Realistic or Modern Brethren Lore

[Pilgrim59]

[div class=genVar] [div class=mainNavBgVar] [div class=aspectRatio] [div class=root] [div class=mainFlexContainer] [div class=translucentBox] [div class=menuText] [div class=menuFlex] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] oneTAB [/div] History [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] twoTAB [/div] Milites Christi [/div] [div class="menuButton menuCenter"] [div class="tabName"] threeTAB [/div] - [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] fourTAB [/div] Relics [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] fiveTAB [/div] Divination & Diablerie [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] sixTAB [/div] Races [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] sevenTAB [/div] Outremers [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] eightTAB [/div] Crusader Oath [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] nineTAB [/div] Geopolitics [/div] [div class="menuButton"] [div class="tabName"] tenTAB [/div] Factions of Faith [/div] [/div][/div] [div class=menuDivider]Divide[/div] [div class="scrollBox one"] [div class="mainHeader"] History [/div] [div class=mainText] Work in progress. [/div][/div] [div class="scrollBox two"] [div class=mainHeader] Milites Christi [/div] [div class=mainText] [div class="imageBorder"]

[/div] Milites Christi (Latin for Soldiers of Christ) is the common term for those who have sworn themselves under the cross.

Bearing arms to combat and vanquish evils, they are deemed as righteous brothers and sisters of Christendom. Milites Christi may refer to any personnel who serves the church, regardless of their ranks within their respective knightly orders. As soldiers of Christ, they are responsible for upholding Christian values, while maintaining their duties to defend Earth from Daemonic threats.

Milites Christi are colloquially dubbed as "Crusaders" in modern times, while the latter term had seen different usage throughout history. As devout followers of the words of the Lord, as they are capable with the arts of war, Milites Christi in the modern era are hand-picked via a discrete selection program. For those that are fortunate or rather unfortunate enough to be given a chance to serve, Milites Christi all share a common cause to contain and eradicate any threats to the world.

Once an individual has been selected for service, they are given extensive physical and psychological training. This would enable a default filtering system for those who remained unerring to their new life as a Crusader. The adaptive program, in respective methods of their knightly orders, would facilitate their inauguration and eventual transition towards their professions. The usual training program for common Initiates takes place over the course of two years. During those two years, they are given regular basic combat training, while being taught the conducts and history of their respective Orders. In addition to Biblical schooling and physical drills, Initiates must commit to community services, as well as other charitable acts that separates them from common foot soldiers. Common courtesies of knightly orders are evident when addressing their comrades in arms as "brothers" or "sisters".

Thus, Milites Christi are well-trained, well-indoctrinated soldiers of God, with extensive knowledge of their purpose and those of their enemies. There are exceptions to the regular training program. Reformed Aetherians and Daevans, known as Outremers, for the most part, will more than likely undergo the same methodical program. However, when permitted a necessity, an individual's training program will be cut short in order to meet the mandate of the front's requirements. Outremers tend to be seen accompanying fully-sworn knights or high-ranking officers of an Order (see Outremers for more details).

Modern Crusaders are equipped with knightly cloaks, known as Quad C (Crusader Camouflage Combat Cloak). These cloaks have the ability to temporarily refract light energy, and make the user seemingly invisible to the naked eye. In addition to its physical cloaking capabilities, Quad C can also conceal the user's heat signature, as well as having a built-in IR Strobe and GPS for pin-point navigation. Some Quad Cs may be modified to be used as a ballistic shield, instead of disruptive camouflage. Quad C may be recharged with its solar-conductive fabric.

[/div] [div class=mainHeader style="margin-top: 10px"] Pentateuch Orders [/div] [div class=mainSubheader style="background-color: rgba(220, 220, 220, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 10px;"] TEUTONIC ORDER [/div] [div class=mainText style="border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mainAccent); padding-bottom: 5px;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 150px;"]

[/div] Formed in Acre during the Crusades, the Teutonic Order is a prominent knightly order that constitutes a part of the Pentateuch Orders. Their mission, like those before them, consists of the protection of pilgrims to the Holy Land. Teutonic knights are distinguished by their white cloaks and black cross. The Order is currently headed by Grand Master Remilia Sommerfeld.

