Arcane Journals
Arcane Journals
There are many books that are of great importance to Mages past and present. But none capture history quite so clearly as the Arcane Journals. Scribed by numerous authors over centuries of history, the Arcane Journals attempt to describe the political changes of the Mages Guild throughout time.
Journey to the Node, Written By the Arcane Mage
It is time for me to leave now… I am not sure whether I should, I still debate the decision in my head but I can feel it is right. It is right, I must do this. I can see the dark times ahead for the people of Aegis, where all they hold dear, all they have built, with their sweat and blood, will come crumbling down around them. The nations are divided, there is no future in division. But united, I see the people of Aegis stand a change, albeit a very slim one. I hope they come to see sense in the final hours.
But I tarry, I must leave quickly. I have little time and the ancient ritual I need to preform must be done precisely. Warping to the node is dangerous at best… It is incredible I found it, at such a distance finding a node is extremely difficult. But it is time to go now, I will write here again when I get the chance, hopefully I do.
I made the journey, but only just. I miscalculated the nodes centre by some amount… I have never felt a node of this power, it is no wonder I could feel its presence from my tower. Its power scrambled my senses. No matter, that was little worry for what came next. I dropped out above water, it has happened before. I could feel the island not far away, the swim was wearying… But I have been worse, much worse. But the island was far from deserted, as I all too soon found out.
The ensuing fight was fierce, with fang and claw, fire and lightning. A raging tempest upon ancient ground, the sky rent under the fury. The fields of magic around the tower are phenomenal, the animals that resided there seemed to have gained magical energy from it… I do not know how or by what means, I will have to look into it later. To the animals which had lived in seclusion my sudden appearance was seen as a threat, I attempted to calm as many as I could… There is sometimes little you can do.
I discovered many magical anomalies, just floating… I dared not approach them. They hovered above the ground, drifting in a seemingly aimless fashion… They were wells of magic… but at the same time were voids of it. It was incredible I had never seen something like it. I had to resist the overwhelming temptation to reach out to them, it was as though they were drawing me to them… I must remove these before any others step foot here.
At long last there I was, at the ruins of an ancient tower, magic positively humming in the area. The architecture of what was left was alien… Although it was an ancient tower it was very advanced, perhaps surpassing that of Aegis. So I began to reconstruct the tower…
It has taken many months but at last I have finished construction. The tower is at its once former glory. Sometime in the latter part of the first week I found a room with schematics and construction sketches of the buildings, using these and inspiration from my first tower, I reconstructed, adding to each design. I must say I am pleased with the results. I took the liberty of adding powerful enchantments to the foundations, enchantments of healing, power, and protection I wove into the very fabric of the stone.
I could feel the deep vaults deep beneath, teeming with ancient secrets and powers. I could feel the node, deep beneath. I may have ventured down these lonely paths but I cannot allow others, not until they are ready. Before I leave I shall seal the lower reaches of the tower, graduating the enchantments power the deeper it goes. Only when one has truly understood, has finally seen truth can one breach the final seal. Behind which lies powers unfathomed, such that they are hidden and locked away.
The anomalies have also been sealed behind the final room… I have learned their secret and their power and they must not remain above. I learned, in my searches, what had happened here… to the node. The ancient people who resided here were learned in an ancient language I remember from times long past, none would remember it now, save me, with the wizards passing. I found a tattered journal in what seemed to be a private room… and read of what transpired, I will also leave that in the lower levels it should not be known to all. The node which first attracted me here was found deep within the earth at the base of the towers foundation, and its power was immense. It is in the lowest level, with the other objects or power. I placed a powerful enchantment around it to reduce its power of penetration; the enchantment is designed to absorb magic I hope it will hold. We shall not be bothered by deformed beasts of magic for some time.
But it is time for me to return of Aegis, I have been away far too long, and I can feel events running apace before me. It is perhaps time to guide people onto the right path, and I must gather the books of lore. They cannot be lost.
History
Prologue
Chapter 1
Once Upon a Time
The very earliest recordings of the Order go back to Second Era, dating back to a time before the Undead, yet after the Four Brothers. A Mage by the name of Roland became titled the first Arch-Mage, being all knowledgeable, and created the Mages Order due to the corruption that he saw in men when their hearts were exposed to the wickedness of untamed magic. Little is still known about this time, documents remain thin as do the tales of others.
