Church of Shadows

(Under construction)

Information & Background:
The Church of Shadows is a sect of the Forgotten Shadow religion formed with the intent of uniting willing worshippers of the Forgotten Shadow into a fully organized religion, intended to establish and enforce Shadow worship throughout all of the lands currently controlled by the Forsaken and eventually all of the Eastern Kingdoms, by any means necessary.

It's members are primordially Forsaken Shadow Cultists, but it also features a few other branches such as a military branch of "Lightslayers", warriors and rogues dedicated to eliminate Light Worship wherever they may find it, a branch that accepts Necromantic practices when not used to raise more mindless servants (I.e for healing and freeing those controlled by the Scourge). They are known to accept cultists of other races, though thus only occurs on rare occasions and only with undead.

Branches & Ranks:
Spiritual Branch:

Initiate: A title given upon those who have yet to pass their rite of initiation within the Church, they are promising cultists who worship the Forgotten Shadow and anxiously await their time to serve.

Cultist: A title given upon those who have past the rite of initiation and proved themselves within the Church, they actively serve it's ideals and participate in several matters regading future and current Church projects.

Brother/Sister: A title given upon those who have past the rite of initiation and are quite capable with their skills in divine magic.

Father: A title given upon those who have proved to have fully grasped the notions taught by the Church, they stand to the right of the Dark Patriarch, counciling him in his decision and actively providing aid in leading the Church and it's followers.

Dark Patriarch (Dread Father): A title given upon Rowos von Shadowtongue himself, as founder of the Church [Priest exclusive rank]

Military Branch (Army of Shadows) :

Lightslayer: A title given upon those who have been accepted by both the Dark Patriarch and the Light Reaper to join the ranks of the Army of Shadows [Warrior/Rogue/Death Knight exclusive rank]

Inquisitor: A title given upon only one considered truly worthy by the Dark Patriarch, to lead the Army of Shadows, his purpose is to maintain a constant siege upon those who seek to eliminate Shadow worship and those who worship the Holy Light over the Forgotten Shadow, he is also intended to assign Lightslayers to protect members of the Church.

Uniforms:
Church members are expected to wear robes of different colours when in meetings or rituals, each colour representing their position within the branches of the Church.

White Robes: Are give to initiates within the Church after passing the Rite of Initiation.

Red/Scarlet Robes: Are expected to be worn by members of the Army of Shadows branch, with the exception of the Light Reaper.

Brown/Dark Coloured Robes: Are expected to be worn by members of the Spiritual branch of the Cult and the Light Reaper.

Tabard: The Church's tabard can only be worn by Church Fathers, the Dark Patriarch and the Light Reaper, they are a representation of official power, on certain circumstances other members will be allowed to carry the tabard during missions were they represent Church interests.

Armour: Those following the path of the Lightslayer can wear armour when attending certain Church events, but never when attending rituals, this rule only affects those within the Army of Shadows who are under the Light Reaper, he/she is free to disregard this rule.

Acceptance:
Racial Limitations:

The Forsaken are the individuals preferred by the Church, due to being, themselves, a product of Necromancy and Shadow magic, they have a powerful affinity towards the Church's ideals. Certain other "races", however, can be accepted, if they suffer the same undead state.

Special considerations:

Be sure to read this section if you are not a Forsaken Undead Priest, Warrior or Rogue.

Death Knights:

Though they were born from useage of Necromancy and Shadow magic themselves, and have most likely learned to respect the power of those two forces, Death Knights are most commonly associated with the Ebon Blade, to enter the ranks of the Church would require a convincing... "tale" that would lead to the Dread Father approving such an exception and not using their necromantic abilities in a manner that can fall under slavery (Raising ghouls, etc). They must also prove they are dedicated to the Forsaken. []

Warlocks:

Despite utilizing magic of Shadow origin, the Dread Father is not convinced that Warlocks respect the source of their powers, and that many would prefer to serve the Legion and continue to utilize Fel Magic and Demons. However, should exceptions arise of Warlocks who specialize themselves in skills of Affliction and who worship the Shadow and it's ideals of Divine Humanism, then they would most certainly be accepted into the ranks of the Church. [Forsaken and Sin'Dorei only]

Mages:

Those who study the Arcane arts have yet to earn the favour of the Dread Father, but those who have learned the arts of Necromancy and of Frost magic, assuming, of course, they bow before the will of the Church and of the Forgotten Shadow, so that they can eventually be empowered by it, will be accepted amongst the ranks of the Church. These liberated "Liches" are useful and knowledgeable individuals. [Forsaken only]

Joining:
If you believe you are worthy of joining the ranks of the true servants of the Forgotten Shadow, it is recommended you contact the temporary Dread Father Marcel Lightbane, either directly or through other means to organize an interview.

Members:
Dark Patriarch Rowos von Shadowtongue* (Deceased)

Inquisitor Kargom Boneaxe

 Inquisitor Vanicas

Father Marcel Lightbane **

Brother Aarron

 Cultist Luzhan Venio

Sister Claudia

Cultist Kumikoff

Initiate Déliana

Initiate Heatharn

Initiate Rithill

1: Also known as the First Dread Father of the Church;

2: Has temporarily assumed the position as head of the Church until a worthy replacement appears;