The Ancient Circle of Druids

Accepted Classes: Druid

House Charter:

The Druids of the Ancient Circle are the nurturers of nature. As we live in the forest, we devote ourselves to caring for the forests, jungles, mountains, plains and deserts that comprise all of Nature. We study the whisper of the winds, the rushing of water downstream, the play of light through the trees upon the forest floor, and the sounds of the beasts of Nature. As it is Nature that gives life and sustains us, we are dedicated to preserving Nature, nurturing it and protecting it. Druids of the Ancient Circle, by nature, are peaceful, but the wrath of the Druids is fierce when Nature is in peril. We are fiercely loyal to each other, to the House itself, and to Nature. The Druids of the Ancient Circle take an oath to defend all of Nature and the House. Each Druid is expected to uphold their vows to the best of his or her ability.

The Druids are proud of the strong bond with our forestal brethren, the Sentinels and Sylvans. We work cooperatively with them in several endeavors, most notably, patrolling the forests and other natural areas to help protect Nature. Druids also have a strong bond with Oakstone, abiding by the laws of Oakstone and respecting its integrity and mission.

Druids gain the skills of Metamorphosis, Groves and Concoctions. With the Metamorphosis skillset, Druids learn to commune with and bond with the spirits of animals, thus gaining powers and abilities innate to such animals. With the Groves skillset, Druids learn how to draw the power of Nature itself for support, defense and offense. Groves is potentially the most powerful skillset we possess. With the Concoctions skillset, we learn to harvest the gifts of Nature, brew them into curative salves and elixirs, and to use powers to help us defend Nature itself.

The Arcane Kindred

Accepted Classes: Magi

House Charter:

The Arcane Kindred evolved from the Arcanists Guild, founded in 309 AF. We hold true to the principles upon which the Guild was founded. The Arcane Kindred makes our home deep within The Vashnars in the fair city of Cyrene. Dedicated to learning, we are seekers on a continuous journey of knowledge and understanding. Members of The Kindred are devoted to the study of ancient mysticism. Arcane rituals and secret ceremonies aide members in the quest to embody and harness the mysteries of the unknown. Within The Kindred, diverse interests are bonded as one to master full control of the elements in every aspect of their lives. Alone we can do little, together we can do much. We embrace the individuality and uniqueness that each member brings to the House. Yet, we are forever linked by our fierce loyalty to each other and shared ideals.

Those of the Arcane Kindred are on a continual path to self-discovery guided by the principles of accountability, tolerance, and responsibility. The Arcane Kindred provides a close-knit community of like-minded people who are on a continual path to self-discovery guided not only by our principles, but also by the ideology of our Elements. Our principles and elements are interlocking and binding. They are the compasses we use to keep to our path.

To channel the power of Earth (The Spear), Element of the North, to solidify our individual and collective stability, accountability, trust and prosperity. Our dreams and aspirations come to life when our feet are firmly planted on the ground.

To harness the power of Air (The Sword), Element of the East, to inspire us and allow us to achieve our lofty aspirations of intellect, imagination, dreams and tolerance. Respect, the air that breathes life into all we stand for, we give freely to all.

To wield the power of Fire (The Staff), Element of the South, to stoke and purify the passion of our motivation, willpower and drive and to forge and strengthen our sense of responsibility. Vigilant is the fire that moves us in our pursuit of excellence.

To tap into the wellspring of power that is Water (The Cauldron), Element of the West, in forever fostering our bonds and loyalty as it takes us far into the mysterious depths of intuition, creativity, compassion and emotion. Vast and fluid is the sea, which nourishes the arcane spirit.

We give thanks to Lord Agatheis, for it is through Him that we know the strength and spirit of the elements. We pay homage to Lord Lupus for teaching us the way of the hunt, making us the magical pack that we are.

All those wishing to join The Kindred must adhere to the principles of the House and work to embrace the Spirit of our Elements.

The Ashura

Accepted Classes: Monk

House Charter:

The foundations of the Ashura lie early in the modern history of Sapience. During the Shrine Wars and city-state building of the third century of the Modern Age, a cadre of skilled warrior-monks who were deeply loyal to Ashtan emerged. These monks, led by Tranquility and patroned by Aegis, God of War, established the Ashuran guild upon the historic hill of the Cyclade in the northeastern section of Ashtan.

