Order of the Shaded Sigil

The Order of the Shaded Sigil, is tasked with the mandate of investigating and curtailing misuse of arcane powers across Aeyirah. Its members are skilled investigators, trained in arcane knowledge yet often skeptical of unchecked magic. They wear dark, practical attire adorned with a distinct sigil—a hand encircled by arcane glyphs, symbolizing the guild's role in safeguarding against abuse. The Order’s approach to magic is clinical and precise, prioritizing evidence-based assessments. They work closely with city guards and councils, wielding authority granted by various regional governments, though some independent magic users see them as restrictive. The one major exeption is The Askillian Empire, who do not acknowledge the authority of the Order, due to their innate lack of magical prowess. Order members typically have backgrounds as inquisitors, former magic users, or scholars, giving them a blend of streetwise pragmatism and deep magical understanding.

Ranks of the Shaded Sigil

The Order of the Shaded Sigil uses a rank structure reflecting its members' investigative skills, arcane expertise, and authority within the guild. The hierarchy is as follows:

High Sigilkeeper

Role: The leader of the Order, responsible for strategy, diplomatic relations, and setting investigative priorities across Aeyirah. The High Sigilkeeper is the ultimate authority on guild policies and oversees significant cases personally.

Duties: Approving major investigations, liaising with regional governments, managing inter-guild alliances, and overseeing the Order's records and artifacts.
Sigilwarden

Role: Senior members who oversee operations in specific regions or cities, such as Ardentia or Strongwind. They have years of experience in investigation and arcane knowledge and are trusted advisors to the High Sigilkeeper.

Duties: Assigning investigations, managing resources, training junior members, and representing the Order in high-profile cases.
Inquisitors

Role: Seasoned investigators with extensive field experience. Inquisitors lead significant investigations, often working undercover or in the field, and handle high-risk cases involving powerful magic.

Duties: Conducting investigations, collecting evidence, overseeing complex cases, and mentoring lower-ranked members.
Sigilhunters

Role: Mid-level members skilled in tracking, forensic arcana, and interrogation. Sigilhunters are the backbone of the Order, conducting most investigations under Inquisitors' guidance.

Duties: Gathering intelligence, interviewing suspects, handling minor to moderate cases, and assisting with major investigations as needed.
Shadowcloaks

Role: Junior investigators often on probation or in training, responsible for the more routine tasks. Many are recruited from backgrounds in law enforcement or academia, with latent magical skills that the Order hones.

Duties: Basic investigative work, assisting Sigilhunters and Inquisitors, handling reports, and providing support in both fieldwork and research.
Novices

Role: The entry-level members who have yet to earn a formal title. They undergo rigorous training in arcane studies, investigation techniques, and combat to prepare them for fieldwork.

Duties: Assisting senior members, performing clerical duties, conducting research, and studying under the tutelage of higher-ranked members until they earn promotion to Shadowcloak.

Each rank has its own sigil or emblem worn on a piece of dark leather armor, reflecting both rank and specialization, allowing guild members to recognize authority and expertise at a glance. The current sitting High Sigilkeeper is Maelis Thornwell—a stern, enigmatic figure known for her sharp intellect and unyielding commitment to the Order's mission. Thornwell is both feared and respected within the Order and is rumored to have a personal vendetta against rogue magic users after a close encounter in her youth.

The neutrality of knowledge

The Order of the Shaded Sigil is headquartered in Estrania, functioning as an independent branch of the Estranium Lyceum. Although it operates separately, the Order benefits from the Lyceum's vast arcane libraries and resources, allowing it to stay at the forefront of arcane investigation. Their headquarters, known as the Sigil Hall, is located within the Lyceum's sprawling campus but remains secluded from the main halls of study. The High Sigilkeeper, Maelis Thornwell, has established the Order as a respected yet somewhat feared faction within Estrania, upholding a delicate balance between collaboration with the Lyceum and a watchful vigilance over its arcane scholars.