Origin:
The enigmatic origins of the "Keepers of the Black Tomes" harken back to a shadowy period in history, the beginning of the fourth age, an era when the insatiable thirst for forbidden knowledge cast a dark and foreboding shadow over the world. It was during this tumultuous time that the cult's nascent roots began to take hold, emerging as a coalition of individuals drawn together by a shared, clandestine purpose.
This coalition consisted of renegade scholars, disillusioned wizards, and power-hungry warlocks, each harboring their own deep-seated desires to delve into the forbidden and unearth the most elusive and enigmatic facets of arcane magic. Their collective yearning for the darkest and most hidden aspects of the mystical arts became a driving force, propelling them on an inexorable journey into the abyssal depths of esoteric knowledge.
At the heart of their pursuit loomed the enigmatic presence of Elinyrami, the abyssal goddess whose domains encompassed the realms of Arcana, Knowledge, and Lies. It is believed that the cult's members were drawn to her by an irresistible allure—a siren's call that promised unparalleled power and enlightenment hidden within the depths of forbidden tomes. Over time, their individual quests coalesced, leading to the formation of the secretive and shadow-shrouded cult, known henceforth as the "Keepers of the Black Tomes."
Dogma:
The cult's dogma revolves around the belief that arcane knowledge, no matter how dark or dangerous, is a source of unparalleled power and enlightenment. They consider Elinyrami, the abyssal goddess of Arcana, Knowledge, and Lies, as their guiding deity. They see the pursuit of forbidden knowledge as a sacred mission, with each member vowing to uncover the deepest secrets of the arcane, regardless of the cost.
Organization:
The Keepers of the Black Tomes operate in a highly clandestine manner, with a hierarchical structure shrouded in secrecy. The organization is divided into cells, each led by a senior cultist known as an "Archon of Shadows." These Archons oversee the activities of lower-ranking members within their respective cells, ensuring that the cult's dark objectives are carried out diligently.
Leadership:
At the pinnacle of the cult's leadership is a shadowy figure known as the "Black Curator." This enigmatic and immensely powerful individual is rumored to possess the combined knowledge of all the forbidden tomes in the cult's possession. The Black Curator is believed to commune directly with Elinyrami and receives her guidance in unlocking the darkest secrets of the arcane.
Activities:
The cultists engage in a range of activities to further their pursuit of forbidden knowledge. They relentlessly search for and acquire rare and forbidden texts, grimoires, and scrolls. To obtain these tomes, they are known to resort to grave-robbing, engaging in black market deals, and even conducting blood sacrifices to gain access to long-lost arcane secrets.
Symbols & Signs:
The cult has several symbols and signs associated with its dark practices. The most recognizable is the "Mask of Elinyrami," a faceless gorgon mask that represents their patron goddess's watchful presence over their endeavors. This symbol is often hidden in plain sight on their belongings and in their arcane rituals.
History:
The history of the Keepers of the Black Tomes is shrouded in shadows and obscured by centuries of secrecy. It is believed that the cult has existed for many generations, quietly amassing arcane knowledge and wielding it behind the scenes. They have been both feared and hunted by various organizations and individuals who recognize the danger they pose. Despite this, the cult persists, steadfast in their belief that they alone possess the wisdom to wield forbidden magic for their own purposes and to protect the world from the misuse of such knowledge.