Amidst the tumultuous changes of the House era, the Ashura have remained true to their beginnings. Now the sole surviving purely monastic House, the Ashura adhere to their time-honored credo of Unity through Respect, Competence through Diligence. Ashuran monks seek martial perfection through the unity of mind, body, and spirit. These ideals are embodied in the totem animals of the tiger, raven, and dragon.

Although the training regimen is strict and the lifestyle often harsh, the monks of the Ashuran monastery possess a strong sense of both family and individuality. Rarely will an Ashuran prove to be without honor and commitment, nor hesitate to fight in order to protect these ideals.

House Ashura exists much as it did in guild form, rooted in the ideals of excellence on the field of combat and loyalty to Ashtan, Bastion of the North. Legacy and tradition are held in high regard, as are loyalty and courage. The Ashura maintain high standards and much is expected of the aspiring monk. Because of this commitment to excellence, the Ashura have produced many of the renowned warriors and leaders of history and continue to be a impressive force in the world at large.

The Blood Congregation

Accepted Classes: Apostate, Magi, Monk, Occultist, Shaman

House Charter:

We of the Blood Congregation serve as Mhaldor's spiritual leaders, having evolved from the Apostate Guild, expanding our power through the inclusion of magi, shamans, occultists, and monks. We embrace our role as the clergy of Evil, preaching the Seven Truths and spreading the powerful message of Lords Apollyon and Shaitan across the face of Sapience.

Our thirst for greatness extends to all areas of mortal endeavour. Deep within the dark recesses of the Spire of Horror, we research and perform rituals so sanguine, atrocities so brutal that the very flies pause in trepidation, frightened to feed from the slaughter we make. Our reputation for brilliance and sadism follows us to the battlefield, where we operate with surgical precision, rending the flesh and shattering the skulls of any and all that dare oppose us.

Members of the Blood Congregation understand that achieving perfection in mind, body, and soul is impossible without intense devotion, unusual concentration, and long-continued spiritual preparation. Purity is the highest goal and deepest desire of the faithful; we understand that greatness is never achieved along the path of least resistance. Expect hardship, expect anguish -- you shan't be disappointed. We believe there is no strength without suffering, no power without pain, no living without dying.

Working together, we shall cast a pall over the faces of weakness, invoking powers so horrific, so unspeakable that even the birds of the air and beasts of the earth wail with misery. Let the sounds of their despair drive us forward like the crack of a whip. The world shall know us by our actions - every breath filling us with the knowledge that our path is the way, our Lords our salvation, and Evil our only redemption.

House Ranks:

1) A Convert of Evil
2) A Malefic Curate
3) A Keeper of the Blood
4) An Advocate of the Truths
5) A Daemonic Cleric
6) A Deacon of Malevolence
7) A Nightmare Incarnate
8) A Minister of Hate
9) An Accursed Bane
10) An Apostle of Esoteric Truth
11) An Unholy Abomination
12) An Archbishop of Iniquity
13) A Cardinal of the Damned
14)A Prophet of the Inferno
15) An Ascendant of Atrocity
Leader) The Messiah of the Damned

The Crown Merchants

Accepted Classes: Occultist, Magi, Sylvan, Sentinel, Bard, Druid, and Runewarden

House Charter:

Founded with the purpose of uniting the merchants of Achaea under one banner, the Merchants of the Crown emerged from the guild of the Sorcerers. Based in the awesome Citadel of Prosperity located in Hashan, the Merchants believe in expanding and sharing their knowledge amongst each other to assist members with furthering themselves and attaining life goals. Weaving together the paths of Education, Combat, and Economics, this diverse group of adventurers strives to retain balance for both their personal and professional lives. While maintaining their neutral stance in life and preserving their moral code of beliefs, the Merchants of the Crown seek to provide the best experience possible for its members while serving as Achaea.s prime mercantile organization. The loyalty, integrity, and dedication of a true Merchant is beyond question. To become a Merchant is to become a respected part of Achaean society and an integral part of the Merchant.s code of honor. Valuing Unity, the house gathers its strength by working together and respecting each other.s differences at all times.

