Dark Order

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| affiliation = Various warrior sects, independent Teleka scholars

| notable_species = Multispecies membership (primarily [[Kolthian|Kolthians]] and other martial races)

| notable_members = [[Kal'zor|Grandmaster ~~Kal’zor~~]], [[Vyx Renara|Lady Vyx Renara]], [[Marok|Sage Marok]]

| notable_members = [[Kal'zor|Grandmaster Kal'zor]], [[Vyx Renara|Lady Vyx Renara]], [[Marok|Sage Marok]]

| role = Guardians of forbidden knowledge, martial enlightenment, and control of Teleka doctrine

| leadership = Ruled by the [[High Scholars]]

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== Origins & History ==

The Dark ~~Order’s~~ origins trace back to the '''[[Kolthian Wars]]''', a brutal conflict between the [[Kolthian|Kolthians]] and an '''Unknown Alien Species'''. Prior to this war, the [[Kolthian|Kolthians]] were a fragmented warrior species constantly fighting amongst themselves for territory. However, when they were besieged by the invading '''Unknown Alien Species''', the Kolthians '''unified for the first time in their history''', reverse-engineered their enemies' technology, and ultimately '''drove them into extinction'''.

The Dark Order's origins trace back to the '''[[Kolthian Wars]]''', a brutal conflict between the [[Kolthian|Kolthians]] and an '''Unknown Alien Species'''. Prior to this war, the [[Kolthian|Kolthians]] were a fragmented warrior species constantly fighting amongst themselves for territory. However, when they were besieged by the invading '''Unknown Alien Species''', the Kolthians '''unified for the first time in their history''', reverse-engineered their enemies' technology, and ultimately '''drove them into extinction'''.

After this war, the Kolthians emerged as a '''hyper-militaristic civilization''', wielding a unique philosophy that '''viewed strength, adaptability, and pragmatism as the ultimate virtues'''. This mindset made them resistant to '''indoctrination by the [[Order of Light]]''', as they had learned during their war that '''both Light and Darkness were essential for survival.''' They rejected the Order of ~~Light’s~~ teachings of purity and control, believing them to be '''idealistic restrictions that would weaken them in the face of adversity.'''

After this war, the Kolthians emerged as a '''hyper-militaristic civilization''', wielding a unique philosophy that '''viewed strength, adaptability, and pragmatism as the ultimate virtues'''. This mindset made them resistant to '''indoctrination by the [[Order of Light]]''', as they had learned during their war that '''both Light and Darkness were essential for survival.''' They rejected the Order of Light's teachings of purity and control, believing them to be '''idealistic restrictions that would weaken them in the face of adversity.'''

Three of the most powerful [[Kolthian]] ruling houses—'''[[House Golmar]], [[House Rimrok]], and [[House Zomok]]'''—founded what became known as the '''Order of Blood''', a warrior-scholar organization devoted to the unrestricted study of [[Teleka]]. Over the centuries, as the [[Valdian Golden Age]] unfolded, the '''Order of Blood''' evolved into what is now known as the '''Dark Order'''.

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* '''High Scholars''' – The ruling council of the Dark Order, responsible for archiving knowledge and guiding the faction's direction.

* '''Blademasters''' – Elite warriors who uphold the ~~Order’s~~ martial dominance.

* '''Blademasters''' – Elite warriors who uphold the Order's martial dominance.

* '''War Scholars''' – Combat specialists who blend [[Teleka]] magic with advanced weaponry.

* '''Seekers''' – Agents who travel across Galaxa in pursuit of '''forbidden knowledge and hidden truths'''.

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== Relations with Other Factions ==

The Dark ~~Order’s~~ relationships with the other major factions vary:

The Dark Order's relationships with the other major factions vary:

* '''[[The Order of Light]]''' – Their ideological '''opposite and greatest rival'''. While the Order of Light believes in purity and controlled wisdom, the Dark Order '''sees their teachings as weak and naïve'''. Conflict between them is common, though both factions rarely engage in open warfare.

* '''[[The Shadow Council]]''' – A faction of enigmatic observers who rarely interact with outsiders. While the Dark Order does not seek alliances, they respect the Shadow ~~Council’s~~ role as '''recorders of history'''.

* '''[[The Shadow Council]]''' – A faction of enigmatic observers who rarely interact with outsiders. While the Dark Order does not seek alliances, they respect the Shadow Council's role as '''recorders of history'''.

* '''[[Cult of the Beyond]]''' – Considered '''fanatics''' by the Dark Order. While the Cult worships Teleka, the Dark Order sees worship as '''a distraction from true enlightenment'''.

* '''[[The Gray Order]]''' – Once a faction of influence, the Gray Order has become isolationist. The Dark Order views them with '''disinterest''', believing they have removed themselves from the true struggle.

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* '''Mental Trials''' – Testing the ability to absorb, process, and apply knowledge.

* '''Combat Trials''' – Proving ~~one’s~~ ability to fight through '''brutal duels and gauntlets.'''

* '''Combat Trials''' – Proving one's ability to fight through '''brutal duels and gauntlets.'''

* '''Endurance Trials''' – Surviving '''isolation, deprivation, and mental pressure'''.