The Dark Tower - History & Paths

[WarderDragon]

The Dark Tower - Now Recruiting
By Xander, First Master of the Dark Tower

The Dark Tower is an evil oriented roleplaying guild on the Baja shard. Originally conceived as a sort of evil Mage Tower in which to study Necromancy, it is now being redesigned to cover Evil in any way, shape or form. Be it thieves, warriors, paladins, mages, orcs, Drow or what have you. It will even include murderers.
What will the Dark Tower do?

The Dark Tower is first and foremost a roleplaying guild. But it will not become the atypical, lettuce eating, "hail how art thou" type of roleplaying. The Dark Tower will revolve around a series of mini player run quests across the entire shard. Such quests will be designed to provide goals for the members, so that the characters have specific reasons for what they do and who they kill. Said goals may from time to time incorporate PvP.

The Dark Tower will primarily work with the various roleplaying factions of Baja (ie Avalon, Dawn, Haven, the Golden Brew, the Mage Tower) to provide a concrete foe and general villain. Members will be encouraged to run small, 3-5 day mini quests which incorporate a designated group of players. Every month or so, the Dark Tower leadership will attempt a larger quest which will pull in as many as are interested. Said quests may from time to time involve preplanned battles between various groups (all of which will have time and rules arranged beforehand).

The Dark Tower will also incorporate a small faction of roleplaying murderers, who will from time to time go about killing players in a roleplayed fashion.

How is the Dark Tower organized?

The Dark Tower will be run by the Cabal. Five characters who play often, are powerful, and who set a high roleplaying example who will oversee the operations of the Dark Tower.

Players who join the Dark Tower will be given a title referring to their occupation (ie Sorcerer, Dark Paladin, Assassin, etc). Eventually a hierarchy will be established where members will begin as a Disciple and have to work their way up through the ranks.

The Dark Tower will never engage in guild warfare, except as prearranged for a specific battle, and only for the duration of said battle.

Why the Dark Tower?

Baja has long been without a definite foe in the sense of a roleplaying evil instead of a kewl d0od pk. Towards some extent, this has stagnated the roleplaying scene on Baja, leaving it without conflict and ultimately boring.

The Dark Tower is an attempt not only to provide said foe, but to encourage roleplaying in a fun fashion open to all.

Who may join the Dark Tower/How do I apply?

Anyone who is interested may join the Dark Tower. Yes, you may be in other guilds on other characters. There are only 3 requirements:

1) That your name fit into the world of Britannia.

No CAPS, AlTeRnAtInG, or anything else "out of character". Some exceptions may be made for those with a history of roleplaying.

2) That you roleplay.

This does not mean that you have to use "thee" and "thou". It does mean that you respond as a character in the world of Britannia. Exceptions will be made if you preface with an "OOC" (out of character). It is especially important that you roleplay if you are a murderer.

3) To apply, merely send your character name, and a brief character history to [email protected]

Example:

Name: Jael
History: Born in Magincia. Saw his father, a wealthy merchant, murdered when he was five. Left an orphan, Jael dedicated himself to avenging his father. At the age of 12 he tracked down the Assassin to Buccaneer's Den. There he was quickly disarmed. But just before the Assassin was to kill him, he recognized the boy. Impressed by his discipline, he offered to train the boy in the arts of poison. When Jael learned all the Assassin had to teach, he murdered him, then set off on his own.

The Dark Tower is located just north of the town of Haven, which is located above the Desert. For more information, or to apply, email Xander at [email protected]. Also, feel free to speak to Xander in IRC in #darktower on the Stratics IRC server (irc.stratics.com)

