Seven Ancestors
Description
When the Blue Jewel — House Walt's heirloom relic — absorbed the eighth skill (Lyle's own), it evolved into a full 'jewel': an artifact able not merely to store others' skills but to retain the memories, character, and personality of their bearers. The seven previous heads of the house, whose abilities had been recorded into the stone over generations, came alive as independent voices.
The ancestors speak with Lyle in his sleep — in a special 'assembly hall' inside the jewel. They argue, make noise, give advice, and tease their descendant, but every conversation drains Lyle's mana. To reduce the cost, they chose the Fourth — Max Walt — as their intermediary and agreed not to all speak at once. The First (Basil) and Second (Crassel) are in constant conflict; the four elder heads hold special regard for Novem because of an old debt to House Forxuz.
The ancestors' skills are available to Lyle only conditionally: he must earn their recognition, and most are too powerful for his current mana reserve. The First's skill — 'Full Burst' (a temporary boost to all abilities) — is regarded as his most attainable next step.
