The Sundered Houses (Ability Guild)
Guild Name
The Sundered Houses
Lore
The strongest among the illagers found common purpose in seeking greater challenges through the rifts. However their approaches to this pursuit proved at odds. One group developed around a preference for direct, physical confrontation. They found their greatest satisfaction in testing blade against claw, overcoming opponents through martial skill. These warriors formed what became known as the Lodge: where like-minded fighters could prepare for hunts and share tales of worthy prey.
The other group emerged from those who favored magical solutions and the intellectual challenge of outmaneuvering enemies through arcane means. They claimed the Tower as their domain: where evocation and summoning could be refined to their highest forms. Rather than split entirely both groups found that their rivalry sharpened their abilities more than separation ever could. Neither would give the other the satisfaction of claiming the guild's legacy alone. They maintain a single guild where both approaches coexist in a state of ongoing professional rivalry. Each convinced their path offers the superior route to overcoming the challenges the rifts provide.
Explanation
The Sundered Houses operates as a single guild with two distinct approaches to mastering rift encounters. Wanderers encounter the guild through its reputation for being the home to practitioners who have made their names surviving the rifts' most unforgiving environments. The Lodge side focuses on martial excellence and methodical approaches to dangerous encounters, while the Tower side concentrates on magical solutions and tactical applications of arcane knowledge.
Both sides offer their expertise to wanderers, though each believes their methods produce superior results. The ongoing rivalry creates an environment where both approaches are constantly being refined and tested, with each side eager to demonstrate the effectiveness of their philosophy through the successes of those they work with.
Story
The compound hums with its usual undercurrent of competition, even in the quiet morning hours. Near the weapon racks, Lodge members methodically inspect gear and discuss tracking techniques for an upcoming expedition into a particularly dangerous rift known for its predatory inhabitants. Their conversation is practical, focused on stamina management and the merits of different blade weights against armored opponents.
Across the courtyard, Tower practitioners gather around detailed maps, debating the theoretical applications of binding circles and the energy requirements for sustained evocation. Arcane implements are arranged with careful precision as they calculate spell components needed for their own planned venture.
A wanderer approaches the main entrance and the shift in atmosphere is immediate but subtle. Lodge members begin speaking just a bit louder about their recent successful hunt of a creature that had eluded others for months; making sure to mention how their blade work succeeded where magic had failed others. Tower practitioners counter with pointed references to their breakthrough in containing a dimensional anomaly through innovative summoning techniques, casually noting how brute force approaches had only made the situation worse. Neither side directly addresses the newcomer, but both ensure their recent accomplishments and subtle criticisms of the other approach are clearly audible.
The wanderer examines posted expedition reports from both groups: detailed accounts of successful encounters that serve as both information and advertisement. Representatives from each side offer measured assistance. Highlighting different aspects of rift preparation with professional confidence. A Lodge member demonstrates the balance of a perfectly weighted axe while describing the satisfaction of facing down a rift beast in honest combat. A Tower practitioner sketches out elegant spell geometries while explaining how true mastery lies in bending dimensional forces to one's will.
A crier bursts in with urgent alarm: a rift breach! Hostile creatures are pouring through while the dimensional tear grows, threatening the inhabitants. This will require both brute strength and arcane knowledge to contain.
For a moment, the competitive atmosphere shifts to focused collaboration, though the underlying drive for supremacy remains. Lodge members begin calculating approach vectors and defensive positions; already envisioning how their direct methods will prove decisive in the field. Tower practitioners outline containment protocols and energy distribution requirements. They are confident that their magical solutions will be what truly saves the day. The rivalry doesn't disappear but transforms into parallel excellence. Each side determined to demonstrate that their approach is not merely valuable but essential to achieving what others cannot.
Purpose / Role
To enhance wanderer abilities through methods that have been constantly tested and improved by the ongoing rivalry between martial and magical approaches. Physical abilities refined through direct confrontation and proven. Magical abilities developed through arcane study tested against arcane phenomena. Ability enhancements are continuously refined and improved, delivering superior results through the pursuit of excellence that drives each side to outperform the other.
Values / Philosophy
The Lodge believes that raw, physical dominance represents true power. The ability to impose one's will through direct force and martial superiority. The Tower maintains that magical mastery is the ultimate power, capable of reshaping reality itself. Both sides operate on the principle that might makes right, though they disagree fundamentally on what constitutes "might".
Specialties / Skills
Ability enhancement through two competing methodologies: The Lodge refines abilities through physical conditioning, muscle memory development, and bodily adaptation. Focuses on the physical vessel to better channel enhanced capabilities. The Tower enhances abilities through mental discipline, theoretical understanding, and cognitive expansion. Training the mind to comprehend and manipulate the forces that drive enhanced abilities. Both sides may work with similar base abilities, but their enhancement methods produce different results based on whether the improvement comes through physical mastery or mental acuity. The ongoing rivalry ensures that both approaches are constantly refined and tested. Ultimately delivering superior ability enhancements through their competing methodologies.
Membership
Open to any wanderer seeking greater power. Both sides actively competing for interest to prove their methodology's superiority. Rather than excluding those who have used the opposing approach, each side sees swaying such wanderers as validation of their methods; one less person thinking the other's approach is superior even if only for now. The Lodge and Tower both operate on the principle that the more practitioners who choose their path the more powerful and refined their techniques become. Each successful wanderer serves as proof of their approach's effectiveness while also potentially contributing new insights or discoveries that further strengthen their methodology. This creates an environment where both sides continuously strive to attract wanderers. They view each implementation of their method not just as a victory over their rivals, but as evidence of their path's inherent superiority in the pursuit of power.
