Fantasy The Plague (Lore)

[Soviet Panda]

Current Knightly Orders.

The Order's beginnings are shrouded in mystery. All that is known is that it was founded some time shortly after the beginning of the Black Plague. And that the first members were formerly followers of a god. Order records state that they found their salvation in a clearing with a lone maple tree standing proudly in the center. There the Goddess revealed herself. She had red hair that blazed like fire, skin as fair as snow, and beasts flocked to her as if she were their mother. This was truly a divine being, but the heart and mind of man is a skittish one. Like a rabbit sensing danger and ready to bolt for it's hole, so to were the men who had found the clearing. But the Goddess calmed them, assuring them that she did not want to harm them. She saw how they thirsted, for the last of their water had run out days before, and she cupped her hands and water come as if from a spring before telling them to drink. As they drank from the water that came as if from a spring, they felt as if they had been reborn. The water had given them energy they had not had since they were youths. She saw how they starved, for their hunting and gathering had found nothing in the barren landscape. And from her hair she pulled berries of the most fiery red and commanded them to eat. With each berry they felt as strong as an ox, as if they could uproot the lone maple tree in the clearing with their bare hands. And she saw how they feared the coming dawn. This time she asked why. And once she was told of their hardships, after all fifty laid their hearts bare, she said with the voice of divinity "You do not have to fear anymore. For I will protect you. In return, you shall do as I ask. You will protect this tree, the symbol of what I am, from all those who seek to harm it. And you shall protect the lands from all that dare taints it."

From there the record goes on to tell about how they then built up the great chapter house that stands today around the Maple and the official founding of the Order. How the first knight came about is unclear, the first name given the title of knighthood was mentioned not several paragraphs after the founding of the Order. But it can be easily explained why their order became one more orientated towards violence. The original promise made by the first fifty had to be upheld. And the command of the Goddess was not always in the name of peace. Sometimes violence in her name was even rewarded, something unheard of in the previously peaceful Order. Tales of gaining divine blessings given by this Goddess soon spread across the land. And current members took up the way of the sword in hopes of gaining Her blessings as well. Soon the iconic green and red armor of the Knights of the Order of the Maple became a common sight around the immediate area of the chapter house. This fascination with Divine battle has bred the utmost best of warriors. Of course, Chivalry and honor still holds in the Order, if just barely. Their reputation for their calculating ferocity suddenly being halted in it's tracks in the name of honor and chivalry is legendary. Particularly the tale of Sir Albreic, who broke his own sword after shattering his opponents to make the fight fair.(edited)

The Order of the Maple holds it's allegiance to the Goddess above all else. If their chapter-house is threatened or attacked, honor and chivalry will be forgotten to uphold their promise to the Goddess, if it is necessary.

The Order of the Maple has, in theory, only one position, that of Chapter Master. However, in practice there are several ranks to be made aware of when interacting with the Order. The lowest rank of the Order is Initiate. Whether squires to Knights of the Order or newly joined members of the clergy, they hold little power in the Order. They are often found either in the Chapter House running errands for Monks or by their master's side (if they choose to become Knights). It is left up to the rest of the Order to determine how long individuals are Initiates. Often times those that wish to join the clergy of the Order take years longer then those wanting to become Knights of the Order, most likely because of their need to become literate and to write neatly so as to be able to read books deemed holy and to copy them so others can read them.

Monks make up the next level above Initiates. Though lower then Knights for their lack of fighting prowess, they hold greater power when speaking of what the Goddess wants and what needs to be purged to cleanse the land. They manage the great library in the Eastern wing of the Chapter, making sure the records are accurate and in good condition. They wage a war all their own in an attempt to keep the records whole, a war fought against nature with quill and ink. They also are in charge of keeping the Chapter as clean as possible, though they leave the Barracks and Southern wing to the Knights to handle.

Knights are the bulk of the Order's numbers. With lance in hand they purge the land of blights in the name of the Goddess. They protect the Chapter, with their lives if necessary. Because of their physical prowess, they are placed above simple Monks. Knights have a ranking system of their own based off of traditional military ranking. Lowest ranked Knights are denoted by two green plumes atop their helmet and flat green armor. Sergeants have two plumes as well, but these are green and yellow respectively, their armor is also more ornately decorated with yellow scroll work along the edges. Captains wear three plumes, one green and two red, and instead of yellow scroll work like Sergeants it is red. They often have a crest on their helmet, as this is when they are allowed to have a crest.

Warrior Priests. Often those that are to old to fight, Warrior Priests are tasked with the honor of guarding the Tree itself. Rumored to have been granted a vision by the Goddess of their own death, they have taken oaths of silence and celibacy so as to focus more on their duty. To communicate among themselves, Warrior Priests have come up with a complex system of hand gestures. They are often more lightly armored then Knights, their heads often uncovered. The reason for this is not completely known and is a closely guarded secret by the Warrior Priests, meaning that not even other Order members know why they do it. Their weapons vary greatly from Warrior Priest to Warrior Priest.


The one who holds the title Chapter Master holds the highest rank in the Order. When seen in battle, the Chapter Master wears red armor with green scroll work, five plumes on his helm (three red two green), and has a crest of a maple tree on his helmet. And each Chapter Master wields the lance and two handed sword passed on from Chapter Master to Chapter Master since near the beginning of the Order itself. The sword is named Blight's Bane and has been baptized in water blessed by the Goddess and now burns with a holy fire when it tastes blood. The lance has been named Wyrm, after having supposedly slain a creature by the same name that plagued the land causing crops to fail and all manner of creatures to fall ill and die, tainting their meat so as to make it unsuitable for consumption. The blood of Wyrm stained the lance, strengthening it and making it poisonous to the touch.

