Skald
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Mythology is the hook upon which the covenant hangs most of its beliefs. Without its central faith in the stories of the old gods, The Circle of the Crone would not be as wise as it thinks itself, or, ostensibly, have access to the blood sorcery unique to the Circle’s members.
Of course, following the stories means knowing the stories, but not every member can be expected to possess the library of Joseph Campbell or hold doctorates in theology and anthropology. Many within the covenant simply do not have a full grasp of the gods and their tales, and in many cases, that’s acceptable. This is kept acceptable by the presence of a reminding figure, the Skald.
The Skald is a poet and storyteller. He holds little true power within a cult, and generally knows only piddling Crúac. His primary function is to infuse the unlives of his fellow Acolytes with the tales of their gods and spirits. He isn’t a Priest; his tales are not told so much with attention to reverence. No, his stories (often embellished) are meant to either entertain or give some mythic meaning to an otherwise normal act. An arrogant or prideful Acolyte might earn a story about the African trickster god, the spider known as Anansi. Should the Skald see a coterie-mate poised to be brought before The Invictus court for sentencing, the Skald might tell her stories of how various gods descended to the Underworld — and triumphed over the gods of death.
The Skald often serves other minor functions, as well. For one, he is expected to be honest, even brutally so. When another Kindred seems poised for a fall, the Skald may compose a cruel satire to be read at Elysium (many Skalds delight in Elysium, even ending up as the Masters of it). The Skald has a great deal of freedom within his own covenant, though that freedom doesn’t translate to those outside the Circle — his impudence may bring him pain.
The covenant also uses Skalds as messengers, sending them as liaisons to other coteries, covenants or even creatures. (Skalds meet often with Lupines, for instance).
Of course, following the stories means knowing the stories, but not every member can be expected to possess the library of Joseph Campbell or hold doctorates in theology and anthropology. Many within the covenant simply do not have a full grasp of the gods and their tales, and in many cases, that’s acceptable. This is kept acceptable by the presence of a reminding figure, the Skald.
The Skald is a poet and storyteller. He holds little true power within a cult, and generally knows only piddling Crúac. His primary function is to infuse the unlives of his fellow Acolytes with the tales of their gods and spirits. He isn’t a Priest; his tales are not told so much with attention to reverence. No, his stories (often embellished) are meant to either entertain or give some mythic meaning to an otherwise normal act. An arrogant or prideful Acolyte might earn a story about the African trickster god, the spider known as Anansi. Should the Skald see a coterie-mate poised to be brought before The Invictus court for sentencing, the Skald might tell her stories of how various gods descended to the Underworld — and triumphed over the gods of death.
The Skald often serves other minor functions, as well. For one, he is expected to be honest, even brutally so. When another Kindred seems poised for a fall, the Skald may compose a cruel satire to be read at Elysium (many Skalds delight in Elysium, even ending up as the Masters of it). The Skald has a great deal of freedom within his own covenant, though that freedom doesn’t translate to those outside the Circle — his impudence may bring him pain.
The covenant also uses Skalds as messengers, sending them as liaisons to other coteries, covenants or even creatures. (Skalds meet often with Lupines, for instance).
Type
Religious, Clerical
Alternative Naming
Skalds are also called the Awenyddion, Bards or Rhapsodes.
Related Organizations
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