Court of Shadows: HERE
Holy Order: HERE
Paladin Order: HERE
The Gods
Eden- Order's Master
Eden is the oldest of all gods. Before there was light, before there was darkness, there was just the vast concept of nothingness. That is what Eden is; Void. Nobody knows how or when he came to be, he simply just is. Eden is the god of: nothingness, balance and space. It was his duty to keep balance between light and darkness but, with his ascension to the throne of Apocrypha this balance was shattered and war ( )oke out amongst the gods.
During this war Eden simply sat upon his throne watching proceedings. That was until he came across another god vastly weakened and fading from existence. Eden nursed this god back to health within his halls but for what other gods would see as a violation of their very being. This god however could not argue and thus allowed Eden to drain him of some of his energy to create the Rifters, powerful demonic beings that served Eden without question. In the future Eden formed an alliance with this other god so that they could have the heavens to themselves. The real truth is that Eden had the other god carry his power as if it were their child until the Rifters could be born so to speak. Eventually, Eden fell in love with the other god and in order to stay together for all of eternity, caused the War of the Gods. He however underestimated Um( )a's powers.
Title- The Master of Order
Rank- Divinity
Parent Deities/Created By- None, he is the original Chaos
Aspect- Dene, Aspect of Nothing
Allegiance- Court of Secrects
Realm- Formerly Apocrypha, now is trapped on the mortal plane of Edge with his lover
Element- Void
Created Race- Rifters, powerful demonic beings tasked with keeping Eden's (and by extension, his lover's) secrets safe
Associated Colour(s)- Black, white and Grey
Associated Animal- Stag (of any ( )eed of deer)
Associated metal- Platinum
Associated gemstone(s)- Dalmation Jasper, Jet, Black Opal
Evanura-The All-Father
Known as Evanura in the common tongue, the All-Father is the god of light, purity and life. It is by his blessing that the sun burns ( )ight and gives the world life and that the world is protected from the evils that darkness ( )ings. It is well known that he is the 3rd eldest God only shortly followed by Serenity, God of Time. Evanura was created or born (it is unknown how the Gods came to be, they simply just are) in order to keep the darkness that is Um( )a company for nothing may exist without equal or opposite.
During the War of the Gods, Dynasty ruled the side of "good" though in this war there was no right or wrong. After another God took control of Apocrypha, realm of immortality and magic, both he and Um( )a rebelled against it warring amongst themselves for the right to challenge this other god. Dynasty's side in this war, though winning, was the one that unknowingly harboured the greatest traitor to all living things. Thus it is said that because Dynasty's glory was so ( )illiant that even he was blinded by it. Eventually after the defeat of the traitor, Dynasty seized the seat of Apocrypha and now rules as a god among gods.
Title: The All-Father
Rank: Divinity
Parent Deities/Created by- the Aether, light magic born out of Apocrypha
Aspect: Aranuve, Aspect of Light
Allegiance: Court of Evanura
Element: Light
Realm: Luminescence later Apocrypha
Created Race: the Thrones. Although they serve all Gods, no matter their affiliation with one another, they were created by the All-Father
Associated colours: White, gold and pastel yellow
Associated animal: Lion
Associated metal: Gold
Associated gemstone(s): Diamond, clear quartz and alabaster
Um( )a- Divine of Eternal Darkness
Um( )a is the master of rot and death. He ( )eathes out shadows and bathes in eternal night. He looks down upon all living creatures with disdain and disgust. Um( )a is the patron God of the Court of Shadows whom seek out the living and lay them to bleed at his alters. The Empire of Empirias has outlawed his worship and made it a capital crime. Other kingdoms and countries are less extreme with their methods but still frown upon his worship. Some cultures yet ( )eath his name at funerals while some dare not even utter that. He is lord of darkness, death and suffering given form. To invoke his wrath is to call Hellfire upon yourself.