Having been involved in countless wars since their establishment, the Teutonic Order is well-versed with the evolution of combat throughout the centuries. With the absorption of the Livonian Order in 1237, the Order possesses ample blessed and sacred gears. The Livonian Brothers of the Sword, are now dedicated blacksmiths of the Order, effectively establishing themselves as the weapons R&D department of the Teutonic Order.

Teutonic Knights are devoted soldiers of the faith, with strong emphasis on offensive capabilities on the field. Following centuries of rough histories against their pagan foes in Northern Europe, the Order's training doctrine are heavily influenced by their offensive abilities, in addition to the Livonian Branch's weapons development. This establishes the Teutonic Knights as deadly fighters, well-versed in tactical and martial responses.

The Teutonic Order is well-known for their battle-hardened ranks, and impetuous individuals. However, due to their failures to adapt to economic needs, the modern Order now faces a critical decline, resorting to civilian enterprises to fund their operations. In addition to their rugged history with the Hospitaller Knights during the First and Second World War, and their subsequent excommunication, the Teutonic are more or less viewed as the impetuous, yet reckless soul of the Pentateuch circle. The Teutonic Order's headquarters are situated in Germany and United States of America.

HIERARCHY
Hochmeister (Grandmaster)
Ordensmarschall (Marshals)
Landmeister (Chapter Master)
Ritterbrüder (full-sworn knights)
Halbbrüder (initiates)

[/div] [div class=mainSubheader style="background-color: rgba(219, 47, 47, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 10px;"] KNIGHTS OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE (Templars) [/div] [div class=mainText style="border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mainAccent); padding-bottom: 5px;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 150px;"]

[/div] The more well-known and recognized knighthood of the Pentateuch Orders, the Order of Solomon's Temple, also known simply as Knights Templars, is a forerunner figure of the Crusades. Templar knights are distinguished by their white cloaks and red cross. The Order is currently headed by Grand Master Joan de Molay.

The Knights Templar has been a well-supplied and wealthy organization since their re-establishment in Paris during the Middle Ages. Being the most powerful knighthood at the time, the Templars are well-favored by the Pope throughout history. The Order was eventually accused of heresy and corruption by King Philip IV of France in 1307, where the prior were tried and burnt at the stake. Following the tragic ordeal, the Order disappeared for a while, before resurfacing in the late 1800's. It is speculated that the Templars operated in secret since their unjust trial. The Order was reestablished during the 1950's and have been operating mostly in Europe ever since.

Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ, as they were called, have always been the one to hold the forward crosses. Accompanied by their historical traditions of protecting pilgrims in the Holy Lands, Templars are excellent defenders in the modern era. Well-equipped with what modern technologies has to offer, as well as their sacred artifacts that are defense-oriented, Templars are deemed as strong paladins with heavy emphasis on defensive combat and tactics. Their Divine Gears are generally defensive-oriented, and are utilized in a conservative manner to defend their brethren. They are the old reliable bastion of their fellow Christian counterparts.

The Templars are renowned fighters, as well as their well-versed knowledge of Divination. Well-funded by the Church, in addition to their recent revival during an economic boom, they house over five-thousand members in the modern era. Their headquarters are situated around Europe.

HIERARCHY
Grand Master (Grandmaster)
Solomon's Guards (Marshals)
Temple Master (Chapter Master)
Sergeants (full-sworn knights)
Initiates (initiates)

[/div] [div class=mainSubheader style="background-color: rgba(12, 120, 188, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 10px;"] KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN (Hospitaller) [/div] [div class=mainText style="border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mainAccent); padding-bottom: 5px;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 150px;"]

[/div] The shining example of the longest surviving Order of the Pentateuch, the Knights of St. John remained intact since the fall of Acre. Hospitaller knights are distinguished by their black cloaks and white cross. The Order is currently headed by Grand Master Henry Blackburn.

