The Imperial Oracles are idiot savants of the Vertani Empire whose sole purpose is to foretell the cycle that brings the next Ascendant into position. Unlike most Vertani, the Oracles have no house. They dwell in the far eastern lands of Vertan.
Oracles live in horror after having been "touched by the All" - a euphemism referring to the crushing insanity they bear. They constantly try to remedy their situation by suicide, and as such must be kept restrained and under a watchful eye at all times.