There is one rank held above even Chapter Master, the rank of Grand Commander. The rank of Grand Commander is extremely hard to obtain, there being only one Grand Commander in the history of the Order. In order to become a Grand Commander, the current Chapter Master must call upon the Warrior Priests, those closes to the Goddess, for a vote. If the Warrior Priests choose to answer this call, which it isn't guaranteed they will, they must unanimously agree upon a chosen member of the Order outside of the rank Warrior Priest. If there is even one vote for someone else among the Warrior Priests, no Grand Commander will be chosen. It is unclear how the secretive Warrior Priests go about voting, but if they do decide on someone they will approach their chosen candidate and challenge him, one by one, to a duel. After that the candidate, if they won the numerous duels, must recite the Blessings of the Goddess as Monks listen in to make sure he does not miss one word. And after all that is done, the final hurdle to jump is to lay for one night in the garden the Tree stands in. If the Goddess approaches you, then you are to become the next Grand Commander. If she does not, then you are simply to be honored for making it that far. The few times someone has made it that far, they often became the next Chapter Master.

The only Grand Commander to have existed was Buras the Undefeated, a man told to be as tall as the heavens and as strong as the mountains. Upon dying in battle, after having been unhorsed and with an assortment of weapons embedded in him and his armor, a crypt was carefully built under the Tree, so as not to harm it. He was buried with all of his now legendary equipment. His armor that blazed the color of the leaves in Autumn with golden scroll work, masterfully crafted by beings said to have crafted weapons for gods. It is told that after the battle the armor sealed itself, repairing any rents in it caused by man or beast. His winged helm allowing him to speak with creatures of the air thwarted many an ambush. His flamberg, made and imbued with fey magics and never needing to be sharpened or mended, crackled with each swing and sung of his foes death as it drank their blood. His lance roared like a lion as it approached its prey, and drank greedily of their life, giving it to its wielder. Even his mighty steed, Balius, had its remains preserved and draped in it's armor, the same color and made by the same mysterious craftsman as its rider.

Saints are people, not always of the Order, that have managed to gain the Goddess' blessing. The records are filled with the deeds of these saints, and alcoves all over the Chapter house are filled with statues in their likeness. If a member is blessed with Sainthood, he is no longer a part of the Order, technically. These saints then go out on self imposed exile to spread the word of the Goddess with a small library, which the Monks have hastily copied from the library, on the back of their chosen mount, some choosing to ride out on oxen and mules instead of horses to carry more books. These saints can not be bought, are tireless when on the hunt. Their faith guides them, and the Goddess protects. But they are still mortals and can be killed.

The most well known of the saints is Saint Anna. She set out on her journey on a gazelle, who was granted to her by the Goddess, with but only the core books of her faith and a sword to protect her. She has been attributed with several holy actions such as curing a whole village from the plague with a mere touch, sending away the pests that ate away the crops with only a whisper, and the slaughtering of man and beast that threatened many villages. Her kindness is legendary, and her faith was unshakeable. Her death came about when she was captured in a desert far away and was executed for heresy, the Goddess being rejected in those lands. Once beheaded, blood did not flow but instead the purest water came forth. And where the water land, new and extraordinary plants leapt forth and grew in seconds.


The Order of the Maple, also being a religious one, believes that something happens to them after death. There are mentions of a grand forest in their holy texts where one can hunt beasts of legends, drink from springs of nectar, and plants ladened with food that never seems to end. A grand tournament goes on forever, where the Goddess herself congratulates the victor and consoles the loser. Here the Goddesses purity and essence isn't muffled by the filth of mortality, and those that are allowed into the Grand Forest (her followers and the Saints) can bask in her presence.

Ah, the Eternum Sentinels, an Order older than even our glorious Kingdom. Their name brings back memories. Memories of a force five hundred strong holding off a horde of thousands. Memories of giants lumbering across the battlefield with mauls and warhammers. Of their iron plate, studded with spikes, turning aside blows as if they were rain. Memories of an order steeped within tradition, and almost as elusive as the morning mist. And of an Order that has almost crumbled to dust for it. If an Eternum Sentinel offers you assistance, be grateful and accept it, for you will not find a second chance. And for your own health, do not insult them, lest you end up with your chest caved in and head found several paces away.

The Eternum Sentinels, though not as large or as grand as some other Orders, are to be respected none the less. They have a history filled with great honors in service of the Crown, a fact that they boast about the few times they are encouraged or inclined to speak. And because of their deeds, the Crown has long ago gifted them a small parcel of land, high in the mountains, that they can call home. Here they spend every day training, honing their skills to be used in service of the Crown.

They are, even in their diminished state, the shield and club of the Kingdom. Their armor is superior to any other, forged using secret techniques by the chapter's smithies. And their massive shields, taller then most men, are made of solid iron. While you or I could only lift something like that in our dreams, they do it with practiced ease. And though they may not be as precise as a blade, they are just as effective and twice as useful. Where a sword must find a weakness to exploit, the club only realize on the strength of the wielder, strength that these stoic sentinels have to spare.

The Honor Guard of the Crown, next to the Royal Guard themselves, there has been no successful assassination attempt upon the Crown while the Eternum Sentinels were on duty. A record that not even the Royal Guard can boast and are vehemently jealous of, trying to out do their rivals for generations now.

 

[EldridSmith]

Church of Seraphina

• Seraphina
• Archons
• Archons Themes
• Factions
• The Theocracy
• The Temple

• 
  The church of Seraphina is eons old, and some say as old as the world itself as the first followers were Seraphina's first creations: The fire dragons and fire titans of old. It was they who constructed the first temple of Seraphina. As time went on many went into a deep slumber or died after creating the many races of fire. While few and far between, some of the first creations of Seraphina still live in the world, the most well known being the eldest fire dragon living at the summit of the temple serving as it's guardian and as a teacher for those who visit the temple and live there. The ancient dragon has always been contracted with the Archon of Law. Still as time grew on the temple expanded beyond the first floor that was made for the titans and dragons, and above and below smaller layers were made for the various races that came to worship Seraphina.
  