Xander

Dark Tower Timeline of History
By Cymidei Fier, Fourth Master of the Dark Tower

The Dark Tower of Sheol is founded - 02/1999
The Dark Tower Discovers Black Rock - Followers of Armagedon 03/22/1999
The Original Dark Tower Website is in the works - 05/1999
Raziel Announces Quest to Find Lost Tome - 09/19/1999
The Dark Tower Abducts Key Guildmasters - 09/23/1999
Three Traitors Named in the Dark Tower - 10/15/1999
DeathSeer, Cabal of Dagger Weds -10/30/1999
The Dark Tower Ends War with Golden Brew - 11/14/1999
Cymidei Fier Joins the Dark Tower - 11/1999
Murder Attempt Made on Xander's Life - 11/22/1999
Zargonian Sect Merges with the Dark Tower - 11/22/2000
The Quest for the Necklace of Holding - 12/10/2000
Orcish Invasion - Hungry Orcs! - 01/03/2000
The Red Skeleton Appears - Trinsic Invasion - 01/27/2000
Fall of Trinsic Eminent - War with Dawn - 02/10/2000
The Rise of the Black Temple - 02/21/2000
Joyce, the Librarian Murdered - 02/28/2000
Quest for the Spear of Hatred
E.R. Appears at the Dark Tower
The Dark Tower Invades Yew, Assists Keeonean - 03/28/2000
The Dark Tower Clashes with Quest Knights - 04/08/2000
The Dark Tower Clashes with Emerald Sashes and Thoran Yo in Yew
Ivy Weds Michael the Black of Lumaria
Xander Ascends, Na-krul becomes Master 11/23/2000
Death, Destruction, Decay - 11/24/2000
Wanted Dead Or Alive Quest - 12/01/2000
An Open Letter from the Dark Tower
Na-krul's remains stolen - 01/06/2001
A Plea For Help Quest - 01/07/2001
Na-Krul Departs for Seige Perilous - 01/15/2001
Opalescence Dead, Mistress Proclaimed - 01/16/2001
Dark Tower Battles for Control Over Felucca - 01/22/2001
Strange Revelations Post by Ivy - 02/21/2001
Nightmares of Reality Quest - 03/2001
Order Restored to the Dark Tower 03/13/2001
Beldock Studies Paths of the Dark Tower - 03/18/2001
Dark Tower Declares War on Trammel/Forms Alliance 04/2001
Internal war declared within the Dark Tower - 04/2001
Dark Tower to Rally at Heaven's Forge 04/2001
Dark Tower Issues Challenge - 04/21/2001
Ivy Awakens Ancient Vampire in the Kingdom of Dawn
Ian Shadowspire and Malthonion seize blackrock from Cymidei and give to Vlad Tepes - 2001
Ivy Holds Ritual to Capture Ancient Spirit - 05/07/2001
Dark Tower Aids Lich Lord Vasul - 05/21/2001
Ivy Experiences Ether Sickness
Cymidei Fier becomes Mistress of the Dark Tower - 11/2002
Murder Quest 12/2002
The Pure Born Quest -2/2002
Dark Tower builds Scythe II 2002
Sphinx becomes the Cabal of Dagger - Late 2002
Dark Tower Hosts Black Mass - 10/8/2003
Dark Tower Participates in UO Epic Lands - 05/2003
Dark Tower Travels land sacrificing travelers 11/2003
The Emergence Quest 12/2003
Ritual to Revive Echeran 11/2003
Cyrus becomes Cabal of Dagger - 11/10/2003
Second Black Mass Held at the Dark Tower - 11/15/2003
The Emergence Quest - 12/21/2003
Expedition to Khaldun 04/2003
Sannio, Acknowledges DT at Public Gathering - 04/09/2003
Sauron Became Cabal of Darkness - 04/13/2004
Sigrun Becomes Mistress of the Dark Tower 06/2003
Cymidei Returns, Mistress of the Dark Tower - 08/2003
Dark Tower Robs Graves 10/30/2003
Dark Tower Hosts Philosophical Debate
Role-Playing Classes Held at the Dark Tower
Scythe decays shortly after 02/2003
Calyndrell Starts to stalk the DT - Feb 2003
Daleth Holds Death Path Ritual - 01/23/2004
Calyndrell frees the Paladin Leonesse
Dark Tower briefly opened a chapter in LOTRO 2007
Calyndrell becomes Cabal of Blades - 03/2008
Maksim Zacchara Sells Blackrock to the Dark Tower 04/2008
Sphinx resumes the Cabal of Daggers - 02/2009
The Cabal Seize Control of the Tower and Join BRPA 03/2009
Sleath von Darkmor becomes Cabal of Darkness - 02/2009
The Dark Tower re-awakens in Felucca -02/2009
Sleath Von Darkmor Kidnaps Magdelena - 04/2009
Cymidei Fier, reawakens and resumes as Mistress 05/2009
Dark Tower Relocates to the Shrine of Chaos 05/2009
The Dark Tower forms the RedCap Gang - 05/2009
The Dark Tower is relocated next to the Chaos Shrine 05/2009
Cymidei Fier Arrested for Murder/Tried in Yew - 05/2009
Guardsman Rick Flair Abducted by DT - 05/2009
The Redcaps Help Lord Casca and Lord Gideon Secure Cargo - 06/2009
Dark Tower is summoned by Lord Saius to defend it's lands - 06/2009
Dark Tower is Tried by Lord Saius 06/20/2009
Lord Casca Declares War on the Dark Tower 06/21/2009
Lord Casca Opens Strange Black Portals and his Army lays seige to the Dark Tower - 06/27/2009
Dark Tower Defeats Lord Casca's Champion, Mercenary Commander Matthias - 07/03/2009
Dark Tower Joins the Anti-Gargoyle Movement - 01/01/2009
Dark Tower helps to plunder Lord Casca's treasury - 01/01/2009

