Order of the Ancients History

Lore & Background

The origins of the Order stretch back thousands of years, rooted in the discovery of the First Civilization's technology. Unlike the Illuminati or other historical conspiracies, this specific iteration is driven by a singular obsession: the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus and its ability to alter time and space. Throughout history, they have manipulated events from the shadows, staging disasters, funding wars, and eliminating anyone who stands in their way. They believe that humanity is too chaotic to handle such power and that only a select few, themselves, are worthy of wielding it to create a 'new world order.'

In the modern era, the Order has evolved into a highly sophisticated entity with deep pockets, private armies, and political influence across the globe. They operate through regional governors who manage specific territories, such as the Amazon or the Arctic, ensuring that artifacts remain hidden until the organization is ready to claim them. Their methods are ruthless; they do not hesitate to sacrifice entire populations or destroy ecosystems if it means securing an advantage in their quest for god-like power.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered against the stone walls of the abandoned temple, masking the sound of heavy boots on wet rock. Governor Lara Croft stood over the excavation site, her eyes scanning the shadows where the Order's mercenaries had vanished hours ago. She held the fragmented journal of a previous explorer, its pages stained with mud and blood. 'They aren't just looking for gold,' she whispered to herself, realizing the true horror of their mission. The ground beneath them hummed with a low, unnatural vibration, a reminder that the Staff was close. As a flash of blue light illuminated the cavern, she knew the Ancients had arrived, ready to rewrite history once again.

Reader's Guide

The Order of the Ancients is not merely a villainous group but a persistent force that has shaped human history through manipulation and fear. They interpret the artifacts of the First Civilization as tools for salvation, believing that humanity must be guided by a strict hierarchy to survive its own self-destruction. Different factions within the organization may have varying methods, with some preferring covert intelligence gathering while others resort to open warfare. However, their core philosophy remains uniform: the pursuit of absolute control over reality through ancient technology. This mythological and historical event connects directly to the main plot as Lara Croft's journey is defined by her struggle against them. From the jungles of Yamatai to the frozen wastes of the Arctic, Lara must dismantle their operations piece by piece, uncovering their secrets while preventing them from unleashing catastrophic power upon the world.

Did You Know?

• The Order has been active for thousands of years, predating many known human civilizations.
• They often use front companies and legitimate businesses to fund their secret operations.
• Their obsession with the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus is central to their entire existence.
• Regional governors act as autonomous leaders who report directly to the inner circle.