Um( )a led the opposing side to Evanura in the War of the Gods. While his opposite wished for absolute power, Um( )a wished for balance. He knew that if the war continued they would destroy not only themselves but, the mortal realm as well. It was with help from the Goddess of the Moon that he discovered the traitor in Evanura's ranks. By then it was far too late and both sides fought against the combined power of the traitor and Eden. They won, barely. As the two Gods were bound to mortality, Dynasty betrayed him and vanished him to the Abyss. In his rage, Um( )a now strikes out at the light wishing only to lay it dead. He almost succeeded...
Title- The Divine of Eternal Darkness, The Reaper
Rank: Divinity
Parent Deities/Created by- Moros, energy created from death
Aspect- Am( )u, Aspect of Shadow
Allegiance- Court of Um( )a
Realm- Nocturn, later was banished to the Abyss
Created Race- Dreamers
Element-Darkness
Associated colour(s)- Black, Gold and ruby red
Associated Animal- Wolf
Associated Metal- Gold
Associated gemstone(s)- Citrine, Ametrine, Black Diamond
Serenity- Father Time
God of the passing of the ages and of death as well as being the beloved patron God of the wood elves. Serenity is feared by most for he is the one who takes the souls of the living to the spirit world. He is lord of everything unnatural and a great ally to Um( )a however he did not side with him during the war. After the was ended, he expressed his opinion on the punishment of Eden and the traitor god. Serenity was punished for this by the All-Father and cast down to the mortal world where he now has absolute dominion over life and death. While he is usually a neutral party, he now wishes to aid Um( )a and Ivunluna in their revenge. He is the only one of the Gods who were cast out of the heavens who remained free and walks freely on Edge among his people. He is also the only one who knows the true whereabouts of Eden and the traitor god.
Title- Father Time, The King of the Wood Elves, the Ferryman
Aspect- Renseity, Aspect of Time
Parent deities/Created by- nothing, Serenity created himself by choosing to exist
Realm- Lethe, later cast down to Edge
Allegiance- Neutral, now Court of Um( )a
Created Race- Wood Elves
Element- Time
Associated Colour(s)- Mint Green, white and pale gold
Associated Animal- Tortoise
Associated Metal- Bismuth
Associated gemstone(s)- Opal, Iris Agate, Mint Alabaster
Veridia- the Planet-Mother
Known as the Goddess of the planet and of plants. She is the beloved queen of the fae folk and their beautiful mother. It is by her hand the the planet of Edge was created. From stone and dirt she carved and crafted and empty shell to be filled with life. Then she grew bored and angry at the world's imperfections and cast it aside allowing another opportunistic God to take a hold of her creations. She is also the fabled mistress of the All-father.
During the war, she took the side of her secret lover not knowing that somebody in their ranks knew of her relationship. When she took the throne of Apocrypha with Evanura she provoked a goddess much more powerful than she. Veridia was not worried however. She should of been. Despite Ivunluna's defeat and imprisonment, her curse lives on in Tenacity's Fae. In the shadows a force still plots revenge for not only itself but it's two siblings as well.
Title- The Planet-mother
Rank: Elemental
Parent deities/Created by- Serenity, God of time
Aspect- Aridevi, Aspect of Earth
Allegiance- Court of Evanura
Realm- The Verdant Wastes, later Apocrypha
Created Race- Fae
Element-Earth
Associated Colour(s)- Olive green, yellow and ( )own
Associated Animal- Gorillas
Associated metal- Bronze
Associated gemstone(s)- Jade, Emerald, Peridot
Ignis- the Hearth-Keeper/ The Dragon King
God of fire and the home as well as the patron god of the Ieeren-Draconis. He was the one who scorched the lands south of Empirias in his fury when he was cast out of the heavens in the ancient war of gods millions of years ago. He takes the form of a great dragon who is so large that his shadow blots out the sun. In the war of the Gods, he sided with Um( )a.
