The Mystics Guild began as a loosely aligned group of independent seer professionals but for the past decades has been closely and actively tied to Mercinae and its agenda.
Founded on the 30th of Midsummer 882 by Merlin, the Mystics are located in Mercinae. They have the profession of Bard and the guild alignment of Good
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 of Merlin, 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.
Oltravar, current guildmaster says the following about the guild
The path of the Mystic is one veiled in secrecy, double entendre, and secret scheming. Rumours speak of a hidden fortress, somewhere under the southern seas, from which this group of intelligent and determined individuals silently but irresistibly exert their influence over the future of Avalon as directed by the heavenly celestions. For every mystic understands that knowledge is power, and under the guidance of the stars, and the reports from their puppet-emissaries spread throughout the land, hiding
from the eyes and ears of a Mystic is near-impossible.
Their traditional path of goodness and virtue to pursue their own destinies, free from such boundaries as put up by the notions of darkness or light, evil, or good. To be a mystic is to choose freedom, aloofness (unless chosen) from city politics and the choice of allies and foes - to aid and abett those you wish, and likewise destroy the lives of those who seek you harm.
The Mystics welcome all of sound mind and strong will, and if you think yourself worthy to guide the fates of others, you need only APPLY. As a full guildmember you may type HELP MYGUILD / MYHEADTUTOR/MYFULLGUILD to gain access to all non-apprentice information.
Guild specialist skills
Farsight
Manipulation and use of the seeing stone, exerting influence from afar.
Mysticism
Waxen idols and effigies, voodoo touch, puppet mastery, sentient control.
Fatalism
Curses and blessings for help and hinder.
Stealth
A smattering of stealthy skills to conceal oneself and ones influence.
Charming
Two dozen of the most general mage charms to augment your repertoire.
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.