The Knights of St. John takes pride in their knightly legacies. As faithful defenders of Christendom, Hospitallers are dogged veterans of a bloody history since the fall of Acre. Like the Teutonic Order, these crusaders have migrated from one Mediterranean island to another. Due to their rugged histories against Islamic and Ottoman threats in the subsequent periods that followed, Malta produces much of Christendom's finest knights. Due to their frequent encounters with pagan threats, as well as their advanced studies of the subject, the Knights of St. John are well-versed with combat against Daemonic threats than the rest of the Pentateuch Orders. Due to their extensive studies of their opponents, Hospitallers are revered for their dedication and outstanding strategies.

The well-respected soul of the Pentateuch circle, Hospitallers retains long history since their establishment until this very day. As renowned fighters throughout Christendom, the Maltese Temple houses dedicated knights throughout history. Adaptive during the Ottoman's Siege of Malta, Hospitaller's ranks are diverse in their skill sets, of which were molded by centuries of warfare. As such, their traditional Divine Gears are general-purpose for any situation. Accompanied by their strict codes of discipline and lifestyle, Hospitallers are skilled fighters that can prove reliable in a close-quarter situation. They are essentially the jack-of-all-trades among their Pentateuch brethren.

The Hospitaller-Teutonic feud that erupted during both the World Wars caused a rift between these two knightly orders that is seen until this day. Hospitallers tend to view Teutonic Knights as brash, and unruly, while the latter would perceive the Hospitallers as too prim and impractical. Their contrasting geopolitical views and conducts only serve to further the divide between the two knighthood. Hospitaller Chapters are world-wide, thanks to their hospitable and international involvement as a charitable organization. Their headquarters are all over the world, as well as being the most well-funded knighthood.

HIERARCHY
Grand Master (Grandmaster)
Maltese Wardens (Marshals)
Chapter Commander (Chapter Master)
Apostles (full-sworn knights)
Disciples (initiates)

[/div] [div class=mainSubheader style="background-color: rgba(30, 200, 50, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 10px;"] KNIGHTS OF ST. LAZARUS [/div] [div class=mainText style="border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mainAccent); padding-bottom: 5px;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 150px;"]

[/div] The Order of St. Lazarus is one of the less renowned knighthood. Despite this, their involvements are marginally decisive. Due to their close association with the Holy See in Rome, they remained the last bastion of defense of Christendom should the other Orders fail. Lazarian Knights are distinguished by their white cloaks and green crosses. The Order is currently headed by Grand Master Elmeti De Luca.

An organization of high-tier knights with ample training, Lazarian Knights are formidable Diviners. The Order is well-armed with first and second-class Holy Gears, making them second only to the Canons of the Holy Sepulcher. The Order of St. Lazarus operates within Italy, and are responsible for reconciliation efforts among the Pentateuch Orders. Their notable contributions include several chapters of the Annals of Scribes & Pilgrims. The Lazarus Order distinguished themselves as loremasters of the Crusader's struggle against Daevans and Daemons.

Deemed as the holy scribes of the Christian world, Lazarians are well-endowed with auxiliary support Divination and Miracles. Where the other Orders put their faith in steel, St. Lazarus disciples would do well with magic. As seen in history as facilitators of crusading bands from Italy to the Holy Land, Lazarian traditions are well-rooted in their conducts of battle. Due to their long-established practice of Divination, Lazarian knights are capable healers and scholars. Their Divine Gears are generally support-based. The advocate of peace and administrator of divine justice.

