The Onyx Order
In truth, to speak of the Onyx Order is to speak of a topic most difficult to discuss properly in the complexity of both the Manna Wheel, and the Magisterium. By the very nature of Scath, the manna that they wield, their arts are secretive, deceptive, and quite purposefully confusing. Their role within the structure of the Magisterium is a most honored one, though none can truly fully explain what that is directly. They deal in secrets, information, and misdirection. Magisters of the Onyx Order are oft the best among us all at tracking down apostates, solely because they employ many of the same techniques and methods to keep the extent of their own capabilities and prowess secret. They are often well spoken, diplomatic, and seemingly quite friendly, yet one will never know how much of that is an act, or how much is real. Indeed, those of the Onyx Order often are a confusing and complex bunch to understand or even converse with.
An Opinion shared by many Magisters from across the other various orders about their brethren in the Onyx Order.
Structure
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Scath, the manna of Shadow, the process of wielding it is oft referred to by those magisters whom do so as being less exerting one's will directly, and more negotiating and diplomatically convincing this primordial force to co-operate with you intentions. A very unique thing, this odd description, one that implies heavily a level of actual cognizance that many would find concerning from just the raw primordial force that is Scath. Magisters of the Onyx Order, therefore as most may expect, are less numerous, or likely are, as the very nature of their tasks and jobs within the Magisterium's structure gives them quite necessary and fair leeway to make a proper headcount a challenge. They also will not oft be found in the role of a warmage. In fact they are the least common amongst all magisters in a direct military or adventuring role. If one is present in such a roll it is likely a safe assumption that they have ulterior motives for their presence.
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They generally recieve very limited martial training of any kind, as their education will focus more on the esoteric and social skills. They will learn some basics of course, as all magisters will.Within the Onyx Order, unlike the other orders, there is a more complex web like structure, less similar to the simple pyramid like power structure utilized by the other Orders. This is due to their nature as sort of the unofficial Magisterium spy network, for both policing their own, and of course, influencing policy and politics when necessary to protect their own interests in different regions and nations across Valerick. Onyx Magisters often choose not to wear traditional magister garb in their day to day life, hiding in plain sight, working mundane, though higher end, jobs. Often close to or within governmental power structures.
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Their training will consist of a lot of the sort of training that many nations put their spies through, including but not limited to, crossbows, slings, firearms, hand weapons, brawling and fencing, or at least some combination of these, if not all of them. They will also recieve a formal diplomatic education, generally learning at least one other language, and being taught and schooled in ettiquete, decorum and the societal differences between different groups whom they will likely have to spend most of their lives moving through, between, or around.
Scath, the manna of Shadow, the process of wielding it is oft referred to by those magisters whom do so as being less exerting one's will directly, and more negotiating and diplomatically convincing this primordial force to co-operate with you intentions. A very unique thing, this odd description, one that implies heavily a level of actual cognizance that many would find concerning from just the raw primordial force that is Scath. Magisters of the Onyx Order, therefore as most may expect, are less numerous, or likely are, as the very nature of their tasks and jobs within the Magisterium's structure gives them quite necessary and fair leeway to make a proper headcount a challenge. They also will not oft be found in the role of a warmage. In fact they are the least common amongst all magisters in a direct military or adventuring role. If one is present in such a roll it is likely a safe assumption that they have ulterior motives for their presence.
Culture
Voices in the Dark, ever Vigilant
Like any Magister in any order, those of the Onyx Order are affected by their constant handling of Scath, the manna that they wield. This will cause notable physical changes, as well as emotional, behavioral and psychological changes. Magisters of the Onyx Order seem to have an almost supernatural ability to tell if someone is lying, they seem to be able to read people as easily as you or I read a book. In truth however, their internal organizational culture is not well understood, and quite purposefully secretive, due to the very nature of their role and task within the larger structure of the Magisterium itself.
