Black Arrow of Shevarash
The Black Arrow of Shevarash is a monastic order created by a group of Dusk Elves to worship the Elven God of Vengence. This dark group of mysterious monks are sent across the multiverse to carry our Shevarash's will, be that warring with other Clergy or aiding chosen agents of vengence in their endeavors.
Structure
- Oracles of Shevarash are heeded without question, anyone bearing a true mark of an Oracle overranks the organization by Birthright
- The Abbot of the monastery interprets signs sent by Shevarash and assigns tasks to his followers as a result
- Black Arrow- Once you've become a Black Arrow you are an agent and ambassador of the monastery
- Monk- Monks are followers of Shevarash who have been accepted into the initiation to become Black Arrows
- Followers- accepted servants and worshippers of Shevarash that haven't initiated or have been rejected.
Culture
- Quiet and Callous, the religious sights of these people are nearly silent. There is a vow of silence in all houses of Shevarash, not to be broken until the Drow have been eradicated from the Multiverse.
- The vow of silence may be broken duri a duel. When fighting, the Black Arrows sing melancholy hymns of their ancestors, and give aggressive, passionate prayers upon their victory. You may initiate a duel with any member who has previously wronged you with no repercussions, exempting an Oracle of Shevarash.
- The Black Arrow wear dark, plain clothes. Generally black with dull blue accents and symbols of their divine.
Public Agenda
- Locked in a forever war with the Drow Elves and followers of Lolth.
Assets
- Limited monetary wealth
- Healthy stores of food and clean water
- Towering Walls and Watchtowers
- Powerful Forges and vast weapon stores
- Elite, well trained troops
- Extra-Planar Travel
History
Long After the Raven Queen created the first Dusk Elves from the Shadowfell's energy, Gal'Galed punished the sun elves by cursing them beneath the ground, bringing Drow Elves to Collatus. Shevarash channeled his power, and hatred of the dark Goddess lolth, to transform many of these Shadar-Kai into a weapon against the demon prince. A large population of the Dusk Elves were created to follow Shevarash's will, and these Dusk Elves formed the first Black Arrows. Ever since they have grown their monastary and has been used as a vessel of the Elven God's will.
Demography and Population
- Dusk Elves
- High Elves
Military
- The Black Arrows are made up of capable soldiers trained in several disciplines.
- Monks of the Black Arrows are also trained in various forms of combat.
Foreign Relations
- Eternal enemies of the Drow people
- Eternal enemy of Lolth and her followers
Laws
- All are to be silent in holy grounds of Shevarash
- Orders given by a superior are to be heeded as if given by Sheverash himself
- No wrong done unto you is to go unpunished.
Agriculture & Industry
- Monasteries produce as much food as the shadow mist will allow, though they generally get it from conquering other groups.
Education
- Black Arrows are intended to be very well versed in their religion, the Shadar-Kai language as well as ancient Elvish, and at least a layman's understanding of multiversal struggles
Mythology & Lore
- Shevarash created the ancestors of the Shadar-Kai Dusk Elves to act as a literal weapon of the God's will.
- The first of their Monastic Order was formed from the remaining ShadowStuff of Shevarash's bow, that was destroyed in a battle with Lolth. This battle was over Gal'Galed punishing the Sun Elves and which deity would be their mentor and savior.
Divine Origins
- The original Shadar-Kai Dusk Elves that were created by Shevarash were gifted an Oracle who was able to scribe the first religious texts. The religion has changed very little since then.
Cosmological Views
- Followers of Shevarash are taught that the ShadowFell was originally just another part of the Feywild, until a scheming follower of Lolth plunged the plane into darkness. This is why they have declared vengence upon the Drow and their fell mistress
Ethics
- Any horrific act is justified so long as it is able to be a blow dealt to an enemy
- Killing an enemy is not seen as a victory, but a solemn religious experience. A soul has been taken in the service of something greater.
- Take pity on those too weak to gain their vengence themselves, for these souls you must avenge with the same fire as if the wrong was done to you.
Worship
- Daily training mixed with prayer and silent revelry is among the daily practices of a follower of Shevarash.
- Aiding others in their quest for revenge serves Shevarash's will
- Exacting revenge on your enemies is the primary way one serves Shevarash and brings him power
- Doing battle with Lolth and her followers bring glory rlto Shevarash
Priesthood
- Must remain Celibate, unless they begin to hear the call of death that all Elves eventually catch ear of and they still have beings that they've declared vengence upon
- Once you've declared vengence on an enemy, you may not renounce that vengence or give up
- Every Black Archer goes through a vigorous, daily, training regiment that is only able to be skipped or missed if you are on a mission assigned by the Abbot
- Alcohol and other substances that dull your awareness are unacceptable.
- You must always have an enemy, and if you cannot identify one, meditating will show you who Shevarash wants you to target
Granted Divine Powers
- Monks of Shevarash are granted the ability to declare vengence upon someone and immediately know the direction and rough distance of those identified
- Black Arrows are surrounded with the sound of the screaming pleas of those they've killed. (See Rahadin's Deathly Choir ability) they can channel this ability to psychologically harm their enemies.
- Abbots are given powerful molding abilities in regards to shadowstuff. They are able to create the material at will and morph it into impressive items and structures. Also able to make creations made from shadowstuff last much longer than it otherwise would before it vanishes.
Political Influence & Intrigue
- Generally permeate an organization when a prominent member has declared vengence upon someone or something else. The presence of a Black Archer attracts others scorned in search of revenge. This generally leads to very brash and aggressive behavior from an organizations leadership.
Sects
- The Keepers of the Blue Flame- The oracles and Abbots that make up the leadership of the Black Arrows.
- The Servants Vow- The monks who wish to one day initiate or have failed the initiation for the Black Arrows
Vengence is the burning flame in the dark.
Founding Date
Predates the Primordial Age
Type
Religious, Monastic Order
Capital
Alternative Names
The Black Archers
Predecessor Organization
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Black Arrows
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Founders
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Autonomous area
Economic System
Post-scarcity economy
Gazetteer
- Several Monestaries within the Shadowfell
- A Monastary in Dunkelheit
Currency
Souls collected from powerful creatures killed. The more powerful, the more their soul is worth.
Legislative Body
The rules of the organization were originally penned by the first Abbot to create the Monastary. New rules and laws can only be put in place by an Oracle.
Judicial Body
The Abbot is the one responsible for interpreting these ancient texts for how punishment should be carried out for misbehavior
Executive Body
The Black Arrows enforce their own laws amongst themselves and their followers very effectively.
Official State Religion
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Location
Official Languages
Notable Members
Related Species
Related Ethnicities
Comments