 

[WarderDragon]

Introduction

You stand now before the threshold of The Dark Tower. More than an organization, the Dark Tower has taken on a life of its own. Those serving it no longer join together in structure and rank to serve simply a purpose, but to serve an entity - some sentient, malevolent force that has manifested and become The Dark Tower.

Before you continue on to explore the workings of this guild, you should take a moment to understand what the Dark Tower is.

I will start by stating something that should be obvious: we are a roleplaying guild. That is, every one of us has one or more characters that we play while online. Dark Tower members are expected to remain in character at all times. All of our characters? actions and decisions will be based on that character?s personality and mindset, we try not to bring real life with us when we log in.

The Dark Tower is a group of friends and players that enjoy a certain playstyle. That is - one of an evil bent. That does NOT mean we murder (?PK?) people. Nor does it mean we do anything that could be misconstrued as ?griefing?. All such acts are frowned upon. What it does mean is we play ?morally and ethically ambiguous? characters. We are not here to ruin the fun of any other player. Nor are we here to make someone else's playing experience unenjoyable.

Villains mustn?t always be murdering madmen. There are many villainous roles to be filled. Mercenaries. Rogues. Necromancers. Priests of dark deities. Scholars. A deviant pattern of thought and logic is oftentimes all it takes to be deemed ?evil?.

From the original site application page:

Bear in mind, the Dark Tower is a roleplaying guild. Though some combat will be involved, the emphasis is on character interaction through roleplaying means. The Dark Tower is not a guild designed to support its members economically or to help you advance as a character. Its sole purpose is to provide a forum for roleplaying and player driven quests.

No one will be accepted in the Dark Tower whose character name is in all caps (ie. STUART), alternating (ie. StUaRt), or doesn't fit within the world of Britannia (ie. Bill Clinton). Members caught abusing our roleplaying status as an evil guild to murder will be removed. Members caught detracting from the overall roleplaying atmosphere and causing problems will be removed.

***

The Dark Tower is a roleplayed guild on the Baja shard of Ultima Online. Original fiction created by Mike McGirr [Xander] except where otherwise noted. Original artwork created by Young Pak [Kai] and David Paul Guzmán. Some artwork by Rogerio Valela and © Copyright, Steve Jackson Games. Original site design and programming by David Paul Guzmán. Original site hosting provided by darketower.

 

[WarderDragon]

The Tower

So, you seek entry into the unhallowed ranks of the Dark Tower? I warn you, it is not for the meek of heart. You must cast off any ties you have to friends and family. You must be willing to be rid of any ?love? in your life. You must be prepared to bind your very soul to the Pentagram, which is the foundation of our beliefs.

You must be willing to serve.

Before you tread upon our steps to undergo the Rite of Initiation, read well this tale of the Initiate Warin. When he lost his lady love to a rival, he took himself to the Dark Tower requesting membership. It was granted and he soon applied for admission to the Path of Darkness. Vowing that he was ready to fully commit himself to the Fifth Path, the Dark Ones decided that he was to prove his devotion through a Sacrifice. He was brought to the Ritual Circle, where a masked woman was bound, screaming for her life. The Initiate Warin was instructed to remove her heart, which he did, then to remove her mask. She was revealed to be his lady love. Grieved by her death at his hands, the Ritual Circle rejected him, incinerating them both with its unholy flame.
Do not approach our doorstep unprepared.

