Order of the Arcane Eye

To most, the Order of the Arcane Eye (known almost exclusively as "the Blackcloaks") are the magical law enforcement of the land of Mandia. They are far more than most people would think, however.

Structure

Perspective recruits are immediately tested for magical aptitude, as well as basic morality. The recruits then shadow a blackcloak for three days. This person determines whether the recruit is to be accepted.
If accepted, the recruit gains the rank of Apprentice and are brought to Castle Mal'atre. There they are instructed in the study of magic, or trained to harness sorcerous talents. This training lasts until the apprentice demonstrates the capability to cast spells of the 3rd Circle.
In a graduation ceremony beneath the full moon, the apprentice receives their eponymous black cloak from the Captain of the Black and is promoted to the rank of Warder. The new blackcloak is then sent to a local chapter, their hometown's if desired.
As a warder, the blackcloak performs whatever duties are assigned by their superiors. If they do well, the chapter lieutenant can promote them to the rank of Sergeant.
If the chapter lieutenant dies, retires, is promoted, or is otherwise removed, the Captain of the Black chooses a sergeant to replace the lost officer. Traditionally, this sergeant comes from that chapter, but this is not a requirement.
If the position of Captain of the Black is open, all of the chapter lieutenants elect one of them to serve as the new Captain. This person then serves as leader of the Order of the Arcane Eye.
Eldain Mal'atre holds the rank of Commander of the Black, and is theoretically of higher rank than the Captain. In practice however, he has virtually no involvement in Blackcloak affairs.

Public Agenda

The blackcloaks are dedicated to nothing less than the responsible use of magic. For the most part, this involves enforcing magical laws and punishing lawbreaking spellcasters.
In a less well-known capacity, they also see to it that basic magical services are available to the public. They operate shops that sell goods such as potions, scrolls, and simple enchanted items. They also operate a system of magical teleportation circles between their chapters. These circles are available to the law-abiding public, but the price makes it impractical for common use.

Assets

Although they are a private organization they have a royal charter from the king of Mandia. This allows them to operate legally there, arresting criminals, holding trials, and imprisoning those convicted. They don't have the same legal authority elsewhere, but occasionally they do still operate in other places.
To hold their spellcasting prisoners they have built their own prison, the Bastille Arcana. Few even within the organization know where in the multiverse this prison is, as guards and prisoners enter and leave only through a single portal. It is strongly believed that no one has ever escaped.

History

For an organization of law-keepers, it is perhaps strange that they came from a rebellion. When Ansarien Ill'conter took over the Sentinels of Iv'arill not all supported his goal of enslavement. Many wanted to rise up, but feared the ancient wizard and even their own fellows. They conquered Mandia alongside dominated footsoldiers practically unopposed.
When Eldain Mal'atre returned from his journeys on the Planes, he fought against the armies of Ansarien. In a passionate speech that urged the sentinels to rebellion. A majority chose to remain with Ansarien, but those who defected managed to escape.
They formed the backbone of Eldain's rebellion, changing back to their original black uniforms with their black cloaks to differentiate themselves from their enemies. As more spellcasters joined this rebellion, they too wore black as a sign of their loyalty.
Eldain's army drove Ansarien out of Mandia all the way to the Talran Academy of Magic. There the rebels fought against the remaining sentinels and were victorious.
Now victorious, many of these mages felt a sense of responsibility. They came together and formed an organization to ensure that magic would never be abused again, as Ansarien had.

A bulwark between magic and mortals.

Founding Date

19 Carbos, 1800 3R

Type

Guild, Mages

Demonym

Blackcloak

Leader

Eldain Mal'atre

Location

Castle Mal'atre