Shadow Court
From MoongatesWiki
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The Shadow Court is a free collective of individuals, united in their spirit of adventure and quest for knowledge. They seek to explore the mysteries of Britannia and the lands beyond, and present their findings to the free citizens of Britannia in open forum. Founded by Jack of Shadows, Roxanne of Vesper and Muldran Skully, the Shadow Court stays ever present; watching, waiting, and occasionally acting to protect the land from what they refer to as the Greater Darkness.
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The Shadow Manifesto
The Manifesto, written by original guildmaster Jack of Shadows, is the document by which the Shadow Court govern themselves and their outlook. For some reason, the document has never really made it outside of the Court – but those who understand it invariabley find themselves drawn to work with the Court. The Shadow Court is comprised of adventurers, explorers, seekers of knowledge, and outcasts. People who don't feel the need to conform, but neither do they feel the need to tear down society. They're different, they know it, and they're going to make the most of it.
The Court doesn't have a formal progression through the ranks like an army, although there is some heirachy – although the guildmaster takes great pains to get people to discuss and argue with him.
Guildmaster: The Guildmaster of the Shadow Court shoulders the responsibility of keeping the Manifesto in order, and being observant in the search for the Greater Darkness. A guildmaster of the Court can be an arbiter of balance - and the trials associated with that station can be troublesome.
Lords Cardinal: Entitled the Lord/Lady of Shadows. These individuals are usually taken from the various aspects of the ShadowCourt for example the general Court,and the Shadow Order. Usually there are two serving Cardinals.
The Courtiers: Active members of the Shadow Court engaged in diplomatic negotiations and support roles. Courtiers tend to be non-combattant.
The Shadow Knights: Members of the Shadow Order below
Grey Walkers: New members or those who have yet decide which path to follow within the Shadow Court itself.
Rhovanion
See main article: Rhovanion
The Shadow Court were once based in Vesper. At one time, guildmaster Muldran Skully was a Governor of the area of Windenboug. Following disagreements with Vesper Law, and Muldran's unwilligness to declare war on other areas, the Court accepted the offer of Lord Bohemond to move to the snow-covered valley of Rhovanion. The township is hidden within the Northern Crags of Malas, a roundabout journey from Luna. Its from here the Shadow Court watch, work and strive against the Greater Darkness. Walking amongst the towns and the dungeons of the world, the Shadow Court increase the knowledge and following. Their library is available to all, the snow-swept settlement of Rhovanion a welcoming light in the darkness.
"Working for the good of the realm and maintaining the balance are often matters of small degrees. To shape a bush you must prune it gently, not take a machete to it."
The Shadow Order
Throughout the history of the Court there have always been warriors, men and women whose role it was to defend the secrets and lore gathered by the Court. These folk are the Knights of the Court who form the Shadow Order.
A Knight of the Order is one who tolerates many faiths and deeds, but who works against warfare, slavery and the wanton destruction of the land and the creatures that inhabit it. They oppose those who would build Empires by the sword, or spilled blood or who would work the Arts (magic) regardless of the consequences. They work towards bringing lost knowledge, both magical and mundane (for example; spellcraft research, crafts, lore & histories) to the Great Library so to preserve them for the future.
Most importantly they are sworn to defend the Great Library and the Knowledge stored therein with flesh and steel, for to the Courtiers knowledge and wisdom is the most precious commodity in the land. They are also the Guardians of the Reliquery.
The Knights have no rank, only varying degrees of personal influence gained from time served and respect given to them by the other Courtiers. They report to the Cardinals and the Shadow King and all bear the title of Shadow Knight. A title not chosen because of the way they favour the colours of the shadows but more for the way they move through society...behind the scenes, and within the shadows unseen by the majority of those who walk the lands.
