Fane (Leagues of Votann)
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This article is about the Fanes. For other uses of Artificial Intelligence, see Artificial Intelligence (disambiguation). |
Fanes are devices used by the Grimnyr of the Leagues of Votann to interface with Ancestor Cores.[1] Because of this, they are places of great spiritual significance within Kin culture and are seen as a place where one stands in judgement before their ancestors.[3]
Overview
Every Hold has a Fane, which is a timeless device located in a space of quiet contemplation and usually in the most well-defended part of their stronghold.[3] At the heart of this device is a tangle of machinery that is part altar, part interface. It is said that once, these machines were simply nodes through which the wisdom of the Ancestor Cores moved from one voidcraft to another. While they still fulfill this practical purpose, they have subsequently taken on great cultural meaning. They are now viewed as places where one stands in full regard of the Ancestors, and in their presence all Kin maintain a sombre and heavy manner.[1] No two Fanes are exactly alike, but they all share some common features. They possess immense empyric processors running multidimensional quantum algorithms, churning enough data to generate heat hot enough to melt steel. Therefore, thousands of liquid supercoolant pipes are needed to keep the temperature at manageable levels. Fanes are often equipped with Votannic Relay devices which allow Holds to communicate with each other over interstellar distances near-simultaneously by sending messages to other Fanes.[2]
Usually, only a Grimnyr will ever be allowed to interface with a Fane while groups of Brôkhyr see to maintaining and protecting the ancient devices. Typically these are the only Kin ever allowed inside a Fane chamber, though sometimes important Kindred gatherings can take place inside them. It is not unknown for Fanes to be decorated by offerings or heirlooms by members of their Kindred.[3]
Through means that are not understood even to the Kin, there have been instances where Fanes have developed artificial intelligences in their own right and joined the ranks of the Votann themselves. These techno-miracles are cause for great honour and celebration amongst the Kindred in whichever Hold they occur. Conversely, more than one Ancestor Core has degenerated to the point of becoming little more than a Fane themselves. This is viewed as a great calamity by the Kin.[1]
Sources
- 1: Codex: Leagues of Votann (9th Edition), pg. 15
- 2: The High Kâhl's Oath (Novel), Chapter Five
- 3: Codex: Leagues of Votann (10th Edition), pg. 18