Umbraeum Order

In the shadowed corners of Eldaivyr, where the darker energies of the Aether pulse with a potent force, the Umbraeum Order commands respect and invokes intrigue. As one of the three principal sects of the Arcanex religion, the Umbraeum Order delves into the realms of power and dominance, embracing the often-feared aspects of darkness and shadow. Founded during the tumultuous Age of Strife, the Order was established by those who perceived the untapped potential and profound strength in the Aether's darker manifestations. This introduction to the Umbraeum Order explores its enigmatic nature, its core beliefs that celebrate the dominion over shadows, and its intricate rituals that seek to harness the secretive forces of the universe. Through its commitment to mastering the dark arts, the Order not only challenges the conventional fears of the night but also offers a path to those daring enough to wield the formidable powers concealed in the depths of the Aether.

Background

The origins of the Umbraeum Order are deeply rooted in the Age of Strife, a period marked by profound upheaval and transformation within Eldaivyr. During this time, when the Aether first awoke and its powers became more pronounced, a group of mages discovered the intense and formidable dark energies latent within it. These mages, who found themselves attuned to these darker aspects, saw potential for immense power and depth in the shadows that others shunned.

Formation

Unlike their counterparts who founded the Luvidaeum Order, these mages embraced the Aether's chaotic and destructive capacities, believing that true mastery of magic lay in the ability to control and manipulate these darker forces. Thus, the Umbraeum Order was born out of a desire not only to explore the Aether's depths but also to harness its potential for domination and control. The founders of the Order established their doctrines and rituals around the central concept of embracing and mastering the darkness, both within themselves and in the external world.

Role in Society

Historically, the Umbraeum Order has positioned itself on the side of villiany, often been viewed with suspicion and wariness. The secretive and often morally malevolent nature of their practices has led to their portrayal as an evil sect focused on the sinister aspects of magical practice. Most notably was the rise of the Ethyri Empire, where mages of the Umbraeum order schemed and plotted to rule the world. They were successful in this effort as the Ethyri Empire stood as the dominant force on Dalgoth for several millenia. Its power and grasp reached to the far corners of the continent at its height of power with only small pocket communities remaining free from its tyrannical grasp.
Today, most practitioners of the Umbraeum Order do so secretly. Many will either hide their religion affiliation all together or disguise it as a follower of the Statraeum Order. Known, or later revealed, members of the Order have been advisors in times of war and conflict, offering strategies that leveraged the less savory aspects of magic, exploiting the gray areas of the Edicts Arcanum. Their deep understanding of the Aether's darker side has, on occasion, made them invaluable in combating magical threats that others were ill-equipped to handle. Though many of these threats are also believed to have been facilitated or left unchecked by the Umbraeum. Over the centuries, their influence has permeated various layers of society, from the clandestine corners of political power to the more overt arenas of magical academia in Thearos where they push the boundaries of what is known and what can be controlled.
Despite the controversies surrounding their practices, the Umbraeum Order has maintained a significant following, primarily in the Thearos Imperium, drawn by the allure of power and the promise of uncovering deeper truths hidden in the darkness of the Aether. Their teachings advocate strength, control, and the pursuit of individual power, appealing to those who seek to rise above the limitations imposed by more conventional moral frameworks.

Core Beliefs and Tenets

The Umbraeum Order's foundational beliefs and tenets are centered around the mastery and utilization of the darker aspects of the Aether. These principles guide their practices and define their unique approach to magic and life in Eldaivyr.

• Mastery of Darkness. The primary belief of the Umbraeum Order is that true strength and wisdom come from understanding and controlling the darker energies of the Aether. This tenet asserts that the shadows—often feared and avoided by others—are sources of untapped power that can offer significant advantages in both magic and the broader challenges of life. Members are encouraged to explore these aspects thoroughly, as mastery over them is seen as essential to achieving true magical and personal autonomy.
• Power and Dominance. A core doctrine of the Order is the pursuit of power as an end in itself. This includes power over one's self, such as mastering one's fears and desires, as well as power over others and the environment. The Order teaches that dominance is not inherently negative but is a natural and necessary aspect of existence. Power ensures survival, prosperity, and influence, and as such, it is to be cultivated and revered.
• Embracing the Shadow. Embracing the shadow involves acknowledging and integrating the darker parts of one’s personality and the universe. This belief opposes the idea that light and good are always preferable to darkness and malice. Instead, the Umbraeum Order posits that understanding and embracing darker impulses are essential for a balanced and honest existence. This tenet is also about recognizing the utility and necessity of actions that others might consider morally ambiguous or wrong.

