The Marauders have been a longstanding institution in Illythria for thousands of years. Born in the second age, it was a minor cult until taken over and revamped by Annihilate during the War of the Demon Seed. It has had several masters, and has been ordered into a strict hierarchical group, but due to the lack of leadership abilities it has often found itself crumbling under its own weight. They were wholly chaotic, believing that the Gods caused strife to ensure the growth of all beings and embracing a Darwinist belief that only the strong survived. They encouraged knowledge, strength and growth in all areas, and believe that those not fit to rule were fit to serve. However, their politics were never really embraced by large groups because of the occult nature of their rituals, and the cultish theme of their guild dynamics. Therefore, they tried to tie themselves into higher authority, priests, lords, kings, and bring about a transformation that would elevate them above other religious and cultural sects.

However, it was not until the reign of Annihilate that they truly took any ground. Annihilate revamped them into an army, virtually, a prime military force. Although he had his own personal agenda, he did wonders for the establishment: namely, creating a well known public face, establishing rules and laws for the order, and raising them to a first-class organization. They were, and still are, open to all individuals who wanted to learn and grow powerful, and would help the guild and its members grow in power. It was widely known, however, that they meant to take control of the government, and eventually the world. They almost succeeded in Illythria, but another group, of whom Annihilate was originally a member, brought them down and crushed them. Annihilate somehow escaped from that world arriving in Arda, and began working all over again.



Physical Descripton

To the public eye the guild is a center of learning, knowledge and preservation of all things educational. The guild hall itself is centered in Ondolond, and appears almost like a small university on the edge of the town with its back against the rise of a steep mountain. However, it hides many secrets, for deep within the confines of the mountains there are thousands of tunnels intricately linked with the head quarters within the city of Ondolond. Inside there are Marauder training facilities, libraries, and a place where all members can find a brief respite. These tunnels are known to few outside of the guild family, and some lead deep down inside of the mountain, and even further into the Underdark.

The Guild Offers:

1. Guild missions for new members to test their skills, and to grow stronger amongst their peers.
2. Special PT (Physical Training) assignments meant to teach members how to work together and think like true Marauders.
3. Training sessions with competent masters that cost 15 gold per lesson. (10 to trainers, 5 to the guild).
4. Treasury & Armory to help new members purchase new items/spells. (Note: We will not buy an entire item for a new user, but if they need a small amount of gold to buy a specific item we will help.)
5. Any PC assigned mercenary work.
6. A home for any character who is part of the guild.
7. A library containing vast knowledge from various tomes that all members can access, and knowledgeable masters to consult.

Rules:

All guild family members are expected to adhere to a certain code, and follow the directions given to them by their higher ranking guild members.

1. Never harm or steal from another family member.
2. Always interrogate captives to learn any vital information from them.
3. Always record all knowledge – historical, magical, etc. – in the tomes within the great library.
4. Never allow an outsider to walk the halls of the Marauders.
5. Always strive to keep the secret dealings of the family away from prying eyes. Whenever someone take an overly active interest in the guild they are to be silenced through a combination of bribery, blackmail, coercion and murder.

Rankings:

First of all, all new members begin as Acolytes except in certain circumstances. They must also pick a path to follow whether it be combat, magic, stealth or balanced. They then begin their training, are sent on paid missions, though the guild keeps part of their earnings.

Ascendant – This is ot an achievable rank. The guild master may train a successor, or have a co-guildmaster who should be given the same amount of respect.

Harbinger – Virtually the most powerful members of the guild, who have trained extensively in multiple fields, and second only in authority to the guild master. Normally Harbingers are sent on the most dangerous assignments, and are given right to take any number of warriors with them. Harbingers can, and normally do specialize in multiple fields.

Sovereign – Sovereigns are essentially the training masters of the group. Sovereigns have the most training in their specialized field. They train new members, and are more numerous than the Harbingers.

Transcendent – these are the bread and butter of the guild, as it were. They are very powerful, and must face difficult trials to ascend to the rank of Transcendent. They re trained warriors comprising the heart of the guild.

Adroit – All adroit are under the eye of a Sovereign. Although not at all times, they are expected to perform as told, and to listen. All Adroit are skilled, but must pass a rigorous test to ascend.

Acolyte – Acolytes are the new members of the guild, and almost as numerous of all the levels. They are personally selected and visited by the guild master to insure that they are the right person for the guild, and normally given a specific invitation. However, sometimes loyalties must be proven, causing many acolytes to be pushed aside. A full-fledged acolyte is required 15 castable spells (magic user), 3 fighter abilities (warrior), or other class-specific spells and feats (assassin) to rise in ranking to adroit. They also have to participate in a minor trial-by-fire.

