The Celestial Appraisers

Lore: In the sprawling world of Saṃsāra, where ancient mysteries and arcane treasures lie hidden within every corner, The Celestial Appraisers have emerged as a powerful and enigmatic faction. Founded by an eclectic group of scholars, adventurers, and artificers, their main focus is on the art of appraisal, deciphering the true worth of artifacts, relics, and ancient knowledge. They believe that the secrets of the past hold the key to shaping the future, and through their expertise, they uncover the hidden significance of the world’s most valuable and enigmatic artifacts.

Ideology: The Celestial Appraisers hold a deep reverence for history and the interconnectedness of all things. They believe that every object and every piece of information is a fragment of a larger narrative, and understanding this narrative is essential to understanding the world itself. They approach their work with a balance of curiosity, respect, and a determination to uncover truths that have long been buried.

Major Concerns:

• Preservation of Knowledge: The Celestial Appraisers are driven by the fear of lost knowledge. They see the destruction of artifacts and texts as a travesty, and they work tirelessly to salvage and preserve anything that might hold historical or mystical significance.
• Preventing Exploitation: The faction is deeply concerned about powerful artifacts falling into the wrong hands. They strive to prevent such artifacts from being used for nefarious purposes, and if necessary, they will intervene to reclaim and safeguard these items.

Imperatives:

• In-Depth Analysis: The Appraisers believe in thorough examination, combining magical and scholarly methods to uncover the true essence of objects. They seek to unearth hidden enchantments, lost histories, and untold stories.
• Teaching and Sharing: The faction is committed to spreading their knowledge. They hold seminars, workshops, and share their discoveries with other scholarly communities, fostering a network of like-minded individuals.

Grand Strategy and Goals: The Celestial Appraisers’ grand strategy revolves around creating a comprehensive library of the world’s most valuable artifacts and knowledge. Their ultimate goal is to assemble a repository that spans cultures, realms, and planes, where the collected wisdom of ages can be studied, learned from, and protected.

Public Motivations and Agenda: Publicly, the Celestial Appraisers present themselves as historians, scholars, and curators. They’re known for their public exhibitions, where they showcase their latest discoveries. Their agenda is perceived as academic, dedicated to enriching the world’s understanding of its own history.

Means and Methods:

• Magical Appraisal: Skilled in both arcane and divine magic, they use spells and rituals to uncover hidden properties and histories of artifacts. This sets them apart from conventional scholars.
• Infiltration and Negotiation: They have a knack for navigating the intricate webs of diplomacy and espionage. When necessary, they might work behind the scenes to ensure the safety of an artifact or to reclaim it.
• Network of Agents: The Celestial Appraisers have a network of agents and informants across Saṃsāra. These agents help them keep tabs on the movement of artifacts and potential threats.

The Celestial Appraisers provide an avenue for players to engage with the rich history and mystique of Saṃsāra. Joining them offers access to arcane knowledge, magical artifacts, and the opportunity to unravel the world’s secrets while safeguarding them from those who would misuse them.

Tags: Ancient artifacts, Arcane knowledge, Historical preservation, Magical appraisal, Artifact recovery, Ethical dilemmas, Secretive faction, Scholarly network, Hidden agendas, Mystical treasures

Joining the Faction: Becoming a member of The Celestial Appraisers is not a simple process. Prospective members must display exceptional skill in magical appraisal, historical research, or artifact preservation. They are often scouted by current members during their travels, or their reputation might precede them. A candidate undergoes a rigorous assessment, which includes demonstrating their expertise, solving complex puzzles, and passing arcane tests that showcase their magical abilities.

Benefits:

• Access to Knowledge: Members gain access to the faction’s extensive library and database of appraised artifacts, offering insights into the history and magic of the world.
• Artifact Loans: Members can borrow items from the faction’s collection for their personal endeavors, provided they adhere to certain ethical guidelines.
• Training: The faction provides training in magical appraisal, enchantment detection, and preservation techniques.
• Networking: Membership connects individuals to a network of scholars, historians, and adventurers across Saṃsāra.
• Resource Assistance: The faction can provide assistance with magical and historical research, aiding members in their personal quests.

Controlled Resources: The Celestial Appraisers control an expansive archive of appraised artifacts, ancient texts, and enchanted tools. They possess a network of safehouses and hidden libraries across the world. Their resources also include a cadre of skilled agents and informants, allowing them to monitor and influence the movements of valuable items.

Limitations:

• Small Numbers: The faction maintains a relatively small membership to avoid drawing undue attention. This limits their operational capacity.
• Secrecy: Their covert nature means they cannot openly confront powerful adversaries and must rely on subtler methods.
• Ethical Dilemmas: The faction’s ethical guidelines can sometimes restrict members from using artifacts in ways they deem necessary.

