The Seers

Introduction

Seers are a rather unique and mysterious people. Their power is drawn from the stars, and they operate mostly from a distance - from within darkened rooms using brightly flashing seeing-stones. Seers are trained in both the arts of sight through seeing stones, and the multifarious skill of mystics. They learn, even at an early age, the arts of cursing and blessing. Seers tend to be thinking folk, diplomats and manipulators of events from afar. Their prowess was epitomised by the first Seer of the modern age - Anskiere, founder of the Thakrian branch of the guild. Seers establish spheres of influence over which they can exact their enormous power, and through the might of the seeing stones, they are able to battle their enemies. Seers are less effective, though, in face to face combat and often find themselves having to flee from the field of battle to influence the course of action from the safety of their fortified towers.

The Seers Guild is based in the city of Thakria and was refounded by Anskiere the Dark Seer in the late seventh century after being dormant for centuries. He broke away from the Astrologers Guild in order to pursue his own ambitions, and with the aid of the Thakrian seeing stone, a guild was founded about him. Seers are a secretive people, often said to be cowardly in the face of physical adversity, but powerful when back in the safety of their fortresses. The Guildhouse of the Seers can be found on Emperors' Walk to the east of the great Thakrian city square. It is but a stones throw away from the temple of the god of stars.

Words from Anskiere, 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 Seer is unmatched in ways. Ways the few who have mastered this profession know only too well.

Words from Cabe, the current guildmaster

Darkness draws in, surrounding you in its grip. Gasping for air, you battle a wave of fear, your eyes clinging to a faint light pulsing before you. Gradually growing brighter, until you are able to recognize the glowing orb of a seeing stone.

A voice fills your mind, touches your soul . . .

"It is said that in Avalon, The Gods own the skies, but it is the Seers who command the stars."

You cover your eyes as suddenly, the glowing orb bursts into blinding light, before slowly fading to a soft glow. Jumping back startled, you spy the form of a woman before you, "Galaphyrae", her name, is heard within your mind.

You glance about frantically, trying to locate the origin of the voice, she smirks knowingly at the look of fear in your eyes. She begins to speak, her voice seeming to come from the very darkness surrounding you.

"So little one, you seek the knowledge of a Seer. Knowledge is power, be warned before you seek further. Seers do have the knowledge to command the stars. We have the ability to bring destruction, death, joy and health. We manipulate the lives of others."

"Seers have the power to heap curses, heal, hinder progress and ultimately kill without being in the presence of our victims. Friends gaze in awe and come beseeching curses and blessings. Foes run, hide and cower in fear of our wrath."

Galaphyrae spreads her arms wide, reveling in the darkness. Lifting her arms wide in the darkness, her voice powerful and mesmerizing fills the air . . .

"Yes! We command the stars! We demand respect! We inspire awe! We acknowledge and thirst for their fear! So come, little one, try your hand at puppeteering the fates of others. I dare you to command the stars! Come little one . . .We await YOU!!"

Guild Specialist Skills

Location

Head east from Thakria Square onto Emperors Walk. Continue east along Emperors Walk until you reach the eastern end. The Seers Guild will be directly to the north.