Specializations:

Within the Marauder ranks there are specialized training versions each new member must choose from. This insures that each member gains something specific from the training regimen.

Juggernauts – Juggernauts are the fighting class. Members must have fighter skills, and fighting-related skills and feats. They must also have a weapon of choice because when divided from the rest of the guild for training they are sub-divided for weapons detail.

Warlocks – Like juggernauts, Warlocks are those in the guild who prefer magic over brute force. They are also subdivided into magic classes in training, so each member must have a preferred choice of magical style: nature, necromancy, cosmic, etc.

Assassins – This class is actually a partially mixed class. Assassins are normally fast moving and agile beings, carry poisons and other methods of killing silently, and are equipped with spells of invisibility and chameleon. Assassins are useful because, while killing an entire city can get rid of an enemy, killing one leader, and dividing the remaining force against itself is much more fulfilling.

Priests – While not always religious, Priests are not a specialized sect of the guild. They are allowed training in all fields, but are not given advanced, specialized training. Many Harbingers are chosen from this class, and trained after years of preparation, but those not chosen to become Harbingers are given the duty of keeping the Library up-to-date.



Current Members

Annihilate (Ascendent)
Obsidian Nocturne (Harbinger)
Vaudeux Jupiter (Harbinger)
Cararendis Ithildinwin (Transcendent)
Sargtlin Olath (Adroit)
Furion, The Warloving (Acolyte)
Eroker (Acolyte)
Undead (Acolyte)
Nobunaga Oda (Acolyte)
Crazed Psycho (Acolyte)

Ooooh sneaky, using my old guild symbol :rofl: Looks well set out Anni!

Thanks. Told you I had something in mind for it. ;)

Interesting guild- found a few oddities though:

You probably want that as 15 castables or 3 fighter abilities, right? You can't have both, methinks. :/

Probably should read 'not'.

Also, I know it probably shouldn't change anything but the first thing I thought of when I saw this was 'Harry Potter!' xD

Finally, you should probably explain this 'family' concept a bit more. It's interesting and I think it should be given a little more weight. =3

Might want to read that bit again, Undead ^_^;



Anyways I think it's a promising concept for a guild and I'm already debating whether or not to re-do Malisaro again for it, I'm sure he'd fit in nicely if I did. Good luck with it anyway...

I helpa the Annihilate anyway I can!

Sign Jup up.

me thinks that we should emphasize a bit more on the idea that we are a teaching guild/university in order to attract the students that we need ;)

If you don't mind a Lawful Evil character I'll join. Erokor intends for a seat of power as is and needs a medium in which his actions can be controlled.

Furion is interested in your idea, and would love to be a part of it. Although he is neutral alignment by thought, he is chaotic evil by deed. I was going to join this when you first had it with Arganol, but then it kind of went inactive for one reason or another.

...Weren't the Lightbringers a Library/University centered in Ondolond?

I believe so, and then they had that library?

Undead, thank you for pointing those corrections out to me. I thought I took care of them all. Thank you, also, for taking an interest in the guild, so let me answer your questions.

First of all, yes. You must have either fighter abilities, spells, or assortment depending on which of the “path’s” you will be taking. I must admit that in a sense assassins will normally fall under the juggernaut category, probably taking an interest in fighter abilities, and priests will fall under mages primarily using spells.

Also, I had many inspirations for this guild, and I must admit Harry Potter was one of them along with Star Wars, The Elder Scrolls, and the Forgotten Realms. I’m not the creative genius I’d like to be thought as, but I’ve got enough of a brain to pick some good attributes from other sources.

Lastly, the word family really needs no explanation. The group is very tight-knit, and very close. Almost like a family.

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Thanks Winter, you are welcome to join if you decide to remake the character.

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Jupiter, Obs, welcome back. And, Obs, as always I think you're right. I'll be updating the description as we go, though.

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Evoker, you’re more than welcome to bring a lawful evil character into the guild. I think he will be a great asset.

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Furion, you are also welcome. Keep in mind, however, that if anyone on your enemies list decides to join he’s going to have to put aside his grudges.

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Ayre, now that I think about it I believe the Lightbringers did have a library. However, I believe their entire guild was based around one. Ours will be merely one room. Also, I thought their head quarters was in Lomedor, however I could be mistaken. Either way it really doesn’t mater. They aren’t around anymore, and it would be sad to see an idea like that go to waste.

You're quite right Winter. Thanks for not hitting me over the head with it Anni. =D

Ah, but there are so many possibilities with the word 'family' and tight-knit group doesn't quite encompass them all. When I first saw it I honestly started thinking about a mafia-like organization where illegal and underhanded things do happen and are acknowledged to happen- but where everything occurs in a strictly honor-bound fashion and where everyone is helped because everyone is 'family.'