HIERARCHY
Maestro (Grandmaster)
Lazarian Pavise (Marshals)
Elmeti (Chapter Master)
Centurio (full-sworn knights)
Legio (initiates)

[/div] [div class=mainSubheader style="background-color: rgba(255, 142, 43, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding-left: 5px; margin-top: 10px;"] KNIGHTS OF SANTIAGO [/div] [div class=mainText style="border-bottom: 2px solid var(--mainAccent); padding-bottom: 5px; margin-bottom: 5%;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 150px;"]

[/div] Like their Lazarus counterpart, the Order of Santiago are less-known as compared to their more-renowned counterparts. However, the Spanish Order was one of the few to offer shelter for Templars during the latter's persecution at the hands of King Philip IV. The Order is most well-known for their development of anti-Daemon weapons that rivals the Teutonic's Livonian Branch. Santiago knights are distinguished by their red cloaks and varied fleur-de-lis cross. The Order is currently headed by Grand Master Jonathan Cabrera.

The Order of Santiago is the only prominent knightly order that is under the protection of the Spanish crown. As such, they well-funded with modern equipment and receives solid military training. During the Spanish Inquisition, Santiago knights were endowed with great knowledge and reformed Divination training in order to combat heresy. While the Inquisition remains a controversial part of the Order's history, it did brought about the emphasis of divination practices within the knighthood. As such, knights of Santiago are generally well-versed with extensive Divination training and anti-daemonic doctrines. Santiago's Divine Gears are able to detect lesser daemons, making them formidable Christian mages of the modern era.

HIERARCHY
Gran Maestre (Grandmaster)
Montesa Garrochista (Marshals)
Constable (Chapter Master)
Espadachines (full-sworn knights)
Rodelero (initiates)

[div class="mainHeader"] Canons of the Holy Sepulcher [/div] [div class="mainText"][div class=infoImage style="max-width: 150px;"]

[/div] The Canons of the Holy Sepulcher are special operatives that deals with the internal administration of the Pentateuch Orders. They are essentially Internal Affairs agents sent to investigate or advise knightly Chapters / Temples around the world. Their purpose is to enforce the the Church's integrity and root out corruption, while being endowed with hierarchical respect given unto them by the Pope. The Canons are first-responders to apprehend any Order’s Grandmaster, should the latter be deemed unfit for duty.

Their general jurisdiction are on par with a Grandmaster, with special authorities to assume command of any crusaders on the field where needed. The Canons of the Holy Sepulchre are highly dangerous in combat with their nullification Divination and specialized Miracles that are exceptionally perfected to deal with high-tier Divination or Diablerie practitioners. They are usually nicknamed “Inquisitors” by the rest of the Pentateuch knighthood.



[/div] [/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox three"] [div class="coverFlexContainer"] [div class="coverFlexBox expositionLeft"] [div class="coverExpositionText"] The canonical lores of our Brethrens. [/div][/div] [div class="coverFlexBox coverTitle" style="flex: 1 0 50%"] [div class="coverText coverCenter"] Annals of Scribes & Pilgrims [/div][/div] [div class="coverFlexBox expositionRight"] [div class="coverExpositionText"] Lest we forget the deeds of our forefathers. [/div][/div][/div] [div class=menuDivider][/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox four"] [div class=mainHeader] Relics [/div] [div class=mainText] Religious relics and artifacts are sacred elements that are kept secured by the standing Crusader Orders throughout the world. These relics are divided into different classes, dependent on their importance and histories. Ever since the opening of the Aetherian gate in Jerusalem in the twelfth century, first-class relics are considered dangerous, as it acts as a catalyst to opening the gates to another world. As such, First-Class relics (such as Christ's manger) are highly sought after by Daevan cultists to open a gate to the Aetherial Realm. It is also discovered that second-class and third-class relics are potent as specialized weapons that are capable of defeating Daemons more efficiently than Earthly steels.

