Order of Aru-Krak

The Order of Aru-Krak

Origins and History

The Order of Aru-Krak traces its origins to the tumultuous first age of Blimnor, a time when supernatural creatures terrorized the realms of humanity unchecked. Founded in the rugged nation of Norgir, amidst its swampy, mountainous, and heavily forested landscapes, the Order emerged from a union of Orcish warriors and wandering mages. Faced with the relentless onslaught of monsters, these founders forged an alliance driven by a shared purpose: to protect humanity from the malevolent forces that threatened its existence.

In the late third age of Blimnor, the Order experienced a profound schism known as the Great Schism of Aru-Krak. The division arose from differing philosophies regarding the emergence of Voidling creatures—entities of pure darkness and chaos that posed an existential threat. While some advocated for their destruction without question, others believed in studying and understanding these creatures to better combat them. This ideological divide led to the formation of two factions: The Order of Aru-Krak and The Voidwatch.

The Great Schism

In the late 3rd age of Blimnor, the Order Aru-Krak faced an unprecedented crisis. A new type of monstrous entity, the Voidlings, began to emerge from the deepest and darkest parts of the land. These creatures were unlike anything the Order had encountered before, possessing a malevolent intelligence and an insidious ability to corrupt the land and its people.

The introduction of the Voidlings sparked intense debate within the Order. Some members believed that the creatures could be studied and their knowledge used to better defend against future threats. Others, however, viewed the Voidlings as an existential threat that had to be eradicated without hesitation.

This ideological divide eventually led to the Great Schism of Aru-Krak. The Order split into two factions: The original Order Aru-Krak, which maintained a balanced approach of studying and hunting monsters, and the newly formed Voidwatch, which adopted a staunch and uncompromising stance on dealing with monsters. The Voidwatch became a highly bureaucratic organization focused solely on the destruction of monsters and the preservation of Blimnor, abandoning the nuanced approach of their predecessors.

Oldwatch Citadel: The Stronghold

Perched atop a rugged peak in Norgir, amidst ancient, mist-shrouded forests, lies Oldwatch Citadel—the venerable stronghold of the Order of Aru-Krak. Its weathered stone walls, draped in ivy and adorned with the trophies of past victories, stand as a testament to centuries of vigilance and valor. Within its labyrinthine corridors and shadowed chambers, the Citadel houses not only the Order's warriors but also its vast repository of knowledge.

The Citadel's library is a treasure trove of arcane tomes, bestiaries chronicling the anatomy and behaviors of monsters, and alchemical treatises detailing potent mutagens and elixirs. Here, under the watchful eye of seasoned Masters, recruits delve into the mysteries of the supernatural, honing their skills in preparation for the relentless battles that await.

Membership and Training

Recruitment

The path to becoming a member of the Order of Aru-Krak is as treacherous as it is secretive. Recruits are often orphans or individuals rescued from dire circumstances, identified through a clandestine network of informants and allies scattered across Blimnor. Once selected, they embark on a perilous journey to Oldwatch Citadel, a test of their resolve and resourcefulness.

Kol-Endur: The Pain We Must Endure

Upon arrival at Oldwatch Citadel, recruits are thrust into the crucible of Kol-Endur—the Pain We Must Endure. This phase of initiation is marked by rigorous trials designed to push recruits to their physical, mental, and emotional limits:

• Geth-Kamet: The Gauntlet: A harrowing test of physical prowess, where recruits navigate treacherous terrain, evade deadly traps, and confront simulated monster encounters.

• Tak-Hi: The Trial of Shadows: A psychological ordeal conducted in total darkness, forcing recruits to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Alone and disoriented, they must rely on instinct and inner strength to survive.

• Blog-Metah: The Blood Oath: A solemn ritual binding recruits to the Order with an irrevocable oath of loyalty and secrecy. Sealed with a symbolic mingling of blood, this oath marks their initiation into the ranks of the Hunters of Aru-Krak.

The Arcane Lectures

Intellectual training is equally demanding. Recruits immerse themselves in the Citadel’s libraries, studying the arcane arts of alchemy, mutagenics, and monster lore under the tutelage of Master Scholars and seasoned Hunters. They learn to concoct potent elixirs that enhance their combat abilities and decipher ancient texts that unveil the weaknesses of supernatural adversaries.

The Gol-Unkur: The Joining

The culmination of their initiation is the Gol-Unkur, or the Joining—a transformative rite involving the consumption of a potent mutagen. Crafted from the essence of the monsters they hunt, the mutagen imbues recruits with enhanced physical attributes, heightened senses, and a supernatural connection to arcane energies.

Conducted within the sacred confines of Oldwatch Citadel, the Joining is a grueling ordeal that tests the recruit's resilience and determination. The mutagen’s effects are profound and agonizing, reshaping bone, muscle, and mind in ways both terrifying and enlightening. Only three in ten recruits survive the transformation, emerging as full-fledged members of the Order with their altered eye patterns—a physical manifestation of their ordeal and newfound abilities.

Altered Eye Patterns: The Mark of the Gol-Unkur

Upon surviving the harrowing ordeal of The Gol-Unkur, members of the Order of Aru-Krak undergo a profound physical transformation. One of the most distinctive and revered changes manifests in their eyes—a phenomenon known as the Mark of the Gol-Unkur.