Title- The Great Dragon, The Dragon King, The Hearth-Keeper, Fury Given Wings
Rank: Elemental
Parent deities/Created by- Serenity, God of time
Aspect- Sigin, Aspect of Fire
Allegiance- Court of Um( )a
Realm- The Forge, later cast down and imprisoned on Edge
Created Race- Ieeren-Draconis
Element- Fire
Associated Colour(s)- Red, orange and yellow
Associated Animal- Iguana
Associated metal- Copper
Associated gemstone(s)- Red Jasper, Ruby, Yellow Diamond
Hydris- the King of the Oceans
God of the seas and water in general. Patron god to sailors and sea faring folk. He takes the form of a great serpent and lives in the deepest, darkest depths of the ocean cursing Eden for he was the one who tore off his wings and imprisoned him in the sea during the War of the Gods. Hydris is fury and rage incarnate and one would do well to respect him.
Title- The King of the Oceans, the Wingless One, the Fury of the Seas
Rank: Elemental
Parent deities/Created by- Serenity, God of time
Aspect- Dryhis, Aspect of the Seas
Allegiance- Court of Evanura
Realm- Aquasa, later imprisoned on Edge
Created Race- the long dead Mer-fae, mermaid type creatures that were hunted to extinction
Element- Water
Associated Colour(s)- Turquoise, pastel blue and pale gold
Associated Animal- Sea Snakes
Associated Metal- Mercury
Associated gemstone(s)- Lapis Lazuli, Pearl, Aquamarine
Spiris- the Emperor of the Skies
God of wind and weather and patron god to none. He hates the idea of mortals ( )eathing in his air and will do anything to make their lives harder, be it rain or hurricanes. He is very fond of hurricanes and wind storms in general. He loves all birds. Spiris fled the battlefield and took refuge in his own realm of power sending as much aid as he could to Um( )a's side during the War of the Gods and there, he has remains, fearing the same fate as his beloved ( )others, Ignis and Hydris
Title- Emperor of the Skies
Rank: Elemental
Parent deities/Created by- Serenity, god of time
Aspect- Iripis, Aspect of Wind
Allegiance- Court of Um( )a
Realm- The High Roost
Created Race- Moano, bird like creatures who were wiped out in a war
Element- Air
Associated Colour(s)- Purple, Grey and black
Associated Animal- Sparrow Hawk
Associated Metal- Cobalt
Associated gemstone(s)- Hawk's Eye, Angelite, Amethyst
Ivunluna- the Queen of the Moon
Known as Ivunluna, Goddess of the moon and patron Goddess of the moon elves. She has dominion over ice and snow. She is the fabled ( )ide of the All-father. She is the silver moon and he is the golden sun. They work as a balance, never altering from the course they determined for each other. That was till the War of the Gods...
Evanura took the throne of Apocrypha. Ivunluna thought that she'd have the chance to rule by his side for all her effort and help guide the gods. She was however, betrayed by her partner and the goddess of earth. In her fury, she fled to the Abyss and joined Um( )a in plotting her revenge. She cultivated her Moon Elves, manipulating them to grow their empire, before sowing the seeds of chaos in their ranks. This was the beginning of the Court of Shadows. Eventually when she and Um( )a were defeated, she was imprisoned on the moon for all of eternity. Little by little, she is regaining her powers for the day she will ( )eak free for the Moon Goddess has struck a deal with the Master of Secrets...
Title- The Queen of the Moon, The Queen of the Court of Shadows
Rank: Astral
Parent Deities/Created by- Umbra, God of darkness
Aspect- Luinnvu, Aspect of the Moon
Allegiance- Court of Evanura, now Court of Um( )a
Realm- Val Luna, later was imprisoned on the Moon named after her.
Created Race- Moon Elves
Element-Ice
Associated Colour(s)- Dark blue, silver and black
Associated Animal- Owl
Associated metal- Silver
Associated gemstone(s)- Moonstone, Selenite, La( )adorite
Ar-arisa- the Huntress
Goddess of energy and life. Patron goddess of comedians, athletes, dancers ad pranksters and twin sister of Ivunluna. She is always filled with joy and well, energy. Her purpose is to hunt down other gods which is an activity she greatly enjoys to no end. Thus, she does not usually concern herself with mortals but, has however been known to play pranks upon them all just for her own enjoyment. She is very unpredictable and is friends with Spiris. Both of these gods together is a disaster waiting to happen. She sided with Um( )a during the War seeing as he actually wanted to KILL Evanura and she's all about murdering her fellows.