The Livonian Branch of the Teutonic Order was the first to put this knowledge to use - embedding second-class relics within weapons. This earned them the name of "Livonian Brothers of the Swords". Earthly weapons embedded with these relics, while powerful, are more susceptible to take a toll on its user. As Earth's concept of magic is limited, artifact-embedded weapons and Divination school of miracles are the only known counters the Crusaders can utilize to defeat Daemons and otherworldly threats. Divine Gears comes in all shapes and forms, dependent on the blacksmith's purpose. Blessed gears can range from traditional arms to armors and accessories. The Iron Crown of Lombardy for example, is a First-Class Divine Gear, embedded with a shard of the True Cross.

The Divine Gears, are divided into three categories:

Holy Gears
Holy Gears are weapons imbued with elements of a holy artifact - generally Second-class relics. A piece of Christ’s crown of thorns for example, is embedded and blessed within a weapon. Grandmasters and Canons of the Holy Sepulchre are generally equipped with Holy Gears.

Sacred Gears
Sacred Gears are weapons with Third-class relics embedded. Chapter Masters and Marshals are generally equipped with these Sacred Gears.

Blessed Gears
Common weapons imbued with holy water or other divination magic. Blessed Gears differ from their Sacred and Holy counterparts in that they are not embedded with a religious artifact. For example, an assault rifle chambered for holy-water-blessed ammunition or divinated silver ammunition are considered Blessed Gears. Fully-sworn Knights and some experienced Initiates are given these gears.



[/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox five"] [div class=mainHeader] Divination of Miracles [/div] [div class="mainText"][div class=infoImage style="max-width: 170px;"]

[/div] Perceived as superstitious practices by the scientific community, Divination, however, is the primary equivalent of magical practices within the religious community. Throughout history, divination has been one of the Church’s attempts at magic to counter Aetherian threats. Divination is the art of blessing, enchanting, summoning and healing, and has been practiced by many Knightly Orders. Divination-type of magic is the only acceptable practice of spellcraft within the knightly orders, while pagan and Aetherial magic is only endowed upon reformed Outremers.

Divination magic is a subjective study of holy miracles, with variations in their style via trial-and-error practices throughout history. Divination is known to have negative effects on Aetherians, Daemons and Daevans. As such, Outremers tend to be treated by their own practices of healing magic or simply utilizing what modern medicines have to offer.





[/div] [div class="mainHeader" style="margin-top: 10px;"] Diablerie & Pagan Witchcraft [/div] [div class="mainText"][div class=infoImage style="max-width: 170px;"]

[/div] Diablerie is the practice of the dark arts and any arcane practices that is not in the conduct of the Divination school. Necromancy, shadow arcane, pagan shamanism, voodooism, and anything that is not of the Divination school is called as thus. While the practice of this type of magic is generally shunned by the religious community, Outremers’ conduct of their power within orderly restraints are generally appreciated by their comrades. Diablerie is the general term coined for any practice of the arcane that is outside the traditional norms of the Church. While some are considered blasphemous in their conducts, some are generally bypassed and dismissed by modern knights.

Advanced Diableries are generally destructive in their course. While powerful enough to neutralize most threats with ease, it has the potentials of corrupting or proving to take a toll on the user. Summoning, conjurations, enormous spellcrafts and other potent delivery of force may have strenuous side-effects. Diableries are highly volatile in theory and practice, and must be handled with caution when encountered against or partaking in.

[/div] [div class="mainHeader" style="margin-top: 10px;"] Aetherial Magic / Aetherianism [/div] [div class="mainText"][div class=infoImage style="max-width: 170px;"]

[/div] Aetherial Magic is generally classified as non-Christian subcategory of magic. Due to the atmospheric differences and the lack of "mana" on Earth, Aetherian magic tends to be small-scaled spells. With the admissions of Outremers in recent times, Aetherian magic is neither holy nor heretical in their practices. Aetherian magic is most potent when exposed to Aetherian properties, such as being in close proximity of an Aetherian portal or draining energies to generate their own supply of mana.

