The Shadow Brigade
The Shadow Brigade was formed sometime in the 1450s A.L. (After Lyonos) They are an order dedicated to the Dreadful Arts- an illegal practice of Magic in Thira.
Because their practice is illegal, members meet in secret. When they do show themselves, they wear masks in the shape of distorted, frightening faces- traditionally animals, demons, or trolls. They wear all black except for the blood red cloaks with a large black wraith embroidered on it.
In 1552, Vincent Blackstar, the disgraced half brother of King Alexander Stormstar, took over the Brigade. From that point on, they had a new mission. To help Blackstar take the Thirian throne for himself. He did promise that he would legalize Dreadful Magic and give the Brigade full reign of the land. This helped some hesitant members accept him. Others who were on the fence or outright opposed him were... dealt with. And loyal members were recruited to fill the ranks again. Some may even be members of the royal court.
Upon initiation, members must swear a blood oath of loyalty and secrecy. Not only to the Brigade but to their patron deity, the Goddess of Vengeance, War, and Violent Death. A Goddess so feared nobody dares speak her name for fear it would call her attention.
If a member is captured, another is sent to silence them. This doesn't always mean death. They may perform a spell to temporarily make them mute or wipe their memory or both. However, if a member willingly betrays the Brigade, the penalty is death. Preferably before information can be given and it is extremely painful. As a warning to others in future.
Because their practice is illegal, members meet in secret. When they do show themselves, they wear masks in the shape of distorted, frightening faces- traditionally animals, demons, or trolls. They wear all black except for the blood red cloaks with a large black wraith embroidered on it.
In 1552, Vincent Blackstar, the disgraced half brother of King Alexander Stormstar, took over the Brigade. From that point on, they had a new mission. To help Blackstar take the Thirian throne for himself. He did promise that he would legalize Dreadful Magic and give the Brigade full reign of the land. This helped some hesitant members accept him. Others who were on the fence or outright opposed him were... dealt with. And loyal members were recruited to fill the ranks again. Some may even be members of the royal court.
Upon initiation, members must swear a blood oath of loyalty and secrecy. Not only to the Brigade but to their patron deity, the Goddess of Vengeance, War, and Violent Death. A Goddess so feared nobody dares speak her name for fear it would call her attention.
If a member is captured, another is sent to silence them. This doesn't always mean death. They may perform a spell to temporarily make them mute or wipe their memory or both. However, if a member willingly betrays the Brigade, the penalty is death. Preferably before information can be given and it is extremely painful. As a warning to others in future.
History
- 1453- Founding
- 1460- Dreadful Magic made illegal in Thira
- 1552- Vincent Blackwell takes over
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