 

[WarderDragon]

History

As compiled from the excerpts of Scribe Greggor, 693-618 BS

The earliest recorded reference to the Dark Tower was found ... treasury missive from 2682 BS. Appearing ... tithe of some sort, it gives evidence that even at that ancient time, the Dark Tower had a history behind it ... fear and respect. Among the listings of wealth donated was an entry that read ?fyve virgin girls of noble blood?.

The Dark Tower is a ... contradictions. From its mysterious origins in the distant past, to its recent disappearance in 628 BS, the Dark Tower has stood ... embodiment of violence and terror within our land. Yet on the other hand, much of our technology and knowledge of magic stems from that same source. I can only report what I have learned from the scraps of history I can find on the subject. The ... libraries of the Dark Tower vanished with it. Of one thing, however, I am certain ... during its existence, the Dark Tower was responsible for many of the horrors visited upon our land and its people. And while as a scholar I am interested in its workings, as a human being I thank the gods each day that ...

What may forever remain unknown is the purpose of the ... About this, even ... different Paths of the Dark Tower argued about. While one Adept from the Path of the Ether claimed in his journals, one of the few ... documents to be dispersed publicly, that the Dark Tower's purpose was to rule the world, still another Adept, this from the Path of the Dead, wrote that it was simply to study dark magic. Perhaps the most frightening clue comes from fragments of a ... book found on a dead Acolyte of the Path of Darkness. It simply stated that the Dark Tower?s purpose was to prepare the world.

The origins of the Dark Tower itself remain shrouded in myth and legend. As the story goes, the original Master, a mage whose name has been lost to time, had been imprisoned by the local king due to the ... and of his research. He was tried and found guilty and sentenced to death by fire. As he was bound to a pyre and ... he called upon Darkness and was heard. The flames transformed into a roiling, black mist, which dispersed through ... and so found the Five closest relatives of this king. These Five people became the first Cabal. Freeing their Master, they burned the king in his place, ... followed by the town itself, and upon that spot built the Dark Tower. It is peculiar to note that there ... no recorded death for this first Master. Some seers from the Path of Darkness predict ... eventual return.

During the era ... the Dark Tower, seven empires, thirteen kingdoms, and five duchies were overturned. The Dark Tower itself reigned ... twelve centuries ... various times. No less than fifty of the great wars which plagued our land were instigated by them as well. Every single tyrant ... sought to conquer the world came from their ranks ... sanctioned by the Master. Stories attribute the creation of the eight dungeons to them as well.

Perhaps the oddest note in the entire history of the Dark Tower ... its mysterious disappearance. It quite literally ... vanished one night. Inhabitants of the nearby towns report a blackness ... hung over the area as well ... constant sound of thunder. Then quite suddenly no one could see, hear, touch or smell anything. When their senses returned, they looked to see ... and the Dark Tower gone. In its place a barren patch of land.

Why did the Dark Tower vanish? Was it the ... heavens punishing them for their atrocities? Was it some ritual gone horribly wrong? Or some spell whose ends we cannot comprehend. The only clue comes from ... stone, which appeared in that desolate piece of land ... days later. It read:

When One Hand sunders
The Dark will slumber
When Eight stones stand high
The Dark will rise

 

[WarderDragon]

Hierarchy

Excerpts from the writings of Benedict the Scholar, 692-618 BS

... and as near as I can determine, the structure of the Dark Tower seems to be based upon the Pentagram. This symbol was found scrawled on nearly all of their writings, etched into the walls of their temples, and reportedly even scratched upon the bodies of their victims (as in the case of the village of Craveit, where the bodies of all the village's children were found suspended by their feet in the forest nearby, pentagrams cut onto their foreheads). The symbol appears to be used not only for its sorcerous significance in ...

Corresponding to the Five Points of the Pentagram, there were Five Paths within the Dark Tower. Every member of the Dark Tower selected one Path, and only one Path, to follow. Though there was the odd case where some might switch from one Path to another (most often due to the result of internal strife), most tended to follow their particular path with an intense devotion. Indeed, it was not irregular for the various Paths to come to blows with one another. The War of Izhael, 834 BS, appears to have been caused by a split in the Dark Tower, led by Runsab of the Path of the Blade ... by the impeachment of then Master Rayph Kostr. This caused ...