Common Sayings

The sayings of the Umbraeum Order reflect its stark and power-driven philosophy, serving as reminders and guiding principles for its followers:

• "In shadows, we find truth." This saying highlights the belief that true knowledge and understanding lie in the exploration of the overlooked or feared aspects of reality—the shadows.
• "Power is the only truth that prevails." This maxim underscores the Order’s view that power is the ultimate reality in the universe, transcending all other truths or beliefs.
• "Embrace the darkness to command the light." This phrase encapsulates the idea that control over darker forces enables one to influence and manipulate lighter ones, asserting that mastery of both spectrums is necessary for true command of the Aether.

Symbols

The Umbraeum Order utilizes potent symbols that reflect its deep connection to the darker aspects of the Aether. These symbols are not only emblematic of the Order's core beliefs but also serve as tools for focusing magical energies and reinforcing the identity of its members.
The Shadowed Hand

• Symbol Description: The primary symbol of the Umbraeum Order is the Shadowed Hand, a black hand cloaked in shadow with an eye in its palm. The hand is often depicted with fingers spread, suggesting a grasp on the unseen powers that lurk in darkness.
• Symbolic Significance: The Shadowed Hand symbolizes insight and control over dark forces, embodying the Order's mastery of the hidden aspects of the Aether. The eye in the palm represents perception that penetrates beyond the superficial, able to see truths obscured to others and harness the full potential of shadow magic.

Holy Sites

The Eclipse Chambers

• Location and Description: Deep under the Thearos Imperium capitol of Velora lies the Eclipse Chambers, a series of underground caverns known for their lack of natural light and a strong presence of dark Aetheric energy. These chambers are accessible only to members of the Order and are guarded by complex enchantments. This is also the location of Nexarion Thal'Vekari's private sanctum, the Sanctum of Shadows.
• Significance: TheEclipse Chambers serve as the primary sanctuary and ritual site for the Umbraeum Order. It is here that the darkest and most powerful rituals are conducted, especially during the new moon when the power of the shadows is at its peak. The isolation and inherent darkness of the chambers enhance the potency of shadow magic, making it an ideal place for deep magical studies and the practice of forbidden arts.

Rites and Worship

The rites and worship practices of the Umbraeum Order are intensely private and often shrouded in secrecy, reflecting their deep connection to the darker energies of the Aether.
Night of Veils

• Description: The most sacred ritual of the Umbraeum Order, the Night of Veils, is held during the darkest phase of the moon. This event involves complex rituals that deepen the practitioners' connection to the dark side of the Aether, allowing them to commune with shadow energies and gain mystical insights.
• Purpose: The Night of Veils is a time for members to embrace and harness their inner darkness, seeking personal power and transformation. It is also a period for making significant magical discoveries and for advancing in the mastery of dark arts.

Daily Practices

• Meditation in Darkness: Members regularly practice meditation in complete darkness to strengthen their inner vision and control over dark energies.
• Recitations of Ancient Incantations: Daily recitations help reinforce the connection to the dark Aether and maintain the flow of dark energy within practitioners.
• Study of Forbidden Arts: Continuous study and practice of forbidden magical arts are encouraged to push the boundaries of what is known and expand the Order's collective knowledge.

Rite of Ascension

The Rite of Ascension is a ceremonial practice that occurs only when there is a need to fill the position of a Keeper of the Night or when a Master deems their pupil ready to ascend in rank within the Order. This rite underscores the fundamental belief of the Umbraeum Order in the power of intense, focused relationships between master and apprentice as the core method for advancing the dark arts.
Stages of the Rite

1. Selection and Challenge: When a master believes their apprentice is ready, or when an existing high-ranking position becomes vacant, the Rite of Ascension begins with the apprentice challenging their master or another high-ranking member to a magical duel. The challenge is not merely physical but involves contests of magical strength, wit, and the manipulation of dark energies.
2. Trial of Shadows: The apprentice must undergo the Trial of Shadows, which is a series of tasks that test their ability to control and manipulate the dark Aether. These tasks are designed to push the apprentice to their limits, testing not only their magical prowess but also their mental resilience and moral flexibility.
3. Duality Convergence: This stage involves a secretive ritual performed in the Eclipse Chambers. The master and apprentice engage in a complex ceremony that involves sharing and intertwining their magical energies. This ritual symbolizes the transfer of knowledge, power, and secrets from the master to the apprentice, ensuring continuity of the Order’s esoteric wisdom.
4. Ascension and Sacrifice: If the apprentice succeeds, they ascend to their new role, symbolized by a ritualistic exchange of cloaks—taking the master’s cloak as a sign of their new authority. In cases where the apprentice fails to overcome their master, the apprentice is violently sacrificed to the dark Aether over through one phase of the moon, reinforcing the harsh realities of power and the consequences of ambition within the dark arts.

