========================================================================================================================The Enclave of Tarkuul
Suspected to be built on the ruins of a Netherese city, the small island, once little more than a crypt, library and a temple devoted to the Vaunted, has grown under the watchful guidance of an enigmatic Council. Though much of the crumbling city is hidden under a seemingly perpetual layer of scaffolding and construction, it is quickly becoming a place of dark, subdued beauty. Gothic, moss-covered architecture dominates, and hanging gardens and vines have begun to find root under the care of the City's servants.
Though formerly a necromancer's domain, the diversity of the City has expanded considerably in recent months. Though the bulk of the servants and workers wear the blank faces of the undead, scholars, artists, shadowdancers, and warriors of all races work and study in the small City, all equally welcome to find their niche in its moody halls. Plane-touched, dark fey and Drow work side by side with humans and elves, and though the ambitious often have their conflicts the Laws and the dominant personalities of Tarkuul are working hard to establish an air of academic cooperation. It is the City's inclusive nature that has made it a popular haven for many sorts of unusual and less morally inclined groups, a history which has bestowed a dark and disturbing reputation upon Tarkuul.
If there is one thing that Tarkuul is known for, it is that it stands for the advancement of knowledge and power without the restrictions imposed by any ideology or moral code. That is of course not to say one may do as they wish there, for the security and stability of the City is prized over any individual's ambitions, but the Living City caters to any who come seeking knowledge and power. Best reached by a portal in the Lowland Swamps or through a portal in Shadowscape, the City is the undisputed domain of a haunting sentience known colloquially as “The Voice”, who makes its will known through a circle of trusted Councilors.
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The Laws of the City are simple, and offer considerable leeway to the ambitious, though those prone to random violence and senseless evil are finding their efforts thwarted more and more.
Quote: THE FIRST LAW:
None shall ever impede the journey towards power and knowledge of another being within Tarkuul.
However, those who study and pursue power within Tarkuul are responsible for the protection of their
own works and material possessions. Should a conflict arise that cannot be dealt with in accordance
with the Laws of the Living City, it should be brought to a member of the Living Guard.
THE SECOND LAW:
All those who come to Tarkuul in peace, seeking to attain or to spread knowledge and power are
welcome within the protection of the Living City. However, those who are suspected of abusing the
hospitality of the Living City or suspected of endangering Tarkuul's strict state of political neutrality
will be subjected to the Council's discretion on a case-by-case basis.
THE THIRD LAW:
None shall do harm to another being or to the Living City's property within Tarkuul, except when
acting in self defense or in defense of the city itself. A physical attack on a citizen or an official
of Tarkuul outside the Living City will be treated as an act against the Living City. The offenders
shall be brought in for questioning and due process. Any physical conflict within the Arena is not
subject to this Law.
THE FOURTH LAW:
Those who come to Tarkuul with ill intent toward the Living City or its denizens forfeit the protections
of the Laws of Tarkuul. This includes but is not limited to espionage, aggressive or disruptive behavior,
and treasonous acts. Such individuals will undergo an investigation and will be subject to the processes
of the Living Guard.
THE FIFTH LAW:
Holding a sentient subjugated being, slave, or captive inside the walls of Tarkuul requires the
approval from the Council of Hands expressed in a written form. All said subjects must be
independently approved before they are brought to the Living City to avoid violation of the
First Law.
THE SIXTH LAW:
Any sentient servants or subjugated beings within the Living City are recognized under the Laws as
guests of the Living City and as such they are subject to the protections and responsibilities of those
Laws.
THE SEVENTH LAW:
The Living Guard has the authority to enforce Laws to the best of their ability, and if any member of
the Living Guard makes a request, it should be obeyed. If an individual disagrees with the actions of a
Living Guard member, it should be brought to the attention of their commanding officer.
THE EIGHTH LAW:
Members and officials within the various offices of the Living City may be subject to stricter guidelines
and standards according to the will of their individual leadership. If a Tarkuul official oversteps their
authority, neglects their duties, or misrepresents the will of the Living City they may be subject to
review by the Council or in extreme cases, the Voice itself.
THE NINTH LAW:
Non-compliance with the Laws of Tarkuul may result in being banned from the Living City or more
immediate punishment, as the Council or the Voice sees fit. The Council of Tarkuul holds authority over
all matters of governance within Tarkuul, including oversight of the various offices within the Living
City. If the Council's decision is not agreeable to an individual, then an appeal may be made to the
Voice itself. The Voice's word is final.
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Inner Structure
Aside from the Council, Tarkuul hosts two primary groups whom are dedicated to the City and what it stands for. Both maintain their own hierarchies and manage their own affairs, but they ultimately answer to the Council and The Voice. They are ever willing to accept new members and for such matters the Headmaster of the Magisterium or the Captain of the Living guard should be contacted. These groups are known as the:
 Living Guard, who are entrusted with protecting the City's security and peace. (Click here for more info.)
Magisterium Mortis, which is the dominant arcane research institute of Tarkuul. (Click here for more info.)
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The Council
The Voice.
The mysterious haunting presence of the Voice serves as the final authority of the Enclave. Its near omniscience within the borders of the City make its position unassailable. Rarely does it stir, but it leads the Council of Hands as their ruler, whom serve at its pleasure. Lucius Blackwater, High Arcanist of the Tower of the Damned, Lorekeeper and Curator.
The High Arcanist serves the City's magical needs, acting as both lead researcher and Headmaster of the Magisterium Mortis. He is charged with maintaining the city's magical defenses and functions, and crafting new magic to benefit the Enclave as a whole. Grim, Keeper of the Crypts, Magistrate.
The Keeper of the Crypts serves as both healer and undertaker, ensuring the dead are cataloged and put to their proper use, and that the living of the City are in good health. The Keeper is responsible for the care of the subterranean sections of the City, and the creatures that lurk within. As the Magistrate he serves as the authority on matters of trade and diplomacy, maintaining the peace and general direction of the Council of Hands, as well as delegating tasks as needed. The Speaker is responsible for directing the Enclave towards a productive future under the guidance of the Voice. Sicarius, Castellan of the Enclave.
The Castellan holds final authority on the City's defense, protection and military, and is responsible for ensuring the residents are comfortable and cared for. He serves as the grounds-keeper, steward and executioner. High Captain of the Guard.
The High Captain leads the Living Guard from the front, handling the day to day matters of the guard and military. He is responsible for leading the Living Guard and Sentinels into battle, and ensuring they are trained and prepared for any conflict. He is also responsible for ensuring the defenses and men of the City are supplied and provisioned.
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OOC info:
Good-fit Races: Anything short of aasimar. Excessively chaotic races, or those that are illiterate may have some trouble fitting in.
Good-fit Faiths: Velsharoon, Shar, Jergal, Baatorian patrons, Kiaransalee, Falazure, Tiamat, Set, Loviatar, Mystra. Pretty much any non-good faith could work, though open Cyricists
and Banites -may- face some IC opposition.
Good-fit Alignments: Any non-good, with Lawful leanings.
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