The Arcanum is a mysterious and secretive organization of evil wizards, sorcerers, and assasins who plot against the lawful kingdoms of the West.
According to legend; long ago, a group of fanatical extremist wizards, once rebelled against the authoritative ruler ship of the Veiled Society. Those wizards who did so were then labeled ‘Anarchists’ by the Veiled Society. The wizards were banished and, in many cases, hunted down by the vengeful Inquisitors; who hunted them on behalf of the Magisters of the Society.
These rogue wizards then created their own order; it was called the "Arcanum." The members of this new, secret order called themselves "Warlocks" and grew ever-more powerful in ways of both magic and arcane knowledge. Other legends have it, that the Arcanum began as a small group of Gauth sorcerers who learned the secrets of magic from the Dark-Elves and the secrets of mind-control from the Illithids. The combination of both was truly terrifying.
The Arcanum Today
The Arcanum’s current motives, allegiances, and membership are a complete mystery, and only a few persons of the Veiled Society and various royal courts even know of their existence. The Arcanum is the arch-rival of the Veiled Society, and constantly plans for the ultimate downfall of the civilized kingdoms of the West. Some believe the Arcanum is allied with Sorimmar in the East.
It is said that upon reaching the level of "Master," senior Warlocks of the Arcanum actually pluck out one of their own eyes in a horrific ceremony, and replace it with a red magical gem imbued with tremendous magical power. This gem, called a "Soul-Stone," actually magnifies the power of the Warlock, and gives them a deadly advantage over any opponent. Some sages believe that the embedded Soul-stone serves as a phylactery for the Warlock and upon his or her death, the stone absorbs their being and turns the Warlock into a Lich.
The Warlocks of the Arcanum are one of the most dangerous forces of evil on Corwyn, who seek to use magic and mind control to dominate the races of Corwyn. Most Arcanum members wear dark grey hooded robes, and do not show their faces outside of their dark lairs and deep halls. The secret citadel of this organization is said to be deep within the Warlock Mountains, and the Freehold of Dhorvania is rumored to be a front for their evil organization.
The Arcanum stations agents and secret bases in every city on Corwyn. The order also maintains hidden strongholds and secret outposts throughout rural areas of the West. The Arcanum use blackguards and assassins as their primary agents, and most of these agents know nothing of their masters’ true intentions. Most Magisters of the Veiled Society agree, that after Sorimmar; the Arcanum is the single most dangerous threat to the West on Corwyn today.
The symbol of the Arcanum is a red Triquetra on a black field.
