Arcstones of Korak
The arcstones take their name from the secret of arch building, imparted by Korak to the mortal races long ago. They live to defend and recover great artifacts, magnificent structures, and important monuments. They preserve works of the hand against outside forces, just as the keystone of an arch takes all the outside pressures on the arch, and helps it hold its shape.
Most communities with major monuments, fantastically old structures, or powerful artifacts host several arcstones who keep these treasures safe. Arcstones also organize expeditions to explore long-lost cities, recover corrupted temples, and retrieve lost artifacts.
Most arcstones live in one area, defending some local masterwork. They become pillars of their communities, and stay active in guildhall affairs, aiding local artisans and occasionally, pitching in on large projects. Fewer arcstones adventure, but aren’t tied to a place or guildhall. Instead, they quest to the reclaim ancient wonders. They might clear a grand dwarf-hold of goblins, or search for a mythic sword.
The arcstone must follow Koraketh doctrine carefully, and preserve the sanctity of certain great works of the hand. An arcstone must never allow a great work such as a temple or an artifact to fall into evil’s hands.
Adventuring arcstones tend to keep company with rogues, who have an eye for wealth, and strange devices. There have been several famous rogue/arcstone pairings, where the two hunting down artifacts. Arcstones often find rangers make useful companions as well. Arcstones never adventure with willfully destructive people, or those who disrespect works of the hand. They rarely keep evil company, but can work with greedy sorts in quests to protect or liberate masterworks, as long as their allies don’t demonstrate true malice by harming others for pleasure or avaricious need.
Joining the Arcstones
Korak typically calls neutral good individuals who are proficient with artisan’s tools. Such a candidate finds an established arcstone to teach him a trade any apprentice might learn, such as blacksmithing, and the secrets of the arcstones: combat skills, divine rites, and legends of artifacts to be recovered. This process takes as long as any apprenticeship might: five to eight years. An established character who receives the call can learn all that is necessary to become an arcstone in a dramatically shorter time, if she is already proficient in one set of artisan’s tools. On completing training, arcstones become paladins. When it’s time to take their oaths, they typically swear the Oath of Devotion.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Parent Organization
Related Myths