Title- The Huntress, The God's Bane, Thunder Spear
Rank: Astral
Parent deity/Created by- Excess energy when Umbra was born
Aspect- Sa-arira, Aspect of Lightning
Allegiance- Court of Um( )a
Realm- Stormhold
Created Race- Sun Elves
Element- Electricity
Associated Colour(s)- Gold, Yellow and orange
Associated Animal- Tiger
Associated Metal- Potassium
Associated gemstone(s)- Amber, Tiger's Eye, Pyrite
Iustia- the Judge
God of justice and law. He works closely with humanity guiding them along the right paths and helping them steer clear of the darkness. He cannot however, protect all. When souls get lost in sin, he judges them to see if they are worthy of getting a new start in life. If so he allows them to be reborn, if not he passes them along to Serenity. He did not take part in the War of the Gods as he was yet to be born.
Title- The Judge, the Magister
Rank: Minor Gods
Parent Deities/Created by- Evanura and Veridia
Realm- The Grand Arena
Allegiance- Neutral
Element- Order
Associated Colour(s)- Pink and Red
Associated Animal- Bear
Associated Metal- Iron
Associated gemstone(s)- Rose Quatz, Rubellite, Imperial Garnet
Arkane- the Font of Power
Goddess of magic and patron Goddess of mages. Arkane is the youngest of the gods and once was mortal. She was the one who gave her life to defeat the Court of Shadows and was rewarded with divinity. She looks after all mages helping them steer clear of the court. She has however, turned away from her charges in disgust recently. Nobody, not even the all father knows why.
Title- The Font of Power, The High-Seeress
Rank: Minor Gods
Parent Deities/Created By- was mortal and granted divinity
Realm- The Feymarch
Allegiance- Court of Secrets
Element- Magic
Associated Colour(s)- Purple and pink
Associated Animal- Domestic Cats
Associated Metal- Bismuth
Associated Gemstone(s)- Indigo Aura Quatz, Purple Flourite, Star Sapphire
Valanora- The Forgotten One
Very little is known about Valanora, that is probably why he is god of secrets, knowledge and truth. His temples once rivalled the cities built in the All-Father's honour and his power threatened the very existence of the gods. It is said that the war of the gods was stopped in order to cast him down from divinity. All gods on Edge or in Apocrypha came together to defeat him forcing him into the body of a mortal. It is said however that once his body dies his spirit/soul takes control of another as he eternally searches for Eden, his lover.
Title- The Forgotten One, The Traitor, the Hidden Keeper of Secrets, the Fate Weaver
Rank- Minor God, Elevated to Divinity for a short time, currently considered a Traitor
Parent Deities/Created By- Born when the blood of the sun (the Aether) touched the mortal realm (Theia)
Aspect- Anolarav, Aspect of Secrets
Allegiance- Court of Secrets
Realm- Lovarana the Realm of Secrets, Apocrypha, then he was cast down to Edge
Created Race- High Elves
Element- Knowledge/Secrets
Associated Colour(s)- Grey, Blue and white
Sacred Animal- Raven
Associated Metal- Titanium
Associated gemstone(s)- Rainbow Aura Quartz, Mystic Fire Topaz, Black Star Sapphire
Minor Gods
Dinari- God of Stars
The God of Stars and younger ( )other to Eden, God of the Void. Dinari has long been known as an ally of Ivunluna during her betrayal of her ( )ethern and support of the Court of Shadows. He also famously supported Valanora and Eden's attack on their fellow Gods leading to his banishment from their realm. He now aimlessly wanders the Abyss occasionally throwing down meteors in spite.
