The Black Priory
Victory at any cost
History
It is said after the crusade of light ended in failure, many crusaders would return in shame, one small group named the Knights of Balakor, would return to their priory and self exile themselves. Many thought the priory was dead and abandoned for about 17 years, before one day the village just outside the Hollow Thicket was attacked form all sides by orcs and reinforcing mercenaries of the Revanants Vow. All seemed lost as the citizens were butchered, and they called to the Flame to deliver them a miracle. What answered, was true darkness. A man in black robes and grim disposition would enter the city and begin butchering the invaders single handedly. However he made no real effort to save the citizenry, and so few managed to flee the city as this Black Prior tore a path of wanton destruction through the city, the sounds of screams from both orc and mercenary would ring into the air.
When the peasants came back, they were horrified. The streets were awash with blood, and the man had taken to nailing the corpses of both enemy and peasant to the wall like bloody dolls. In the center of the town he had painted a large symbol, a skill with a helmet half, and a sword going down the middle. Thus the Black Priory revealed themselves, having brutally but effectively ended the invasion and purified the ground from any taint. That city to this day has suffered little to no taint of corruption, though it has a lingering foreboding and grim nature to it, even after the bodies had been slowly taken down.
Cosmological Views
To the Black Priory, The Flame requires sacrifice in the form of the kindler. However sometimes, one must skirt the line between light and dark to achieve this sacrifice, for other servants are too pure to bear doing these terrible deeds. So it falls to the zealous warriors of the Black Priory to fight the enemies of the flame by any means necessary. If civilians must die in order for the enemy to be slain, they will do so without flinching. If one must handle debased and cursed tomes to prevent the enemy from getting them, they will do so. They skirt the line between corruption and purity so that the world may be better for it.
Tenets of Faith
- Victory at any cost must be paid for without question
- To suffer is to be pure, your life is suffering and in suffering you shall be redeemed, and ultimately die
- Vanquish the enemies of order and light without a shred of mercy
- To fight is to do The Flames work
- Embody the Kindler in all things
Worship
While they worship the flame, they almost always ask for forgiveness and take part in penitent activates such as self flagellation or other forms of penance. However, combat is the crucible of their worship, and so many priors seek out battle when needed to pray.
Priesthood
Those who join the order are usually those fanatically faithful servants who feel that they have somehow committed an unforgivable sin, real or otherwise. Though another popular method of recruitment is picking up orphans whos parents have died from wars.
Granted Divine Powers
The Flame recognizes their grim but necessary sacrifice, and grants them powers that skirt the line between light and dark, from fell rituals to blood spells and fire as black as the soul of a prior.
Political Influence & Intrigue
While a single priory, the Black Priors are so well trained that a single one of them can turn the tide in any battle. Many people outside the order find them terrifying and off-putting for the dour and grim nature of the priors. Some more zealous witch hunters and priests find it hard to justify their existence, but begrudgingly accept it as they are officially sponsored by the Church, though the Church finds it prudent to mention them as little as possible. For this, many battles involving these priors are wiped from records, or heavily censored. Their priory lies in the province of Murton within Ashenfeld.