  Seraphina's followers tend to be in positions where they are somehow related to fighting or the after affects, either as a craftsman of weapons, a soldier, a judge, a guard, or any other such role where they preside over, or within, conflict. She is described as "not a goddess of battle lust or celebration as much as excellence and passionate discipline". However, followers believe trials of adversity, such as warfare, is a challenge that can elevate a person. Seraphina represents the duality of the cleansing and healing properties present in fire, and the destructive capabilities held within, as destruction can also lead to rejuvenation and regrowth. She is ever impartial and always seeing through lies and deceit to properly judge those who find themselves in her court. Her divine domain's include: Fire, destruction, healing, law, crafts, and war.
  
  Seraphina shows herself to her believers in one of two forms, the form of wrath, or the form of benevolence. The form of wrath is blindlingly bright and the only things visible are the rough outline of a human figure with six wings protruding from her back. This form appears when followers have broken an important promise they made with her, or broken the core tenets of the faith in an unforgivable way. The form of benevolence is the one that Seraphina shows herself the most. She appears as a young women with a single pair of wings protruding from her back, her entire body is a shade of light yellow and gold as a gentle flame that has come to encourage those who follow her. Those in the church to become known for their great power and skills recieve the title of Archon in the wake of their alignment with the six portfolios of Seraphina.
  
  The Core Tenets:
  Law: The law is paramount. It is the mortar that holds the stones of civilization together, and it must be respected. Be responsible for your actions and their consequences, protect those entrusted to your care, and obey those who have just authority over you.
  War: Do not seek war without cause, instead fight for justice, for the people, and for Seraphina. Use war as a chance to better yourself and glorify Seraphina.
  Destruction: If the laws are unjust and cause undue harm, then the law is no longer law but a tool used by those in power to harm the weak. Without destruction how can healing be done?
  Healing: Rouse the flames of hope amongst the downtrodden, raise the spirits of the oppressed. A blade can end a life. Fear can end an empire.
  Craft: Where there is good, beauty, love, and laughter in the world, stand against the wickedness that would swallow it. Where life flourishes, stand against the forces that would render it barren.
  Fire: Delight in your passions, delight in song and laughter, in beauty and art. If you allow the light to die in your own heart, you can't preserve it in the world. A fire used for justice is a holy flame, a fire used for an unjust cause is an evil flame. Do not let your flame or passions be used for evil.
  
• Lucias the Blind
  
  Archon of Law: Lucias the Blind, once a homeless man without meaning or reason to live he spent his days in squalor, begging for spare change and food. Until one day when a paladin from a foreign land stopped to talk to him about Seraphina. For the first time in his life he was able to see something, he saw the blazing and glorius figure of Seraphina through a vision. He bowed to the paladin and begged him to take him to a temple of Seraphina where he could consecrate himself to her. Taken aback the paladin obliged and took him to the ancient temple of Seraphina. Ever since that day Lucias has been able to see through magic. He dedicated himself to studying the laws of the temple and became the foremost judge, learning how to see lies and deciet through his special vision he attests that Seraphina gave him. After centuries in the courts of law he has became a living incarnation of justice to the people. (Human, 441 [Light | Darkness])
  
  Ashen Wake
  
  Archon of War: Fittingly named Ashen Wake, the Archon of war is famous for his iron legions which bring fire and death leaving only ashes in his wake of those who are a threat to the church, and the world at large. However he prefers his soldiers and those who he has a favorable opinion of him to call him "Ashe". Leader and founder of the Crimson Inferno, all of his soldiers are picked from the best the church has to offer. He is fiercely loyal to Seraphina, and well known for his strict dutiful and nature. However he is known to go out of his way to bring down tyrants and those who oppress their people, offering a ray of hope for those who are oppressed or downtrodden. He is known for his fued with Legion due to their conflicting natures. (Half-orc, 83 [Fire | Body])
  
  Legion
  
  Archon of Destruction: No one really knows what the Archon of Destruction is, it's age, nor do they know the true name other than the one time it was asked it's name it replied: "We are Legion". While it's past is completely an enigma, it's works are known to all as the unhinged being conducts it's research of magic and how to further improve it's destructive properties, leaving behind many scars on the land where it conducted experiments on the enimes of the church. It is the origin of the sect of Devouring Flames solely focused on the destructive aspect of Seraphina. Little is known of the experiments it conducts in secret, other than the rumor that it often involves subjects being tested on and healed repeatedly. A rumor has surfaced saying "Better to be dead than a Devouring Flame subject." Known to occasionally take prisoners from those it fought for "testing", which is unsurprising due to his cruel and merciless nature. It is known for it's fued with Ashen Wake due to their conflicting natures. (???, ??? [Fire | Disintigration])
  
  Ariana the Mender
  
  Archon of Healing: Ariana the Mender, one of the youngest archons at 37. A young elf known for her devotion to the portfolios of healing and restoration she spends most of her time at a clinic near the main temple in the Seraphina Theocracy. She is known most for her "crusade" when she was still new to the ranks of the church where she went from village to village healing the sick and wounded. Now she has servants of the church who go out for her to bring those who are sick and wounded to the temple where she and her disciples heal them. (Elf, 37 [Spirit | Healing])
  
  Adras Forge
  
  Archon of Crafts: Adras Forge, an aged cyclops blacksmith who has spend his many years perfecting the craft and teaching those of Seraphina who come to him for guidance on the craft. He rarely speaks to anyone and instead has those whom he has personally taught running the church forges and teaching the next generation. In his twilight years he has decided to spend them trying to make the perfect weapon to honor Seraphina and leave something behind for a hero of the church if times become dire. (Cyclops, 218 [Fire | Metal])
  
  Nuriel the Passionate (Deceased)
  
  Archon of Fire: Nuriel the Passionate, the archon of fire was known for her feiry passion to spread the word of Seraphina, to participate in a good fight, and her ability to move on from one thing to another without care for her prior passsion. However one thing was sure, her passion for following Seraphina never wavered. However she and a sizable quantify of soldiers under her died recently due to defending their home from the plague. While she was alive she led an army of any willing to defend the church, and was often known to take the talented individuals Ashe didn't merely because they lacked the fire element. However as of the group of soldiers she led have retired to church guards and guards in the capitol city of the Seraphina theocracy while the church searches for someone to fill her position. The elders of the Church having recently given up on the older generation are now viewing the younger generation to find someone worthy of filling her mantle. (Human, 72 [Fire | Music])
  