Allegiance: Court of Secrets
Aurore- Lady of the Morning Star
The Goddess of the Dawn and eldest daughter out of Eden's and Valanora's twins. In the War of the Gods she stood by her father's side in the battle. Sun Elves hold her sacred along side her father as she ( )ings the coming of the new day.
Allegiance- Court of Evanura
Vesper- Lady of the Evening Star
Goddess of Dusk and Aurore's younger twin sister. She sided with Um( )a during the War of the Gods. She is loved by the Moon Elves for she heralds the coming of night. Vespera was beloved by her mother more than her sister and thus is loved more by the moon elves peoples than Aurore.
Allegiance- Court of Um( )a
Celia- Goddess of Nebulae and Aurora
Sister of Ivunluna, Goddess of Nebulae and birth. She is the fabled lover of Dinari and when he was exiled to the Abyss, she followed due to not being able to bear being parted from him. In the depths of Space she paints the sky with colour.
Allegiance- Court of Secrets
Lucis- Goddess of Divine Mercy
Daugter of Evanura and Ivunluna, Lucis is the bride of Iustia and mistress of mercy. She is the patron god of healers and goddess of forgiveness. Her visage can often be found guarding temples and places of healing.
Allegiance: Neutral
Azun- Goddess of the Ocean Blue
Azun is the daughter of Hydris and Ar-arisa. She is the goddess of oceans and seas. Tempermental and moody.
Allegiance: Court of Hydris
Wevryn- Goddess of Rivers
Daughter of Hydris and Ar-arisa. Goddess of rivers and lakes. Calm and gental, patron of the water fae.
Allegiance: Court of Hydris
Amoris- God of Love
Son of Umbra and Evanura. Created during a clash between the gods where their hate was so strong the very universe had to create a force of love equal in power to balance it out.
Allegiance: Neutral
Belflora- Goddess of Flowers
Sister of Veridia. Consort of Amoris.
Allegiance: Court of Veridia
Bestrine- God of Beasts
Brother of Veridia, consort of bother Ar-arisa and Spiris
Allegiance: Court of Veridia
Jourvun- God of Revelries and Cele( )ation
Twin brother of Ar-arisa. Jourvun was the patron god of the High Elf city of Selene that crumbled into the sea under it's own hubris.
Allegiance: Neutral
Ivlilith- Goddess of Sin
Sister of Umbra. Created by mortal sin.
Allegiance: Neutral
Veris- God of Virtue
Brother of Evanura, created by mortal virtue.
Allegiance: Neutral
Anora'al- God of pathways, Journeys and Dusk
Twin brother of Valanora. Not much is know about Anora'al only that he was said to guide mortal souls along their path while they exist in a physical form. He is said to be the key holder to open up all secrets in the world. He is perhaps one of Valanora's only fears as he could destroy everything his brother is.
Allegiance: Court of Secrets
Skaia- Goddess of Wealth and commerce
Bride of Anora'al. Known as the Golden Lady.