Public Agenda
One thing that is well known about the Onyx Order is that they despise apostates more than any other Order, and even more than some of the less fanatical of the Ascended churches. They are firmly in the camp of, and on the side of, the heavy regulation and rules regarding arcane magick, its uses, and of course, the use of the structure that is the Magisterium in regards to how magick is handled. This should of course not come as a surprise given what we know of their role within the Magisterium and their power and prestige within that organization. Besides this however, their goals and agenda are complex, twisting and confusing, not at all truly in the public eye.
Assets
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The Onyx Order is, like any other order within the Magisterium, extremely fiscally wealthy, with land, coin, and goods, all very decentralized, and yet, that is not truly the most important measure for an Onyx magister of their power and influence. Its the people, the network, those personal connections you foster and upkeep, a web of information and valuable skills and knowledgeable folks you can lean upon. The coin, land and goods are merely methods by which to help solidify those more important assets when required, and as such are valuable enough to insure a steady and large income year over year.
The Onyx Order is one of two Orders whom do not fully play by the rules when it comes to their educational facilities. There is not hard documentation count of how many collegiates have the ability to teach, train and then provide magisters to take on apprentices of the Onyx Order. As is in line with their clandestine nature, such reports do exist, but barring being one of the Eight Grandmasters of the Magisterium, you'll never lay eyes on them. Of course they have Magisters stationed at many facilities all across Valerick to allow that outreach and connection to insure they get their new apprentices, they do keep some level of connection for that purpose, but they do not host their training within those shared facilities. In fact it is rumored and believed they will oft ship new students to a different continent just to insure they cannot be recognized or approached by anyone whom they would deem a friend, nor anyone who could perhaps apply any sort of pressure to them to attempt to garner information.
The Onyx Order is one of two Orders whom do not fully play by the rules when it comes to their educational facilities. There is not hard documentation count of how many collegiates have the ability to teach, train and then provide magisters to take on apprentices of the Onyx Order. As is in line with their clandestine nature, such reports do exist, but barring being one of the Eight Grandmasters of the Magisterium, you'll never lay eyes on them. Of course they have Magisters stationed at many facilities all across Valerick to allow that outreach and connection to insure they get their new apprentices, they do keep some level of connection for that purpose, but they do not host their training within those shared facilities. In fact it is rumored and believed they will oft ship new students to a different continent just to insure they cannot be recognized or approached by anyone whom they would deem a friend, nor anyone who could perhaps apply any sort of pressure to them to attempt to garner information.
History
The Onyx Order's history is likely long, convoluted and full of stories like any of the orders of the Magisterium, however, it is a clandestine chapter within the larger organization of the Magisterium. So not a lot of that sort of information is publically available, and what little that is, well there is no guarantee as to its accuracy.
Secrets are Power, and there is power in secrets.
Gealla Wynor, Gnomish Shadowmancer by Keon Croucher
A portrait depicting someone believed to be a Shadowmancer, a gnomish woman named Gealla Wynor, whom holds a seat as one of seven deep pocketed investors in Malidur Shipping and Cargo, a large outfit of some international reknown, headquartered out of Haramir in the country of Kang-Chorath. Of course, she is believed to be a Shadowmancer. It is a delicate thing to confirm, without some form of religious/legislative authority backing you, particularly with those of the Onyx Order, since they have the unique right to not reveal themselves as magisters unless law enforcement or authorized witch-hunters request to see their documentation, and even then have the right to demand the conversation become a private one before turning in any documents for scrutiny.
This image does depict how those of the Onyx Order look, that is to say they do not necessarily stand out, thought they all do seem to develop a love for darker clothing, being found of blacks and greys overall, but that is not out of line with how a lot of business sorts and even politicial sorts choose to dress, preferring darker, less showy color palettes. One may note the lack of armor, that is a distinct trait of the Onyx Order, they are the only order of the Magisterium whom are not trained in a warmage's fashion, never formally training or becoming accustomed to armor.
Founding Date
3-7-397 SuD
Type
Education, Magic
Alternative Names
Shadowmancer's School
Demonym
Shadowmancer
Ruling Organization
Parent Organization
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