• Lucias the Blind
  
  
  Ashen Wake
  
  
  Legion
  
  
  Ariana the Mender
  
  
  Adras Forge
  
  
  
• 
  Crimson Inferno: An elitist army unit restricted to those posessing the fire attribue the Crimson inferno is considered the best of the best when it comes to military force. It is comprised of three types of soldiers: Crimson Knights, Crimson Rangers, and Crimson Mages. The crimson knights are all clad in heavy armor with large shields to form a shield wall and protect their advance so the more lightly armed soldiers behind can do their work unhindered. The crimson Rangers are in medium or light armor and are the skirmishers, shock troops, and generally more versatile soldiers capable of filling almost any role as they are needed. The crimson mages are the long range units used to bombard the enimies from afar and provide healing and support to the crimson knights and crimson rangers. The entire system is run with rigid rules, a strict heirarchy, and unwavering loyalty to their god and general.
  
  Devouring Flames: A sect with a more extreme understanding of trials of adversity of her teachings, practiced by those in the sect of Devouring Flames who focus on her domains of destrucion and war. They would seek out and test any they viewed as weak, often going as far as dispensing "justice". However the Devouring Flames are at odds with the majority of the church of Seraphina as due to their extremist views. Elder priests of Seraphina view them as a trial of adversity for the church to overcome and tolerate their existance to allow younger believers to challange the sect to verbal debates and trials of combat to strengthen their faith. The Devouring Flames is run by the insane Legion who uses their power to recruit mages from more extreme members of the church.
  
  Ariana's Disciples: A group of people trained by Ariana or those who have trained under her who have learned how to use their elements to heal others. While the name of this group has changed from Archon to Archon, they are a long standing group who have always had healers in the temple to treat the sick and injured, as well as groups specifically prepared to aid in keeping soldiers alive on the battlefield.
  
  Craftsman of Seraphina: While not only limited to blacksmiths, the symbol is of an anvil and blacksmith's tools as it is the main craft related to war. They are known for taking in orphans who wish to learn craftsmanship and they teach them the basics of various crafts until they pick a specialization. They are revered for their talents with the crafts and their ability to have ties with many merchant guilds and craftsman guilds, many members leaving their homes to join these groups and spread the word of Seraphina.
  
  Servants of the Court: While they do not posess a name for their faction, instead merely referring to themselves as servants of the court, they are known for their understanding of the law and their ability to hand out judgements in the name of Seraphina. They have all been hand picked by Lucias to serve as his eyes and ears where he cannot be present. Not all Servants of the court publicly declare their allegiance as sometimes they may be in other factions working as a spy, liaison, or fulfilling any role the Archon requires of them.
  
• 
  In a land to the south lies the Seraphina Theocracy, a country founded by the church and run by Seraphina's divine will through Lucius the Blind. It is a large kingdom that reveres fire and craftsmanship, and many craftsman will venture to the forge in the Holy Citadel, the foremost temple of Seraphina. Those who follow Seraphina and live outside it's borders often make ventures to sell wares and visit the temple, however it is not required. The city hosts the largest school where paladins and preists of Seraphina are raised to take the message to foreign nations.
  
  The Holy Citadel is a massive temple and palace built atop a Volcano, there reside the elders under Lucias who help rule the country where he is not and while he hears court cases during the day, however the palace section is small and only in the section where the blazing heat of the volcano don't reach. Further in to the temple there is a section for worshipers from afar who cannot take the blistering heat, there they may leave alms, gifts, and pay homage to Seraphina. Further in is the domain of the clergy and craftsman. Craftsman are allowed to visit the workshop and forge and thank Seraphina for her blessings, and if Seraphina's light shines upon them they are allowed to use the workshop, however only the extremely faithful are given such a chance. The remainder of the temple is filled with prayer rooms, residences for the clergy, and rooms where those in the church may spar, practice their magic, or work on projects.
  
  Outside of the hundred mile radius of volcanic lands surrounding the capitol where mining is common and workers protected from heat by charms and crafts made by the church resides pleasant grasslands where farming is common, most of the people living here are refugees rescued from tyrannical lands and who desired to follow the people and god that saved them rather than try and rebuild in a place filled with so many negative memories. On the northern borders of the Theocracy are mountains with a heavy dwarven population that they regularly trade with for ore. On the eastern border are forests filled with elves which they trade with for the strong branches the elves raise. To the South is a tropical jungle that is often harvested for general purpose lumber, the residents are scattered tribes which they often trade goods with for exotic animal parts found deep within the jungle. To the West is an ocean vast and wide used for trading routes with countries far beyond their borders, fishing, and for the collection of pearls and coral.
  
  However as the plague dawned upon the land the people were all moved into the temple to keep them safe from the plague and the creatures carrying it. Occasationally parties would be sent out to collect food but those were few and far between due to the danger that came with leaving their stronghold.
  
• 
  Before reaching the temple, the monumentous volcano in which it was built is easy to see from miles around as the volcano stretches into the sky piercing the clowds. Even from afar the jets of flame and streams of lava could be seen illuminating the grand structure where a large statue of Seraphina stands. Upon reaching temple itself a grand "greek" style entrance with the image of Seraphina etched into the crown of the building, the entrance standing tall enough to allow those from all races to enter, even those of the titans and ancient dragons.
  
  Upon entering the temple there are three doorways. To the left there is the market which borders upon the craftsmen's shop where orders are made, weapons, armor, and tools of all sorts are bought and solt, craftsmen may enter to view the technique's of the church, and some are given the chance to head into the furthest depths of the crafting section where the hottest forge is used for the strongest of materials for the greatest of weapons by Adras Forge and his students. The extent of the level of the Craftsman's section is that it wraps around the entire first layer of the volcano until it touches upon the room to the right, and it delves into the molten layer below the inner sanctum. To the Right is the courtroom where Lucias and those under him hear out cases and give out judgements. Straight ahead one will see the outer sanctum of Seraphina with it's burning brazers and a statue of Seraphina where the faithful may pay homage.
  
