Holy See

Lore & Background

Founded in the aftermath of the Old World's collapse, the Holy See rose to power by positioning itself as the sole interpreter of divine will and the guardian against the monsters that now plague the land. For centuries, they have controlled the flow of information regarding the past, often suppressing or distorting truths about the Knights of the Round Table and the true nature of magic to maintain their authority. Their doctrine strictly forbids the use of certain magics, labeling them as heretical, which has created a tense atmosphere where knowledge is both hoarded and feared. The organization's structure is hierarchical, with the Pope at the apex, followed by high-ranking Cardinals who manage regional affairs and the Inquisition-like forces that hunt down those deemed threats to the faith. However, beneath the surface of their grand cathedrals lies a history of political maneuvering and fear. The discovery of Will, a child raised by three powerful monsters yet possessing immense magical potential, challenged the Holy See's rigid worldview, forcing them to confront the possibility that their understanding of the world was incomplete or fundamentally flawed.

In Their Own Story

The candlelight flickered against the cold stone walls of the High Council chamber, casting long, dancing shadows over the faces of the Cardinals. The air smelled of incense and old parchment, a scent that usually brought comfort but now felt suffocating. They spoke in hushed tones of the boy from the North, the one raised by beasts who wielded light like a sword. "He is an abomination," whispered one elder, his hands trembling as he clutched his rosary. "A heresy walking among us." Yet another voice, quieter but firmer, countered that perhaps the old texts were wrong, and the monsters were not the only ones capable of grace. The silence that followed was heavier than any decree they could issue.

Reader's Guide

The Holy See operates with a dual mandate: to protect humanity from the monstrous threats of the new world and to maintain absolute control over religious doctrine. Their hierarchy is steep, led by the Pope who resides in the capital, supported by Cardinals who manage vast dioceses and enforce orthodoxy. Key members often include high-ranking priests and mages loyal to the church's dogma, though many secretly harbor doubts about their teachings. The organization views magic with suspicion unless it aligns strictly with their sanctioned rituals. This rigidity puts them at odds with those who seek truth outside the Church's walls. Their relationship with Will is complex; initially viewing him as a threat due to his upbringing by monsters, they eventually become wary observers of his power and morality. While they do not openly ally with him, they recognize he is not the monster they feared. Their role in world conflicts often involves suppressing heresy or managing political crises, sometimes inadvertently causing harm while trying to prevent it.

Did You Know?

• The Holy See actively suppresses knowledge of the Old World's technology and magic to maintain their religious authority.
• Many of the Church's highest officials are unaware that some of their sacred relics were actually created by ancient mages, not gods.
• Will's existence forces the Church to confront the possibility that their definition of 'monster' is flawed.
• The Pope holds significant political power, often influencing the decisions of kings and nobles across the continent.