... and only the Master, the one person in ultimate authority of the Dark Tower, seemed to be outside the Paths. Varos, a member of the Path of the Ether, where many of the Tower?s scholars where found, asserted in his writings that ?though the Master always comes from one Path or another, upon becoming Master he is no longer of any Path. This is to discourage plots from rival Paths who may wish one of their own in the Master?s position?. Whether this is the case I cannot say. But my writings have shown that even the Masters were not immune to the various plots which riddled the Dark Tower. An unnamed Adept of the Path of the Dead, held that as the Five Paths represented the Five Points of the Pentagram, the Master, who was of no Paths, represented the Pentagram itself. And then there was ... Path of Darkness, who held that the Master was ... a Sixth Path ...

Serving ... beneath the Master was the Cabal. This was comprised of the heads of each of the Five Paths. In addition to being responsible for monitoring their individual Paths, those on the Cabal also advised the Master in the day to day running of the Dark Tower, as well as assisted...certain rituals and sacrifices. It was not uncommon for members of the Cabal to plot against one another. Or even against the Master. The most famous case of this was Aronia, of the Path of the Dagger. As a result of her scheming, the Master was destroyed in a purposely sabotaged ritual which ... took over, he bound the Cabal to him. This binding became a part of ... ascension to Cabal. This suggests that the Cabal became incapable of being a direct threat to the Master, and in some cases was even controlled by him.

One entered the Dark Tower as an Initiate by presenting themselves at the foot of the Tower and demonstrating their devotion in some manner, usually in the form of an offering. This could take the shape of anything ranging from gold to rare reagents to a body part. Like the Master, initiates were not a member of any Path. It was at this beginning stage that they studied under the elders of the Dark Tower, learning of each Path and what it entailed. When they were ready, they sought permission from the Cabal member to follow their particular Path.

 

[WarderDragon]

Path of the Blade

Vengeance Burns, Like Fire Within Me

The Fourth Path of the Dark Tower was known as the Path of the Blade. This Path corresponded to the element of Fire. The ... a peculiarity among the Dark Tower, for those who numbered among its ranks were known to have a sense of honor, however twisted it may be ... associated with ... ritual drink ... of suitably consecrated water. It was this Path that made up the Dark Paladins. Many of our grimmer fairy tales involve these feared characters as the primary villains.

One set off on this Path as a Squire. Squires were paired with a Dark Paladin and expected to perform errands such as caring for the horses, repairing weapons, obtaining healing and the like. Squires were also expected to follow their Paladin in battle, supporting him wherever he might need. Obedience was also a key factor. There were instances when a Dark Paladin might order a Squire to slay himself, simply as a test. Should the Squire obey, he would pass. Should he not, then the Dark Paladin would then slay him himself.

Next upon this Path was the rank of Knight. Knights were known to roam the countryside, demanding offerings from the locals and spreading terror where they would pass. Though some called this the act of bandits, it has been suggested by others that it is in fact a pilgrimage of sorts, and that Knights are sent out to prepare their souls. Though what they might be preparing their souls for, I cannot say.

Afterwards, one proceeded to the rank of Knight-Lord. Not much is known of this rank. Knight-Lords were expected to embark on a quest of some sort, one from which few returned. But it is a certainty that whatever quests they embarked on, they always returned ... darker ... then before. In one case, there was a lad by the name of Jethro. He was a regular bully who entered the Dark Tower and swore to the Path of the Blade. A bully and a murderer before, after returning from his quest he was positively depraved, delighting in the kill solely for the kill's sake. Some wrote that he even derived sexual pleasure from the act of murder. Later he was responsible for slaughtering a temple full of priests and committing sacrilege upon their deity's alter.

Finally, one became a Dark Paladin. Dark Paladins were notorious for the seeming paradox of their love of murder and sense of honor. It was said that while a Dark Paladin would kill you with a smile on his face, he would at least kill you in front of your face. Among the more bitter rivalries of the Dark Tower is that between the Dark Paladins and those who walk the Path of the Dagger. It was not unusual for Masters to play this tension as ... against one another.

