The Keepers of the Secrets of Life and Death (more commonly just “The Keepers”) are a unique group of individuals. The Keepers oversee all aspects of life and death in order to maintain the delicate balance on the planes of existence. Some Keepers have chosen to share their knowledge with Clan Tarentum, thus leading to the necromantic powers of the clan.
A Brief (Known) History
The history of the Keepers is shrouded in mystery and scant details are known. As the beings themselves are not even known by many, their history is an even bigger secret. The only real interaction with the galaxy was Palpatine’s murder of five of seven known Keepers, leaving only Tel'Ratha and Shade alive.
These two Keepers made their way to the Outer Rim where they encountered House Gladius of Clan Tarentum. From there, Tarentum began to learn the secrets of necromancy.
True Keepers
True Keepers are actually a race of beings, though where they came from is unknown and has not been revealed by the few known Keepers. Though by no means immortal, Keepers appear to be extremely long lived. Some, such as Tel'Ratha utilize the darker arts of necromancy to maintain their bodies and spirits. Others, such as Talitha, make little or no apparent effort to maintain their life; by all accounts, it seems to maintain itself. Clan Tarentum has only three known Keepers in its presence:
- Tel'Ratha: extremely secretive and knowledge hungry, Tel’Ratha abhors leaving his crypt where he does his research. At one point in his life, Tel’Ratha was renowned as a healer.
- Shade: Not quite as secretive as Tel'Ratha, Shade is seen more often than his fellow keeper.
- Talitha: Appearing to be no more than 12 years old, Talitha has in fact lived for at least 1000 years.
- Zero: the ranking master in Clan Tarentum, Zero is the chief apprentice of Tel’Ratha and Shade, as well as Grand Master Khyron. Though not one of the Keeper race by birth, Zero has been accepted into their fold.
In general, Keepers have the ability to blend in with a normal society with little or no notice from the general populace. However, those that are attuned to the Force will know something is amiss, and with Tel’Ratha and Shade in particular, there is an overwhelming influence that less skilled Jedi cannot withstand.
Agents of the Keepers
Technically, any member of Clan Tarentum who practices the necromantic arts is subject to be called upon to assist the Keepers. However, there is a small group of beings associated directly with the Keepers. Collectively known as the Agents of the Keepers, they act as eyes and ears to the Keepers. Some Agents include:
- Dr. Steiner: The Chief of Medicine at the Mystics Asylum, Steiner is noted for his thick accent. Once the doctor for the Mystics of the Black Arts, he generally avoids dealing with most clan members. Only a few have dealt with him directly, and even fewer trust him.
- Sirrus: another ranking member of Tarentum, Sirrus is noted for his insanity, yet he also is the Director of the Mystics Asylum.
- Lord Khyven- a fearsome warrior, Khyven is the guardian of the Keepers. He is totally loyal to the Keepers and he has an ever present aura that emanates fear and dread. Only those with strong wills can stand up to him.
- Lady Nilani- known as the Ghost Lady, Nilani is skilled with blades and shows a strength that surpasses what one might assume based on her physical appearance.