Devileers

What are Devileers you may ask? Devileers, in the most basic terms, are monster hunters. More over, they deal with beasts, magics, and other arcane nuisances that may present a blight on mankind. In the earlier years of the continent, groups of religious foreigners and protectors of kings had formed guilds that, although dissimilar in purpose, had similar function. These two major groups were the Collegiate of the Angels (religious acolytes) and the knights errant.

The religious acolytes had taken to slaying all manner of beast and magical creatures albeit with the lack of the use of magic themselves. They perfected the practice of practical craft along with the limited use of runic magic* (runic magic being considered lawful and exempt of evil) to exterminate monsters. These groups would coincidentally become the now protectors of the capital of Nimbalus: Castle Cere. Although some would argue that this now singular group of monster hunters are now considered more as paladins rather than devileers, they still share very similar qualities to their precursors.

The counter-part to these groups were the knights errant, the prototype to today's wondering devileers. These groups had little interest in religious ideologies and focused more simply on what was in front of them, although monster hunting is certainly not considered simple. These groups therefore utilized everything in their arsenal to neutralize the threat of magical beings, which includes a more liberal use of runic magic and, in some instances, teeter between the gray areas of witchcraft. Despite having a more diverse range of guilds and practices of monster slaying they all share the commonality of exchange of services or rather a business practice than a religious crusade.

Nowadays, extant standalone devileers are sparse and their numbers continue to dwindle as magical artifacts and monsters become less prevalent. Famous devileers such as Rembrog or the Teague Brothers have set up shop in remote towns and villages far from the capital as tensions between the capital and the guilds rise. Followers of the Angelic religion share their headquarters with the crown while also having immunity and enjoying a wide scope of the regions work load while restricting the stand alone guilds range. What lies in store for devileers for the future? Dismantling and disarming of the acolytes in Castle Cere has already begun, spear headed by Commanding Officer and well respected Captain of the Knights Guard, Sir Avery Picot. This mixed with the dissipating monstrous threats and rise of the Angelic Religion throughout the providence have pushed out remaining stand alone guilds and non-partisan devileers as new laws written by the Castle have already made business for the practice increasingly difficult.

In closing, the practice of devileering has mostly been left to the seemingly capable hands of the Knights Guard in Castle Cere, however, the elimination of the guilds and the individuals who have dedicated their lives to becoming Grandmaster Devileers and savants poses a dire threat to the providence. Pertinent knowledge of the field disarms the commonwealth against the very real threat of the monsters that lurk in the corners of Nimbalus and the very limited man power of the Castle, while talented and just, cannot handle the eldritch evils that still exist in the shadows. Despite the the disdain from the commonwealth for the practice it has been inarguably a large part of our history and an honorable profession; a profession we should keep from extinction, for its history, it's purpose, and for our safety.

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Let it be known that this paper has been barred from the library of Vexenburg and all copies from the college must be removed as ordered by Castle Cere. Any further unlawful distribution, copying, or pursuit of this material that does not bare a proper mark of seal of approval or proof of revision will lead to prosecution.

Signed

Sir Avery Picot