*Lord Beldock sits in the Library of the Tower while Grohl silently reads the tomes of old. As Beldock continues his writings on the Paths, merry-making folk gather in the land of Trammel at Darkmor. Unknowing to them, forces slowly gather around the Dark Tower�*

�The Blades are unique to the Tower, for they are not usually a mage. They are a hard, tough and quick on their feet. Quick to fight and usually the first into battle. They make up the armies of the Dark Tower. In times of need, the ranks of the Blade swell into vast armies that have lain waste to many towns and cities. Another verse from an ancient text I will quote here:�

�The Fourth Path of the Dark Tower was known as the Path of the Blade. This Path corresponded to the element of Water. The...a peculiarity among the Dark Tower, for those who numbered among its ranks were known to have a sense of honor, however twisted it may be...associated with...ritual drink...of suitably consecrated water. It was this Path that made up the Dark Paladins. Many of our grimmer fairy tales involve these feared characters as the primary villains.�

*Beldock concludes his writings with a poem that Ivy whispered during a fevered sleep*

�Sonnet of the Blade�

"We hungrily search for a bit of food
Stalking, silent, through the forest's dark night
Knowing we are evil, we flee from good
I bind with my spell, while she causes fright.
My wielder now shuns me just as the light.
Battle cries erupt as she pulls me free;
One against many, we will win this fight.
I feed on her soul and one we shall be.
Although I am steel and mere flesh be she,
I am her master and she is my slave.
I will return to her, mine she shall be.
She is stubborn, her resistance is brave.
Killing enemies I feed her their souls;
Blackness inside is the highest of tolls..."

Lord Beldock, Cabal of Ether, DT

Path of the Dagger

The Poisoned Blood, Like Water, Flows

The Third Path of the Dark Tower, the Path of the Dagger, was related to the element of Water. Quick and mysterious and keeping to the shadows, it was the rogues and assassins who filled these ranks. Certain fighters, such as fencers and the like were also invited to tread this Path. Regardless of occupation, all ... this path were synonymous with treachery. It was not uncommon for them to stick a knife in the back of a dear friend even after talking with them. Those on the Path of the Dagger were the only ones among the Dark Tower who were known to sell their services to outsiders. Indeed, it was a Dagger Path assassin who slew the Baron of Valdemar and his beloved Companion in BS 1436.

One began his walk along the Path of the Dagger as a Novice. Novices were often partnered with the heads of their craft so as to learn the tricks native to their occupation. Thus thrown into the thick of things from the outset, Novices were expected to be quick on their feet and self-reliant. Those who were not rarely lived long enough to correct their mistakes.

After one's term as a Novice ended, one became an Apprentice. Apprentices were allowed to work alone to some degree, but were still required to check in with an acknowledged master of their craft. It was not uncommon for various tests of their skill to be arranged. One of the more popular tests was for an Apprentice to be confronted with the command to murder or otherwise harm a former loved one. One noted Apprentice took to this task with such relish, that his family was later found tied together by their own intestines.

Next one became an Expert. Experts were the spies of the Dark Tower, often sent out among the populace to collect information on the enemy, and to determine where the best places to strike would be. They were also expected to sow discord and confusion prior to battles, usually by assassinating a local leader just as the armies of the Dark Tower arrived.

The final step on the Path of the Dagger is unique from that of other Paths. Those who have achieved this rank receive no title at all, for their work demands secrecy. Only the most accomplished of thieves or assassins ever manage to reach this pinnacle. However, there are those ? skirmishers; archers, fencers, and the like. Though not technically a thief or an assassin, these fighters are renowned for their expertise with their choice of weapon, and the speed with which they dispatched their foe. To these were given the coveted title of Blademaster.

*Rain pounds against the Tower on a dark, cold night. Lord Beldock, not noticing much outside the brightly-lit library of the Tower, sits and writes in a finely bound leather book. Dipping a black quill in his ink well, he writes about the Path of the Dagger. *

�The Path of the Dagger�

�Ah, the Daggers. A knife in the night, if the gold glinted brightly enough. Never turn your back on them. You may never know if you are marked. The tomes of old, within the Tower speak better then I can about them:

�The Third Path of the Dark Tower, the Path of the Dagger, was related to the element of Air. Quick and mysterious and keeping to the shadows, it was the rogues and assassins who filled these ranks. Certain fighters, such as fencers and the like were also invited to tread this Path. Regardless of occupation, all...this path were synonymous with treachery. It was not uncommon for them to stick a knife in the back of a dear friend even after talking with them. Those on the Path of the Dagger were the only ones among the Dark Tower who were known to sell their services to outsiders�

*Beldock writes further on the Daggers*

�I personally know of one former member, who continued to try and kill me. Many times the forces of �good� tried to hire him to put a dagger in me. It is said to this day, I am still marked by him. To bad he can�t do much from the grave.�

