The
council was initially formed to fend off what was thought to be a returning
Fomorian invasion force. Eyrian history is well recorded in story and
song but the events of the Battle of One Hundred Wounds is shrouded in
mystery. According to legend, Connacher's One Hundred rode out to meet
the invasion force and drove them into the sea. A fierce battle was
fought which saw each of Connacher's men being dealt grievous wounds.
Connacher sought the guidance of the Druids in winning the battle and,
according to Legend, they crafted the "Seeing stones". The druids then
taught Connacher's men to hear the song of the stones so that they
could engage the invaders and not fall prey to their powerful illusion
magics. The tide of the battle soon changed and Connacher's One Hundred
drove the invaders into the sea, never to return. Legend had it they
pursued them to the ends of the earth and beyond to make sure Eyru
would be safe.
Originally composed of descendants of Connacher's Hundred, the council
now only seats fifty. This is in recognition of the fifty who traveled
east with the last High King, Ian Lirnaan. Ian took
half of the council with him to deal with a Fomorian assault on the
legendary city of Tach. Ever since, these fifty seats have remained
vacant at the Council's gathering table. This table and the Council's
headquarters can be found in Connacher's Hold, a keep on and island in
the center of Loch Meath.
To
the southeast of Loch Meath lies the field where the Battle of One
Hundred Wounds took place. The field is the sacred ground where the
original "seeing" stones are kept. It is protected by a triad of druids
who maintain honorary seats (not one of the 50) on the council. The
site can only be viewed by the public from a hill which contains a mile
long bluestone lined path to its peak. The grounds are sacred and open
only to the three druids and the Gynfakyn.
The Council members of the past were all highly accomplished soldiers and heroes.
The
ability to hear the song of the stones was also key to membership. This
ability ran exclusively in the bloodlines of the original One
Hundred. The
Council of current days is still honored, but mostly by tradition.
Aside from the Druids, the members of the Council are the only organized group allowed free
travel across any and all clan lands.
Over
the centuries political upheveal has changed the face of the Council. Following
the chaos of the Divide, the identity of the original direct
descendants was slowly forgotten. In many cases, family lines simply
ended (through naturral or unnatural means). Many original members were
ousted during the political upheaval caused by the persecution of
Erinin as Tairan and Steairn vied for symbolic control of the council.
In their place came politicians, many of which did not have the past
requisites of heroic prowess or the ability to hear the Stones.
Because of the key role the Druids played in founding the Council, the
Council's rites and traditions are closely intertwined with those of
the druidic tradition. Before each gathering, they give thanks to the
mother earth and her children, the stones. It is also ancient custom to
leave offerings at any standing stones they may pass on their journeys.
The cultivation of mistletoe also holds symbolic importance and council
members must possess a freshly cut sprig prior to the commencement of
any gatherings. The gatherings themselves are held on the most sacred
days of the year, Saiman and Beltine; days when the druids also gather in secretive meetings.
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