Shadows of Ash

The Ashlord directs major operations. Shadecallers lead mission teams; Shadows conduct significant work, while Embers assist and prove their loyalty. Control of relics and followers can shift internal power.

Ashlord — Veridan rules the group and directs major operations.
Shadecallers — Senior specialists who lead mission teams.
Shadows — Full members who have completed the Trial by Relic.
Embers — Recruits tested through heists or rebellion while assisting seniors.

Heists — Infiltrate institutions and guarded vaults to steal relics.
Disruption — Sabotage lawful research and conduct unstable magical experiments.

Steal the Crown of Embers from the Arcanum Vault; it is said to control elemental fire.
Sabotage an Academy research project and recruit disillusioned students and rogue mages.

Build a secret arsenal to challenge imperial control of magic.
Create a permanent Rift Gate to forbidden planes.
Overthrow the Academy and remove laws and ethical limits on magic.

Outcasts, criminals, rejected scholars, and former Academy students join for power, revenge, wealth, or desperation. Members are expected to accept dangerous risks.

Take the Ashen Oath and assist senior members.
Steal a powerful artifact and return it to the Sanctum in the Trial by Relic.

Forbidden spells, unstable relics, and opportunities for banned experiments.
Magical concealment from authorities and a share in stolen or sold relics.

Steal artifacts and disrupt lawful institutions.
Remain loyal to the Ashlord; betrayal may mean exile or execution.
Take risks in experiments and confrontations.

Ashen Oath — Recruits swear to reject Academy law and use magic for personal gain. Ash and flame burn a mark into the hand.
Eclipse Gathering — During major celestial events, members perform unpredictable rituals weakening planar boundaries.
Trial by Relic — A recruit steals a powerful artifact and brings it to the Ashen Sanctum.

History

Veridan founded the Shadows of Ash after expulsion from the Academy for dangerous experiments. He recruited disillusioned mages to undermine its control and acquire artifacts for their own use.