View source for DMs Only: Keepers of the Chalice

Keepers of the Chalice: This name is not a trick.  A chalice exists, and it is kept.  In fact the chalice is magically locked in a extra dimensional space, only accessible through a triangular altar.  To summon the chalice, the blood of a noble race, the blood of an evil outsider, and a drop of Woldsblood must be placed on the altar.  Once provided, the chalice appears with the mixture of those three bloods, enough for three individuals to consume it's contents and receive the benefit the ability to control evil outsiders until on of them are killed, the web runs out of power, or the Chalice is destroyed.  Therefore, the pact amongst keepers forces them to protect each other or find replacements.

The current keepers are Phezrual, a human assassin (Zeph's father); Solitaur the Sanguinarian, a Minotaur alchemist who specializes in blood magic; and Mortrex Shadowfall, a fixer who lost faith and compassion adventuring in the shadow realm.  They seek to create an army of evil outsiders to establish a new power in the frontier.  The intent was to develop an overwhelming force without discovery, as their portals are still nascent.  However, the new colonies at Bryn Baraz brought unexpected and unwelcome attention to the region.

The powerful demon Sin I’id All has transferred his essence to the chalice to provide a method of demonic control to future Illidians (Zephs family name).  If the Illidians are truly in power with potential to make “hell on earth” a reality, the Keepers could be divided into two sects.  The Heart which is those controlling the chalice; the Arterials which are Illidians, from which the power flows; the Veins which are half-fiends, providing protection and administration to the organization, and are dedicated servants to the Keepers overall.  When Zeph was “marked” it was actually a modification of his Arterial mark to obscure his need for protection.  This would prevent any Veins from protecting him, and let them know to kill him on sight.