The Priscianos are a new faction of mages (“humans, humanoids”) in Ardis Vala, organized in Colleges and towers of knowledge, who claim descent from the ancient Sortians and work to restore the cult of TOT. They are first recognized by their habit of approaching strangers with oil and formula: “they want to anoint you”.
| Type | Faction |
| World | Ardis Vala |
| Emblem | Two intertwined infinity symbols |
| Claimed heritage | The ancient Sortians |
| Spanish entry | Priscianos |
Description
Their mark is “two intertwined infinity symbols”, “like the Aurin”, also related to the Aurobolo.
Their founding principle is magically inscribed and is a law of the world: “All who possess the spark must be trained regardless of their origin.” Anyone born with the spark has a right to the College.
Organization
Their power rests on one chain: the spark feeds the Colleges; the Colleges and the towers of knowledge of Archontos produce mages; where there is Arcanum they plant “a tremendous forge”; the forge produces artifacts. School, mine and workshop stand together. One Priscian was “clearly the one who made those dragonflies”.
The present order is “a court of mages”, now “more Gnostic” than its predecessors, with its own formulas and potions. Its combat and protective art is illusion — “magic is powerful, illusion too” — used defensively, even for others. There is a hierarchy: “the chief of the Priscianos” is mentioned.
They are “a new faction coming around here”, at times “a little group”. What has been met so far are “some minor emissaries settled in a teleportation place”: outposts, not the main body. On the so-called level 6 the Priscianos are welcome.
Relationships
- They did not approach the Cult of Set because they fear it and know someone will play against them.
- The Barumanis are not their enemies but fear them.
- The Seekers denounced their philosophy “deeply”.
- Kerbok Khan does not get along with them: “there is absolute distrust”.
- They worry that humans “are becoming more numerous and more adventurous”.
- When Sixto was saved, the Priscianos helped without fighting themselves.
History
The historical Priscians were involved in the civil war; today’s are called “neo-Priscians”. The descent from the ancient Sortians is recorded as a claim, not a proven fact. The exact relation between the present Gnostic court and the Priscians of the war is not made explicit.
Open questions
- Their numbers, and the distance between “a little group”, the court of mages and the emissary network.
- The locations of the Colleges, the towers of Archontos and the forge on Arcanum.
- What the anointing is and does to the anointed; what the dragonflies are (weapon, mount, messenger, automaton).
- The content of the philosophy the Seekers denounce, and why Kerbok Khan distrusts them.
- Their exact role in the civil war (started, suffered or lost it).
- Whether the training law applies only inside the Colleges or to the whole world.