  After entering the outer sanctum to the left is the clinic where Ariana the mender and her disciples work on healing the injured and taking care of the people of the temple. To the right one will see the barracks where the soldiers in the temple are stationed. Beyond the outer sanctum is the inner sanctum where Seraphina speaks with those of the clergy of her will. The layers above and below serve various functions for the church such as housing for the clergy, storage of goods, preservation of food and drink, and many more functions.
  

 

[Soviet Panda]

Name:caedentibus daret tempestas
(Order of the slayers storm)
Theme: thunder storms in all their forms and feature, manly it's speed and suddenness
Background: the order of the slayers storm are secretive until they choose to make themselves known. What exactly formed there temple is only known by a few upper level members most simply refer to the entity wraith of thunder. The temple lies within a unending storm surrounding the mountain of valrax.

Ranks (lowest to highest)
Gale
Tempest
Maelstrom

These ranks are split up further depending on the exact subsect of the caedentibus daret tempestas though each rank Maintains a similar focus with different roles. Overall.

Gale: the lowest rank a gale embodies the speed of storms, swift fighters usually embracing contract with wind or lighting elements, fast acting posions that cause paralysis are a staple, and of course favoring the usage of light weapons

Tempest: tempest encompasses the brutal swiftness of a storm using sigil etched metal armor they are able to produce deadly burst of lighting and thunder form various weapon they have at there disposal heavier and much slower then their Gale counterparts but there strikes and decisive and deadly

Maelstrom: it is a rare few that can reach the rank of maelstrom a perfect storm a balance of a Gale and a tempest, fast and decisive maelstrom are rare seen though ruin they leave behind is the only hit that one was present. While devastating in combat they rarely engage, thusly they remain as teachers and guides for younger members of the order.
Subsects

Storm heralds:
Puniest to the order one of the largest of the sects they are the bases that most other subsects roles diverge form as such they don’t have any special roles though there members have a tendency to dabble with the roles of other orders making them somewhat unpredictable with what they can do. As they strive for a balance in activity and inactivity

Ranks of the overwatch:
The ranks of the overwatch believe that justice and order should be handed out swiftly and decisively less the careful balance be broken, there ranks are only made know when a sentence is passed no maelstroms hail form this subsect as they all feel duty bound to there roles they are one of the smallest sects

Gale watchers: gales of the ranks are experts in remained within the dark shrouds of the storm fair stealthier then their counterparts in other subsects, it’s said they can disappear in a flash of light. Watchers main role is to observer and collect information so that all facts and know before judgment is passed

Tempest judges: judge and executioners judges are grouped into “clouds” 5 members that will decide the fate of the accused and the punishment. Overall functioning is the same as other tempest’s


Thunder talon: a controversial if necessary subsect the thunder talon embrace the chaos and unpredictable nature of storms rejecting the balance that other subsects teach. This is considered necessary to truly embrace all aspects of the storm. There agents are as destructive as they are random. As there is little rhyme or reason for while a thunder talon may aid someone where other sects would ignore them for the sake of balance.

Gale hurricanes: embracing the destructive power of the winds hurricanes can whip up hurling blasts of wind and deadly thunder working in teams of 6 minimum it insure they are at the maximum destructive potential functioning as swift moving skirmishers and picking off large and dangerous targets.

Tempest superior: the tempests role becomes that of not only a deadly short range combatant but a living artillery piece using a combination of thunder and lighting to deliver devastation form affair their armor tends to be bulkier and further etched with sigils to allow for stronger blasts without dissipating the power of each.

Maelstrom superior: the less said about the maelstrom superior the better…. Still restraining a somewhat conservative view to combat they do act more often then their storm herald counterparts


Storm chasers: the storm chasers are those the come after the storm the with the devastation comes renewal these member embody this helping those how have suffered from great catastrophes or other hard times.

Gale aquen: making contracts with water spirits give these gales a bit of a healing touch less inclined to fight they are the first to respond when they are needed and are a very welcome sight.

Tempers auqen: channeling there powers into a more defensive niche these tempest carry great shield charged with the power of the storm and Immovable object in a howling gale.

Order made by Huntertabbysandshark3

 

[RandomBlobMan]

Name: Quills of Quin
Theme: A small gathering of hearts of gold, striving to do good deeds.
Background:
In time before time, among the bloodshed of hate and greed, stood a mighty order of good folks, with hearts of gold and weapons of steel. They journeyed far across the world, appearing where commoners were in times of need. They slayed beasts of evil and punished corrupted power. A fortress high beyond the stars was their keep, raining justice upon the most vile of existence from afar. But as time passed and more and more conflicts grew, their number decreased, and soon it became nearly impossible for them to help everyone. But these brave knights did not give up, fighting and helping until their last breath.
Now the order is but a small gathering of good folks, doing their best to do good deeds.
..or so does the "Order Master" Helge claim. Order Master Helge recruits new members of the Quills himself. The gathering is therefore undoubtedly small in size, but they are all relentless, brave good-hearted folks looking to help others without asking for a reward. They operate mainly in a small village that farms for a living. Most of the order's works are to assist in the daily works of the village folks- cook stew with ingredients the little money they have can buy, shoo way critters, and battle anything bigger than a boar that often come out of the distance. Thanks to the order's devotion to good deeds, the village hasn't had the need to call in an outside help for feral terrors.

There is no much to call ranks in the Order, as Helge claims there is no need to rank good will.
Quill: A member of the order. They go on to do good deeds and help commoners in need.
Order Master: Currently, the only one in the record is Helge(he claims any records of ones before him was lost over time).

 

[Crumbli]

​

• Regional Overview
• Civilisation of Golamves
• Knightly Overview
• Knightly Nuances
• Plague's Touch

• 
  There is a patch of earth on Occilan's surface that has been regarded as a blackspot to most of its neighbours for most of modern history. It is arid, inhospitable, and was rumoured to be a cursed land that gave birth to giants. Many named this patch of land differently but at the time it was known simply as Aras - the womb of Giants. In times before the black plague, travelling merchants and wanderers would speak of lumbering shadows that skulked the land. Metallic screams and the rising of dust clouds proved their hostile intent and ensured that many stayed away. However, these rumours shared only a half truth. There was but one giant and he was titanic in size, and he served a singular purpose. He existed to remove demons from this patch of land.
  
