Null Heralds

Artist's rendering of a Null Herald emerging from the void between stars, based on accounts from the Astral Codex

Null Heralds are enigmatic entities that serve as emissaries and agents of cosmic liches throughout the known universe. These beings occupy a unique position in the celestial hierarchy, acting as both harbingers and administrators of their masters' will across vast regions of space. Unlike more conventional servants, Null Heralds exist in a state of perpetual semi-manifestation, their forms composed primarily of concentrated void essence and stabilized through complex applications of void magic.

Nature and Composition

Null Heralds represent one of the most unusual forms of conscious entity known to magical science. Their physical makeup defies conventional analysis, as they exist simultaneously as both matter and void. The Academy of Spectral Studies has conducted extensive research into their composition, discovering that Null Heralds maintain their coherence through a delicate balance of entropy manipulation and carefully controlled applications of void realm manifestation.

The process of creating a Null Herald remains one of the most closely guarded secrets of cosmic liches. Historical records from the Codex of Forbidden Exchanges suggest that the transformation requires a willing subject to undergo a process known as null ascension, during which their physical form is systematically unmade while their consciousness is preserved and rebuilt using strands of pure void energy. This process is said to be excruciating and irreversible, with success rates estimated at less than one percent.

Functions and Responsibilities

A Null Herald performing a complex void ritual to extend their master's influence, captured by specialized void-sensitive equipment

As representatives of their cosmic lich masters, Null Heralds fulfill various crucial roles within the celestial power structure. Their primary function involves maintaining and expanding their master's influence throughout their designated territories. This includes overseeing lesser servants such as Void Attendants and stellar specters, conducting complex void rituals, and serving as channels through which their masters can project power across vast distances.

Null Heralds are particularly valued for their ability to navigate the spaces between conventional reality. This talent makes them ideal messengers and negotiators between different cosmic lich domains. The Department of Cosmic Entity Research has documented numerous instances of Null Heralds serving as diplomatic envoys during periods of celestial conflict, their unique nature allowing them to traverse otherwise impassable barriers of space and time.

One of their most important responsibilities involves the maintenance and expansion of void-thread networks, the complex webs of null energy that cosmic liches use to maintain their distributed consciousness across space. This delicate work requires an intimate understanding of both void mechanics and the fundamental structure of reality itself.

Abilities and Manifestation

The powers of Null Heralds stem directly from their unique composition and their connection to their cosmic lich masters. Their most basic ability involves manipulating local space-time to create temporary zones of absolute void, similar to the effects of Voidure Black but on a more controlled scale. These "null zones" can be used for various purposes, from creating secure communication channels to facilitating the transport of void-sensitive materials.

Perhaps their most striking capability is their ability to manifest simultaneously in multiple locations across their master's domain. This is achieved through a process the Guild of Systematic Thaumaturgy terms "void threading," where a single Herald's consciousness is stretched across multiple points in space-time, anchored by their master's power. This ability makes them extremely effective administrators but also renders them vulnerable to disruptions in their master's influence.

Hierarchy and Social Structure

Within the court of a cosmic lich, Null Heralds occupy a position of significant privilege and responsibility. They form a complex hierarchical structure among themselves, with more powerful Heralds commanding greater territories and more numerous lesser servants. This hierarchy is not static but constantly shifts based on the changing needs and whims of their cosmic lich masters.

The relationship between Null Heralds serving different masters is governed by ancient protocols established during the Age of Shadows. These rules, codified in the Astral Codex, ensure that interactions between different cosmic lich domains remain relatively stable, preventing the outbreak of catastrophic void wars that could threaten the fabric of space itself.

Cultural Impact and Study

The existence of Null Heralds has profoundly influenced both magical research and popular culture. Their unique nature has led to numerous breakthroughs in understanding the relationship between consciousness, void energy, and space-time. The Theory of Chromatic Interconnection draws heavily from observations of how Null Heralds maintain their distributed existence.

In popular culture, Null Heralds have become symbols of both cosmic power and the price of immortality. Their transformation from mortal beings into creatures of the void has inspired countless works of art and literature, including several passages in the famous "Songs of the Void". The phrase "herald's choice" has entered common usage to describe an irreversible decision with profound consequences.

Monitoring and Containment

The activities of Null Heralds are closely monitored by various organizations, including the International Council of Chromatic Control and the Department of Chromatic Containment. These agencies maintain specialized void chambers equipped with advanced detection equipment to track Herald movements and activities throughout known space.

While direct containment of Null Heralds is generally considered impossible due to their nature, various protocols exist for limiting their influence and preventing unauthorized interactions with mortal civilizations. These measures fall under the broader framework of the Darkness Protocols, which govern all interactions with cosmic entities and their servants.

See Also

• Void Consciousness Studies
• Laws of Null Thaumaturgy
• Stellar-Void Interactions

References

• Astral Codex, Volume III: Servants of the Void
• Proceedings of the Academy of Spectral Studies: Herald Manifestation Patterns
• Codex of Forbidden Exchanges: Transformation Protocols
• Grimoire of Impossible Pigments: Void Entity Classifications