Leadership Concerns: The leadership worries about the emergence of rival factions or groups seeking to exploit their knowledge and resources. They are also concerned about the increasing rarity of valuable artifacts and the potential for these items to fall into the wrong hands.

Secret Motivations and Hidden Agendas: Beneath their outward pursuit of knowledge and preservation, some leaders harbor a secret agenda to uncover a mythical artifact said to possess unparalleled powers—a relic capable of rewriting history itself. While this quest is known to only a few, it fuels their determination to acquire the most potent artifacts.

Identification: Members use a distinctive amulet adorned with an intricate pattern of interlocking gears and arcane symbols. A secret handshake involving a specific sequence of gestures is used to identify each other in public.

Friendly Groups:

• The Arcane Scholars Guild: This organization values knowledge and magical study, often collaborating with The Celestial Appraisers on research projects.
• The Guardians of the Ancients: They share a common interest in protecting ancient artifacts, leading to occasional partnerships for artifact recovery and preservation.

Note: The secret motivations and hidden agendas mentioned above are just one possible angle to add intrigue to the faction’s narrative. Guide Managers can choose to include or modify these aspects based on their campaign’s theme and direction.

Ranks and Jobs:

• Initiate:
  • Initiates are newly accepted members. They undergo a period of training and evaluation.
  • Jobs: Research assistance, artifact cataloging, minor enchantment identification.
  • Advancement: Initiates advance by successfully completing a series of assignments, demonstrating their commitment and aptitude.
• Scribe:
  • Scribes are responsible for transcribing ancient texts, recording appraisals, and maintaining the faction’s archive.
  • Jobs: Transcription, artifact documentation, assisting senior members in magical analyses.
  • Advancement: Scribes advance by contributing significantly to the archive, presenting valuable insights, and demonstrating mastery in transcription.
• Enchanter:
  • Enchanters specialize in identifying and understanding magical properties of artifacts.
  • Jobs: Magical appraisal, enchantment analysis, deciphering ancient runes.
  • Advancement: Enchanters advance by successfully identifying rare or complex enchantments, sharing their findings, and mentoring lower-ranking members.
• Curator:
  • Curators oversee the safekeeping and maintenance of the artifact collection. They ensure artifacts are properly stored and protected.
  • Jobs: Artifact preservation, security measures, organizing exhibitions.
  • Advancement: Curators advance by successfully preserving delicate or powerful artifacts, proposing innovative preservation methods, and displaying leadership in exhibitions.
• Inquisitor:
  • Inquisitors are skilled investigators who recover lost artifacts and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
  • Jobs: Artifact retrieval, tracking down stolen items, undercover operations.
  • Advancement: Inquisitors advance by successfully recovering valuable artifacts, uncovering theft plots, and demonstrating exceptional investigative skills.
• Luminary:
  • Luminaries are esteemed leaders who oversee faction operations and guide its strategic direction.
  • Jobs: Leadership, high-level negotiations, decision-making, mentoring.
  • Advancement: Luminaries are appointed by existing luminaries based on merit, leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of the faction’s goals.

Badge and Rank Symbol: The badge worn by members of The Celestial Appraisers is an intricate brooch featuring a circular design with a background of deep blue enamel. At the center of the badge is an open book, its pages adorned with delicate inscriptions and mystical symbols. Above the book, a stylized magnifying glass hovers, its lens reflecting a faint, ethereal light. Encircling the book and magnifying glass, a delicate chain of interconnected gears weaves, symbolizing the interwoven nature of history, magic, and knowledge.

Each rank is represented by a gemstone set within the badge:

• Initiate: Quartz Crystal (Clear)
• Scribe: Sapphire (Blue)
• Enchanter: Amethyst (Purple)
• Curator: Emerald (Green)
• Inquisitor: Onyx (Black)
• Luminary: Diamond (Clear/White)

As members advance in rank, a new gemstone is added to their badge. The badge itself is worn on the lapel of their attire and serves as both a mark of their status within the faction and a symbol of their dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and preservation in the world of Saṃsāra.

Enemies and Rivals:

• The Relic Conclave: A secretive and power-hungry faction that seeks to accumulate and harness the immense power of ancient relics for their own gain. The Celestial Appraisers view them as a significant threat due to their willingness to exploit artifacts for personal power.
• The Order of Erasure: A radical group that believes the past should be erased to create a new world. They often destroy historical artifacts to achieve their goals. The Celestial Appraisers oppose them vehemently, seeing their actions as a direct assault on the preservation of knowledge.