Chapter 2
The Arcane Mage
After some unknown form of collapse within the Order, a mysterious figure known as the Arcane Mage entered Aegis to bring back life to the empty husk of the guild. Recruiting a new range of minds and mages ,such as Arch-Mage Bell, to once again bring balance to magic and its power. The power of the Arcane Mage seemed limitless, as he summoned the fabled Arcane Tower in the snowy north of Aegis to act as both a symbol and a tool of the Order’s wisdom.
Chapter 3
One To Follow One To Fall
Two young men by the name of Cataris and Ogland change the course history within the Order, simply by entering a tavern and meeting Hwalder, the first Arch-Mage of the Mages Order. After much speaking took place Hwalder was convinced that the two companions would make excellent mages, and so led them to the northern tower of the Arcane Mage. There the two were made apprentices and began their studies as possibly some of the first apprentices of the Order.
Part 1
Chapter 5
The Northern Guild House
A town known as Snowy Fields rose from the dunes of snow within the north of Aegis. Said to have been constructed on the ancient ruins of an Ascended Temple it attracted civilians from the elven woods to the human hills thus attracting the attention of the Order. The now Guild Master Ogland took up a guild house within Snowy Fields to pick up research and excavation of the Ascended Temple, but also to assist with the defensives of the vulnerable city. For you see, the town was located on the borders of Undead land and ever since the Undead Wars picked up the town was relentlessly attacked on numerous occasions. However, it was not only Ogland who based himself in this region, due to the close proximity of the tower the Order devoted themselves and their members to the defense of the north. Mages such as Guild Master Cataris and Arch-Mage Bell played a key role in the early interests of the war.
Chapter 6
The Northern Battle of Snowy
As the war progressed conditions became seemingly hopeless. In one last desperate attempt to defend the walls of Snowy Fields a great battle commenced which resulted in the loss of Snowy Fields in the war effort, all that once was Snowy Fields was lost, including the excavative research and guild house of the Order. The Ascended themselves even fled the focal point of the war, retreating to their holy halls for rest and distaste to the “ungrateful” people of Aegis.
Chapter 7
The Alstion Guild House
Ambros, who was at the time a scholar, offered his services in helping the guild by building a guild house in Alstion for Ogland. It was created quickly and the town was just beside the ruined city of Snowy Fields. Ambros required only one form of payment, to become a mage. Ogland made Ambros his apprentice; it is also known around this time that Freya becomes Bell’s apprentice
Chapter 8
The Banishing
Guild master Cataris found a secret way into the Undead keep that was quiet near to Alstion. He rallied a small group of warriors to help him fight, he led them into the Keep, the attack although was not successful. Cataris was placed in front of the council and was given a warning. Cataris stood trial and was given the mercy of the guild and was allowed to stay within the guild although we was on a thin line and any further offenses would result in a disbandment from the mage guild.
Chapter 9
The Death Of Bell
Arch-mage Bell was killed when she went with the Undead to their Keep. Her loss was quickly replaced by Arch-mage Lothiriel. Bell's death did not go unnoticed by the public, a good number of her admirers grieved from her loss a memorial was built for her on a farm along the road to Haven.
Chapter 10
The Ending
Due to the certain reasons the Arcane Mage went missing and Lothiriel took his place. Also at this time Cataris was banished from the guild during a court scene for relaying secrets out to the public. Lothirial soon after disbanded the guild until further notice.
Although she also went missing not long after.
Part 2
Chapter 11
The Return
Ambros and Ogland brought back the guild to its old glory and began recruiting new guild masters to replace themselves so they could take the places of the now missing Lothiriel and the now dead Arch-mage Hightower. At this time Indelwehn, Mithas, Rilath, and Grimbeard were recruited as the four new guild masters and the guild house in the elven capital was built.
Chapter 12
Vengeance
Catairs’s wife died soon after he was disbanded and he too died from an assassin. The Undead brought him back from his stone grave and gave him life turning him into a rotten body and Undead. He now was given a staff in which he could cast the magic of his new cursed body. He approached Ambros, Mithas, and Indelwehn. Another Undead he was with stuck Ambros and Mithas down and they took Indelwehn and tortured her. Ambros went to Al’khazar and recreated Mage GrimBeard and his knights to fight Cataris. They went to the old Condoin camp and found Cataris there with minions and Indelwehn tied up. Grim and his knights went into battle weaving through the old tents dodging the lightning and fireballs that the Undead hurled at them. Grimbeard was able to chase the remaining Undead out of the camp and Indelwehn was saved by Mithas.