The most practiced form of Aetherian magic comes in the form of shapeshifting and image manipulation of an Aetherian's form. Mermaids, beastfolks and the likes tend to conjure up a human form for themselves on Earth, in order to blend in with humanity. Aetherian understanding of parallel universe are concurrent to that of Earth, with finite knowledge. As such, those that arrived on Earth are mostly stranded, and over the course of time, remained on Earth. There are those that wishes to return home, while others are keen on conquest and malevolent deeds.

As opposed to Daemons and Daevans, practitioners of Aetherian magic are generally composed and reserved in their crafts. Bearing innate abilities to conjure energies, Aetherians are skilled mages that are able to control their powers, and at times - exercise limits. Aetherian magic is mostly innate and passed down by their respective lineage, with liable mutations due to their exposure to Earthly elements and molecular changes. Thus, it is highly unlikely that a human is able to practice Aetherian magic. Aetherianism exists exclusively for Aetherian races only.



[/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox six"] [div class="mainHeader"] Races [/div] [div class=infoFlexContainer] [div class=infoBox style="background-color: rgba(186, 85, 211, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding: 15px;"] [div class=mainSubheader] Daevans [/div] [div class=mainText style="padding-bottom: 0%;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 200px;"]

[/div] Deriving from the original worshippers of the Baltic primordial god Dievas, Daevans are pagan practitioners of the dark arts. Little is known about their revelation of the Aetherial Realm, only that they have engaged in conflicts against the Teutonic Order during the Northern Crusade in the twelfth century. In official studies, Daevans are essentially humans with a high amount of mana in their body, or simply a reactive body that is receptive of concentrated energies.

Worshippers of the Old Gods, Daevans are highly skilled arcane users, under the guise of common folks. This makes them dangerous and elusive on the field. While technically not considered a different species due to their human origins, Daevans can sometimes be seen with unnatural characteristics that discern them from common humans - including their natural aptitude for magic. In addition, Daevans believe that by drawing powers from the Aetherial Realm, they are paving the way to the next step in human evolution, blasphemously proclaiming themselves as a chosen race of their own.

Where Aetherians and their descendants are distinguished by their respective aetherian physical traits, Daevans are highly manipulative and are able to draw powerful spells. The term Daevan is specifically used for personnel with high aptitude for earthly magic. In special cases, converted pagans are sometimes seen in most knightly orders (see Outremers). Highly skilled Daevans, characterized by their distinctive rune tattoos are known as Dieva's Guards are elite pagan mages that are deemed dangerous. Cautions are advised when facing Dieva's Guards.

[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox style="background-color: rgba(102, 205, 170, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding: 15px;"] [div class=mainSubheader] Aetherians [/div] [div class=mainText style="padding-bottom: 0%;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 200px;"]

[/div] Aetherians are inhabitants of the Aetherial Realm. During the opening of many Aetherial portals throughout history, some Aetherians have been living among humans. Aetherians are distinguished by their outlandish physical traits, such as horns, tails, and particularly their innate aptitude for magic.

While most Aetherians bear similar resemblance of typical human appearances, there exists man beast-like individuals as well. On Earth, shapeshifting Aetherians tend to procure for themselves a human-like appearance as to not draw attention. With recent studies and advancement in technologies, Aetherians can be detected if they practice magic or simply by blood tests.

Aetherians are able to detect their own kind, albeit with limitations on Earth. Some knightly orders are known to have Aetherian apostles embedded in their ranks to sought out hostile Daemons and Daevans (see Outremer). [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox style="background-color: rgba(220, 20, 60, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding: 15px; height: auto;"] [div class=mainSubheader] Daemons [/div] [div class=mainText style="padding-bottom: 0%;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 200px;"]

[/div] Daemons are amalgamations of beasts and monsters that are summoned from the Aetherial Realm or merely a byproduct of pagan conjuration magic. Varying in strengths and sizes, Daemons are generally classified as predatory, sentient familiars. As opposed to Aetherians, they do not possess a developed psyche and generally resort to primal instincts. Recent studies have shown that some daemons are capable of self-evolution, while most are typically controlled by dark magic. Some intelligent daemons are able to shapeshift to blend in like Aetherians.

