Two Cults

Harry Corr

Archon Aspirants

No one truly knows what god or daemon the great idols lying toppled across the landscape are meant to depict. They have the shapes of humans, but few can look upon their monstrous masks and be unafraid.

The few ancient texts which speak of them are sealed by Thronecult edicts so strict that none now remember the reason for them. They speak of a priesthood who once served the great Demiurges. Of the awesome power these gods of war once wielded. Of how, in a time of need, the Archons would wake the sleeping titans and call upon them to walk.

Those who dare to follow in the Archons' footsteps take their name, seeking the lost knowledge of how to wake the idols. Those discovered by the Lords are put to death. For it is said that those who walk the Archon's path shall be bound forever by the dark destiny of a cruel angel....

Abilities and equipment as relic hunters.

Black Blades

All are raun. None will share their secrets with one of the Skyborn, on pain of death.

They trace their origin to the Zoah. Those in the Tower Lands today have been long cut off from their forebears by the Stormwall, save for the few who make the journey by ship. They wage their war still, in secret. Traveling as solitary preachers, they move among raun communities on this side of the Wall, spreading the truth to those who will listen.

They alone remember what was lost--what the Skyborn took from them. How the world was broken. How the gods were butchered. They see how the Skyborn teem and multiply even now, a plague that walks and speaks. How the raun of the Tower Lands are deceived. How they forget.

The Black Blades will remind them. And when they remember, the gods shall be avenged.

Strength d6 [Fighter 4], speed 30', unarmored, staff or Black Blade kindred, morale 9. Master fighters. 3d6 Đ.

Often accompanied by raun disciples (as bandits).

Black Blade Kindred

A buglike creature about the size of a spread hand, with six spindly, three-jointed legs like grasping fingers, no visible head, and a thin tail ending in a foot-long black stinger. On the underside of the body, a slit opens into an orifice from which several thin nervous tendrils can extend. A raun skilled in kinbonding can connect with it by this means. Within the Tower Lands, only the Black Blades themselves still know of this technique.

When wielded by a kinbonder, the legs grasp the forearm and the tail rests in the wielder's hand. From there it can extend to a surprising 30' length, functioning like a whip, with the stinger as a blade. Any stung are poisoned, dead in 1 round on 5-in-6 [save vs. poison].

If not bonded to a wielder, dies in 1 week.

The Black Blades are sworn never to wield their kindred against another raun, nor use any edged or piercing weapon against one, even in self-defense. They will always seek to resolve conflicts with raun nonviolently. If pressed, they will resort to their staves, fighting to disable.