Chapter 13
Rumour
It has been now rumoured that the Arcane Mage has returned to the lands of Aegis, perhaps he has become aware of a new unbalancing, and returns to help the people. Or perhaps his business in parts and worlds unknown are finished, for better or worse. But none the less, there have been several sightings of the Arcane Mage, but he disappeared before much could be deduced.
Chapter 14
The Verge
The Mages soon took root in the new land known as the Verge. With the help of Ebs, Mithas and Ambros were able to summon a small group of flouting islands in which to build a small lab on for further study of the new world. Although at this time GrimBeard broke the Mage’s Codex and so he was put on hold disbandment, he is given one last chance to not do this again. When the Mages began construction the Orcs so came and ordered them to leave, they were able to make a deal to give a Orcs a stack of stone a week, although due to another Orcs their tribute was removed
Chapter 15
The Return of Guild Master Kilgrim
The thought to be dead Guild Master Kilgrim returned and met with Ambros in order for him to see the Dwarven guild house. Now that all 4 guild masters were in place recruitment could begin once again. At this time the tower was locked to all including the mages with a powerful spell. It is not yet known at why or how this was done. Although the guild moved their base due to this and they now base themselves at the Kal’Urguan Guild house.
Chapter 16
Growth
At this time the guild was now recruiting openly once more. Mages such as Maximus and Deltaro were accepted into the guild at this time. Also the guild house in Laurelin was moved to the old council tree, graciously gifted to the mages by High Prince Native. This was also a time of great discovery, Arch-Mage Ambros wrote a number of books on complete guides to alchemy and enchanting that failed to exist until then. Also guild master Kilgrim became a member of the lower dwarven council as head mage, with this position the mages also received the scholar district of Kal’Urguan that until then was occupied by the Theatre Guild.
Chapter 17
Four Become Three
Guild master Rilath who was one of the four guild masters for a reason unknown lost many of his memories including his thoughts about being a mage of balance and so he became a dark mage and began to become corrupted by power and darkness. Rilath had followed Ambros, Indelwehn, and Mithas to Laurelin were they met with Deltaro. After Rilath was discovered behind a tree Ambros cast a trapping spell and they brought him to the Laurelin guild house where he would be brought to justice. Although after it was decided that he was to be stripped of his powers and sent to Kal’Urguan jail he attacked Indelwehn, but not before Ambros sent a blast of power into Rilath and Deltaro trapped him to a wall with magic. It was too much for him and he fainted at Indelwehn’s feet. Ambros ordered Deltaro to take him to Kal’Urguan to be locked away, although along the King’s Road Rilath’s allies attacked Deltaro and he escaped. The mages began to search for a possible replacement for him Teacher Deltaro took Rilath's place as guild master, and elven prince Lafthi was noticed and so was accepted as apprentice of Indelwehn. This time had become dark the undead’s taint was spreading quickly as they attacked Kal’Urguan, The Sister City, as well as Al’khazar.
Part 3
Chapter 18
The Dark Days
For much this time only war brewed and little peace prevailed. A great war was called upon the orcs and elves agents the humans and dwarfs. This caused a great deal of trifle for the mages, guild masters attacking guild masters and apprentices attacking apprentices. Arch-Mage Ambros attempted to bring order to the guild but all else failed and so Aegis descended into chaos, undead attacking within days of other attacks, Galahar laid bare, the wizard killed. It would seem as if all hope was lost, the undead got their hands on what seemed to be ancient relics when the wizard died, they were described as “eggs” from a bystander. It was then warned that hell would rain upon Aegis…the coming months would be the ending months…. The mages later recived a tower in the Al'khazar Keep, although soon after they took ownership of it the Undead placed themselves on top of it and burnt a great deal of the roof off.
Chapter 19
Return of the Arch Mage
Arch-Mage Lothiriel reappeared after her long a mysterious absence from the guild. She remained an Arch-Mage until she soon disappeared once more.