The Merchants of the Crown's doors are open to all possessing the ability in Skills to create wares or those holding licenses in the crafting sector, as well as providing direction to those adventurers who do not yet have a marketable skill but are interested in learning the way of a Merchant. With completed training, any member can seize and wield opportunity and become successful in their own right. In the tradition of a tradesman, perseverance shall be a marked characteristic of those wishing to join the ranks of the Merchants of the Crown.

As the House offers three different spheres of focus, those wishing to be a part of the organization yet not wishing to become Master Merchants are welcome as Educators or Guardians. The Merchants brag of hosting one of the best educational programs offered in the lands, leaving no adventurer ignorant. Upon entering the doors of the tower, a pledge of intention must be made towards completing initial educational instruction. Laziness promotes no growth nor personal success and is therefore discouraged.

The Crystalline Circle

Accepted Classes: Magi

House Charter:

The Crystalline Circle evolved from the Magi, the original Magi class guild. Founded in 254 A.F. by Taranis, this guild resided in Shallam and sought to further the causes of Good and Order in Sapience.

The Crystalline Circle continues with the same ideals that Taranis laid down so many years ago. Its members follow the path of Good in search of the personal and communal growth that its values bring. Although it may at times be the harder path, it is a direction they choose each day of their lives. Members put aside their basic instinct for seeking personal gain, making it a secondary consideration when deciding what actions to take. If an action harms an innocent, or if it empowers Evil, Darkness, or Chaos in any way, then a member never takes that action no matter the benefits they could potentially receive. Such a stance requires integrity, meaning that Crystalline members will make the right choice even when no one is watching.

Crystalline members also quest for Order, understanding that it allows lawfulness, cooperation, and most importantly trust. Without these three fundamental qualities the Crystalline Circle could not function as it does. The cooperation and trust between its members are integral to the third ideal of the House and as such are prized highly, as they constitute the fabric of the Circle itself.

Thirdly and finally, the way of the Circle is one of Unselfishness. More powerful collectively than they are as individuals, the Crystalline prefer unity to individuality. This strength manifests itself in their ability to accomplish whatever they set their minds to; dedicating themselves to a goal, they do not rest until it is accomplished. By working together, members seek to transcend their own individuality and succeed in ways otherwise impossible.

Circle members believe in the absolutes of Good and Evil and their existence independent of each other. They do not seek Balance but rather the triumph of Good over Evil and Order over Chaos. This philosophy extends to every area of their existence whilst selflessness forms its basis.

The Crystalline Circle accepts warriors, scholars, explorers, and teachers alike into its fold. Members are fiercely loyal to the Crystalline ideals and to those with whom they ally themselves. Those who seek a different course in life, hold membership in groups whose ideals oppose the Circle's, or who choose to aide and strengthen enemies of Good and Order, are not permitted within. This prevents conflicts of interest, furthers the unity amongst House members, and strengthens the House as a whole.

The life of the Crystalline is a rigid, unselfish one, composed of Order and the continuous effort to further the causes of Good in the lands. However, the rewards for walking the path of the Circle can be quite gratifying for those who prove capable of accepting the challenge.

The Cult of the Serpent Lords

Accepted classes: Serpent

House Charter:

We of the Cult of the Serpent Lords are assassins, thieves and spies; we hold mastery of these skills above all. The House itself is neutral; all alignments are welcomed within its walls and are treated as equals. All that is asked for in return is that members of the Cult remain loyal to the Cult and its members. House comes before all, before city, before family.

Members of the Cult will follow those that the members have elected to lead the House, and those that the Lord or Lady deems fit to name in positions of leadership, but all members keep the right to challenge any actions that are inappropriate for the House, and would bring it harm, ruin or other detriment to the house and its members. All members are to be treated with the respect that they have earned for themselves.