Allegiance: Court of Secrets
Wood Elf Gods and their Counterparts in the Pantheon
All-Father- Evanura, the All-Father
Planet-Mother- Veridia, the Planet-Mother
Serenity- Serenity
Goddess of the Hunt- Ar-arisa
Goddess of Motherhood- Celia
God of Craft- An aspect of Celia or Veridia (creation)
God of Fire- Ignis
Goddess of Death- Ivunluna
God of Magic- An Aspect of Valanora or Arkane
God of Secrets- Valanora
The Holy Order
The Holy Order controls all religion in Empirias. It is divided into different groups that follow different variations of the same teachings. They all are ruled by the Grace. Each priest or priestess in the order devotes themselves to a single god or goddess once they become a full member of the order. Robe colours and decoration explained below:
All-Father: Higher up priests/priestesses wear all white, accented by gold while the lower down worshippers wear pastel yellow accented by white
Serenity: Priests/priestesses of Serenity wear loose pastel green robes with white details and white sashes
Veridia: Priestesses (only women are allowed to become servants to Veridia) all wear green robes of varying shades with floral decoration and patterns. They often wear floral wreaths and flower crowns
Ivunluna- Higher ranking priests/priestesses of Ivunluna wear dark blue, decorated with silver and a flowing veil. Lower ranking priests/priestesses wear pastel blue and white, decorated with silver
Ignis: Priests/Priestesses of Ignis wear blood red robes, decorated with gold and orange jewels
Hydris- Wear turquoise robes with white detailing. Usually decorated with seashells and pearls
Spiris: Wear purple robes of all shades and will have silver and black detailing. Often wear feathers and furs for decoration
Ar-arisa: Priests/Priestesses of Ar-arisa wear ( )ight yellow, decorated in shades of gold, many jewels and glitter
Iustia: Wear long, black hooded robes with some pink accents. Usually carry weapons
Arkane: Dark purple robes decorated in gold, all servants of the goddess Arkane are mages
General Jobs in the Order
The Keepers
The Keepers are a shadowy group of religious peoples. They tend to travel alone and keep to themselves. They worship Serenity, god of time almost fanatically and believe that they have the power to predict the very future as well as look into the past. Only they know the truth of it. They offer to tell other travellers fortunes and read their fates. They have a very good knack for predicting people's deaths. They have no known leader. Most of them may be frauds but some are actual Seers and Oracles who have somehow managed to retain power after the Void Years. They are all of varying races but, somehow the Holy Order has accepted them in with open arms.
The Keepers always dress completely in pure white with those of higher rank perhaps wearing a pastel green sash.
Initiate
People who have newly joined the Order. They can be any age or gender. During their training they are separated into groups of age so they can all learn at the same rate as they age. Many initiates are orphans who had nowhere else to go.
Sister/Brother
An initiate who has taken vows. They may not have taken all the vows that are possible to take but, they are now formally a part of the Order and will have duties such as comforting mourners and cleaning the temples. These people are usually seen as servants and are many in number. They have their own dorms and are allowed small luxuries. The men wear veils over their eyes made from see through material while the women wear it over their hair.
Priest/Priestess
A full member of the order. They have taken many vows including ones of celibacy depending on their God/Goddess (those following the All-father, Veridia and Ivunluna do not take this vow). They help hold funerals and weddings as well as teaching the initiates. They are also often in charge of small shrines and will help people make their offerings. They have larger dorms but are allowed no personal objects (many still hide them though).
Mother/Father
The leader of a temple or group of believers. They looks after all in their care and perform the funeral services and weddings. They also read from the scriptures for the people who visit and are the ones who bless the offerings given. They also often leave their temple and go about the city helping people though this is not as common as it once was. They have their own quarters.
Speaker
A speaker is the leader of a larger temple. They oversee all the mothers/fathers in their region and perform the same duties but to people of higher social class and larger groups. The inner circle of the Holy Grace is made up of Speakers who advise him. They have their own rooms and are allowed personal freedoms. Many do not live in their temple and stay at home with their families.
High Mother/Father
The overseer of the temples/shrines of their city or even their own order. They look after all people of their group and make sure that everything is running correctly. These leaders are the ones who may have a chance at becoming Grace or High-Priestess if a successor has not been chosen or done the rights of passage.
High-Priestess
The woman who essentially oversees all of the Order. She is in control of the army and healers and will often be the one who will speak for the Grace of he is not present. She is in control of the Grand Cathedral.
Holy Grace
Always a moon elven man. He is the leader of the whole order and his rule is absolute. People must see him as the embodiment of the All-Father himself if his power is to be respected. They are blinded so that they will be unable to fight against the rule of the emperor and empress but, this has never stopped the Grace before and not many want the throne of Empirias anyway as they have their own. The Grace's influence must be felt further than Empirias and so they are respected in many different countries as a leader of the light. There is always five candidates to become grace at any one time and there is always a favoured one who is given the title Heir to the Grace. There are other candidates under the chosen five just in case any of them die from the trails, illness or are assassinated.
Trials of the Grace
The first year involves being locked away in a small room with no light and no human interaction. Most candidates either die or go insane. Food consists of ( )ead and soup and water which is provided ona tray three times a day through a cat-flap type opening on the door.