Chapter 20
Three Become Two
After the return of the arch-mage Guild Master Indelwehn was appointed High Princess of Laurelin in High prince Native’s absence. During this time she decided it would be best to step down from guild master rank so she could spend more time working with her new nation. Several new apprentices came around in this age as well. Algrim became apprentice to Guild Master Kilgrim as one of the few dwarf mages, and Ambros began to train Lafthi himself in order to get him to a position to take the place of Indelwehn.
Chapter 21
Two Become One
The tainted guild master Mithas had gone missing for some time and several people have had sightings of a man with his voice doing evil throughout Aegis. Of course the Mage’s Guild could only make the connection that Mithas was indeed tainted by the dark. Ambros sent out numerous mages to try and find Mithas and bring him to justice but none could ever catch him despite his common appearances to do evil. Ambros ran into him while on his way to Laurelin, a battle between the two mages quickly commenced leading them deep into the gates of Laurelin. In the end Ambros sent him flying outside the gates and into a shallow pond where he later died due to the fall. All of the original apprentices had left the guild Indelwehn, Rilath, and Mithas. Deltaro as well had left the guild to seek out a temple of the daemons. Not all was lost though, a number of new apprentices arrived in the guild as well as many more being graduated to mage class.
Chapter 22
The Bane of Arthropods
High Princess of Laurelin and former guild master Indelwehn retrieved an ancient stone blade from the depths of a damned cave in the outer forests of Laurelin. The elven civilians stormed the cave, many lost their lives that day but the reward in the end was worth the death. Indelwehn and her husband led Ambros to the elven guild house and showed him what they found. It was the stone blade, Bane of Arthropods was its name. It was heavy made of cold stone forged many years before the time it was found. After making a pricy deal with Indelwehn Ambros received the blade from her and her husband. It now sits within the main hall of the elven guild house awaiting a true hero who can claim its power to help restore balance to Aegis.
Chapter 23
The Clash
After the Bane of Arthropods was stolen by the druids due to the belief that it was rightfully theirs a great feud arose between the mages and druids. And ancient hate that was bubbling for many years had finally come to a boiling point. Crude remarks were shared between the two factions neither side willing to admit any form of mental defeat. At last a pact was created between the druids and mages brining peace once more, the druids later fled up north after Laurelin was brutally attacked by the now dead Vardak. A tainted portal was summoned and it slowly began to eat away at the ancient wood of Laurelin. Not willing to let another nation fall the mages reacted quickly to create a barrier around the portal to hold back the taint. Going to the druids for help Ambros later summoned seven pillars around Laurelin’s gates for later activation. When they day came seven druids stood upon the pillars with seven ancient artifacts to sacrifice and create the barrier. Upon activation beasts spewed from the portal and attacked the barriers. Fleeing for their lives the druids escaped from the tumbling pillars to the safety of ground. It was not long before the ascended arrived to stop the portal’s taint. At last a great tree was grown around the portal in hopes for the time being it would hold back the treachery.
Part 4
Chapter 24
The New World
The Mages split up and traveled to the new world on a number of ships. Upon their arrival they found quick allegiances with the human nation of Renatus receiving a ruined guild house soon after. A number of mages re-joined and/or were recruited during this time and teaching started up once more. Guild Master Kilgrim was deemed an Arch-Mage and Hiebe took his place as the dwarven guild master.
Chapter 25
Death Brings Growth
At this time a number of things occurred, soon after the Mages Guild's arrival the Arcane Mage mysteriously vanished, much like he often does. A number of theories came from his disappearance, although the most common one was his death. this set back did not stop the guild from flourishing though. Arch-Mage Ogland and Arch-Mage Ambros found an island that the Arcane Mage spoke of in his journal. Great rocky cliffs surrounded the island and upon it sat the ruins of a great tower the both pierced the sky and dug deep into the earth. It was not long before the ruins became the Mages Guild's home known as Bellus Turris. Not long after the Haelun'or guild hall was completed as well as the Solace guild hall. After this a number of new members joined bringing the guild back from its state of confusion.