Appearance

The Mark of the Gol-Unkur varies from member to member, each pattern as unique as a fingerprint. Some develop intricate swirls resembling ethereal galaxies, while others bear geometric symbols that seem to pulse with arcane energy. These patterns manifest in the iris and sclera of the eye, radiating outward like shimmering constellations against a darkened backdrop.

Symbolism and Significance

These altered eye patterns are not merely cosmetic but carry deep symbolic and practical significance within the Order. They are believed to be a manifestation of the mutagen's transformative power, imbuing each member with heightened perception, enhanced visual acuity, and a supernatural connection to the arcane energies they manipulate.

Practical Uses

Beyond their symbolic meaning, the Mark of the Gol-Unkur serves practical purposes for the Hunters of Aru-Krak. Members often utilize their enhanced vision to detect subtle movements in darkness, discern supernatural auras, and even decipher hidden messages encrypted with magical glyphs. This heightened sensory perception grants them a tactical advantage in their relentless pursuit of monsters and otherworldly threats.

Revered Tradition

The Mark of the Gol-Unkur is revered within the Order, symbolizing the bearer's resilience, dedication, and mastery of the Order's arcane teachings. Members proudly display their altered eyes as a badge of honor, a reminder of the sacrifices made and the transformative journey undertaken to become a Hunter of Aru-Krak.

The Life of a Hunter

Armed with knowledge, enhanced by mutagens, and marked by the Gol-Unkur, Hunters of Aru-Krak embark on a life of relentless duty and unwavering commitment. Deployed across Blimnor, they confront supernatural threats with calculated precision and unwavering resolve. Each mission is a testament to their training and sacrifice, as they protect humanity from the shadows that lurk beyond.

Code of Conduct

The Order of Aru-Krak adheres to a strict code of conduct that guides every aspect of a Hunter's life:

• Operational Secrecy: Details of the Order's methods and operations are strictly confidential, known only to its members.

• Duty and Professionalism: Hunters prioritize their missions above all else, maintaining a professional demeanor and fulfilling their contracts with unwavering dedication.

• Knowledge and Research: Continuous learning and documentation of monster encounters are essential, contributing to the Order's collective understanding and effectiveness.

• Mercy and Justice: While ruthless in battle, Hunters exercise mercy when possible, ensuring justice is served against true threats.

• Collaboration: Hunters collaborate with local authorities and allied factions when necessary, fostering a network of mutual support and expertise.

Structure

The Order Aru-Krak is divided into various ranks and roles, each with specific duties and responsibilities:

1. Grand Hunter: The leader of the Order Aru-Krak, overseeing all operations and making crucial decisions.

2. High Hunters: Senior members who lead regional branches, responsible for coordinating missions and training new recruits.

3. Hunters of Shadows: Experienced operatives who have proven their skills in numerous missions and mentor the younger Hunters.

4. Night Hunters: Mid-ranking members who handle most of the fieldwork, including hunting monsters and investigating supernatural occurrences.

5. Shadow Sentinels: New recruits who are still undergoing training and proving their worth to the order.

6. Eclipse Hunters: Specialized members who focus on arcane research, developing new techniques and tools to aid in their missions.

Abilities and Equipment

The Order Aru-Krak relies on extensive preparation, mutagens, and potions to enhance their abilities and effectiveness in combat:

• Mutagens: Specially formulated substances that temporarily enhance physical abilities such as strength, agility, reflexes, and endurance. These mutagens are the result of extensive research and are carefully administered to minimize side effects.

• Potions: Alchemical brews that provide various benefits, including heightened senses, faster healing, and resistance to poisons and other harmful substances.

• Preparations: Rigorous training routines and specialized equipment tailored to counter specific monsters. This includes knowledge of monster weaknesses, tactical planning, and the use of traps and environmental advantages.

• Enhanced Gear: Custom-made weapons and armor designed for maximum efficiency against supernatural foes. This includes silvered blades, reinforced armor, and specialized tools like grappling hooks and smoke bombs.

Legacy and Influence

Despite the Great Schism and the rise of The Voidwatch, the Order of Aru-Krak retains significant influence among the common folk and local authorities of Blimnor. Their commitment to aiding communities plagued by monsters, albeit for a fee, has earned them a reputation for reliability and effectiveness. Unlike The Voidwatch’s bureaucratic approach, the Order remains steadfast in their belief that they will help anyone facing supernatural threats, as long as the terms of their contract are met.

Post-Great Schism

Since the Great Schism, where The Voidwatch split from the Order of Aru-Krak, the influence of the Order has dwindled, overshadowed by the bureaucratic might of their rival faction. The Voidwatch, driven solely by the eradication of monsters and the preservation of Blimnor, has grown into a formidable global organization during the 4th age of Blimnor.

Misinformation and Outsider Status

Misinformation and secrecy have consigned the Order of Aru-Krak to the shadows, rendering them outsiders to much of the world. Few beyond those directly involved with the supernatural understand their mission or methods. This enigmatic reputation has fostered fear and mistrust, casting the Order as mysterious and potentially dangerous.

Beliefs and Practices

Unlike The Voidwatch's stringent doctrine, the Order of Aru-Krak remains true to their founding principles. They operate under the creed that their duty is to confront and neutralize supernatural threats, offering their services to any who can meet their terms. This uncompromising stance has preserved their independence and strengthened their resolve to protect humanity, even if their methods remain contentious and misunderstood.