The Black

Membership within The Black is highly regulated, their numbers tightly controlled and kept secret from the general public. All members of The Black are registered, and a description of what powers they possess is usually provided to several guilds, primarily The Scribes and the Sons of Tyrath. All members of The Black must wear their robes at all times. As sorcery is feared and loathed in the cities, members are kept visible to be distrusted and poorly-received by the common person.

Players choosing that the Sorcery Source must take Improved Background 1 with one of the points spent on Status (The Black). The remaining point may be spent on Fame, Income, Equipment, Language as normal, or in Robes of The Black.

The Black are the regional organization responsible for training and monitoring sorcerers in Vicisi. All members of the organization of required by law to wear black robes identifying their organization in public. While most initiates wear only mundane robes, proven members of the Black may obtain magical protective Robes of the Black from the order. Members who do not take this item at Character Creation with Improved Background may purchase it later for 3 GXP or earn it in-game by proving themselves worthy.

While rare, members of the Black who specialize in combat (battle casters) may wear an equally distinctive black cloak in place of the traditional robe with broad shoulders that is designed to accommodate heavier armor. By Free Cities law the Black may not maintain their own military force, however they are permitted to instruct their members who possess destructive magic in it’s use. Such members are under additional scrutiny, and even more cautious to only use their powers legally.

Although they are dedicated to upholding the laws of the Free Cities, The Black are feared and distrusted by the majority of the populace. As a result, all members who are recognized suffer a -1 to all Charisma based rolls except Intimidate and Deception and gain a +1 to Intimidate against targets outside their Organization.