Hierarchy / Structure
Novice → Proven → Distinguished → Renowned → Sovereign → Apex
The guild operates on a fame and power-based recognition system where wanderer achievements are acknowledged regardless of which approach generated them. A wanderer who achieves significant renown through Lodge methods is recognized at that same level by the Tower, albeit with considerable reluctance. This creates a pyramid structure where demonstrated power transcends group loyalty. A wanderer at the highest recognition level has earned the right to access techniques from either side at that same status. Both sides track wanderer accomplishments and grudgingly respect success even when it comes through their rival's methodology. Ultimate power commands acknowledgment regardless of its source.
Symbol / Banner / Colors
A bronze-brass wand and axe crossed against a dark black background. The muted metallic implements are rendered as simple silhouettes, representing the pursuit of power through both magical and martial means. Their crossed position symbolizes both the unity of their shared goal and the tension felt by both houses.
The symbol's display becomes a subtle point of contention. Tower members swear the wand appears larger on banners, while Lodge insist the axe dominates. Some reverse their banners or hang flags from the opposite edge so their preferred implement appears in the dominant position, leading to quiet disputes over "proper" orientation. Made from thick resilient material the flags withstand the wear of constant repositioning as each side seeks to emphasize their superiority.
Given their focus on power, prowess, and fame; pins and medals featuring the crossed implements are common throughout the guild. Lodge members favor bold, prominent displays of their achievements, while Tower practitioners opt for more refined brooches and stays. In either case they serve the same purpose of indicating rank and superiority within the guild's hierarchy.
Base of Operations
The compound sprawls across a substantial area, dominated by a tall tower rising from one side and an expansive lodge extending from the other. The lodge resembles a grand mansion with high-ceilinged halls lined with weapon displays and trophy cases containing the preserved remains of formidable creatures.
The tower's chambers are filled with arcane instruments, crystalline orbs, and mystical apparatus arranged with scholarly precision.
Between them lies a central courtyard and training ground where expedition reports are prominently posted alongside running tallies of achievements. The scores that somehow always remain suspiciously tied.
Throughout the compound banners bearing the crossed axe and wand hang at strategic points; each house displaying them in their preferred orientation.
Reputation / Public Perception
The Sundered Houses commands a reputation for dangerous competence. Other wanderers speak of them with a mixture of respect and wariness. Their ability enhancement methods produce undeniably powerful results but their single minded pursuit of superiority and unwillingness to compromise makes them formidable to deal with. They approach their techniques with an intensity that borders on obsession.
Driven by their need to prove their methodology's effectiveness they suggest approaches others deemed impossible. Their internal rivalry pushes both houses to extremes that make other guilds uncomfortable. When the Sundered Houses commits to something they see it through regardless of obstacles or opposition.
Notable Members or History
Lyra of the Tower achieved legendary status by evoking entities directly into her own body, allowing for an avatar-like state of devastating magical power. Her enhancement methods focused on expanding mental capacity to maintain control while in this state; navigating precariously between what evocation could achieve and what it should dare to attempt. Current Tower members have attempted to replicate her techniques though none have succeeded, suggesting these feats are indeed legend.
Wilfred of the Lodge developed a technique that made his axe capable of cutting through dimensional fabric itself. Records of instantaneous battlefield repositioning reinforce this claim. His approach emphasized perfect physical conditioning and muscle memory to execute cuts with such precision they affected space-time. These same principles of physical perfection and trained reflexes are foundational to the Lodge's enhancement approach.
The Eternal Rivalry between Lyra and Wilfred embodies the guild's fundamental structure. Their relationship transcended professional competition into something far more vicious and personal. Were they lovers whose passion transformed into equally fierce competition bordering on hatred? Or were they simply the only opponents capable of challenging each other's abilities? Their legendary conflicts established the template for the guild's current dynamic: two approaches locked in perpetual competition, each pushing the other to greater extremes. Their techniques represent the pinnacle that both houses strive to reach, and the basis of the techniques are embedded in the foundation of the guild's core principles. The intensity of their vicious competition exemplifies the relentless rivalry that drives the guild's formidable reputation for uncompromising pursuit of power and dangerous excellence.
Flavor Text
"The stronger they get, the more they resemble each other. I've seen Apex Lodge members whose movements seem indistinguishable from magic and Tower Sovereigns casting spells that cut like honed steel. Makes you wonder if there's a pinnacle where wand and blade become one." - Wanderer observation
"The mathematical elegance of enhanced musculature is fascinating, though their crude application lacks theoretical foundation. Still, one cannot argue with results..." - Tower practitioner
The constant sound of steel on steel echoes from the Lodge halls, punctuated by hearty laughter and the occasional crash of furniture during "friendly" sparring matches.
"I've seen what they do to people who waste their time. Both sides. You don't want to disappoint them." - Anonymous warning
"They look at you like they're measuring how much power you could handle. Or how much you're worth as proof their method works." - Nervous resident
Lodge members refer to particularly challenging opponents as "worthy prey". Tower practitioners describe complex magical phenomena as "delightfully unstable."
The scent of weapon oil and leather mingles with ozone and burnt reagents throughout the compound's shared spaces.
Crystalline chimes ring from the Tower chambers at odd hours accompanied by muttered calculations and the occasional maniacal laugh.