*Early morning light peeks through the windows, enhancing the shadows within. Looking up, Beldock notes a ghostly figure within the shadows. For a brief moment, the figure waves and departs back to wherever it came. A smile plays on Beldock�s face as he remembers his old friend� and assassin. With a finely written signature, Beldock concludes his brief notes on the Path of the Dagger*

Lord Beldock, Cabal of Ether, DT

The Path of Death

Ashes unto Ashes, Dust unto Dust

The Second Path of the Dark Tower, the Path of the Dead, was based upon the element of Earth. It was the Necromancers who made up this Path. A small but powerful group, the Necromancers were secretive and tended to disassociate from the rest of the Dark Tower. Those on the Path of the Dead were also notorious for working well together, most likely due to the ritualistic nature of their magic. It has been suggested by some that the Path of the Dead is the Dark Tower, for they draw their power from the deaths caused by the other Paths.

The first step upon the Path of the Dead was as Mortuorum. A Mortuorum would serve under a Necromancer as a sort of apprentice, fulfilling certain tasks, taking care of the many tools required by their profession, and often acting as an errand runner about the Tower. In return, the Mortuorum was allowed to observe, though never participate, in the rituals held by the elders of this Path.

When the elders judged the Mortuorum ready, he was made a Medium. Like the name implies, Mediums were often sent abroad to collect supplies and find suitable sacrifices for the ritual circle. This served the dual purpose of also maturing the young necromancer, for setting off alone they often realized that the true necromancer's strength came from a group working a combined ritual. As such, those inclined to rebel, as so often occurred under the Path of the Ether, instead learned the futility of such behavior, and worked that much harder within the Circle.

Next one became an Theurgist. This was more of a scholar?s position. Theurgists were put to work recording even the most meticulous details of a ritual. They were also often charged with experimenting with existing rituals so as to yield new results. ... was Theurgist Coches ... animated a brothel full of dead prostitutes who went on to slay their clientele. Was rumored that he kept ... for himself.

Finally there were the Necromancers themselves. These mages were the true masters of the dead. They were the ones who created the new spells which so often furthered the Dark Tower?s power. Their thirst for blood and power often became quite literal, to the point where some could only ingest fresh blood. It was said that the wounded of the Dark Tower were often quite vocal and lively when a Necromancer came near, for their interpretation of ?dead? was often quite liberal. And the need for fresh organs was always a priority.

Path of the Ether

From the Ether, their Dark Works were made...

The First Path, the Path of the Ether, represented the eldritch element from which it derived its name. Those who followed this Path were the ... and sorcerers of the Dark Tower. Fiercely independent, those on this Path seldom worked well together, each seeking to further his or her own power. Just as the flame continues to consume until it burns itself out, so to did these mages often bring about their own deaths due to the misuse of and greed caused by their abilities.

The first step upon the Path of the Ether was as a Sorcerer. This is where one usually began to demonstrate his magical ability. Not yet in full command of his own talent, Sorcerers were often used merely to support the more powerful Archmages, yoked by some sort of ... bond.

The next step up was Wizard. Like the Sorcerer, the Wizard was still learning his powers. Though knowledgeable of a wider range of spells, the Wizard was still not able to cast them all upon command. While allowed more freedom then the Sorcerers, Wizards were still often bound into service by the more powerful mages. Most likely it was this enforced slavery which led to the bitter rivalry among the members of this Path.

Next came the Magus. Allowed to work on their own more often, it was these Magi, usually seeking ways to gain power of their peers, that devised some of the most destructive spells and weapons known to mankind. Records show one Magus, a young lady named Zenda, creating a spell known as Armageddon. To this day no one has learned what happened after the casting of it, for there was none around who survived.

Finally, one became an Archmage. Not much is known as to how one progressed to this rank from that of Magus. Archmages were those few arcanists in full command of their powers. Before becoming an Archmage, it is rumored that the Magus must embark on a quest of some sort, but not a single detail of what said quest might entail can be found. It is certain however, that fewer then one in ten ever returned from these quests alive.

