect and cooperation.
With Other Departments
Research and Development:
Watchers frequently collaborate with this department, particularly when investigating magical anomalies or void energy. Iris, as a commander, often liaises with Red Palette on such matters.Portal Creation and Maintenance:
Watchers work with portal engineers to ensure the safe and secure operation of interdimensional travel networks.
Notable Watchers
Iris (Watcher Commander)
- A brilliant tactician and diplomat, Iris oversees Watcher operations across the Ulverse. Her leadership is both compassionate and firm, making her a trusted figure among survivors and Ulversians alike.
Ain (Lan’s Attendant)
- Ain is one of the few Watchers who interacts closely with the Council. Their quiet wisdom and unparalleled observational skills make them invaluable to Lan.
Orin Vale (Void Specialist)
- Orin specializes in identifying and neutralizing void energy corruption. Their mask features swirling void-like patterns, symbolizing their expertise in confronting the aftermath of the Shining Vortex.
Vista (Dimensional Overseer)
- Responsible for monitoring the boundaries of dimensions, Vista ensures that interdimensional stability is maintained.
Shade (Covert Operative)
- Operating in secrecy, Shade is tasked with infiltrating hostile entities and gathering intelligence. Their presence is rarely known, even to their fellow Watchers.
Expanded Watcher Personalities and Pasts
1. Iris (Watcher Commander)
Past:
Iris was once a scholar in the Department of Research and Development, studying ancient magic and its applications. Her universe was one of the first lost due to Riley Non’s negligence. Despite her grief, she channeled her pain into becoming a leader for other survivors, helping organize early resistance movements during the War of the Shining Vortex. Her calm demeanor and strategic mind earned her the respect of both survivors and the Watchers.Personality:
Iris is empathetic but firm, balancing compassion with a strong sense of justice. She is meticulous in her work, always striving to ensure no detail is overlooked. She has a natural charisma that inspires loyalty, and she values teamwork above all else.Weapon:
A bladed staff, symbolizing her dual nature as both a protector and an enforcer. The staff can expand into a shield when defending others.
2. Ain (Lan’s Attendant)
Past:
Before becoming a Watcher, Ain was a historian specializing in universal timelines. They were meticulous in documenting universal events, and their records were among the few to survive the destruction of their home dimension. This experience left Ain with a quiet but profound sorrow, which they channeled into their role as a Watcher, ensuring no other histories would be lost under their watch.Personality:
Ain is introspective and soft-spoken, with an aura of serenity that calms those around them. They are incredibly perceptive, often understanding emotions and situations before others do. Ain has a dry sense of humor that they use sparingly but effectively.Weapon:
A curved sword, reminiscent of a crescent moon. Its arcane edge glows softly, and it can channel their ability to reveal hidden truths or illusions.
3. Orin Vale (Void Specialist)
Past:
Orin’s home dimension was one of the most heavily corrupted by void energy during the War of the Shining Vortex. They personally witnessed the devastation of their people, many of whom succumbed to void-induced madness. Orin’s survival and later mastery of void energy make them one of the foremost experts on its containment and purification.Personality:
Orin is intense and focused, often coming across as cold or unapproachable. However, this demeanor hides a deep compassion for others, as their primary motivation is to ensure no one else suffers as they did. They are meticulous in their work, but their relentless pursuit of perfection can sometimes alienate others.Weapon:
A chain-blade, capable of extending into the void to bind and neutralize corrupted entities. The chains are engraved with runes that glow faintly when active.
4. Vista (Dimensional Overseer)
Past:
Vista was a traveler and adventurer who explored countless dimensions before becoming a Watcher. They were known for their boundless curiosity and their uncanny ability to navigate even the most treacherous interdimensional pathways. After their home was lost, Vista dedicated themselves to safeguarding dimensional borders to prevent further tragedies.Personality:
Vista is adventurous and optimistic, always looking for the silver lining in any situation. They have a strong sense of wanderlust, often volunteering for missions that take them to unexplored or dangerous areas. Despite their cheerful exterior, they harbor a quiet guilt for not being able to save their home.Weapon:
A longbow that can fire arrows imbued with dimensional energy, capable of piercing through barriers or sealing rifts.
5. Shade (Covert Operative)
Past:
Little is known about Shade’s past, even among the Watchers. Some believe they were a survivor who chose to erase their identity as a symbolic rejection of their past. Others speculate that they were created directly by the Ulverse Core as a failsafe against rogue elements.Personality:
Shade is enigmatic and aloof, preferring to observe from the shadows. They are incredibly resourceful and pragmatic, willing to make tough decisions that others shy away from. Despite their solitary nature, Shade has a strong sense of loyalty to their fellow Watchers.Weapon:
A dagger, sleek and unassuming but imbued with powerful magic. It allows Shade to teleport short distances and strike with deadly precision.
Recruitment and Training of Watchers
1. Recruitment
Selection Process:
Only survivors of universal collapse or individuals with deep resilience and magical potential are considered for Watcherhood. Candidates are identified by current Watchers or referred by Ulverse leaders.The Calling:
Potential recruits often experience “The Calling,” a moment of clarity or vision where they feel drawn to the Watchers’ purpose. This is seen as a sign that the Ulverse Core itself has chosen them.Testing:
Recruits must undergo trials to assess their physical, magical, and emotional capabilities. These trials test not only their skills but also their dedication to impartiality and justice.
2. Training
Vision Training:
New recruits learn to use their magical sight through their masks, adapting to their new way of perceiving the world. They are taught to interpret emotions, magical flows, and interdimensional disturbances.Combat and Weapon Manifestation:
Each recruit must manifest their weapon during a ritual guided by senior Watchers. Once manifested, they train extensively with their chosen weapon, as it becomes a permanent extension of their abilities.Ethics and Impartiality:
Watchers undergo rigorous training in ethics to ensure they can maintain neutrality in even the most emotionally charged situations.Dimensional Navigation:
Trainees are taught to navigate the intricate web of dimensions, learning how to track anomalies and prevent instability.
Interaction with the Ulverse
Public Perception
Guardians of Stability:
The Watchers are viewed as protectors and enforcers of universal balance. Their impartiality earns them respect, but their aloofness sometimes makes them seem distant or intimidating.Ceremonial Roles:
Watchers are often invited to preside over important events, such as dimensional inaugurations or peace treaties, as symbols of unity and vigilance.
Personal Connections
- Watchers are encouraged to remain neutral, but many form quiet friendships or bonds with individuals they protect. Ain’s close relationship with Lan is a notable example.