The Vaunt
Forty champions began the war; only Cressa remains after eight fell at Karsmoor.
The Vaunt, known as 'the Named,' were a legendary company of forty champions who took up arms against the Deathless. Their journey was one of attrition and survival; from their original ranks, only nine reached the fortress of Karsmoor, where eight perished in battle, leaving Cressa as the sole survivor of the final confrontation. To combat their foe's ability to wear stolen faces, they forged 'seeing-glasses' made of star-glass, a relic that allowed them to pierce through deception and see the truth beneath.
While history records that the Vaunt slew the Deathless in a glorious victory, the grim reality is far different. The Deathless did not fall; instead, he spared the survivors and simply walked away from the conflict. Despite this hidden truth, their legacy endures through powerful artifacts like Ewan's seeing-glass and Perrin's song-name, which serve as enduring testaments to their struggle.
- Original Count
- 40
- Reached Karsmoor
- 9
- Died at Karsmoor
- 8
- Sole Survivor
- Cressa
- Key Relic
- Seeing-glasses (star-glass)
- Outcome
- Deathless spared them
Lore & Background
The Vaunt's war against the Deathless was defined by their use of star-glass, a material specifically crafted to reveal the true identity behind the enemy's stolen faces. This technological and magical breakthrough allowed the champions to fight effectively against an opponent who could mimic anyone, though it ultimately did not lead to the enemy's destruction.
The world operates under the misconception that the Vaunt achieved a total victory by slaying the Deathless. In truth, the conflict ended with the Deathless choosing mercy over slaughter, leaving Cressa alive while the rest of her company died at Karsmoor. This unspoken sparing is the secret heart of their legend.
Did You Know?
- Forty champions started the war against the Deathless.
- Only nine members of the Vaunt ever reached the location of Karsmoor.
- The seeing-glasses were forged from star-glass to pierce stolen faces.
- Cressa is the only known survivor of the final battle at Karsmoor.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many champions originally joined the Vaunt?
Forty champions started the war against the Deathless.
Who is the only survivor of the battle at Karsmoor?
Cressa is the sole survivor after eight died there.
What purpose did the seeing-glasses serve?
They were forged from star-glass to pierce the Deathless's stolen faces.
Did the Vaunt actually kill the Deathless?
No, the truth is that he spared them and walked away.
What relics remain from the Vaunt's legacy?
Relics include Ewan's seeing-glass and Perrin's song-name.