Anti-revenant propaganda was effectual even while under-informed.
A revenant is being of largely humanoid physiology with significantly increased vitality and lifespan. Known collectively as The Revenant, the beings' origins remain speculative even centuries after the first recorded accounts of their existence. Long considered an old and unsubstantiated myth, the confirmation of their existence during the original Flambeaux's dynasty caused widespread scandal and resulted in nearly universal ostracism of revenants from northern states.
Etymology[]
The term 'revenant' is a repurposing of an ancient Cavendish term for a spectral spirit or wraith. Its use stems from the popular belief that revenants are the physical forms of ascended humans somehow returned to material existence. This has led to some confusion over the word's use, and several of the more outlandish histories of revenants can be traced to even older legends of folkloric ghosts. Archivists have drawn more direct links between the revenant and the prehistoric Commissar-Cavendish tales of the Rusalka, a demon that drained the life-force of its victims to survive.
Physiology[]
Information on revenant physiology comes primarily from eyewitness testimony, often of dubious quality. A revenant's physical form quickly disperses on death, leaving researchers without concrete anatomical subjects. Among the abilities credited to the revenant are the power to cause sickness or weakness by touch and the power to change physical form or to assume the form of another human. Many tales of revenant interaction make note of their curiously charismatic nature, and prescribe to them powers of hypnosis. No visibly aged or childlike revenants have been reported. A report from a Flambeaux technician claimed that revenant biology prevented the implantation of wireless tranciever technology , though no additional details were provided.
Records[]
The first public acknowledgment of revenant activity occurred early in the Tenebrous Period with the uncovering and defeat of Borgonne by Tom Garatner. The fallout of Borgonne's string of murders and the sensationalisation of her methods fed a widespread fear of further danger from revenants. Though several alleged revenants were captured and eventually executed modern scholars have expressed doubts that any additional bona-fide revenants were ever captured. The scandal culminated in the accusation of Justine Flambeaux, the current dynastic heir. The claim would follow her until her death, after which she was famously interred in a publicly visible glass coffin to prove her body's corporeality.
Current Status[]
Popular fear of revenants has resulted in expatriation laws in many states, though the laws' enforcement remains problematic. Students of the revenant scandals have suggested the revenants simply ceased to advertise their presence, and believe they exist in fairly large secret communities within Phlogistonia. Flambeax and Baptiste enforcers as well as modern Phlogistonian councils have suppressed such reports in an attempt to minimize public anxiety. Wireless Denialists have a standing policy of asylum for revenants. The society's closely guarded location prevents authorities from confirming the claim.
References[]
Wireless Implanted Tranceivers (WITs)
Wireless Denialists