Significance of the Rite of Ascension: The Shadowed Duality serves several key purposes within the Umbraeum Order:

• Preservation of Knowledge: It ensures that the deepest and most powerful dark arts are passed directly from master to apprentice, preserving the integrity and potency of their esoteric practices.
• Control of Power: By limiting the number of high-ranking members and ensuring that they can only ascend through proving their superiority, the Order maintains a tight control over who wields significant power.
• Reinforcement of Loyalty: The intense and personal nature of the rite strengthens loyalty not just to the Order but to the individual paths of dark magic that each pairing cultivates.

Hierarchy of the Umbraeum Order

The organizational structure of the Umbraeum Order is meticulously designed to maintain the integrity of its dark arts and to effectively govern its secretive practices. Here’s a detailed look at the hierarchy within the Order:
High Enshrouder

• Role and Authority: The High Enshrouder is the supreme leader of the Umbraeum Order, embodying the pinnacle of mastery over dark Aetheric energies. This position is held by a mage who has demonstrated exceptional prowess in dark magic and a profound understanding of the shadow aspects of the Aether. The current High Enshrouder, Nexarion Thal'Vekari, has held the position for nearly 800 years and is also the Eternal Emperor of the Thearos Imperium, further solidifying the Imperium and Order as one.
• Responsibilities: The High Enshrouder oversees all major spiritual functions, secretive operations, and the strategic direction of the Order. They are also responsible for the dissemination of forbidden knowledge and the initiation of top-tier members into the deepest mysteries of the dark arts.

Keepers of the Night

• Role and Composition: Comprising senior members who have shown both loyalty and ability in the darker magical arts, the Keepers of the Night are custodians of the Order’s most sacred and secretive rites. They are adept at both practicing and teaching the dark arts.
• Responsibilities: Their duties include mentoring and overseeing the training of newer members, safeguarding the Order’s arcane secrets, and conducting high-level rituals. They also ensure that the Eclipse Chambers and other secret sites remain consecrated and protected from outsiders.

Circle of the Shadowed Veil

• Role and Focus: This group consists of specialists in various forms of dark magic, including necromancy, curse-weaving, and shadow manipulation. They are renowned for their depth of knowledge and their willingness to explore the ethical boundaries of magic.
• Responsibilities: Members of the Circle are tasked with developing new magical techniques, exploring the furthest reaches of dark magic, and applying their knowledge in practical scenarios that benefit the Order’s agendas. They also play a crucial role in the Night of Veils and other significant rituals.

Acolytes of the Darkened Path

• Role and Entry: Acolytes are the initiates of the Umbraeum Order, representing its future. They are individuals drawn to the power of the shadows and have chosen to embark on the path of dark magic under the Order’s guidance.
• Responsibilities: Acolytes undergo rigorous training in the dark arts, learning to harness and channel the darker energies of the Aether. They participate in daily practices, assist in rituals, and are gradually introduced to the deeper, more secretive doctrines of the Order as they prove their dedication and capability.

Parent Organization

Arcanex

Permeated Organizations

• Thearos

Location

The Eclipse Chambers

Personal Characteristics

Personality Traits

• Mysterious: "I keep my true intentions and emotions hidden, enveloped in layers of secrecy and enigma."
• Calculating: "Every move I make is calculated to serve larger, often hidden, goals. I think several steps ahead in every situation."
• Introspective: "I spend a great deal of time in introspection, analyzing every decision and its consequences deeply."

Ideals

• Power Through Knowledge: "I believe that true power lies in knowledge, especially the forbidden or hidden kind, and I seek to uncover and control it."
• Manipulation: "I see manipulation as a necessary tool to achieve desired outcomes and maintain control over situations and people."
• Protection of Secrets: "I am committed to protecting the secrets of the dark arts from those who would misuse them, believing that such knowledge requires careful guardianship."

Bonds

• Order's Secrets: "I am deeply tied to the secrets and the legacy of the Umbraeum Order. Protecting these secrets is more than a duty; it's a part of my identity."
• Shadowed Mentor: "My bond with a mentor from the order, who introduced me to the shadowed paths of power, guides my every decision."
• Ancient Artifact: "I am bound to an ancient artifact of significant power and dark origin. It is both a source of strength and a constant challenge."

Flaws

• Paranoia: "My deep involvement in the shadowy world makes me overly suspicious and sometimes paranoid, seeing threats where there are none."
• Obsession with Control: "My need for control can become an obsession, leading me to take extreme measures to maintain it."
• Detachment: "My secretive nature and focus on the darker aspects of magic have isolated me from normal human emotions and relationships."