Bookmark 1096

WAR OF THE GUILDS (WTO/CWOD)

1096.1.1

The War of the Guilds ran from 1096 to 1354 and was one of the major events in the history of Wraith: The Oblivion. It shaped the workings of the Guilds of Stygia, as well as the resulting allies and enemies.

It began with a boast from the Artificers. The Artificers already considered themselves the first Guild to officially form (although the Pardoners and Oracles would probably have something to say about that). They were in control of one of Stygia's more lucrative and powerful businesses, soulforging. They worked closely with Charon and his government. And so, they naturally considered themselves the head of all Guilds for their superiority in age, finance, and power.

Many Guilds fumed under their condescending attitude, particularly the Masquers. Many plans and agendas of other Guilds had been twisted to suit the Artificers' needs or desires. Officially proclaiming such, however, was the straw that broke the camels back. A number of other conflicts between other Guilds came to light and squabbling turned into full-fledged fighting. For over three hundred years, battles raged across Stygia.

The Dark Kingdom of Iron, Stygia. Stygia began as the underworld for Mediterranean countries, but over the centuries has grown to claim most of the Western world.

** The Hierarchy **

** The Guilds**

Artificers, Guildmaster: Nhudri, and his seconds Ferrum, Smoke and Makabah. Later led by Lord Ember.
Masquers
Pardoners, Guildmaster: Sister Acceptance, Inachus
Usurers
Chanteurs
Harbingers
Oracles
Sandmen
Haunters
Monitors
Spooks
Proctors
Puppeteers
Alchemists
Mnemoi
Solicitors

Stygian Legions

The Iron Legion, headquartered at the Seat of Shadows and overseen by the Ashen Lady. The Iron Legion is comprised of the victims of Age.
The Skeletal Legion, claiming those taken by Disease, headquartered on the Seat of Dust and overseen by the Skeletal Lord.
The Grim Legion, claiming the victims of Violence, and overseen by the Smiling Lord at the Seat of Burning Waters.
The Penitent Legion, claiming the victims of Madness, overseen by the Laughing Lady and quartered at the Seat of Succor.
The Emerald Legion, for victims of Happenstance, maintained at the Seat of Thorns by the Emerald Lord--Smaragdus.
The Silent Legion is overseen by the Quiet Lord, and oversees the victims of Despair from the Seat of Silence.
The Legion of Paupers, quartered at the Seat of Golden Tears, administered by the Beggar Lord and comprising victims of Mystery and whoever the Beggar Lord can get away with.
The Legion of Fate, consisting of those chosen by The Lady of Fate, and administered by the Ladies of Fate at the Isle of Eurydice.

Ferrymen

The Heretics / Shining Ones

The Fishers, led Archbishop of Stygia
Belisarius
The Crusaders
The Host
Children of Green
Riders of the Wheel

The Dark Kingdoms*

The Dark Kingdom of Ivory, the Bush of Ghosts which claims authority over the dead of Africa.

The Dark Kingdom of Sand, Amenti. Home of the Gods and Undying of Ancient Egypt

Swar, the City of Delights and the domain wherein the Indian Dead while away their existence.

Yellow Springs, the Dark Kingdom of Jade

Yu Haung, Emperor
Chan, Court Jester

The Spectres

Elasheb the Eyeless
Kosikomor
Lamachis the Devourer, Onceborn Malfean
Mallus the Faceless
Mulhecturous the Filth Goddess, Diseased Empress, the Foul One, Onceborn Malfean
Rabark the Inhabited, Neverborn Malfean, Leader of the Diligent Blossoms
Sulabik the Death Maker
Vidod the Monger
Zyras the All-Consuming
Coldheart, Cleitus the Black, Nephwrack

COMPACT OF THE GUILDS (WTO/CWOD)

1354.1.1

World Map 1300 CE

European Map 1300 CE

1347: The Second Great Maelstrom strikes the Shadowlands because of the massive number of deaths associated with the Black Plague. When the Black Plague struck, the Hierarchy was firmly in place. At first there was only a trickle of souls from the terrible sickness. Then the roar of the Second Maelstrom heralded the thousands of souls claimed by the Black Plague. This time, Stygia held against the Maelstrom, and the roads stayed open. The soul trade was brisk. Accordingly, Charon sought to further the building of the Stygian Kingdom by increasing taxes against the Shining Ones. Especially did he tax the Fishers, who had grown powerful.

Finally, the Archbishop of Stygia, leader of the Fishers, presented himself to Charon and demanded that Charon reduce the fee placed on the souls his agents collected for the Fishers. Charon responded by disbanding the Crusaders and doubling the fee. For many months there was darkness on Fisher’s Hill as the temple stood deserted. Crusaders still retained their mounts and openly wore their crosses.

At the urging of the Archbishop of Stygia, and with the help of many Shining ones, several former Crusaders attacked Charon’s palace guard...

1354: The Compact of the Guilds, signed in 1354, had given them enough unified force to rival even the Deathlords in power.

The Dark Kingdom of Iron, Stygia. Stygia began as the underworld for Mediterranean countries, but over the centuries has grown to claim most of the Western world.

***The Hierarchy ***

Stygian Legions

The Iron Legion, headquartered at the Seat of Shadows and overseen by the Ashen Lady. The Iron Legion is comprised of the victims of Age.
The Skeletal Legion, claiming those taken by Disease, headquartered on the Seat of Dust and overseen by the Skeletal Lord.
The Grim Legion, claiming the victims of Violence, and overseen by the Smiling Lord at the Seat of Burning Waters.
The Penitent Legion, claiming the victims of Madness, overseen by the Laughing Lady and quartered at the Seat of Succor.
The Emerald Legion, for victims of Happenstance, maintained at the Seat of Thorns by the Emerald Lord.
The Silent Legion is overseen by the Quiet Lord, and oversees the victims of Despair from the Seat of Silence.
The Legion of Paupers, quartered at the Seat of Golden Tears, administered by the Beggar Lord and comprising victims of Mystery and whoever the Beggar Lord can get away with.
The Legion of Fate, consisting of those chosen by Fate, and administered by the Ladies of Fate at the Isle of Eurydice.

The Heretics / Shining Ones