Chapter 26
One More
After Ambros had a vision of the twice dead Cataris returning he quickly brought it before the High Council. He came to realize that in his vision there was two rivers, chosen ones in a sense. The guild would be at its lowest, although if these two people were found then only they could save the guild. Cataris had gathered a number of rouge mages, most of them once being in the guild, he also recruited several houses from Renatus as well as the infamous Dark Brotherhood. This army of villains could easily overpower the Mages Guild, and so they called on help. They came before the Alras Mages and Druids for help. In return a form of alliance was made with the Alras Mages and the Druids summoned a twice dead past druid to kill Cataris, although it did not seem to work. Mages such as Lorethos and Laurina sided with Cataris, both trying to sway the High Council of allowing him to become one of the Arch-Mages of the guild. Of course, Arch-Mages Ambros would not allow this until proof was given. During this time, leadership was questioned, many people thought that Ambros could no longer lead properly and the guild was declining. After the High Council Meeting, Arch-Mage Ambros disbanded all current guild houses in order to keep the mages of the guild more concentrated in Bellus Turris.
Chapter 27
The Reform
Arch-Mage Ambros issued a reform of the guild after the Cataris incident seemed to simmer down. The Mages Guild was now run by a council of thirteen High Mages, this reform’s main goal was to ease toe troubles of leading the guild from Ambros for the former Arch-Mage Kilgrim left the guild to go into a journey of meditation. During this time it was also stated by Ambros that the Node below the tower was beginning to act up and would soon combust. Now the guild was aware this happened before, most likely destroying the tower before they arrived in Asulon, although they concluded that the tower would not survive this Node Explosion and the tower and the island would most likely perish. Most of the supplies were moved to Normandor, the rest remains on the island of Bellus Turris waiting to explode.
Part 5
Chapter 28
The New Age
High Mage Ambros, the last remaining original member of the guild, died due to an attack by Rouge Mage Regaki who was an old mage of the guild (Head Teacher Salamandra). Ambros brought apprentice Saeldur to the collapsing Mage Tower. Upon their arrival they went into the depths of the tower entering the Arcanum where the explosion of the Node would be strongest. Here, Ambros broke a window that looked into the Void leaving an Ender Eye flouting over it, this would then collect the power of the Node explosion. Not long after Regaki arrived in the Arcanum he attacked Ambros, this battle raged on for some time before Regaki broke Ambros’s staff and then sending two Shade Magic tendrils flying towards Saeldur. Instinctively Saeldur ducked, the sharp tentacles piercing Ambros’s chest. At this point the Node was ready to explode as it began to suck the magic out of things around it. As Ambros was hit he pushed Regaki into the radius of the Node and Regaki’s conscience was ripped out of his body. Since Saeldur ducked, dodging the attack Ambros stated that it was in fact Saeldur who killed him and that according to guild law, forced him to become the new leader of the Mages Guild. As the last remaining original Mages Guild member died, Regaki awakened, his conscience and most emotions drained of him. With the tower collapsing around them Saeldur and Regaki escaped.
Chapter 29
Thirteen Masters
Not long after Arch-Mage Ambros’s death the Guild began the construction of a new tower in the lands of the Ironfist Clan. Many of the other members of the Guild looked down to the new Arch-Mage, Saeldur. They considered him inexperienced and young, incapable of leading their guild, although they continued to allow Saeldur to lead them in a distrustful fashion.
It is known that Ambros did not die, he simply created a false death to allow himself leave, the reasons for this are not known, however Ambros, with the aid of the Ascended Wizard Blundermore went before King Godfrey of Oren. They stated that the Guild must be destroyed due to corrupt ways and dealings, of course, Godfrey, one who does not trust magic, soon ordered Ambros to be sent to the prison. After a lofty debate Blundermore and Ambros were able to escape. Ambros then returned to the Guild, the rest of the Guild impeaching Arch-Mage Saeldur and Ambros retaking his position. Another reform was then issued, the Mages Guild now being named the Mages Order. The entire Order only consisted of 13 Masters. Those of the 13 were: Ambros, Blundermore, Zane, Salamandra, Ogland, Polgrath, Hiebe, Elindor, Jon, Lafthi, Dio, Laurina and Dante.
Chapter 30
Rebuilding
Chapter 31
A Seaward Departure (Leaving Asulon)
Chapter 32
A Quiet Time
With the mortal races scattered, and the surviving Mages even further scattered, the Guild slipped out of existence while on Kalos and Elysium. What became of many members of the Guild at this time may remain unknown.
Part 6
Chapter 33
Life Anew