  
  The land was undisturbed for quite some time because of its reputation but desperation leads many to find refuge in the jaws of danger. A caravan of unofficial settlers, once nomadic peoples who now fled powerful fiends, prayed for safety in the reputation of these lands. When these first colonists arrived at Aras some three hundred years ago they were astonished to learn the true nature of the ancient rumours. Sat quietly, at the epicentre of the lands, was a construct that matched the scale of the rumoured shadows. He was covered in dried mud and overgrown with moss. slumbered in silence. Many thought him dead and were relieved to know that they had to only fear their current pursuers.
  
  Imagine their surprise when some days later, after setting up their makeshift homes around this relic, it animated. At first they were frozen in fear. They suspected it was filled with malicious intent and indeed it was. Though its violence was not directed at them in the slightest. It rose from its position and tentatively stepped over the tents and homes toward the direction they'd come from. Some of the settlers hurried along behind it on horseback to see what the golem was after and found it engaged in vicious combat with the demons that had been chasing them. It didn't stop until every single one was ground to a paste in the soil. Then he returned to his resting place and slumbered once more.
  
  It was this act that would have the settlers choose to remain in the otherwise inhospitable land. Choosing safety from demons over the certainty of tomorrow.
  
  
  Aras has become home to many points of interest now that its mystery has been dispelled by its inhabitants. From the corpse dam that supplies the city of Golamves with its fresh water to the ancient shrines and temples to forgotten gods that are somehow kept in a constant state of cleanliness. The most impressive of all the sites however is the heart of Golamves itself where, in its slumbering glory, sits the protector.
  
• 
  Golamves is a rapidly growing city within Aras that has claimed the entirety of the region as theirs some hundred years ago. After its first settlers determined that land was their sanctuary they established large and spaced out structures of stone and brick. These structures would be built upon and added to over the generations and are now the original pillars of Golamves. These pillars were seen as essentials and have since become infamous within the city as meetup sites or buildings of great influence. These buildings being the first bathhouse, the palace of the Prince-Mayor, the temple of devotionals, the first library, and the vault of the Bouldorians.
  
  Originally the town's name was Golem Vest named after the golem that protected them and symbolising their willingness to nestle their buildings close to the titan. The name would be bastardised as generations came about and the slurred Golamves would become so commonly stated that only the truly educated would be able to remember when the town had another name. It was also the truly educated that remembered the past traditions of their nomadic ancestors which were rapidly being phased out as people attempted to emulate the large titan before them.
  
  Golamves' rapid growth from a handful of buildings into a thriving metropolis was no stroke of luck but extreme perseverance. Once the essentials had been established they turned to the local resources and set about taming the land. Across it they found passive animals ripe for herding, untainted yet small streams, and a surplus of bone. Clearly once a site of great interest to whatever lived there before them, the inhabitants used the large bones and mortar to construct a dam to use for their drinking and farming needs. As it ran down from a nearby mountain there was little to worry about being caught in its flow.
  
  The trend of expansion would continue until present day where the arid lands are now fertilised by the blood, sweat, and tears of the Golamite people. Hardy plants are cultivated both within and without the city's many layered walls in the form of expansive crops or compact urban blocks. Each layer of the wall tells an increasingly elaborate tale of the triumph of the people who call them home and are becoming increasingly more decorated in nature in an almost subconscious understanding that they're not as needed as they once were.
  
  
  The Golamite people are a unique collection of souls. They have varying beliefs about the afterlife and even the best way to govern. Some worship foreign gods, the spirits of their ancestors, the titan in the city's centre, or an increasingly popular belief that the titan is the construct of a benevolent creator God that exists not in the physical but in the form of a cosmic architect. The one thing can all agree on however is their roles to play in society.
  
  The Golamites adhere to a strict caste system that offers only freedom from its shackles in the form of service to the city's knightly order. For those who wish to live safe lives within the city's limits there are four named castes. The Inspirers, the descendants, the virtuous, and the martyrs.
  The Inspirers are those at the top of the caste system. They are the original powers that were in the nomadic days of the people. Inspirers enjoy the luxuries of the city and carry a terrible social burden that prevents them from acting out of place. If caught acting out of place they are either set upon by their social lessers or by their peers who would seek nothing more than to empower their own position.
  The descendants refers to the original descendants of the caravans. For those who were seen as the common folk of the caravans, their families were set up as the upper middle class of the city. They often have access to education and tend to live in the social sweet spot where they are entitled to many benefits without the social restraints of others. Many wish that they were born of these bloodlines and recognise their privileges.
  The virtuous is a polite way to say 'those who suffer silently'. These are the lower class workers of society. Their families often come from outsiders or they were disgraced long ago and still wear the shame generations later. They make up the majority of society and work quite laboriously in the mines or on the farms of the city. It is within this class that the city often finds its guards and soldiers.
  The martyrs are those who are forced to suffer from birth to death. These people are to be kept in what appears from an outside perspective as slavery. When an outsider's bloodline is shamed, a person is born too malformed to be useful to the city's duties, or a soul is tarnished with accusations of treason they find themselves sworn to this caste. Some of the more affluent in the Descendants or the Inspirers may take pity on these souls and keep them as servants or, if more depraved, as pets. Golamites look at martyrs with disgust and pity, often thanking whatever God they believe in for not being doomed to such an existence.
  
  
  The Golem that protects the city is known by many names. Some such names are Titan, the city's protector, and now Kalavash'Masuur from the growing influence of the new religion in the city. Regardless of its name the golem that watches over the lands has been recognised since the land's original settling as a protector and an inspiring figure. Its lumbering figure gave birth to legend that shrouded their growth from the outside world and now offers protection by name alone to those who seek shelter from demons.
  
