Eloqui Order

The Eloqui Order are an association of intellectuals and mages formerly in service to the Empire of Räsgard, but now operating independently since its collapse. They are notably the only organization legally allowed to freely study and practice arcane magic within the Empire and its subsequent successor states. They are able to circumvent the Obviation through use of rings containing shards of pure arcaltium, the creation of which is a closely-guarded secret of the Order. They are led by the Sable Circle, a group of their most powerful arch-mages who are each responsible for a different Ministry within the Order.
From their headquarters in the monastery of Aderhok, the Eloqui devote their lives to the acquisition and preservation of knowledge. Their roles as scholars, physicians, and soothsayers are highly prized amongst rulers and nobility, and it is not uncommon for an Eloqui sage to be a part of a noble court. Other members serve as itinerant mages who travel across the land to make themselves available to those who may need assistance.
As the sole legal practitioners of magic, the Eloqui maintain vigilance for any individuals who display magical aptitude to bring back to Aderhok and train as a member of the Order. To many families, it is seen as a high honor for to have a child taken in by the Order.
The Eloqui have cultivated a reputation as wise advisors and helpful adventurers, and are generally seen as a benevolent and powerful force within the world. However, there are those who are wary of their growing power. Particularly in the years since the collapse of the Empire, the Order has taken steps to expand their influence both at home and abroad. Those who oppose their power have noted that in the absence of an imperial authority the Order functions unchecked and independently, following no law but their own. On the other hand however, those allied with the Eloqui claim the Order serves the function of an impartial party that keeps the power of the crowns in check and prevents abuses of power.
The Order maintains an intense though tacit rivalry with the Einarian Pontificate and its Bluetalons, along with other religious groups to a lesser extent. As the more esoteric nature of divine magics lie outside of the Eloqui's authority, the Order is wary of the power the Pontificate's paladins wield. The two groups have been antagonistic towards each other for nearly two centuries, and often seek to weaken each other wherever possible. They have been known to work together in the past however, such as when they joined forces to eliminate the Order of the Doleful Aspect in 1727.

Known Members

Sable Circle

• Siegmar Umarov: Archmage of Augury- One of the oldest and most powerful members of the Order, Siegmar serves dual function as the de facto leader of the Sable Circle as well as the Crownmage of Alcaster and personal advisor to Queen Harriet
• Draven Gnash: Archmage of Intercession- He is the leader of the intercessors, which are mages dispatched to handle threats when requested by members of the nobility. He also commanded his own personal force called the adjutants, which were non-magic wielding agents in direct service to Gnash.

Other Members

• Percival Fould: Formerly the groundskeeper of the Eliosan Plaza in Alcaster, recently Percival has been demoted and reassigned to the small village of Cartholt
• Serik Thadan: A tenuous member of the Order living in the Rumiyyad capital city of El-Azahdron. He formerly served as the Archmage of Auspices within the Order before stepping down over disagreements with the Sable Circle's methods.

Former Members

• Precision Merchantel: A former adjutant under Draven Gnash who left the Order after becoming disillusioned with the Order's methods

Name:
Eloqui Order
Type:
Scholastic order
Goals:
Gather and protect magical knowledge
Base of Operations:
Aderhok
Leader(s):
Sable Circle (ruling council)
Enemies:
Einarian Pontificate
Order of the Doleful Aspect