Editing Character: nuShrike (section)

==Cult 4+1: the Bearers of the Golden Word==
+6m/hr, 1WP/6 hrs respiration. <br>
The ascent of the Veil-Winged Shrike to the position of both queen and tutelary goddess, symbolic bride of Thorns' newborn city father, was anticipated by sacred scripture. The ''Rule of the Golden Word'' foretold a coming age of Solar magnificence, the liberation of Thorns from the occupation of the Mask of Winters, and the ascension of 'the Last Daughter of Thorns'. Shrike is venerated not only by the citizens of Thorns -- and its Underworld equivalent -- but also by the oppressed and the aesthetically-inclined all across the Scavenger Lands. This level of metaphysical clout has not only brought her great power and influence, but also the enmity of many members of the Celestial Bureaucracy.<br>
Her priests and priestesses call themselves Wordbearers, in token of the amulets they wear: each one bears an inscription from Shrike's own hand. The carven glyph is usually the bearer's own name, or something else significant to them like 'Duty', but each one also carries a social attack (hidden by Letter-Within-a-Letter Technique) that enforces loyalty and powerful attraction to Shrike.