The Mystics

Introduction

The Mystics Guild were originally formed by Merlin to escape the constant conflict between the Seers and Astrologers in the first stone wars. Merlin was a pacifist and could not abide the continued hostilities. When the Mystics were formed, the Astrologers were in direct opposition to the Seers so the new mystics were able to opt out of the stone wars and be little noticed by their other professionals. However as the situation progressed and, by some time after the first stone wars, the Astrologers Guild had fallen into weakened state, the Seers led by Flogga of Thakria started the second stone war in an attempt to take control of all Avalon via their master stone. Flogga was able to lead the Seers to a near-complete victory and the Astrologers Guild was helpless. Thus, when only Mercinae remained out of the influence of the Seer Stone, the Mystics Guild was forced to take an active role and fight back against the Seers. Under the god of light's watchful eye the Mystics were drawn into total opposition to the Seers, into the politics of Mercinae and forever away from their peaceful founding hopes. Eventually the second stone war subsided and an equilibrium of sorts was agreed - the Mystics had protected Mercinae and retained the independence of their seeing stones. The guild though remains today actively aligned alongside Mercinae, against Thakria, against the Seers and aggressively guarding the power of its seeing stones and the borders of its sphere of influence.

Words from Merlin, the first guildmaster

Patient learning of the lay of the land, routes around the world, in front of the flickering stone. Practice at stealthy fast movement, tentative gradual aggression and resolute defence. The Mystic is unmatched in ways. Ways the few who have mastered this profession know only too well.

Words from Argos, the current guildmaster

"Mystics?" The old man stroked his grey beard for a moment while staring through his crystal ball. After a moment he turned back to you with a smile, "Come child, take a look."

You glance into the seeing stone and see the image of a glorious sunset across the seas south of Mercinae. However the view is far more splendid than you've ever seen growing up in Mercinae, you lean closer to try to determine what the difference is. As you do so a whirling vortex spreads out from the stone and envelopes you completely, whisking you away at high speeds.

When your head has stopped spinning you open your eyes and see that you are staring at the same view as was in the stone. However now you are outside in the city, looking about you realized the reason for the magnificent view. You're standing atop Mercinae's grand cathedral!

Never before in your entire childhood have you been up here, sure you have seen people climb onto the rooftops of other buildings but the cathedral! Not even the alchemists of Mercinae have bothered to come up here even though they could fly themselves. In front of you is the vast sea shining under the sunset, and beside you is the bustling of the city as people of all ages run about getting home after a day's events.

"Simply remarkable isn't it?" the old man's voice comes to from all around it seems. "As a child growing up I was always here, observing the city on one side and the sea on the other."

"This is what it means to be a mystic. We are the eternal watchers of Mercinae. While other guilds train hard learning to fight, taming beasts, mixing potions or singing ballads, we mystics forever watch and learn.

We are Mercinae's silent guardians. Our stones are valuable assets, letting us watch, listen, follow, travel to, and even attack our enemies all from the safety of the guildhouse. Aside from that we practice voodoo techniques and control puppets to do our work for us. We can even bless and curse our friends and enemies with numerous afflictions that make us dangerous foes should anyone come assault us in the guild. We even been able to adopt the mages charming spells and the brigands stealth abilit ies through our years of observing."

The voice seems far more normal now, turning around you see the old mystic has joined you atop the roof. He smiles warmly at you and turns to gaze off at the sunset. "You need not say a word child...Just enjoy this moment. One may argue we don't live the exciting lives as the other guilds, and for that we will never attract many members."

"But if you ask me, the less people who know about sights like this, the more precious they became." The mystic takes your hand and after a similar sensation you find yourself back to the room with the stone. The mystic smiles at you, shows the way out and returns to his stone.

You leave him and walk off with many questions still in your mind. Just how much do the mystics know? And how much can you yourself learn from them?

Guild Specialist Skills

Location

The Mystics Guild is tricky to find unless you know the streets of Mercinae well. The guild is hidden among the rainbow caves on Mercinae's southern ocean beach. To find it, head south from Cassiandora Square as far as you can go, then make a quick east onto Royal Walk and head in a roughly south direction to a T junction on the beachfront past the southern end of Royal Walk. From there follow the road on the beachfront roughly west (though sometimes it turns southwest or northwest too) until you reach a point where the road overlooks a statue built on the rocks against the ocean. This is Mercinae's founding stone. From here head west until you can go west no further, then take a quick walk southwest and the secondary Mystics guildhouse will be to your north.