No member will cause harm to another member of the Cult, be it through action or non-action, word or deed. Members will neither rob nor kill a member of the Cult, nor pass on that which is spoken in private within the group. There must be honour amongst us or we will have none that we can trust. All disputes within the Cult will be bought to the attention of the Seeker of Shadows or the Grand Hierarch. If a situation has deteriorated beyond an easy solution then each member of the Cult has the right to call a Tribunal.

Based in Hashan, the same rights are attributed to its members. We will neither rob nor kill people within the city's walls. Though members may be from any city they chose, they must agree not to harm the place that the Cult calls home. Other than this, no Hashan law will be imposed on non Hashan members of the Cult.

For centuries, the Serpent Lords have had two quotes which they live their lives by:

"If you neglect your art for one day, it will neglect you for two..."

"Follow me if I advance, kill me if I retreat, avenge me if I die..."

The Dawnstriders

Accepted Classes: Serpent, Monk, Magi, Sentinel, and Runewarden

House Charter:

Centred in Shallam, the Dawnstriders work to right the wrongs of the world through whatever means necessary, giving no quarter to their enemies, willing to employ methods viewed by much of the rest of Sapience as antithetical to the traditional ideals of Shallam. Yet, no matter how they achieve their goals, they are ever vigilant to ensure they do not cross the fine line that separates them from that which they struggle against.

The Dawnstriders as a house are circumspect in their dealings with outsiders, but on an individual level the members frequently are quite social, reaching out and making friends, acquaintances, and contacts with those in other organisations. The house itself has a loose structure, far less rigid than most, but requiring strict adherence to the stated ideals of the House, as well as implicit respect between all members.

Though heavily focused on the retrieval and storage of information due to their roots as a serpent guild, the Dawnstriders welcome members of many interests. All those with the moral fortitude and self-discipline to enter the shadows in service of the light will find a place within the House, from the patient teacher, to the skilled assassin; from those who risk all in pursuit of information to the relentless thief-catcher. It is such variety of talents, tied with firm ideals, fellowship and strong sense of purpose, that allows the Dawnstriders to flourish upon the razor's edge between light and shadow.

The Ebon Fist

Accepted Classes: Monk, Druid, Sentinel, Sylvan, Magi, Shaman,
Runewarden, Bard, Occultist

House Charter:

Decades ago, there existed a clan of monks known only as the Black Fist. A group of like-minded individuals, they had come together with the goal of bringing a monestary to the city of Mhaldor. Composed of scattered monks from all corners of the world, they all shared one binding similarity: their undying desire to make a home for themselves within the city of Evil. In the year 333 A.F. their dedication was finally rewarded, and the guild of the Tanjinn monks was founded within the city of Mhaldor by the Daemonic Hand Jupiter Dawyn. Sixty-one years later what was once the Tanjinn became the Ebon Fist. The House still remains dedicated and determined to the ideals it was founded upon.

The followers of the Ebon Fist are constantly striving for perfection based upon the triad of Mind, Body, and Soul. Their sole purpose in life is service to Mhaldor, their House, the Lords of Mhaldor, and themselves. With dedication and determination as their key tenants, it is expected of all members to strive for success in everything they do. The main goal that sets the Ebon Fist apart from other Mhaldorian houses is the emphasis that is placed on essence and resource gathering, and other activities that help Mhaldor function more efficiently in terms of commerce.

The Empyreal Assembly

Accepted Classes: Priest, Paladin, Magi, Monk, Sentinel,
Runewarden, Sylvan, Druid, Bard, and Serpent

House Charter:

The Empyreal Assembly has endured for eons as an order of Priests in service to the Gods of Good and the Holy Church of Achaea. This heritage forms the foundation of the modern House, composed of Healers, Scholars, and Warriors dedicated to the Ideals of Good. These Ideals, manifested in the principles of Righteousness, Light, and Order demand nothing less than the lives of those who follow them, a price that Priests must be willing to pay. These challenges are not without reward, offering the ultimate goal of defeating the enemies of Good: Evil, Darkness, and Chaos.

Working together for these ends has instilled a deep sense of duty and formed a tight-knit and unique community within the Church, a community that seeks to work for the future by embracing their past -- one rich in virtue and tradition. Among these traditions is the observance of three tenets: Honour, Service, and Wisdom. Traditionally of the Priest class, the Empyreal Assembly has an important link with their Angelic namesake, an association that reflects the dedication of all Priests to their Patrons and the forces of Light.