  What the city doesn't know about the golem, they leave to rumour and conjecture. Its origins are unknown as it was ancient when they had already arrived all those years ago. So some say it is a gift from the heavens, the remains of a dead god, a construct of raw energy, or the remnants of a powerful mage who has since vanished. Even with these rumours of its origins many would rather think of their future with the titanic being. Its protection has kept them safe until now but many feel as if they should protect it in turn, and those that wish to act on these feelings often find themselves atop the figure with a brush in hand.
  
• 
  The Bouldorian Order of Dutiful Persons.
  
  
  Within the Bouldorians, there are few ranks with clear divides. They don their armour with symbols of their rank and those above the rank of initiate are often easily recognisable to those below them as their burdens of authority double with each rank increase.
  
  For those fresh into the order, the rank of Brush Squire is given. The name is humiliating by design as they often serve to fill the menial ranks of the order. Their position is only ever intended to be transitionary. Brush Squires tend to a number of domestic duties with the most esteemed of them being the cleaning of the city's protector - which is a difficult journey. To clean the moss from atop the head of the titanic figure they must scale the small grooves in its body and then, when tired from the climb, clean and descend once more. All without safety equipment. It is not uncommon for a Brush Squire to perish during their duties or to break under the burden of the order.
  
  For those who manage to endure the duties and do so with distinction, they are promoted to the rank of Pebble Errant. Pebble Errants are often given the responsibilities of commanding the education of a Brush Squire and are permitted to take one with them out into battle or on their quests if those above them permit it. Pebble Errants may also be forced to uphold the duties of a Brush Squire in the presence of an order superior if there are none present to do so. Pebble Errants are ordered to go on pilgrimages to the dens of lesser demons or ancient shrines scattered throughout the lands that are of a similar design to those within the territories of Golamves. Many live and die within this rank never seeing the higher positions of the order or the privileges that come with it.
  
  The rank above is the Prefect. Prefects exist to command those below them and seemingly little else. They are given access to restricted information about the order's wants and goals and have usually forsaken the pleasures of life to achieve this status. Prefects ensure that Bouldorians of ranks below them are adhering to the vows and values of the order and make public examples of those they find lacking. Those that are physically unable to continue to do so tend to the libraries of the order and set about chronicling all that they can to keep this information alive but secure.
  
  Sentinels are an infamous rank within the order and appear very rarely. Sentinels may go generations without appearing but when they do they make the ground beneath them holy. These are men and women born when the golem is active. As if by divine blessing, these children possess potent magical abilities similar to those observed in the city's protector. These people have been observed changing the very nature of their skin, wielding power beyond their form, and being fearless more than once. When a sentinel is born they are given to the order and live a life of luxurious hardship under the direct supervision of the order's leader.
  
  The leader of the order is the City Watcher. It is said that those at the top have an easy life but this isn't the case within the order. If a City Watcher appears to be lazy in their duties or doesn't suffer as much as the lowliest Brush Squire, they are considered disgraces to the order and are quickly deposed of by their peers. These leaders often indulge in self harm to show their conviction and will go to great lengths to out do their predecessors. The City Watch is responsible for the act of every Bouldorian. They are the judge to every trial within the order and second in Golamves' chain of command only to the Prince-Mayor.
  
  
  The official goal of the Bouldorians is, "The ongoing safety of people near and far from forces that would seek to subject them to unnecessary harm." The public sees this mission statement and little more but those who are initiated into the order recognise the more elaborate meaning behind this statement, and often share it with family and friends. They recognise that they are called to alleviate the pain of others who are subjected to unjust tyranny and to impress upon them the joys of unfaltering service to something greater.
  
  
  The Bouldorians are commanded to emulate their protector in all regards. These commandments number four in total and are regarded by many outside of the order in Golamite society as the 'four virtues of piety'. These virtues being;
  Duty - "We are made to serve a purpose in this life. We must do as we are meant to and do it without complaint. Do not be complacent under incompetent rule but be contented in humble service to the community and order at large."
  Honour - "We are those who chose to break free of the mould of the mundane and chose to reshape ourselves as something better. We must change our very way of mind and soul to ensure that we show honour in all regards. Strike down the beast that ravages the field, and harm not those who ask for mercy."
  Perseverance - "Like wind and rain, we too must withstand the natural trials that would have us crumble over time. Be like our protector and stand triumphant in the face of adversity. To suffer is to live and to do so with a smile is to live well."
  Compassion - "Do not condemn the weak for their resolve, but offer them patience. Like the protector did to our ancestors, we must offer them refuge and allow them respite. Offer your aid to the heirless farmer and lend an ear to the widowed for their struggles are our struggles and your strength is theirs."
  
• 
  History of the order. (TBA)
  
  The powers that the knights possess are unique in the sense that they come from no demon. The golem that protects their city is powered by an enormous font of magical energy that exists within a chamber below the order's vault. This magical energy comes from unknown source and is regarded by the few who see it as a spring of arcane origin. When the golem activates, it draws massive volumes of power directly from the spring and channels it into its every action. This is also theorised to be the reason its activation and the birth of babies create Sentinels. The sheer magical energy the titan radiates is enough to empower those who are receptive to it.
  
  When a knight is initiated to the role of prefect this spring of magic is revealed to them and a new set of oaths are made. They may never speak of it and may only catalogue changes in its nature in code - which is all too often changing. Additionally, it is worthy of note that no sentinel is permitted to know of this spring of magic unless they themselves become the City Watcher to ensure that they don't feel as if their powers are any less ordained.
  
  
  As well as keeping the font of magic within their vaults a secret, the leadership of the Bouldorians keeps a secret focus of their order under tight wraps. Their desire to emulate the golem is unwavering like many other knights and they have come to realise that the quest to destroy demons is the true purpose of the golem. Whenever presented the chance, members of command will find excuses to increase hostilities with groups who harbour or serve demons in an attempt to eventually justify future war efforts against not the orders but the demons themselves.
  
