The Elder Protocol
The Elder Protocol is a long-kept secret of the Clan of Auton, devised by their first non-Founder Elder, Saphrax the Gnome Sorlock. It is the mechanism that allows for the continuation of the Clan's purpose throughout generations, and the way that all Elders after Saphrax became (at least in part) Warlocks. When an Elder finds themselves in a situation where they believe they will not escape with their life, they can initiate the Protocol in order to ensure the Clan continues on in its mission. The drawback is both forcing the Elder's death in the case where they could actually have survived, and trapping the souls of the Elder within the Council-room of the CoA, a space contained within the Soul-Scape of Vessel.
Above the Table
This is the lore reason that RJ has had his characters continue with his previous character as his new character's patron. As for the inspiration, the idea of 'inheriting the purpose from the last and those who failed' is directly inspired by the concept of Inherited Will from the shonen anime/manga One Piece.