The Guardians of Light

Accepted Classes: Paladin, Bard, Druid, Magi, Monk, Priest, Runewarden, Sentinel, Serpent, Shaman, Sylvan, Jester

House Charter:

The Guardians of Light is the House descended from the Paladins guild and is one of the member organisations of the Holy Church of Achaea. The convictions of the Paladins, to protect the innocent, to uphold Righteousness and Valour, and to spread Goodness throughout the Realm, are ever embraced by the Guardians of Light.

The Holy Codex, handed down to the Church by the Gods Deucalion and Aurora, guides the Guardians of Light as they seek to serve the House, the Holy Church, and the Greater Good with Integrity, Honour, and Valour. Although not all members of the House are Paladins, all members must abide by the House Honour Code, requiring of them Courtesy, Prowess, Justice, Loyalty, Courage, Humility, Faith, and Nobility.

As the heir to the Paladins guild, the House of the Guardians of Light is the strong arm of the Holy Church of Achaea, and prowess on the field of battle is one of the goals its members strive to attain. However, while all Guardians must be ready to serve in battle when called to arms, there is a place in the House for those who cannot achieve excellence in battle, focusing on combat support and more scholarly pursuits such as Heraldry.

Therefore, all able-bodied and properly trained Guardians of Light should be willing to engage in battle against adventurers, be it in direct melee or through combat support roles such as Archery or Healing. Although the House of the Guardians of Light does not accept non-combatants within its ranks, those who wish to serve the Holy Church in a peaceful capacity are encouraged to join the Guardian's Sister House, the Empyreal Assembly.

Members of the Guardians of Light aspire to the highest rank on the Path of Light, the path Guardians must travel in their service to the Light. Through dedication and hard work all can attain the highest ranks in the House, that of Knight or Baron.

The Knights and Barons of the House form a noble brotherhood, one that is dedicated to the Light and sworn to a strict code of honour and discipline.

Together, they lead the Guardians and strive to set a shining example for all who would live in the Light.

The Maldaathi

Accepted Classes: Infernal, Runewarden

House Charter The Maldaathi are the embodiment of "honourable evil". Those who do not
embrace the ideals of honour, discipline and furthering the aims of the gods of evil shall find themselves ill-suited to this House. Few are those who
are strong enough and dedicated enough to walk the path of the Maldaathi, but for those chosen few, the rewards are great.

The Maldaathi ideals are built upon three concepts, the first of which is honour. Our word is our bond. Having honour proves that one has the strength
to live up to his word. We accept death before dishonour, for the dishonourable are weak, worthless maggots to be crushed underfoot.

The second concept is discipline. In combat, an undisciplined rabble will be slaughtered when facing a well-trained and disciplined enemy. The Maldaathi impose strict discipline and hard training in order to mould ourselves into a deadly fighting force to further the sinister will of our Masters.

The third and most important concept is total and utter dedication to the gods of evil: Lord Shaitan, the God of Oppression and Lord Apollyon, the God of Suffering. We exist for the sole purpose of furthering Their divine will and greater glory. To this end, we aspire to be the living embodiment of the Seven Truths of Evil, which are the guiding light of true followers of the path of evil.

The Seven Truths consist of purging oneself of weakness - both physical, mental, and spiritual, eliminating conscience, enduring hardships - both self-imposed and externally-imposed, making the body stronger through combat and shunning the effeminate virtues of forgiveness, tolerance and laxity of discipline.

The Maldaathi House resides in the island-fortress city of Mhaldor and requires that its members also be citizens of Mhaldor. The great Houses of Mhaldor are united as one under the iron will of Lords Shaitan and Apollyon and bitterly oppose everything for which the Church and Shallam stand.

The Maldaathi welcomes those few determined individuals who seek greatness and are able to endure the hardship, pain and suffering that are the price of success.