The second year consists of prayer and fasting where the candidate with put them selves into numerous trances. Some more will either just give up or die as the trances involve opening themselves up to dark forces. If it is believed that the candidate is under the influence of anything dark or tainted they are either killed or thrown out onto the streets.
The third year is the hardest for most as the candidate is put through very strenuous trails. This is a huge secret but, many know it involves torture to extract all darkness from the person. Sometimes the priests or priestesses have been known to kill candidates they don't like. What’s worse that the others are chained down and forced to watch others under go this horror. If at the end of the year the candidate is alive and free of sin their eyes are burnt to blind them so they cannot have too much power.
Other Jobs
Healers, Teachers, Mages, Guards and Shop Keepers who sell charms and incense.
Paladin Order
The Paladins are some of the most elite soldiers and mages who use their powers to combat darkness in the world. They hunt down necromancers, demons, witches, blood mages and other "evils" of the world. Their biggest foe even to this day is the Court of Shadows. The paladins see all these things as a threat to the world and will do all they can to eliminate such things with as much hatred as one can muster. However, the amount of mages they hunt has in the past harmed the Arcane University and in turn the University has purposely harmed them in response. Such as both orders dislike each other. Lady Elda has however put up new rules allowing the University to judge all mages before the Paladins kill them. This has ( )ought some stability to the relationship between their orders. That was until members of the Paladins discovered the Arch-mage's past with the Court of Shadows and attempted to ( )and him. Paladin's and the University are now back on rocky ground but the Arch-mage and Knight-Commander seem to be able to act civil around each other...somehow.
About Branding
Branding is the only way for a Paladin to fully subdue a dark mage without killing them. The ( )ands are burned into a mage's skin. There are three kinds of ( )and:
1. Forehead Brand- shaped like a sunburst or some form of star. Located on the forehead. This is mostly used to limit the power of a very powerful mage and identify threats to the order.
2. Half-Brand-the half ( )and combines the forehead ( )and with intricate scarring across the chest and shoulders. The pattern is usually in swirls. This ( )and is used to cut off a mage's powers without killing them and effectively makes the mage useless.
3. Full Brand- in which the whole body is burned and ( )anded. This is done to make sure the mage never casts magic ever again. This kind of ( )and is only done when the mage is considered part of the Court of Shadows. Leaving this ( )and incomplete can cause serious complications to the health of the mage, including pains, dizzy spells, erratic magic and in some circumstances, hinder the mage's ability to have children. The magic in the ( )and will eventually kill the mage once it is placed on but only after many many years of struggle and suffering. This ( )and will only be used if the mage is either: A. Not one of the founding members of the Court, B. A well known member of society.
Knights
These are soldiers that carry large heavy shields and wear metal armour. Knights are clad in platinum and decorated with moonstone while donning billowing cloaks. Knights are the largest force in the Paladins and are the oldest sect of the order.
Their dress uniform for all cities is dark blue and silver.
Warlords
Warlords are masters of the battlefield wielding huge two-handed weapons and ( )inging fear into the hearts of all who see them. They tend to battle large or armoured foes and are more than likely to punch their way into victory. They mostly wear metal armour adorned with spoils of victory like furs and other trinkets. The more spoils the more respected a warlord is.
Their dress uniform is blood red and gold.
Scouts
The job of a scout is to search for places where any dark creatures may be. They carry a bow and a pair of daggers and can defend themselves against weaker foes but are not usually used for fighting. The all wear leather armour that they decorate with the nature around them for camouflage.
Their dress uniform is green with ( )own decor.
Slayers
The assassins of the group. These men, women and other are highly skilled in the use of bows, daggers and magic though can wield pretty much anything if they are pressed. Their job is to slip into places and eliminate dark creatures without a big fuss. They all wear jet black. Slayers are usually monitored closely as they are more well in tuned to the darkness and may go rouge at any given point. If they are they may find themselves surrounded by their old allies.
