The Gwenoch

The Gwenoch are a group of mostly elves who appear to be searching for ancient elven artifacts, ranging from mundane jewelry to powerful magical artifacts made during the Age of Immortals. Activity was first noted when a group was seen in the ruins of an old elven fort known as Aršra Duri, destroyed during the second half of the Post Cataclysm Era. Similar sightings occurred at the ruined elven city of Arhu, and a ruined elven temple known as Aršru Arsantum. In 11 A.o.R., a museum in the city of Trostaflore was broken into and had artifacts on display stolen. Among the stolen items were elven bracelets, rings, necklaces and circlets dating back to the Age of Immortals, as well as a fragment of an old map of Vadovass during that age. Though some of the thieves escaped, two were killed after guards were alerted. Both of them were elves, one of high elven blood and the other of wood elven blood. Another occurrence happened in Middelgemard, when a wealthy nobleman by the name of Pascal Plautilla was murdered in his home in 13 A.o.R. According to Plautilla's widow, an elven scholar had been regularly questioning him about an antique elven dagger that he had, and had offered to buy it on several occasions, only to have his offer declined every time. Upon searching for it, the dagger appeared to be missing.

Since these first events, more have occurred as well, with no captives except for those who have taken their own lives upon being surrounded. Since the murder of Pascal Plautilla they have become more active, with many more similar stories to the museum break in and the murder. On one occasion, a mage in the United Clans of Midiiz used a spell to speak with the dead on the corpse of one of the elves. However, the only question the corpse would answer was, 'who are you,' to which the body of dead elf replied, 'we are the Gwenoch.' Gwenoche is an Elven term that translates to 'reclaiming something stolen.' From this, many have extrapolated the motives and philosophy of the group.

The presence of the Gwenoch has made owning elven artifacts or antiques dangerous. Many displays in some museums have been taken down, and collectors have been stowing their artifacts in hidden vaults to keep them safe. After the return of magic, it was thought that exploring old re-activated elven ruins was going to become a profitable business, but many who have invested in the exploration of elven ruins have disappeared, or have been murdered in familiar circumstances. However, the trade of elven maps to old ruins remains a lucrative business among adventurers, who report that elven caches contain the best quality and most profitable hauls they have ever found.

Type

Secret, Brotherhood