The Smokeslingers League

Short History

“As I delve into the ratings graciously provided to me, I must address the profound impact of the so-called Secret Society of the Smoke Slingers League. Born from the green thumbs of the Corvithan kingdom, whose founding principle rests upon the preservation of nature in harmony with the civilized world, the corresponding sooted thumbs that once populated the ranks now maintain a delicate balance between the advancement of mortal pursuits—knowledge, power, and death. Many writings suggest that the original founding principles originated from distant lands beyond our current residence. The combination of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal forms the foundation upon which the society is built. Alchemists of the highest order within these southern lands remain unaware of the effects of these ingredients, having been actively deceived.

The notable absence of dead salt, also known as nighter, stands as a significant evaluation of current alchemical philosophy. However, it does not serve as a condemnation of their intelligence or research. In fact, many alchemists throughout history have independently discovered the effects of these three sacred ingredients. Nonetheless, such knowledge is often confined to the most sacred libraries of the powder Smith lodges. The writings I have meticulously reviewed are promised to be safeguarded within these restricted libraries, accessible only to members of the society they originate from—the Gunslingers League, also known as the Smoke Slingers League in other lands. This society is built upon the suppression of technology from falling into the hands of kings, gods, and wizards. While this blacklist may not encompass all potential threats, it is evident that the powers they withhold are intended solely for the eyes of the initiated and the careful hands of their acolytes.

The Smoke Slingers League of March was established in 1025 during the first modern era. Its inception marked a pivotal shift in modern history, as the demise of the advisor to the king was expunged from historical records, and his grave remained unmarked. While certain dubious accounts of this individual's legacy persist, his name, title, and occupation generally remain undisclosed, obscured by his transgression against the nascent league.

The core tenet of the league revolves around the amalgamation of three fundamental ingredients: saltpeter (also known as nighter), charcoal, and sulfur. These ingredients, recognized by alchemists for their intrinsic ability to yield distinct and arcane flames, possess unique magical properties when harnessed in concoctions, potions, and spellcasting endeavors. However, the precise combination of these elements remains a closely guarded secret, zealously safeguarded by the Smoke Slingers League. Comprising like-minded blacksmiths and alchemists, the society perceives the technological advancement and proliferation of "blackpowder" as a perilous and misguided pursuit detrimental to mortal existence.

The Smoke Slingers League consists of dispersed Lorges across the contemporary world, with the principal lodge situated in the capital of March. These scattered lodges are discernible solely to their most dedicated patrons through a clandestine code and communication method known as smoke signals, derived from the ancient Oterian tradition of the same name. Smoke signals serve as conduits for conveying profound and specialized information to itinerant wanderers, colloquially referred to as gunslingers.

The means by which the society has achieved its remarkable success in suppressing the dissemination of their most sacred knowledge remains enigmatic. Nevertheless, its impact has been both profound and far-reaching. In contemporary times, black powder is scarce and exclusively crafted by the most erudite and certified members of the society. Individuals found to be producing or attempting the creation of blackpowder without the oversight and sanction of the league are swiftly dealt with. The league's enforcers, seamlessly integrated within societies worldwide, remain vigilant in monitoring and curtailing the proliferation of this clandestine knowledge." 

Titles

Creeds

All members of the league abide by the following of the creeds of which certain lodges may have specific additions but all members abide by these core tenants. 

1. To ensure the peoples of Illumire do not destroy themselves through the foolish pursuit of their own destruction.

2. To protect the secrets of blackpowder and firearms at all cost, preventing their power from falling into the hands of Kings, Gods, and Wizards.

3. To elevate the moral character of all peoples through the teaching and cultivation of their knowledge.

4. By providing aid to any who require it to protect the innocent, the needy and to avenge the afflicted. 

5. To discover the secrets of blackpowder and its origins, to track its history within and destroy it without.