12/04/2024

Welcome back to Tabletop Thoughts. Today, we will continue worldbuilding on my Shadowdark campaign, The Shadows of the Sundered Throne. We will look at adding another faction to the world, a wizard’s guild/academy.

The Eye of Athena: Wizarding Order

Overview

The Eye of Athena is a revered order of wizards based in the city of Athendria, a center of wisdom and knowledge. Athendria, known for its sprawling libraries and ancient temples, is built upon the foundations of a grand civilization dedicated to the pursuit of enlightenment. The Eye of Athena is tasked with preserving, expanding, and protecting knowledge, ensuring it is used for the betterment of all. Members of the order serve as scholars, advisors, and protectors of arcane secrets, revered for their intellectual prowess and magical abilities.

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Hierarchy

1. The Archon of Insight
   • The supreme leader of the Eye of Athena, chosen for their vast knowledge, wisdom, and leadership. The Archon is the final authority in all matters related to the organization and its activities, entrusted with guiding the order toward the fulfillment of their goals.
   • Wields the Scepter of Perception, a symbol of their rule, crowned with an eye-shaped gem that glows with insight.
2. The Circle of Seers
   • A council of seven senior wizards, each responsible for a different aspect of the Eye’s operations. The Seers serve as advisors to the Archon and manage the order’s affairs:
     • The Lorekeeper: The guardian of ancient texts and scrolls.
     • The Sage of Mysteries: Oversees the study of arcane knowledge and magical rituals.
     • The Chronicler: Maintains the official history of the order’s discoveries and events.
     • The Pathfinder: Leads expeditions into unknown lands in search of knowledge.
     • The Sentinel of Secrecy: Protects dangerous or forbidden knowledge.
     • The Diplomat: Negotiates with other factions and foreign powers.
     • The Oracle: Interprets omens, prophecies, and visions.
3. Wisdom Seekers
   • Seasoned members who serve as both mentors to Initiates and active researchers. Wisdom Seekers undertake quests for lost knowledge, present discoveries to the council, and uphold the teachings of Athena.
4. Initiates of the Eye
   • New members who are still in their early stages of training. Initiates undergo rigorous studies in magic, philosophy, and the arts of discovery, proving their dedication to the quest for knowledge.

Players can start as part of the Eye of Athena if they choose, or they can be a hedge wizard. Membership could grant some benefits but might also add some requirements. Members could be tasked with quests (adventure hooks) or might be asked to perform other functions that require them to move in another direction than the player intended. This could cause conflicts and other roleplaying choices that can add to the world.

To round out the factions, we will look at creating the church (priests), the military (fighters), and a thieves’ guild (thieves).

Keep on gaming!