I don't think I'm quite getting the point across and I know it's not a good idea yet because ye need members, but you might want to think of some sort of initiation for new members that goes beyond proving loyalty but is also sort of 'ritualistic' and symbolizes the creation of a new bond between the Family and the new member of that family.

Perhaps an oath of some sort?

Anyways, that's just my two cents. =3

I'm sure the word family really needs no further explanation OOC. It will be further explained in any RPs we have, and in the actual exploits of the guild, that's why for now I'm not worrying about it. If it bothers you that much, though, just tune it out. If you get stuck focusing on one aspect of the picture, you wont notice the rest of the painting.

But you are right, simply proving loyalties is not really a suitable test. However, thats why the Acolyte level will be restricted until they've reaach the Adroit level. Acolytes aren't officially members until I've initiated them myself. I've already thought of how I will be doing that. ^_^ THat's why I made everyone in the previous version of the guild have an RP with me. None of them went far enough to do so, but I do, in fact, have an initiation rite. However, only people who are actually joining find out what that is.

So, what are the plans for this guild as of now? Is there still work to be done or will there be topics started up soon after a number of members have joined?

Currently, I'm still working on some of the guild missions and training exercise we will be doing. However, until, at least, ten people get interested I wont begin any of the initiation RP's.

Right now we have Myself, Obs, Vaud, Ero, and Fur. Winter and Undead are maybe's, and so I'm not going to start anything yet without a larger number. Last time my list was bigger, but with Wraith's possible guild to contend with, and other minor evil guilds it's going to be hard to muster up more members. But don't worry, I have a good feeling.

I will also let everyone know when topics for them are ready. ^_^

Shweet, I can't wait :eyebrows:

As I said earlier to you, I would be most happy to join if you would like.

Capitol. Two or three more peeps and I'll start the guild initiations, and the first of missions later on.

ooo i think i like this.

got room for a fighter in here??

I've read over all the info and I like what I see! :yes:

If I may I would like to join this guild as well. (Magic User of course)

Excellent, glad to have the both of you. Now, I will begin looking over everyone's characters, and see how I can bring three or so of you into one RP all at once. So, some of those will be up at the beginning of next week.

:w00t: Cool can't wait!

One question though, is it to early to place the guild image in our sig and have it link to here like yourself? All the better to draw more in... :shifty:

Nope. Feel free to go ahead and use the image to recruit as many people as you can. The more the merrier.

Hey got room for me, i'm would like to join.

This guild is perfect for Seraph! :drool:
But... not yet. I have some things to accomplish before he is ready to join, but I want in really bad. It shouldn't take too long to get there.

Wait a sec... is the guild, like, evil?

If so, hell yeah.

But even neutral would be fine :huh:

I'm just confused...

Anni, if you need any help with funds let me know.

@ Ciraxis - I am pretty sure the guild has no alignment. It is for anyone seeking knowledge.

Just popping in to put my official stamp on Cara's being a part of the guild. I know Anni and I have had detailed discussion on this through PMs, so this is for everyone else! Cara is in, looks like my characters may end up fighting each other down the line. :lol:

I've already started a thread with Anni about this, and now that i've read all the info, i'm would really like to join, give Valynna more direction in my rping instead of her just wandering around with nothing to do. I hope to finish up the thread soon and start rping with you other members of the Marauders!

Awesome guys. I'm glad to see more people are interested.

Fang, Seraph, welcome.

Ciraxis - the guild is for anyone who wants to grow stronger, learn, or has a grudge to settle. :D We're here to help you get stronger, and provide some amusement.

Thanks guys.

Now, my problem at the moment is a lack of time to post. I'm going to try to get my posts for everyone done before the weekend, but sadly I'm not going to start any more up until I get back in control of my time.

So, everyone will be in the guild unofficially, and when I have time I will be making the induction topics.

could i join?

X|

That might be a dangerous concept to ponder for one such as Aradia...but I may decide to join. Are the guild boards visible to non-members? I like to know what I'm getting into.

THe guild has not been created yet, and since I'm falling on such a hard time writing I'm going to suspend it indefinately. I'll let everyone know when I get it back up and running, but for now the Marauders are still disbanded IC.

Well, that sucks. <_<

Ya, that does suck, but I'm willing to wait until things get easier for Anni to post. You have a great set up for a guild here, it would be a shame not to use it. ;)

Robyn will no longer be part of this guild, even if it does get up and running. Sorry and many thanks! :grr:

With Anni's permission, this topic is closed in favor of the Shadovar Concordance.

Join us in our quest to unify the forces of evil! :devil: