The Falsehood of Necrucifer

This is a treatise written by a young clerist, Acre St John. It covers the mistruths and shortcomings of Necrucifer, Eclipse and Shadow. I have added to the work with historical reference to the philosophy. Iolius.

Introduction

Often do we hear the words of the priests of evil. It remains my hope that this tome will be heeded by those whom have been seduced and future souls who would be the subject of seduction, as promises of an easy path with law which may be broken appeals to any uncommitted believer.

The secondary work on Shadow is presented to better understand the working mind of our ideological enemy and why they think the way that they do. I will outline their dark purpose and offer a critique of it. My thanks to Lanival Illithi for attempting to explain the code to an outsider.

Acre St John, Clerist of Siccara.

Necrucifer

From the initial divine doctrine that we know of Necrucifer is that he is the Father of Darkness. To quote below from his divine doctrine:

"In an attempt to seize the world, Necrucifier sought to assassinate Austinian, the Father of Goodness. Their battle spanned the heavens and

land alike, carrying from the immortal stars to the lands below. Each struck blows to one another, causing their immortal blood to flow freely

upon the land. The blood of Necrucifer tainted the rivers and oceans, its very essence permeated everywhere in the land, spawning evil creatures and

beings alike."

Ta'plak the Heretic of Pan-toll sought to twist these precepts in order to suggest that it was Austinian that sought to control dragons. He spun that Austinian was trying to kill Necrucifer who espoused free will, and that the Dark Lord only sought to incapacitate Austinian. As defined by divine doctrine, this is clearly wrong. It was Necrucifer who attempted the assassination of Austinian, and his blood spawned "evil creatures and beings" and that all of this was done in an attempt to 'seize the world'.

Ta'plak the Heretic's texts espouse that Necrucifer offers them free will from the pre-determination of Austinian who would see us as mindless pawns stepping through the motions. This too is flawed as according to divine doctrine, each of the three Gods was created equal. Whatever powers each has, so does the other. So if we are following in our life's courses are of our own volition or determined, only those gods which are omnipotent can truly know. Perhaps the High God is, but his creations do not appear to be.

Austinian has made no admission if we exist in either state, whereas Necrucifer has betrayed his evil intention by selling his worship as a the mortal-comprehending free-will in an order to seduce weaker wills and mask his evil purpose.

With the intention of great mischief have the leaders of the evil organisations of the world long abused their position by deceit. Not all who have joined their ranks are inherently evil, and certain positions have been established to seduce them. After finding the stance of evil morally indefensible, they progressed to the concept of 'darkness' which they espouse as 'the new light'. With this deception they have successfully seduced the souls of many who could not see through it.

Thus is the disguise which Necrucifer attempts to cloak himself with is exposed as to his true purpose. Do not be deceived, do not be seduced. The easy promises of power, wealth and prowess are the most easily broken.

Purpose

Who were the Eclipsians? Who are the ShadowKnights? The first question is well covered in milord Iolius' earlier work in the tome on the "Pre-history of Gareth" in "Civil war with San Gohdam's Eclipse". The second is a more recent phenomena, and most interestlingly not an immortal vision but one created by the strength of purpose of mortal men.

Shay Kayen obviously put a lot of thought into what he wanted his new knighthood to become, and this is obvious from the structure which he has created in forms of the purpose of his knights, the purpose of its inner mechanics and the clear direction which he and his founders Malcom drak'Martys and Ishamael Rinji intended to take.

He states that the purpose of the Knights of Necrucifer is:

"Enlightenment. Unification. The end of Anarchy. The end of Chaos. The end of balance."

Kayen intends to bring this to pass by supporting the "Coming of Necrucifer" and how when this occurs, everything which the 'weak gods' of Austinian and Kwainin has created will cease to exist, and that somehow, all of this will make the world a better place. Moreover, he expects everyone to join him in this goal or die. This is covered further in their vision, but is smacks of genocidal despotic subjugation. Everyone is expected to come to their point of view and join the collective similar to an oppressively centrally controlled form of communism.

Tenets

The Vision

The ultimate goal of the Shadow Knights is embodied in the phrase, "Ambactus a Caligo." It is no less than the total and unquestioned domination of the entire world of Algoron. Kayen himself would later translate the statement as "Servant of Darkness".

Kayen states that the intent not to cause death and destruction, to terrorize the innocent or spread hatred. In the perpetual wars which they have been involved in since their inception has little to dissuade the people of Algoron that they would aspire to a world ruled by evil. Shadow requires all of Algoron to bow down to their rule, which most would expect would be as little more than slaves. You can imagine how that this would not appeal to the populous of Algoron as it removes their freedom and places them in the state of despotism. As most cultures in the world today hold freedom to be one of the things most dear it is of little wonder that the following has never taken off past the Knights of Necrucifer themselves. Indeed for it to do so a either the Knights of Necrucifer would have to:

(a) subjugate smaller factions through arms or bully others into submission, then threaten the larger groups with their collective;

(b) perform a considerable amount of coercive brainwashing

We can safely assume that they are already attempting the first through violence and the second in their attempt to win hearts and minds.

The Blood Oath

"Submit or die." When joining the Shadow Knights, each member dedicates his body and soul utterly to the cause. All thoughts of self are submerged, sublimated. Yet this does not mean that members cannot think for themselves, which brought about the creation of the code.

Again this is a rule with exception. Every applicant is to give themselves completely to the cause and move together as one - except where they are allowed to show initiative. It is not particularly clear when this is, but is another example of Shadow creating a law which is able to be 'interpreted' under circumstance. Enforcement remains to the leaderships mortal wisdom.

The Code

The code is divided into three major precepts: I shall list the precept, then a statement on what Illithi and I discussed, then my own thoughts on it.

1) Independence breeds chaos. Submit and be strong.

Submit or die, join us and we will grow stronger. Individual freedom is removed and they become part of the collective.

Paradoxically, Knights of Necrucifer are allowed to interprete the code as they see fit, and act independently and using their own creative thought whilst at the same time professing to be as one mind.

2) Death is patient. It flows both from without and from within. Be vigilant in all and skeptical of all.

Death awaits the static and complacent. Only though a dynamic vigilance can we succeed.

Paradoxically the system they have tried to put into place which is virtue based which ought to allow you to trust others is all thrown down from the caveats. Perhaps even the inability for evil to truly exhibit characteristics of virtue explains why the terms 'skeptical' and 'all' are inferred. Otherwise this statement can be interpreted as the lesson from Serpantol where stagnation met with being trapped into inaction, and that constant vigilance is required to monitor events.

3) One who follows the heart finds it will bleed.

Leave all your personal desires at the gates. Give yourself to Necrucifer and you will feel no pain.

This part of the code would appear to be a subset of the first, in terms of submitting yourself to their cause, and to the cause of Necrucifer. By doing so, the aspirant gives his soul to the Evil Lord. It probably goes into mind over body techniques to dull pain. Shay Kayen himself was offered the question if his wife was more precious to him or Necrucifer and his choice of her bore him much punishment. Because of this he is thought to understand this more than most.

I cannot find more specifics of the supposedly complex code apart from the above and some detail of the lie, cheat and steal outlined below. But it is understood that there must be strict adherence to the code, but paradoxically it is open to interpretation from all members. However if the Knight has violated the code is seen to have also violated the vision and broken the blood oath, and the punishment is usually death. This would have to be a subjective view from the mortal leadership, though rarely, if ever has this been followed through.

The Kayen texts say the following:

"Our code states that a Shadow Knight is allowed to lie, cheat, steal, and commit murder, as long as it can be proven to advance the vision. What does this mean? A Shadow Knight will never lie to a superior officer, or anyone of the clan for that matter. These acts will NOT be committed over trivial matters. These exceptions will only be made in matters that will aid in the fulfillment of the prophecy. Short of an event causing the death of Austinian himself, I do not expect a Shadow Knight to lie, cheat, or steal."

Kayen attempted to define his caveat to the exception to the law in this statement, but I imagine that it is not known or at least widely misunderstood. Conversely in the flawed texts of Ta'plak the Heretic it says that Necrucifer had no wish to harm Austinian, rather entrap him. More inconsistantcy. At any rate, the lie, cheat and steal clause has been used rapaciously in the past for such small personal gains as having arms and armour returned non-withstanding all the episodes which have been used which have been "short of an event causing the death of Austinian himself". In fact the very idea that a Knight of Necrucifer would be able to slay Austinian highlights how much lying, cheating and stealing Kayen expected from his knights. Again, conflicting and paradoxical law.

Purist Policy

Interestingly enough, the Purist War which Shadow initiated with Eclipse was not an isolated event. Immediately preceeding the second cataclysm, Highlord Zayl seeing the success of the Knights of Necrucifer attempted to turn Eclipse into a purist order for yinn only. Necrucifer himself cast Zayl out of Eclipse for attempting this which suggests that Necrucifer either didn't approve of the purist policy or that he did not favour yinn making up his older, but apparently less favoured knighthood. Without the humans and the yinn in its ranks, Eclipse would soon be destroyed by the remaining insulted yinn who departed with Zayl during the second cataclysm.

A further flaw in Shadow's precepts is this purist policy. Shay and Sorcia Kayen, Ishamael Rinji and Malcom drak'Martys instigated Eclipse's civil war based on the concepts of the initial human 'purity' of San Gohdam. There was nothing they found to show humans being favoured or more 'pure'. Only that, like Knighthood in the past, this was the same tradition that had been created far in the past to a long dead human empire. As shown above, Necrucifer had shown enough anger to cast out Zayl and his yinn for attempting to instigate a purist policy. One must wonder what the difference was between this instance and the instance of Shadow. What makes it more inexplicable was that Eclipse was not a soley Necrucifer based knighthood, though he was undoubtedly the paternal figure, as Austinian is to our Knighthood of Gareth.

They looked to their libraries to determine when all racial groups had been allowed entrance and found that in the fictional work of Sunset Dawn that it was when Targetter supposedly took a Ka'tath lover. Shortly after this they joined in alliance with the ogres and minotaurs.

Shadow purists will have you believe that Targetter had lost his way, though ironically it was only when Eclipse was involved in this fearsome multi-racial "Dark Alliance" that they have come closest to their goal of world domination. Shadow claims that their racial purity was a prime motivator for their civil war, but show nothing but contempt for it in their alliances and dealings with other clans, especially Bloodlust, which makes a mockery of their initial intention. However, as ever they espouse that they are simply using Bloodlust to further their own ends throwing all else they might hold dear to the wind in accordance with the prophecy. Hardly at the 'short of the death of Austinian himself' level of justification.

It is worth mentioning here that although Knighthood has long held a policy of human membership only, this is not a product of a purist policy, but a time honoured tradition which has not been reformed since the creation of Serpantol. We have inherited this direct link to our past, whereas Shadow's is of its own making.

Footnote: There is more on this subject in "A Vision for the Future".

As for San Gohdam, certainly one can understand the logical extension his initial the 'ends justifing the means' as moving from a stance of law and good into a stance of chaos and good. How he ended with law and evil is somewhat of a logical and ethical and now historical curiosity. As he was not diplomatically inclined, this might be highlighted by his failure to resist the seduction by evil of his cause.

Lawful

The Shadowknights of Storm Keep, like the Knights of Eclipse before them, claim to be a lawful organisation although they are able to break any law so long as it leads to the fulfilment of their prophecy. The same argument holds true against them as that did to the Eclipse that if they have divine right to break the law, then they cannot claim to be a lawful organisation. The fateful decision of San Gohdam to break the law instead of reforming it sent them on their path to chaos. Of course they have great discipline and a communal understanding of what must be done for their communal goal to be achieved as well as respect and fear of their Evil Lord, but following law to get to the end is not their way and this is more likely held in place by fear of non-complience or non-performance.

Footnote: There is more information on this in the tome on the "Pre-history of Gareth" in "Civil war with San Gohdam's Eclipse".

Honourable

Kayen's texts claim that the Knights of Necrucifer are held to a higher standard than any other. They are supposed to act with compassion towards their enemies. They are supposed to treat them as they would wish to be treated. They are supposed to fight with honour. They are supposed to aid those weaker than themselves. In some ways they are able to achieve this through their discipline rather than any natural inclination to do so.

Why would an evil person wish to be honourable and virtuous? What have they to gain from it, and more importantly, what is their motivation? There is much in the following footnote of bizarre inconsistancies of why Necrucifer's The Will and the Way reads more of a tome of Good, exposing honour and virtue, only with a loyalty to Necrucifer instead of any moral reasoning of why this might be the right way to act.

Footnote: There is more information on this in the tome on the "Theology of Algoron" in "Necrucifer - His Will and His Way".

Shadow and Eclipse claim to be honourable while lying, cheating and stealing are acceptable - negating the very tenets of virtue. In principle evil has an intrinsically impossible task of co-existing with virtue. If Necrucifer tells them to cast aside virtue, as well as you might expect him to to further his ambition as he may pretend to virtue while it suits his purpose, then do it they must. The law has been broken to justify the ends, and to this end the fabrications of such high tenets of law and honour are not for noble intention but fear of their God and discipline of their order based on that fear. They are willing to forsake their honour and their code of law when faced with a decision towards the prophecy, and for that their honour becomes the skin that a serpent sheds to further his own growth.

Shadow cares not that their honour as it will always play a second fiddle to their prophecy. This debases any argument that they might have when esposing their honourable ways. They have not yet realised that honour is not a switch that can be turned on and off at leisure. Those who would hold honour most dear understand that it always takes precedence. In the example of the "Breaking of Gareth Keep" Knighthood chose not to advance the cause of Good at the expense of their lawful honour. Shadow was not nearly so picky in the reclaiming of Storm Keep in similar circumstance.

Footnote: There is more information on this in the "History of Gareth" under "The Breaking of Gareth Keep".

Prophecy

As you would expect with the nature of prophecy this area is rather incoherent as you would expect from trance induced raving. Malcom drak'Martys was the visionary of the founders but interestingly there is not much written in the original Kayen texts apart from the fact that the visions were had. The visions themselves were not well known, instead they were told blithely of what was to come. Only after the building of Storm Keep did Malcom have his vision that Necrucifer would return to Algoron. Malcom kept much to himself of his visions and prophecy, and there is no evidence that I can find which goes into much detail over what is known about it or means to Storm Keep today.

Interestingly a much later text goes into more specific detail as that Malcom prophesised at the death of the Eclipsian Highlord that they would win the keep, the lose it as they did. This version goes onto say that the purists would wander, some would lose their faith as they did, and that Storm Keep would be built, then Necrucifer's son would appear in the world. It goes on to say that Necrucifer would come to Algoron in accordance with the original Kayen texts. Oddly it goes on to say that Eclipse was destroyed by Malachive, whereas it is well documented that Eclipse was destroyed by the yinn insurgents which had been banished with Lord Zayl's purist revolt. As Necrucifer himself cast Zayl out, it would be unlikely that his son would assist him in the destruction of evil's oldest knighthood.

A cynical viewer might suggest that the newer texts were altered to include the history which actually occurred as a weapon in the battle to win hearts and minds. Certainly if the original Kayen texts are taken at face value certainly there is more historical value in these than the texts which have since been produced, and from what it looks like, retrospectively altered. If this is the case, then only the coming of Necrucifer was documented from the Kayen Texts.

After the departure of drak'Martys, Rinji claims to have been taken by the "Black Winds". The nature of these is not well understood, but it is thought that there is a conduit gift between Necrucifer and his chosen which allows the person affected blessed with visionary powers. However, there are no records of any visions by Rinji. Nor is it known if drak'Martys was influenced by the Black Winds as there is no mention of their appearance before they affected Rinji after his passing.

Should there be any truth or validity to the prophecy, then the impact upon Algoron is extreme.

At best, Shadow's prophecy states that Necrucifer will come to the realm and lead his armies of darkness in military style world domination, probably bringing his petulant son Malachive. The Shadow Knights are expected to have much to gain were this to come true. This would no doubt require all sentient and diplomatic life on Algoron to swear fealty or have global war brought upon them, much in the same way that Eclipse was bent on world domination.

If that were successful, then Necrucifer would control the world, with his knights doing his bidding to ensure that there was "Enlightenment. Unification. The end of anarchy. The end of chaos. The end of balance." Freedom for the people of Algoron would become a thing of the past from the oppression of the Lord of Evil.

At worse, there is a more nefarious divine thought to Necrucifer, to conspire with his son Malachive and merely use his disciples to bring about the destruction of the world so to destroy the other high Gods and their creations as well as his own out of evil spite, then cast them away. If his Sons and what they lord over have any part of it this will lend weight to this outcome.

If this were successful, then Algoron would cease to be.

The Argument of Evil

As it is important to know your enemy, I shall include the typical misguided and twisted stance of those of Necrucifer:

Firstly, they will direct you to the heretic's texts at Pan-toll which we have refuted above as misinformation when referred back to the divine doctrine, particularly with respect to Necrucifer. Divine doctrine certainly takes precedence over an ancient text.

Secondly they will state that Verminisia and the Shadow Knights church is profoundly ordered and structured, and that structure, order and guidance are better for Algoron through a principle of utility, regardless of the price required, ignoring the utility of all those up to the time that this occurs. This is discussed in previous chapters of how law cannot be enforced if through the means there are no rules. Till their vaunted 'prophecy' comes to pass there is nothing they will not do to see this come to pass which echos chaos through and through.

Thirdly, they will go to great lengths to avoid describing Necrucifer as 'evil', then when pressed will state that the premises of 'good' and 'evil' are wholly subjective to ones perception. Red auras do not lie, red aurans lie should it suit their purpose. Truthfully, the nature of 'good' and 'evil' is complex, we base ours on what is stated in our "Ethos of Knighthood" whereas those of Shadow authorise lying, cheating and stealing to further their prophecy.

Fourthly, they will state that San Gohdam turned away from 'good' because he felt Serpantol to be corrupt, and he was seeking another way to make Algoron a better place. This does not hold true. Why reject an immortal god because His mortal subjects fall to decadence? Reform the empire, there is no morally justifiable reason to turn against their maker. The justifications you can find in the Pre-history.

Footnote: There is more information on this in the tome on the "Pre-history of Gareth" in "Civil war with San Gohdam's Eclipse".

Also included is the Book of Evil which succinctly states Evil's position in Algoron, specifically around Necrucifer and His Shadow Knights of which the truths of Evil are quite apparent.

Recent Developments

With the handover from Jaerlach Kempeston to Crelius Attenim, there has been the reappearance of some of the older knights of Storm Keep.

It is thought that should Malachive come again to the world, then curiously the Knights of Necrucifer are under orders from the Dark Lord not to intervene upon his behalf, curiously giving us a common cause. The reasoning behind this is not well understood, but the impression is that Malachive may wish to surplant his father as the Lord of Darkness. Given the nature of evil to turn upon itself this in itself is not surprising. After all, evil alliances do not share power well due to this nature. That being said, the Knights of Necrucifer ought not to be trusted in this stance.

The above was written whilst Malachive lay in fealty to Necrucifer. Now that the Son has apparently broken ties with all the other Gods He will no longer serve under Necrucifer as stated above. Malachive attests to bring 'Chaos' and 'Freedom' to the people of Algoron. We of Gareth see Law as the way forward rather than Chaos, and support the concept of self-determining Freedom thoughtout Algoron. Together we do not believe that chaos and freedom will work together to free the inhabitants of Algoron. In chaos, without law the strongest will survive, despots and dictators will appear through their might and freedom of all will be curtailed.

An assassin of the name of Pioussim claims to have been lifted by the "Black Winds" which may prove a conduit for further prophethising. He has since disappeared.

Certainly Storm Keep is pursuing the prophesy with vigour, but I wonder how much progress will be made as the knowledge held by drak'Martys and the vision went with him. There have been several who have laid claim to 'The Black Winds' since drak'Martys but there has been little progress. There is activity within Storm Keep with the advent of the Godswar, but little is known yet of their preparations.

Conclusions

Shadow

Although the stance of the Knights of Necrucifer is well structured, there are many inconsistancies in the doctrine. What they are aiming for is in the realms of genocidal despotic subjugation. They have laws which they are able to be flouted, and open to interpretation which is commonly abused past the founders intention. Though it is commendable to have their recruits have to think and interpret, their code is so open to interpretaion that it makes for divergent understandings of what they are supposed to be doing and how. This works against them in having a precise collective goal.The 'ends justify the means' allow the law book to be thrown off the parapet. No matter how they might try to dress up their purpose, their attempt to make a higher form of evil is highly questionable at best and just plain morally flawed at worst.

The Falsehood of Necrucifer

If you pursue the way of good, honour and law, then beware those who would tout the religion of Necrucifer as a wolf in sheep's clothing. No matter how evil dresses, those with the sight of detection will see the red aura. The substance below betrays their selfish and wicked intent regardless of how they profess it. Those of good will unselfishly protect the good and the weak and uphold those things which they would wish done to themselves. Those of evil may profess being good and right, but will be betrayed by their selfish application, as in the case of a Shadow Knight who will sacrifice everything for their prophecy.

If any doubt remains to the questioner, Austinian, the Father of Goodness (as if the name was not self-evident enough) sired the gods and goddesses of good magic, honour, healing, love and happiness and peace. Necrucifer bore the gods of murder, disease and decay, mischief and vengence and rage. A brief comparison should not require further thought to anyone who claims to have the best interests of the world and its people to heart or to be either virtuous, honourable, lawful or good.

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Kuromaru: The Honor of Storm Keep

Tue Apr 3 20:56:10 2012

To: Datai Caenarfon Rassilon Gwaine Aetheonyc ( Imm RP Religion Austinian )

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Storm Keep, much like Eclipse before them claim to be an organization

founded on upholding laws and being honorable. But this is farthest from

the truth. Shay Kayen, in his original doctrine for the keep said that a

Shadowknight is able to lie, cheat, steal or murder in the advancement of

Necrucifer's Prophecy. The problem with this, is that none of those actions

are honorable. He would later go on to say, that there is no instance short

of the killing of Austinian himself, that a Shadowknight will ever need to

engage in these acts, but that they have the ability to if need be.

When one joins the Knights of Storm keep they are instructed to 'Submit and

be strong' and that 'Independence breeds Chaos'. Essentially, those who

would seek to join Storm Keep are agreeing that they will forfeit their

freedom and their freewill and follow blindly to the Prophecy of Necrucifer.

And that by doing so, they gain the strength of numbers.

Again though, the Knights of Storm will argue that their members do not need

to completely give up their freewill. They are encouraged to show

initiative, but how is this possible if they are strictly told not to think?

As Sir St. John points out in the Falsehood's of Necrucifer, the whole

structure on which they base themselves on is simply one paradox on top of

another.

Necrucifer's prophecy is also to destroy the Pantheons of Good and

Neutrality and unify Algoron under the cloud of Evil. It is true that

Father Austinian also says we must punish the wicked, but Father Austinian

also has the capacity to forgive those who have wronged. Necrucifer and the

Shadowknights offer no forgiveness. In the their eyes, it is not only

covert or die, but also succeed or die. They offer no forgiveness for

failure. No second chances, or the ability to learn form mistakes. They

expect perfection and will not settle for less.

It may come as no shock then, that Malachive the son of Necrucifer seeks

much the same, the destruction of all for a 'better' Algoron. The only

difference is that Malachive seeks his own Father's destruction. The flaw

here though, is that a mass genocide will not make Algoron a better place.

Even if it were to succeed, eventually those being oppressed would rise

against there captors, and the vicious cycle would repeat itself.

What could they do then to gain honor? Much like I said in the report of

the Honor of the Eclipse Knights, first and foremost any actions perpetrated

in the name of Evil cannot ever be considered honorable. The Shadow Knights

would need to forsake their claim to be Necrucifer's chosen. One of the key

points in the code of Storm keep is to be 'skeptical of all'. Commonly,

those who teach others to trust no one are the most untrustworthy. And most

willing to use people for their own means then discard them.

Wishing to bring unity to Algoron is a noble goal, one that we in Gareth

seek to accomplish as well. The difference though, is that unity based on

fear of death is not a true unity. The weak will agree in order to save

themselves, which is exactly what Storm Keep wishes. Instead, if Storm were

to seek to bring unity through caring for the general wellbeing of Algoron,

then their vision would be honorable. It will only be a matter of time

before Necrucifer plays his true hand, and exposes Storm as pawns and turns

on them just as he instructed them to turn on everyone else.

Sir Kuromaru Shiroken

Knight of the Shield

Priest of Father Austinian

Warder of Aetheonyc