Arclords of Nex

From PathfinderWiki
Arclords of Nex
(Organization)

Leader
Headquarters
Goals
Furtherance of the interests of archmage Nex
Scope
Regional
Source: The Inner Sea World Guide, pg(s). 131 (1E)
World Guide, pg(s). 80 (2E)
See also: Arclord of Nex

The Arclords of Nex are one of the factions that have been fighting for control of the nation of Nex since the disappearance of the archmage Nex in 576 AR. They consider that the current unofficial peace with the neighbouring nation of Geb would displease the archmage.1

Goals

The Arclords claim to be descended from Nex's household servants and seek to further what they think are Nex's wishes in the modern world. They identify his opinions based on their interpretation of the various diaries, notes, and scrolls that Nex left behind—although some of these works are of dubious authenticity.2 Over the course of four millennia since Nex's departure from Golarion, the power and reach of the Arclords have expanded, encompassing not only the Inner Sea region but also extending beyond its borders. They exert their influence within the Council of Three and Nine that rules Nex, shaping its politics and decisions. Additionally, the Arclords play a vital role in guiding the next generation of spellcasters within the Arcanamirium of Absalom. Their presence as loyal advisors is felt in courts ranging from Oppara to Azir, providing counsel on a wide range of matters such as Molthune's defense against the Whispering Tyrant and the most strategic sea routes for the opportunistic Shackles pirates.1

One of their more esoteric abilities (since copied by others in Nex) is the power to open a third eye on the forehead, granting increased perception of the magical world.3

History

Hoping to spread their influence beyond Nex, the Arclords founded the prestigious school of magic, the Arcanamirium, in Absalom.4 At one time, several centuries after the archmage's disappearance, the Arclords managed to gain control of the country, reinitializing hostilities with Geb while hoarding any scrap of information regarding their lost master.5

This did not end well for the Arclords, and they fell from grace and were exiled in 2279 AR. They settled on the nearby isle of Jalmeray, where they committed the unprovoked genocidal extermination of the indigenous Sunghari people on the Jalmeri island of Kaina Katakha. The destruction was so complete that the haunted island remains uninhabitable more than 2,000 years later.67

They were easily driven out of Jalmeray by the returning rajas of Vudra and their army of genies in 2822 AR.8 Angered by their humiliation, the remaining Arclords unleashed the Conjured Siege on Absalom in 2850 AR. Using charmed, summoned, and construct forces, the Arclords besieged the city but were driven off once again.9

Structure

See also: Category:Arclords of Nex/Members

The current leader of the Arclords of Nex is the archmage Agrellus Kisk, who has a senior position on Nex's ruling Council of Three and Nine.2

Other members:

Symbol

The symbol used by the Arclords of Nex is that of an eye within a triangle.11

Favored familiars

The Arclords, and their affiliates at the Arcanamirium in Absalom, prefer exotic and clever familiars, such as archaeopteryxes, homunculi, rhamphorhynchuses, and tuataras.12

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

  1. 1.0 1.1 Erik Mona, et al. Impossible Lands” in World Guide, 80–81. Paizo Inc., 2019
  2. 2.0 2.1 James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 131. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. Erik Mona, et al. “Chapter 2: The Inner Sea” in Campaign Setting, 108–109. Paizo Inc., 2008
  4. Owen K.C. Stephens. “Places” in Guide to Absalom, 45. Paizo Inc., 2008
  5. Benjamin Bruck, et al. Paths of Prestige, 6. Paizo Inc., 2012
  6. Paizo Inc., et al. “History” in Impossible Lands, 15–16. Paizo Inc., 2022
  7. Paizo Inc., et al. Nex” in Impossible Lands, 293. Paizo Inc., 2022
  8. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 86–87. Paizo Inc., 2011
  9. Owen K.C. Stephens. “History” in Guide to Absalom, 55. Paizo Inc., 2008
  10. Paizo Inc., et al. “Chapter 3: Pathfinder Society Lodges” in Pathfinder Society Guide, 94. Paizo Inc., 2020
  11. Tim Pratt. Liar's Island, 38. Tor Books, 2015
  12. Will McCardell, et al. “Introduction” in Familiar Folio, 5. Paizo Inc., 2015