In ages past, the First Scholar Herol discovered how to make markings on animal skins that knowledge will not be lost. This brought him to the attention of Strolen, small god — or rather, sysadmin of Strolen’s Citadel, close enough :) — interested in oddities of the world. In one of his last acts in the mortal world, Strolen made Herol a jesoph, imbuing him with divine power that he could act as the god’s eyes and hands in the mortal world.
(The covenant text that follows is modeled after the Covenants and Gifts presented in Classic Play: Book of Immortals from Mongoose. Mechanical effects will be summarized at a high level between the terms.)
I will aid all Seekers of Lore when they call. I will stand between them and ignorance; I will guide them and share with them the tools needed to further their cause. In exchange, I accept the gift and the burden of the Eyes of Heragor.
This is a modified ‘Allegiance’ term, adapted to better fit the pursuit of knowledge. Seekers of Lore already choose to enter dangerous situations to regain lost knowledge, protecting them from the consequences of their decisions, and thus from learning from their actions, is contrary to the spirit of the covenant. In exchange, Herol gains a Numen gift (modified Archon — ‘Call Neutral Fey Archon’, but as gatherers of information rather than warriors).
I swear, by the powers I wield and the truth I serve, to fulfill the Prophecy of the Ravdaya. When, in the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world again I will act as a Guide to aid mortals in their struggle to accomplish the same task. In exchange, I accept the gift and the burden of the Ravenous Tome.
This is a Quest term in exchange for the artifact “the Ravenous Tome”, a book that constantly gathers information from written works around it. When the cycle turns and the Prophecy of Ravdaya becomes valid again, Herol must act as a guide and offer advice and clues to those who try to fulfill the Prophecy.
In accordance with the ancient law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up responsibility for writing in the Boundless Scroll, recording all that has occurred in the year before. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price the world may demand, up to and including my removal from the past, the present and the future. In exchange, I accept the gift and the burden of life unending.
This is s Ritual commitment, symbolizing the collation and distillation of knowledge gained by the Ravenous Tome in the last year. In exchange Herol gains Eternal Youth.
The First Scholar Herol was born during the Age of Gods, survive the Age of Upheaval, and now travels the lands of the Seekers of Lore in the Age of Rediscovery. He will not die of natural causes, but he is a long way from becoming even a small god, let alone gaining full immortality.
In full, the Covenant of First Scholar Herol so far is
I will aid all Seekers of Lore when they call. I will stand between them and ignorance; I will guide them and share with them the tools needed to further their cause. In exchange, I accept the gift and the burden of the Eyes of Heragor.
I swear, by the powers I wield and the truth I serve, to fulfill the Prophecy of the Ravdaya. When, in the cycle of time, this quest comes before the world again I will act as a Guide to aid mortals in their struggle to accomplish the same task. In exchange, I accept the gift and the burden of the Ravenous Tome.
In accordance with the ancient law and the rules laid down in the beginning I take up responsibility for writing in the Boundless Scroll, recording all that has occurred in the year before. If I fail in this duty the fault, the price and the actions to make it right fall upon me. I accept whatever price the world may demand, up to and including my removal from the past, the present and the future. In exchange, I accept the gift and the burden of life unending.