Nuitari, the Black Veil
Introduction
In the world of Dragonlance, where magic shapes the destinies of mortals and gods alike, Nuitari stands as the silent, unseen force behind dark sorcery and forbidden knowledge. Known as the Black Moon, the Keeper of Secrets, and the Master of Dark Magic, Nuitari is the divine patron of Black Robe wizards, offering them unparalleled power in exchange for unwavering loyalty.
As one of the Gods of Evil, Nuitari seeks to strengthen the hold of dark magic on Krynn, granting his followers immense arcane abilities while demanding absolute obedience. Unlike gods who seek conquest or dominion over the mortal world, Nuitari’s ambitions are purely magical—he desires the supremacy of sorcery, believing that only those willing to embrace power without restriction deserve to wield it.
Origins and Role Among the Gods
Nuitari is one of the three gods of magic, alongside Solinari (good magic) and Lunitari (neutral magic). Unlike his siblings, who promote discipline or balance, Nuitari believes that magic should belong only to those strong enough to claim it. To him, morality is a shackle, and those who limit themselves with ethics are weak.
He teaches his followers that power is the only true goal, and that knowledge, no matter how forbidden, must be pursued without hesitation. Nuitari does not tempt his followers with grand lies—he offers them truth: power comes at a price, and only those willing to pay it will rise above the weak.
Domains and Influence
Nuitari is the god of:
- Dark Magic and Forbidden Knowledge – Granting sorcerers access to spells others fear to wield.
- Power and Ambition – Rewarding those who seek strength without hesitation.
- Secrecy and Shadow – Concealing his gifts from those unworthy of them.
- Control and Mastery – Teaching that magic is not a tool, but a means to dominate reality.
His followers are Black Robe wizards, necromancers, and those who reject the constraints of morality in their pursuit of absolute magical mastery.
The Black Robes and Nuitari’s Chosen
The Order of the Black Robes, one of the three factions of the Orders of High Sorcery, is dedicated to Nuitari’s teachings. These wizards believe that magic is the highest power in existence, and that those who refuse to seize it for themselves are unworthy of wielding it at all.
Unlike the White Robes, who limit themselves with ethics, or the Red Robes, who are bound by balance, the Black Robes believe in limitless magical potential. They serve Nuitari not because they are forced to, but because they desire the power he offers.
Symbols and Worship
Nuitari appears as a dark-robed figure, hooded and faceless, with only his piercing red eyes visible. Sometimes, he manifests as a shadowy presence, whispering secrets of dark magic to his most devoted followers.
His sacred symbols include:
- A black crescent moon – Representing his silent, hidden influence.
- A pair of crimson eyes in the darkness – A sign of his ever-watching presence.
- An open book with shifting black runes – Symbolizing forbidden knowledge.
Temples dedicated to Nuitari do not exist—his worship is conducted in secret, within hidden sanctuaries, arcane libraries, and the inner chambers of the Towers of High Sorcery.
Worship and Rituals
Unlike gods who demand prayer, Nuitari’s worship is a contract of power. His followers do not kneel before him—they prove themselves through mastery of magic.
Key rituals include:
- The Eclipse Ritual – A ceremony where a Black Robe wizard swears absolute devotion to Nuitari in exchange for greater power.
- The Veil of Shadows – A night of silent meditation, where wizards listen for Nuitari’s whispers of hidden knowledge.
- The Ascension of Power – A deadly trial where a sorcerer must prove their worth by claiming forbidden magic for themselves.
Allies and Rivals Among the Gods
As a God of Evil, Nuitari works alongside:
- Takhisis, the Queen of Darkness, whose ambition aligns with his pursuit of power.
- Sargonnas, the god of vengeance, who respects Nuitari’s belief in strength above all.
- Chemosh, the god of undeath, who shares Nuitari’s interest in breaking natural laws.
His greatest rival is Solinari, whose teachings of self-restraint and wisdom Nuitari views as weakness and cowardice. He also dismisses Lunitari, believing that neutrality is a fool’s excuse for inaction.
Nuitari in Legends and Stories
The Hidden Moon
Unlike Solinari and Lunitari, Nuitari’s moon cannot be seen by those without magic. To ordinary mortals, the sky is empty where Nuitari should be. This symbolizes his secretive nature, as only those devoted to magic can perceive his influence.
The Forbidden Tome
A famous tale speaks of a young mage who sought the ultimate spell. Nuitari appeared to him, offering a book filled with magic beyond mortal comprehension. The wizard hesitated, fearing the cost of such power—and in that moment of doubt, the book turned to dust in his hands. Nuitari’s voice whispered, “You were never worthy.”
This story serves as a warning: hesitation leads to weakness, and weakness leads to nothingness.