Concept: The Grey Order

OOC: I have been thinking about one day creating my own guild. This wont be on Isabis, but a different character. I've written a concept concerning what I would like to play. What do you think of it, and why? It's a rough design still needed to be tinkered with.

The Grey Order.

The Grey Order is a group of equally minded people who see former traditions and systems, programming and dogmas as obsolete. These people will hold no grudge to race, creed believe or practised discipline and understand the underlying force binding all. These people understand that every school of magic can be upheld by being able to adept a certain mind-set. These people are able to mentally suppress urges to blindly destroy, create or deceive. The purpose of the Grey Order is to set about a wave of energy able to open once eyes. It’s an attempt of joining hands. They Grey Order will never dictate that their way, is the way. Frankly, none know the truth, hence, we will not set out to find it. We're setting out to experience it.

Resistance will be harsh, and few will understand. Many will mock and more will provoke. But that will always be the case with new ideas attempting to intrigate itself within the acceptance of the many. Ironically this will yet be another group, a new movement within the thousands of colours fighting for a place in the world. If this order will stand the test of time, only time itself knows.

The Grey Order understand the corruption ignited by use of shadow magic – but any signs of deterioration can be compensated through countering the abundance of shadow magic and fel energy, through the use of dampening techniques coming either from the light or the arcane. If one isn’t able to keep his or her corruption under control, they have proven to not possess the capabilities able to remain within the order. The Grey Order isn’t designed to harbour anyone not able to withstand the test of shadow, though every single fraction of energy will be invested to pull the victim from this loop of corruption. It’s safe to say the most deceiving force of energy one could practice is Shadow Magic. But the potential behind is too great to ignore.

The Grey Order seeks all races, all disciplines and all interested to simply come together under one banner. Ranks will be obsolete, instead there’s a choice of titles one can take. Within this title a set of tasks spring. These can vary from healing, counselling, espionage, protection, guarding, building, planning -wherever once potential lies. All are welcome to design their own rank with a set of tasks, this will be discussed with the members and if the reaction appears positive and useful, it will be adopted.

All are allowed to take one apprentice under his or her wing. Being a member of the Grey Order is a choice at all times. No rites of initiation, no rituals and no vows have to be taken. One can leave whenever one wants.
There are a few guide lines members of the Grey Union are to follow.

1. Violence is not allowed. If one isn’t able to control urges to destroy be it physically, mentally or spiritual they will be removed from the order. Defence is allowed, but always to an extent of disabling your aggressor, under no circumstance killing your aggressor.

2. Understand oneness. A member of the Grey Order respects the fact all are one. It has to be a general feeling always present in this members heart.

3. Anything, be it through voice, action or magic that could have an impact on the wellbeing of the general population or individual person is to be reported to at least a group of three members of the Order practising three different disciplines. If the discussion reached an inconclusive answer, it’s to be discussed with The Founder. If the at least four discussing members reach an agreement, it’s allowed. If the group fails to reach an agreement, then it’s not allowed to take place.

4. To no extent and under no circumstance is one to break the rules of the City, or Kingdom one is visiting.

I'm mixed. I like some parts, and I'm less fond of others.

Although I've seen great creativity in people trying to 'nullify' the evilness of Shadow Magic and what not, I'm wondering why people try it ... OOCLy I mean.
In this world, shadow and holy magic aren't some form of 'traditional magic' that is a tool like a spoon serves to eat soup and you can bend to your mood's flavor of the month. It's a divine power that stems from a religious conviction. It's basically a materialization of faith and thus requires a strong devotion to rituals, reaffirming faith and what not. To adhere to shadow magic implies a constant devotion a very dark religion where your interest is likely a more self-centered or destructive view on the world. The opposite is excessive altruism (Light).
Divine magic is not an arcane power where "techniques" and "mindset" are two different things. IMO they are unseparable.
This is why I don't believe one can swing to and fro between Light and Shadow, simply because it would require such a profound change in conviction that you can't switch it on and off like a lightswitch.

That's the only point of conflict I have with this concept though, and I certainly won't hold it against anyone to see it differently. It might, in worst case, be a reason for me not to join the order myself... Although I will roleplay along with the same joy and enthusiasm as any other order.

I do like some other concepts. A more general acceptance of different religions is just fine, including more culty/darker fellows. The structure of your ranks, titles and apprentices sounds good. Very good in fact.

ICly I think it might be unlikely you'll find a lot of commoners following the order however. To be so 'open minded' that you are willing to share a room with a practitioner of magics that could very well be the cause of this world's misery is not something I see a simple farmer do. You'd probably be aiming at an IC intellectual elite.

Jeanpierre wrote:
This is why I don't believe one can swing to and fro between Light and Shadow, simply because it would require such a profound change in conviction that you can't switch it on and off like a lightswitch.

I understand that the roots of such magic go very deep, and are subject to certain rituals and believes. But I don't want anyone to be able to "switch", that would not be rp'able I think. But, a shadow user could work together with a user of the light or magic user. They'd form a team.

Isabis D'nuoh wrote:But, a shadow user could work together with a user of the light or magic user. They'd form a team.

Then I misunderstood and you have my apology. In this manner, it could be a very interesting concept. It might prove a challenge for the characters to agree mutual cooperation and trust when, really, their religions are too different to bring together. Hm. Could give some interesting situations.

I must admite, I like the idea too, and it looks interesting... I might think about of introducing my warlock into it at somepoint.. I'll think about it