The Eclectic Eclipse

The Eclectic Eclipse is a faction operating within the continent of Ahlus.

## Description

Operating out of the capital city of the Hollow Concord Rydoon, the Eclectic Eclipse is a group focused on the acquisition, curation, display and protection of historical relics and artifacts. Responsible for the management of the Hall of the Virtuous, one of the largest museums of art, heirlooms and treasures of cultural value, the Eclectic Eclipse is led by an enigmatic individual known only as the Antiquarian.

They work through a small army of attendants, retainers and operatives that are a common sight at auctions and sales continent-wide, identified by the insignia of the group, an overlapping sun and moon surrounded by thirteen streaming plumes of light.

## Goals

While commonly cited as aiming to facilitate the study of the former Realms of the continent, the Eclectic Eclipse does not limit their acquisitions to just those covered in dust or dirt. The Antiquarian is said to delight in the collection of all manner of oddities, displaying but a few amongst their vast cache of items for the purpose of piquing the interest of the populace in such matters.

## Tenets of the Eclectic Eclipse

* Few understand the importance of that which may have been forgotten. Never freely dismiss an object or idea because it has been previously cast to the ground.
* The greatest respect that can be afforded to history is its preservation, for sake of study, understanding or simple enjoyment.
* The surface hides many secrets beneath. Dig and pry wherever you can, hunting that which may reside just out of sight.

## Relationships

The Eclectic Eclipse is afforded a number of benefits by the Hollow Concord, who acknowledge the draw that the Hall of the Virtuous brings for many to the city of Rydoon. Expeditions operated by the Rydooni army that uncover items of note are usually followed by their prompt donation to the Hall, with confidence placed in the Antiquarian and their operatives. Likewise, other institutes of study and research across the continent sometimes consult with the Eclipse in their efforts to identify or understand particular oddities.

This niche has placed them in direct conflict with the Order of the Ostiaries, who also work to collect up relics and artifacts, although with the intention to sequester away those of any significant power to prevent their usage. Likewise, the Ministry of the Curio serves as another hurdle to members of the Eclectic Eclipse, despite occasional collaborations being agreed between the two parties.

The Eclectic Eclipse has been accused by some for supposedly underhanded methods of acquiring many of the objects within their collection. Artifacts acquired from across the continent feature, with a few residents of the nearby lands petitioning for their immediate return. Most notable amongst this is the Sceptre of Sanctity, a component of the Crown Jewels of the Kingdom of Atralran supposedly granted to its first King Gilbert I Goldlor by the god Tohmos. Efforts to ensure its repatriation are ongoing, but there is little to suggest that such activism is close to yielding a result of any meaningful kind.

## Characters

Individuals associated with the Eclectic Eclipse feel the pull to explore that which has been abandoned or forgotten, hungering from curiosity of what might await discovery within. Some may do so for the simple joy of recovering treasures and relics from storied legends, others may instead be driven by the promised rewards associated with such acquisitions.

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