Aetherial daemons tend to be stronger than earthly conjurations. Aetherial species possesses enhanced reflexes, senses and can regenerate much faster than earthly ones. Earth-conjured daemons are weak in nature, as they do not possess a capable body to handle the cycling of mana. Earthly daemons are usually illusionary familiars and tend to be controlled by a summoner. Upon a summoner’s death, their familiars will dissipate, while Aetherial daemons are independent entities and are susceptible to direct wounding. [/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox style="background-color: rgba(200, 115, 25, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding: 15px; height: auto;"] [div class=mainSubheader] The Hybrids [/div] [div class=mainText style="padding-bottom: 0%;"] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 200px;"]

[/div] There are a few of those who possess the blood of two races. Throughout history, there have been reports of humans capable of Aetherian magic. Hybrids are often viewed as impure by most humans and Aetherians. They often struggle to find acceptance with their mixed blood and lineage.

For most parts, Hybrids tend to retain humane physiques, with some mutations. Unusual eyes, hair colors, and sometimes horns or other inhumane traits. While shunned by most for not being a part of neither world, some Hybrids embraces this as the best of both worlds. Over forty percent of Outremer Knights are Hybrids, giving them an edge over humans by their innately enhanced senses, as well as their aptitude for magic. Because of their innate traits of both human and Aetherian, Hybrids are more susceptible to bear weaknesses of both worlds.

[/div] [/div] [div class=infoBox style="background-color: rgba(140, 170, 200, var(--highlightOpacity)); padding: 15px;"] [div class=mainSubheader] Humans [/div] [div class=mainText style="padding-bottom: 0%;""] [div class=infoImage style="max-width: 200px;"]

[/div] Made in the image of the Creator, mankind had come far since the Fall of the Garden. Being the sole inheritor of Earth, alongside His creations, humanity strife for intelligence and adaptability, where they fall short of magical aptitude. In this world, humans are the most populous race, as part of the Creator's plan. It is up to them to decide their own fates upon the arrival of the Aetherians and the Daemons. Where humanity lack in arcane pursuits, they make for in firepower - administering holy justice with 5.56 x 45mm NATO rounds.

[/div] [/div] [/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox seven"] [div class="mainHeader"] Outremers [/div] [div class="mainText"] [div class="imageBorder"]

[/div] Reformed Daevans and Aetherians. The term Outre Mers “overseas” is symbolically coined to denote Aetherian’s estranged appearances and practices of non-Christian magic. Usually declared fit for field duty after psychological evaluation and baptism. Outremers are usually seen accompanying fully-sworn knights (Ritterbruders), typically assigned as a battle analyst or given a support role. Despite their conversion to Christianity and their dedication to the cause, Outremers bore the stigma given unto them by their pasts and those that practices pagan magic.

Most Outremers retain their pagan practice of magic, while others sought to revise their abilities. For most parts, they are capable mages and support-oriented auxiliaries embedded within the ranks of their respective knightly orders. Due to their specialized skills in the arcanes, Outremers possesses acute senses pertaining to detection and counteraction against Daevans. The idea of acceptance and extensive efforts of reforming these individuals are both beneficial and volatile in the Crusader's quest to defeat Daemonic threats. Unrestrained or excessive usage of pagan magic and diablerie practices may result in affecting an Outremer's state of mind.

Outremers are highly susceptible to corruption, regarding their high aptitude for magical practices. By being assigned to a fully-sworn knight, they are "leashed" in a sense. Outremers are generally looked down upon by their holier counterparts, but are nevertheless impetuous soldiers of their new faith. The Teutonic Order was the first to absorb these individuals, seeking to fill their ranks during the Northern Crusades. In modern times, Outremers make up more than thirty percent of the Teutonic knighthood.

