The Adherents of The Shadowkeeper

in: Orders, Cults & Groups

## Introduction

A sect of those devoted to the worship of Khalis, the Nightbringer. The dark half of the Twin Souls, the followers of The Moon Shepard are often beings of dubious morality, moving throughout the world seeking to indulge in their vices as well as encourage others to pursue their desires… at any cost.

The Adherents of the Nightbringer in particular are a sect that arose during the tumultuous days in which Jiia had vanished from the endless dance with her soulmate. Finding himself in  anguish at having lost the rival that completed him, Khalis bade his followers to join with those that worshiped the Sundancer. This brought a truce to the on-going war between the two faiths, and soon followers of both faiths were moving through the world at large hunting for the lost goddess.

While Khalis had always been a deity that favored the underbelly of the world, the aid of thieves and assassins, informants, spies and powerbrokers won an eternal promise that the night would always bless them. Here the Adherents became a power unto themselves as they took those dark blessings and maintained their network across the lands even after the Dawnbringer had been found again.

## Principles

### Internal Attributes of the Faithful

#### Discipline

The Principle of Discipline is a combination of traits necessary for strength of the individual and strength of the Order. Discipline requires obedience to those in command, it requires respect for fellow devotees of the Path, it requires self-restraint where a rash decision could bring shame to the individual or the Order. Discipline ensures strength and fortitude, it allows for a solid foundation on which all other Principles and Directives can proceed.

#### Will

The Principle of Will is based on the inner strength of the individual to overcome adversity. It is the need to persevere when all seems lost. Further, Will is the driving force that pushes us to greater heights of devotion to Khalis and helps us to fight the enemy of stagnation. Stagnation is the point at which we no longer continue to grow. This failure to grow may apply to our faith or to our martial prowess. It is only by focusing our Will on the goal we wish to achieve that we will be able to triumph.

#### Power

The Principle of Power is the most difficult to attain. Any that grab greedily for power might encounter power too great for him to handle, and die in their attempt to master it. A follower who succumbs to despair and seeks no personal power has no reason to exist; he craves nothing, desires nothing, they sit alone and pine for their old life. To the Adherents, the member who does not seek to better themselves might as well still lack enlightenment. The quest for power requires caution, forethought, and a subtle touch.

#### Sacrifice

The Principle of Sacrifice is indispensable. Sacrifice cuts two ways for a follower of the Path. It requires both personal sacrifice as well as the sacrifice of others. Personal sacrifice may include the deprivation of luxury and the leading of a more ascetic lifestyle following the Will of Khalis. Or it can be the pain endured in service to god or goal.. Sacrifice is also needed from those outside the Adherents. The sacrificing and slaying and bloodletting of the unenlightened is most pleasing to the Nightbringer, and such should always be remembered.

## Directives

### External actions of the Faith

#### Blasphemy

Blasphemy is the betrayal of virtue. Khalis offers liberation from virtue, freedom from morality. Blasphemy is the surrender to vice, the yield to dark desires. By spreading blasphemy and committing blasphemy, the seeker weakens the strictures and virtues imposed by the false gods. This is a tool used to break the persistence of the faithful worshiper of other gods as well as the law abiding citizen. They must be tempted and coaxed into abandoning morality and giving in to a life of debauchery and depravity. For such is the state of man in his most primal form. Freedom from virtue, means the freedom to do as he wills.

#### Apostasy

Apostasy is the betrayal of faith. The Nightbringer is a jealous entity and will not suffer the worship of others apart from Dawnbringer. Apostasy is the weakening of faith in others. Whether they claim worship in Sol, Malakht, Naruli, or other deities, such faith and devotion must be broken. They must be shown that those entities are indifferent, neglectful, and apathetic towards the plights, agonies, and primal desires of their followers. Only once the false faith has been torn down, does one become susceptible to the path of The Nightbringer, and the real rewards that he has to offer.

#### Desolation

Desolation is the betrayal of hope. The Nightbringer thrives in times of despair, therefore all hope must be destroyed. Man must be shown the futility of life; that there is no gain to be had in living outside the path. When man has no hope, he becomes rash, reckless, full of malaise and doubt about his existence and the path he must take. It is in this state that he comes to see the truth and glory that can be found in Khalis. A desolate world and hopeless people allow for growth of faith in The Shepherd of the Moon.

#### Chaos

Chaos is the betrayal of order. Order and law are the foundation of governments and of the accepted religions. It is Order that allows for kings and bishops to thrive, to grow more powerful, to exact whatever they wish from a subdued and mindless population. By disrupting order, by spreading chaos, the Adherent attacks the underpinnings of all civilization. Chaos allows for unbridled depravity, free of the laws of man and false religion. Chaos goes beyond civil disobedience, it targets the smooth running of governments and seeks to topple monarchs who would deny due reverence to the Twin Souls.

## Precepts

* Respect not pity or weakness, for they are a disease which makes the strong, sick. Be able to give the illusion of both, for in deception, we gain our most powerful moments to strike. One who is skillful at keeping the enemy on the move maintains deceitful appearances, according to which the enemy will act. Hence, we move both brazenly and in shadows, that our enemy never understands the true nature of our path.
* Never love anything so much you cannot see it die. When we love this much, we sacrifice the self and lose not one, but two. Focus cannot remain on a target and one you would protect at the same time. One will fall… if not both. Love fully and honorably - but do not lose the self!
* Strive ever for more, for conquest is never done and die rather than submit. Give not our enemies the satisfaction of breaking you to their will.
* Learn to raise yourself above yourself so you can triumph over all. Learn self-control, will power and the ability to choose when to speak when angered. Khalis represents cunning instead of hypocritical self-deceit! Learn from his example.
* Reject complacency and lethargy, for they hinder the strong --- what does not kill you, makes you stronger.
* To lower an enemy's guard you must act in the open hiding your true intentions under the guise of common everyday activities. The man gardening is ignored, while the rogue in the bushes is quickly discovered.
* When the enemy is too strong to attack directly, attack something he holds dear. Know that in all things he cannot be superior. Somewhere there is a gap in the armor, a weakness that can be attacked instead.
* The truest way to destroy an enemy is from within. The wise use of rumors, false facts and deceptions are to be used to turn an enemy within. When he is torn asunder by inner strife, then can we move forward against him.
* When you do not have the means to attack your enemy directly, then attack using the strength of another. Trick an ally into attacking him, bribe an official to turn traitor, or use the enemy's own strength against him.

## Titles

### Spiritual

#### Prophet/Seer

This is the spiritual leader of a cell of Adherents. He or she oversees and directs all of the others in the group, with a focus on the principals, directives, and precepts. This individual is the highest authority in a local group.

#### Doomsayer

This is a spiritual officer that focuses on discipling the faithful and unfaithful alike. They typically preach sermons and act as evangelists.

### Martial

#### Tyrant

This is a marshal leader that excels in the use of all types of combat. The Tyrant is responsible for the armory, outfitting, and combat training of a cell of Adherents. They are also in charge of offensive actions against others and security.

#### Fist

A soldier or assassin in the cell. Fists are the backbone of offense and defense.

### Intelligence

#### Harbinger

This is the Intelligence Officer in a cell of Adherents. They direct Seekers along with collecting and recording intelligence that is gathered by others on the cell.

#### Seekers

Intelligence gatherer. Seekers are often planted inside other organizations or seek employment in order to gather information.

#### Adept

Common member of a cell without a specialization.

#### Neophyte

New Member

*Credit for Lore: Akan, Demiwolfe, and Levedara*