The Magebanes
In Brief
The magebanes are a guild responsible for stamping out
misuses of magic in Kura.
Magebanes
are trained in the investigation of the arcane and the containment of dangerous
arcana. This means they often operate covertly, with only the council and/or
the local hiring agent being aware of their presence. Magebanes almost never
advertise.
Heraldry
The traditional symbol of the magebane is the opposed wands
rune, presented either vertically or horizontally:
>---------
---------<
This symbol is quickly produced and recognized. More
advanced symbols include the hooded mantle of the upper echelon members,
sometimes with a vertical wand in accompaniment.
Membership
Apprentice
> Cap > Cloak > Mantle > Council
A typical
apprenticeship lasts for two years (apprentices are called apprentices), before
the newly-titled cape is permitted to handle jobs on her own. After adequate
service through approximately five years, the cape can become a cloak.
Distinguished cloaks aspire to the rank of mantle.
Influence
The magebanes are more of a shadow organization than most
guilds. Even among the council, there are only a handful of members whose
identities are widely known. This is, in part, because of the nature of their
work. The magebanes see themselves as stewards rather than as a military group
(though they are certainly something like a paramilitary group in function),
watching more than actively engaging. Yet when they engage, they prefer to do
so covertly. “Better to be thought idle than meddlers,” is a common refrain
among its members.
In practice, this shadow influence means that the magebanes
are probably responsible for much more than people know. If even a rumor of
magic surfaces, there is little doubt a magebane will soon appear to
investigate, likely unknown and unassuming in appearance. They often double as
adventurers or explorers, providing cover and a backstory for their presence.
Investigating the more outlandish claims is often an assay of young talent, so
the magebanes end up with their fingers in many dishes.
Prominent Members
Aryk the Magebane was the first to assume the title. After
disappearing after engaging the Lich of Lach Moar (and the Lich along with him)
in single combat in 1023, Aryk’s name and mission spread. The first School of
Magebanes appeared in Vespasia, where the guild is itself housed to this day. There
is likewise a school in Sylva and an archive in Al-Dzerl (the elflands). Among
the public members of the guild are: the Alder (elven) siblings Shaundralyn and
Darkou’Tier Vandree, Histides the Gnarled, and Wenn Rothnak. Wenn, now seventy,
has served as the Great Mantle for the past fifteen years. Histides, at least
eighty, having served openly on the council for the past forty years, is his
most trusted advisor. The Vandrees are seen as something of upstarts despite
being in their mid-100s. They both joined the ranks of the open council seven
years ago.
Campaign Scenarios:
A campaign could be developed around a fledgling magebane’s
ascent through the ranks, including investigation, gopher missions,
exploration, research, and the like. Individual missions typically include reconnaissance
and occasionally direct intervention. Mages do tend, over time, to accrue
magical powers themselves. When they bring such powers to fruition, they guard
their secrets well. Thus, any story involving magic – in the form of spells or
items – is a perfect hook for a magebane.
Given the cloak-and-dagger nature of their organization,
political scenarios work well, too. There are even rumors of corruption and
downright devilry at the upper levels of the council, so consider the possibilities
boundless for exploring the intrigue angle.
Comments
Post a Comment