The Path of Darkness

A Chill Wind, Like A Shadowlord's Touch

The last, and most mysterious Path, is known as the Path of Darkness. Corresponding to the element of Air, those who walk this Path follow a more mystical bent. If anything, the Path of Darkness is a sort of priesthood among the Dark Tower. Indeed people of all skills follow this road, be they mage, warrior, or rogue. This is the one Path universally feared by all. Even the Necromancers with their rituals involving the dead fear those of the Path of Darkness, and the acts they are capable of. It was written by a scholar of the Path of the Dead that ?those who walked the Path of Darkness were simply other. No one can comprehend their motives. Even the Master seems baffled by them. It is peculiar to note, that after a single night with a guard who walks this path, prisoners beg for the care of the torture loving Path of the Dagger guards.? Unfortunately, as with most references to this Path, few details of substance can be found. As such, the Path of Darkness remains shrouded in secrecy even to this day.

One begins this Path as an Acolyte. As such, a Acolyte is expected to study the nature of Evil in all its forms. They are expected to discover for themselves what they believe Evil to be. Oftentimes it is at this point that they learn of Dark Powers, daemons, and certain deities with whom they will traffic with in the years to come.

Once an elder feels the Acolyte has progressed enough in his studies, he becomes a Disciple. Disciples are expected to obey the elders and learn what they have to teach. It is at this stage where ... tutored by another in the Arts of Evil. Often here is where many bind themselves to a particular daemon or deity of evil alignment.

Next is Scion. As with most of the Path of Darkness, not much is known about this rank. It is stated in several transcripts that Scions often go on pilgrimages, and are left to work alone, without the aid of a mentor. The most revealing reference I was able to find was from a village wisewoman who writes ?...and when the Scions came into town, tearful parents brought out their youngest daughters. Of those, the Scions selected five, who were never seen again.?

Finally, one becomes a Dark One, a sort of priest within the ranks of the Dark Tower. Dark Ones were known to have a particular affinity with Evil. Many of the more famous from the Dark Tower's past even became associated with later incarnations of deities. Even the Master would yield Dark One?s respect, for it was said they served in some vital function within the confines of the Dark Tower itself. As to what this may be ... only those of the Path of Darkness themselves know.

 

[WarderDragon]

Applicants

Applicants:

To those who would serve the Dark Tower

So, you seek entry into the unhallowed ranks of the Dark Tower? I warn you, it is not for the meek of heart. You must put from you any adherence to the cursed Virtues of Britannia. You must cast off any ties you have to friends and family. You must be prepared to bind your very soul to the Pentagram, which is the foundation of our beliefs.

Before you tread upon our steps to undergo the Rite of Initiation, read well this tale of the Initiate Warin. When he lost his lady love to a rival, he took himself to the Dark Tower requesting membership. It was granted and he soon applied for admission to the Path of Darkness. Vowing that he was ready to fully commit himself to the Fifth Path, the Dark Ones decided that he was to prove his devotion through a Sacrifice. He was brought to the Ritual Circle, where a masked woman was bound, screaming for her life. The Initiate Warin was instructed to remove her heart, which he did, then to remove her mask. She was revealed to be his lady love. Grieved by her death at his hands, the Ritual Circle rejected him, incinerating them both with its unholy flame.

***

To apply to the Dark Tower, fill out the application below. Make sure your email address is entered correctly. You will be contacted with a date and time to meet at the Dark Tower, to bind yourself to the Stone. When you arrive, it is expected that you bring a token of some sort, be it gold, a rare reagent, or a body part.

Character's Name:

ICQ Number:

Email Address:

Please provide a brief character history:

Why do you consider your character Evil?:

Bear in mind, the Dark Tower is a roleplaying guild. Though some combat will be involved, the emphasis is on character interaction through roleplaying means. The Dark Tower is not a guild designed to support its members economically or to help you advance as a character. Its sole purpose is to provide a forum for roleplaying and player driven quests. The Dark Tower is open to all, no roleplaying experience is necessary.

No one will be accepted in the Dark Tower whose character name is in all caps (ie. STUART), alternating (ie. StUaRt), or doesn't fit within the world of Britannia (ie. George W. Bush). Members caught abusing our roleplaying status as an evil guild to murder will be removed. Members caught detracting from the overall roleplaying atmosphere and causing problems will be removed.

(Guildmistress' note: Please complete the above-requested information and send it as a text-only message to [email protected].)

Location

Do not approach our doorsteps unprepared

If you believe yourself truly prepared, then it is not difficult to locate the Dark Tower. It is situated within the old facet of Sosaria - that which is called Felucca. Standing defiantly just outside of the ?City of Spirituality?, the tower is a short walk east from the docks of Skara Brae.