The Mojushai

Accepted Classes: Monk, Runewarden, Magi, Serpent, Paladin, Priest, Sylvan, Druid, Sentinel, Bard, Jester, and Shaman

House Charter:

Know that as you live and breathe, so exists all of the Universe.

Know that you are but a single breath within its vast expanse. A single flame, imperceptibly small when measured by the expanse of time and distance, yet one whose heat fuels the divine purpose.

And so it follows that we each struggle to find our direction with the time given. Each of us walking a unique path, the values we choose serve to guide and teach others as we come to find and understand our own place in the scheme of creation.

Mojushai accept a responsibility to strive ever forward in their own path, to define and internalise their beliefs, and volunteer to hold beacon to others so that all may find their own way into their personal enlightenment and completion.

The call for self sacrifice is a difficult one to answer as one's natural desires tend to be jealous, and one seeks to be recognised and rewarded. Such impulses can be difficult to dispel. These obstacles are only endured and overcome through Strength -- both of conviction and character, faith in one's path, and the desire to not only to better one's self, but to have all beings find themselves in like completion.

House Mojushai is predicated on the belief that through Humility, we accept the equality of all things and find reunion with our heavenly purpose. Through Humility, each of us finds respect for others and so respect for one's self.

That prosperity may be encouraged for the betterment of all, Mojushai swear an oath of Benevolence, which calls us to give aide to those in need without exception. We strive to preserve life and to provide sanctity from those forces which would harm others and so create disharmony among all things.

These are the goals of the Mojushai: to accept these truths and to live them, to instruct through example, to encourage prosperity among all beings, and furthermore, to encourage harmony, knowledge and compassion among all people -- that all may come to the light of understanding and fulfill their unique purpose under heaven.

The Naga

Accepted Classes: Serpent

House Charter:

"That which is unknown and unseen will command the greatest fear."

We are the Naga, the cruel serpents of Mhaldor. We are the assassins who know only blood and death. We are the thieves with hands most dexterous. We are the spies with the sharpest eyes and ears. We walk amongst you unseen, our passing marked only by the pain and suffering we inflict upon the weak. Through the expert application of torture, deception, cunning, and manipulation we make manifest the Seven Truths of Evil.

"A dagger in the dark is worth a thousand swords at dawn."

Bound in mind, body and spirit to the will of Evil, our service to the Lords Apollyon and Shaitan is given absolutely, without question or hesitation. Our nefarious activities are thoroughly calculated and then executed in the coldest of blood, our steps taken with utmost care and stealthy precision. Murder, theft, deception, cheating -- nothing is beyond our scope, for the tenet that best defines a Naga's life is simple: "The Outcome Justifies The Deed". Our only limit is the divine will of our Masters, who reign supreme in all things evil and malevolent.

"A war is easily won if the enemy does not know who he is fighting."

We come in many forms, from the foulest to the most beautiful. Deception and fear are all we require to separate the fools from the wise. Our path to greatness is forged by the will of Evil, which dictates order, exactness, discipline, and obedience. Through treachery and guile, by the cruel bite of the fang and the lash, House Naga will come into untold riches, glory, and power in the greatness of Evil.

Be warned as you contemplate treading the path of the Naga, for the journey shall be difficult, wrought with hardship and pain. Only those of the serpent class have the skills necessary to survive the trials and torment that lie on this path. If you wish to join us then first swear your allegiance to Mhaldor, glorious city of Evil. Then forget your past life... forget your family... forget your friends and lovers... and embrace your right as a Naga to exert your dominance over others.

"Torment shall be their domain. Pain shall rule their life. Evil shall claim their souls."

The Occultists

Accepted Classes: Occultist, Shaman, Apostate, Infernal, Serpent, Sylvan, Magi, and Outcast

House Charter:

The Occultists are a House of Chaos, of knowledge, of power, and of secrecy. The Occultists are comprised of warriors, scholars, politicians, ritualists - Achaeans of all walks of life. The House is known for its unique and unyielding dedication to secrecy and for its members' unceasing study of the mysteries of Chaos and of forbidden knowledge. Unlike some scholars, content to simply amass knowledge, the Occultists seek to use what they have learned to shape the world around them.

The result of over a thousand years of trials and evolution,