Conflicts:

• Artifact Acquisition: Both The Relic Conclave and The Celestial Appraisers vie for possession of rare and powerful artifacts. This often leads to clashes as they race to claim these items, with the Celestial Appraisers aiming to protect the artifacts from falling into the wrong hands.
• Ethical Differences: The Celestial Appraisers clash with The Order of Erasure over their fundamental beliefs. The Celestial Appraisers advocate for the importance of preserving history, while The Order of Erasure seeks to erase it, leading to philosophical conflicts.

Interactions:

• Covert Operations: The Celestial Appraisers engage in covert operations to thwart The Relic Conclave’s plans and to recover artifacts that might be misused. This often involves infiltration, sabotage, and strategic manipulation of information.
• Intellectual Battles: Conflicts with The Order of Erasure extend to ideological battles where knowledge and ideas are the weapons. The Celestial Appraisers engage in debates and share their findings to counter The Order’s destructive ideology.

Consequences:

• Artifact Destruction: Conflicts between these factions can sometimes result in the destruction of valuable artifacts, which pains The Celestial Appraisers deeply.
• Erosion of History: The conflict with The Order of Erasure poses a genuine risk to historical records and knowledge, potentially erasing significant portions of Saṃsāra’s history.
• Power Struggles: The rivalry with The Relic Conclave can lead to dangerous power struggles. If The Relic Conclave manages to accumulate enough artifacts, it could tip the balance of power in the world, jeopardizing the safety and balance of Saṃsāra.
• Alliances and Unlikely Partnerships: The Celestial Appraisers might form temporary alliances with other groups that share an interest in preserving history and artifacts. These alliances can lead to new opportunities but might also strain existing relationships.

Incorporating these conflicts and consequences into the TTRPG can add depth and intrigue to the players’ interactions with the world. It offers opportunities for players to make morally complex decisions, engage in high-stakes operations, and influence the fate of the world of Saṃsāra.

Tale of the Celestial Appraisers and the Lost Relic

In the ancient land of Saṃsāra, when the stars aligned in mystical patterns, the Celestial Appraisers emerged. They were a faction of scholars, adventurers, and artificers, united by their profound curiosity and dedication to uncovering the hidden worth of artifacts, relics, and ancient knowledge. This is the story most known about them, passed down through the ages.

Long ago, there existed a powerful relic known as the Orb of Eternity. It was said to possess the power to alter the fabric of reality and rewrite the history of the world. The Orb was hidden in the depths of the Forgotten Cavern, guarded by mystical creatures and treacherous traps. The Celestial Appraisers, hearing whispers of the Orb’s existence, decided to seek it out and ensure it would not fall into the wrong hands.

The leader of the Celestial Appraisers, Luminary Arwen, gathered the most skilled members of the faction: the wise Enchanter Elara, the brave Inquisitor Thorne, the meticulous Scribe Aiden, and the resourceful Curator Lyra. Together, they embarked on a perilous journey to the Forgotten Cavern, guided by ancient maps and cryptic clues.

Their journey was fraught with danger. They navigated through dense forests, crossed raging rivers, and scaled towering mountains. Along the way, they encountered numerous challenges that tested their skills and resolve. Enchanter Elara used her knowledge of magical properties to dispel enchantments that blocked their path, while Inquisitor Thorne fought off mystical creatures that threatened their lives.

Upon reaching the entrance to the Forgotten Cavern, the Celestial Appraisers were met with an intricate puzzle that guarded the way. Scribe Aiden, with his deep understanding of ancient texts, deciphered the riddle and unlocked the passage. Inside, they discovered a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers, each more treacherous than the last.

In the heart of the cavern, they found the Orb of Eternity, glowing with an otherworldly light. As they approached, the cavern began to tremble, and the walls seemed to close in around them. Curator Lyra, with her knowledge of preservation techniques, carefully retrieved the Orb and placed it in a protective case, neutralizing its dangerous power.

As they made their way back to the surface, they encountered the Relic Conclave, a rival faction that sought to exploit the Orb’s power for their own gain. A fierce battle ensued, but the Celestial Appraisers, united in their purpose, emerged victorious. They secured the Orb and returned to their headquarters, the Atlas Citadel, where they placed it in a secure vault, ensuring it would never be misused.

The Celestial Appraisers held a grand exhibition to share their journey and the significance of their discovery with the world. They emphasized the importance of preserving history and protecting powerful artifacts from those who would misuse them. Their tale became legend, inspiring future generations to value knowledge and approach the mysteries of the world with respect and curiosity.

Moral of the Story: True power lies not in the artifacts themselves but in the wisdom to understand and protect them. Knowledge and unity are the keys to safeguarding the world’s heritage and ensuring its future.