Aside from their combative duties, many Chapters across America and Europe treats their reformed auxiliaries as equals. When on standby, Chapter Masters would convene with their Outremer members, brushing aside the traditional barrier that once segregated those of whom were keen on renewing their purposes in life. Like many civil Daevans and Aetherians before them, not all Outremers practices dark magic. Some are purely engaged in elemental magic and sometimes sought to pursue a druid-like lifestyle.

Where their sense of fractured identities are commonly seen in most, Outremers are nevertheless considered God's children by those with open hearts and minds. While generally perceived as merely a weapon, a dangerous benefactor of both worlds, and a monster, others believe in Outremers as heroes. Builders of a progressive bridge that would soon be given light into the world as God's plan. Irresponsible use of powers, temptations, and illusions of grandeur may prove to be of great adversary to those that bear darkness in their hearts.

Ultimately, only they can decide their fate.


[/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox eight"] [div class="mainHeader"]

The Oath​

[/div] [div class="mainText"]

I. I shall defend my brethren and the laws of the Order.

II. I shall respect and defend the weak, the sick, and the destitute.

III. I shall ceaselessly oppose evil and deceit, and to never retire from adversity.

IV. I shall remain faithful to my pledged oath and prudently uphold Christ's words.

V. I shall always be the champion of right, good, and tolerance - against injustice.



​

[/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox nine"] [div class="mainHeader"] General Overview [/div] [div class="mainText"] [div class="imageBorder"]

[/div] Upon being inducted and sworn as a knight of their respective knightly orders, Crusaders are, in essence, a private military body under the directives of the Church. As such, they are sworn in secrecy, their deeds and encounters with Daemonic forces are perceived as myths and legends on mainstream media. As far as international relations are concerned, Crusaders do not answer to any worldly organization, such as the UN. Continental Chapters owe their allegiances to their respective Orders under the Pentateuch Orders establishment, and are sworn to full secrecy.






[/div] [div class="mainHeader"] Vows of Silence / S.E.R.E. Conducts [/div] [div class="mainText"] [div class="imageBorder"]

[/div] When engaged with Daemonic activities within the populace, Crusaders are to conduct their operations swiftly and efficiently, without raising the bells of law enforcement and peacekeepers. Similar to the military's SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) program, Crusaders must maintain their posture and disengage themselves upon being compromised. Should a crusader be captured or brought into interrogation by the police or government agents, they must exercise Miranda Rights to remain silent. Subsequently, the Order's internal affairs agents will intervene and deploy their respective lawyers to alleviate the situation.






[/div] [div class="mainHeader"] Rules of Engagement [/div] [div class="mainText"] [div class="imageBorder"]

[/div] Rules of Engagements pertain to the conduct of field operations. For most parts, concurrent ROE consists of extensive reconnaissance, planning and subsequent high-speed-low-drag orders, with avoidance of collateral damages in mind. However, should a situation escalates into a large-scale skirmish with high collateral damages, Crusaders on the field are advised to regroup and exfil themselves, in order to avoid civilian casualties. Canons of the Holy Sepulcher are high-ranking officials that will be deployed on scene to contain the developing situation, and at times - will cooperate in a joint-operation, or assume total command of the crusaders on the field.






[/div] [div class="mainHeader"] Daemonic Cults [/div] [div class="mainText"] [div class="imageBorder"]

[/div] Otherworldly beasts, commonly termed "daemons" by Christian operators, have always been the Pentateuch's true enemy since their founding. Despite their efforts to contain Daemon incursions around the world, there exists daemonic cults that seeks to open Aetherial portals. While scattered, these cults are expected to be elusive and well-armed. While remnants of these dispersed cults are less-likely to pose an immediate threat to Christendom, rising rumors of a mysterious "False Prophet" would unite daevan cultists if untended to.









[/div] [/div] [div class="scrollBox ten"] [div class="mainHeader"] Other Factions of Faith [/div] [div class="mainText"] To be determined in RP, and will be given revelation as the Story progresses. 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