Their dress uniform is black and silver.
Paragons/Champions
These are people who lead a group of soldiers (mentioned above). They can choose what they wish to be called (either paragon or champion) but it doesn’t really matter. They are very skilled in many areas and can also be called the Wardens, those who ward of the very night. Most are seen in silver and white, light reflecting of their armour as they march into battle burning the very shadows with their faith and light.
Their dress uniform can be any colours they wish but MUST contain a cloak.
Seekers
"We are the Seekers, the children of the shadows. We are like the flame atop a candle and single ( )eeze may blow us out but we are always lit again. We hold the darkness at bay, despite being born of it."
These people are elite spys, assassins and thieves. They are the best of the best when it comes to stealth. They do not fight but, they watch and they wait. When a target let's their guard down, they kill. When someone thinks evidence is locked away, they will get it. You think you can trust them? They know the truth and you will never hide anything from the eyes of a Seeker. They watch all, priest/priestesses, mages, other paladins even royalty. Nobody is safe from a Seeker. They will find you and they will destroy you.
Seekers do not have dress uniforms as they never stop working.
(please ask before you make a Seeker :) )
The Court of Shadows
The Court of Shadows was originally another order that worked along side the Arcane University and Paladin Order back in the founding days. They were tasked with magical research into dark magics and other forbidden things the university wouldn't touch. The Paladin Order watched they very closely for corruption. Most of the followers worshipped the Moon Goddess who before she was exiled spoke to the King of the Court in his dreams.
At the beginning the group mainly focused in finding ways to disable dark creatures and to research the workings of necromancy. In secret they worked day and night for a way to control the shadows themselves since the power back then did not exist. Eventually they accomplished their goal with the aid of the Moon Goddess. When the Paladin's found out they tried to kill the Court but, were swatted down with little effort by their King.
It is said that these mage's each could destroy the world ten times over with but a simple action. They however did not wish to destroy but rule instead. For thousands of years their Era of Darkness held the world in fear and silence. Wars were waged and lost by many nations. During this time the Moon Goddess was cast down from the heavens and imprisoned on her beloved moon. This weakened the court but not it's king. The All-Father helped the world's nations in the Um( )an War's final battle that has come to be known as the Battle at Apocrypha's Edge.
This is where the All-Father and the world's current most powerful mage who has simply become known as Arkane (goddess of magic) who gave their life to seal away Eterna in a prison of crystal. It is said that the All-Father made Arkane a goddess for ending this reign of terror.
The remaining members of the court hid in darkness becoming liches, feasting upon negativity and luring more people in for they believe that one day Ivunluna will grace them again and their king will awaken.
The Current Court
The Court is very different now than it was thousands of years ago. The original mages stay in their hidden stronghold known as the Um( )an Cradle. Nobody knows where that is or even if it really exists. It is said to be made from black crystal and buried somewhere in the frozen wastes north of Empirias.
The Court currently is rebuilding it's numbers for the on coming storm. They know the world is changing and that another war is coming. They know they must be ready for it could mean their fall. They seek out mages who have been abandoned or who have been cast out of normal society. Although many of these mages go to the Universities doors instead they Court doesn’t seem to mind as more mages in one place makes an easier target for their mind control powers.
The prison of Eterna has recently been ( )oken into or ( )oken out of. The Court is rather confused as they know they have not done this nor could of their sleeping king. Somehow Eterna has escaped from his prison and that could cause disaster for the whole world. Strangely neither he or Arkane are considered the most powerful mages anymore and people are confident that Eterna can be killed this time round. However, this begs a question; how can a mage that powerful be truly mortal?
Roles in the Court
The Court is large and many and thus they need many peoples. All members dress in pure black with gold accents. They may sometimes use red as well.
The Liches/The Husks are the leaders of the current Court. They are the original members of the Court who survived the war. They are either powerful mages or assassins.
Assassins.
Necromancers/Magical Researchers.
Recruiters.
Lore-Keepers.
The Bound (un-dead people whose souls are held captive by dark magics.) |