  When a Bouldorian prefect or sentinel is presented the opportunity to end a weakened demon, it is considered shameful to waste the chance. Because of this secret rule many prefects prefer to keep themselves safely hidden in the city either so that they never reveal their nature or simply out of cowardice. Be that as it may, the order is yet to slay a powerful demon on foreign territory despite its quiet plotting.
  
  
  Induction into the Bouldorian Order of Dutiful Persons is not as simple as one might imagine. While they test loyalty time and time again while in the order, to join you must show a passion to serve and conduct yourself in accordance to the commandments. This is more difficult than it seems as those aspiring to join cannot make their interest public, and cannot complain when overlooked as such traits would be considered shameful to the order. Instead they must work tirelessly in silence and pray that their efforts will be noted. For some this approach pays off and they are picked from the fields or the mines or even the clergy of the city's many faiths. For others, they die in silence never being seen by the order or being overlooked in their searches.
  
  The induction ceremony is a very public affair but, to the surprise of an innocent, is entirely scripted. Those who have been offered to join practice after their daily duties for weeks to perform at this display and are expected to execute it flawlessly as to show the unity of the order. Those who fail are rejected before they even join and will remain banned from the order until their dying day. This puts a lot of stress on initiates who are already weighing up their life choices.
  During this display the initiates are forced to accept a bucket and brush as their sword and shield, decry the evils of tyrants, and swear to serve the people and their protector with righteous intent. This oath is seemingly magic in nature and bestows upon the Brush Squires the first steps into the arts that all Pebble Errants become familiar with.
  
  There is a second induction within the order that many will never experience, and that is the new oath sworn by the prefects and above. This oath is one shrouded in shadow and confessed before seeing the spring itself. This oath is binding and states that on their life they will keep it guarded until the end of their days and those that follow. This oath is not taken lightly and the burden of it has broken great men, driving them to bumble to themselves as they scribe in the vault's library.
  
• 
  When the Black Plague first sprung up in the corners of the world, its malevolent touch was unknown to those of the order. Pebble errants wrote home letters of a sickness that was merciless and fast spreading and, in their arrogance, thought that they had the means to cure the illness. The letters mounted quickly and would cease soon after the declaration of the knights contracting it. As cases spread to lands closer to their home some knights were given direct instruction to ease the suffering of those with the affliction. Many had not the resources in foreign lands to do so and, with permission from their superiors, brought the suffering home to Golamves to care for them as best they could. Many of the people brought to the city were pleased to have a small beacon of hope at the end of an otherwise dark tunnel.
  
  Their hope granted them nothing however as those brought to the city would die just the same. These outsiders would be kept in the city's slums along side the martyrs and particularly misfortunate virtuous people. The illness spread rapidly from the dying to the living. The pandemic caused concern and the city's leaders elected to quarantine the slums that had already been cursed. Their decision was proven to be most wise as the dead within the slums reanimated and sought out the living to feed their ravenous appetite. The city's army was mobilised and commanded to hold the diseased dead at bay - to which they were successful.
  
  It was at this time that the order recognised the presence of something beyond natural to this plague. They theorised the plague the product of demonic interference or the byproduct of a ritual gone wrong but had no proof on which to announce these claims. Every assessment that had been made on the sick showed the signs of natural illness and even the reanimation of the deceased could be explained away with parasites or old superstition. That was until the dead changed.
  
  The disease spread through the slum and infected nearly every living soul within the quarantined zone before it mutated. Some of the soldiers combatting the undead reported seeing unnatural growths drag away corpses into gored buildings. Many would ask to investigate but be denied as the city attempted to protect their people from further plague. As the days passed these houses sprouted fleshy vine-like appendages that wrapped around them and lured the dead within. At these reports to order became heavily involved and the use of magic increased to combat the threat.
  
  Not long after the introduction of magic into the combat methods against the infection, their fears would be confirmed. The infection had been within the city for nearly a month now and from these houses, which the soldiers dubbed as nests, fused corpses and unholy aberrations charged. They unleashed corrosive bile, ripped apart men with dozens of arms, and attempted to spread their pestulence further by force. Their rampage would be swiftly ended however as the city's protector animated with its sights set firmly on the slums.
  
  The nests were razed by the golem as it threw scorching hot rays from its eyes and fingertips. The aberrations were crushed under heel and those that weren't were slain by the loyal men of Golamves who charged in alongside their protector. Houses were torched and the undead were butchered en masse. It was revealed to the soldiers and the knights of Golamves that some had managed to hold out in these slums without signs of the disease. For those unfortunate souls, they would find themselves wishing for the plague. They were forced to cart the dead out of the city's walls into mass graves and then, when exhausted and their duties done, were pushed into the pits themselves alive and screaming with dirt piled in on top of them.
  
  After the failure of treatment the Bouldorian Order of Dutiful Persons became deeply fascinated in the plague. The city's leadership closed the gates to any persons displaying illness and the order sent out as many of its knights as possible to learn about this plague. Their duty was to find a cure or to at least prevent the recreation of their failure in the slums of Golamves. The Sentinels of the order also offered their powers to aid some of the knights in their quest but gave them special directives. They were instructed to find whatever or whoever was responsible for the plague and put it to a violent end. Person, mage, or demon alike.
  

 

[Am Vya]

The Holy Order of Viinturuth

• Overview & Region
• The Orders History
• Ranks of the Order
• The Rightous Path
• Regiments of the Order

• 
  
  
  In the East of Occilan lies a land known as Krajtegun. A region with vast sprawling fields and forests alike, rich and fertile valleys with rivers and lakes breathing life into every corner of the land, it is a paradise for those who would settle it. Yet for most of recorded history the region has been unpopulated or at very best extremely sparsely populated, though this is due to the harsh terrain on all of its borders. Flanked to its south and west by the immense and towering Endrian Mountains and to the East by the Ocean the region has only one logical entrance, the north, yet this too is not an easy crossing as it is dominated by marshes and wide rivers bordering forests, preventing very much development.
  
  Due to its sheer isolation very few lived here and no larger civilisations formed, however over time persecuted groups of people would flee eastward to lands promised to them by deities, and while some simply opted to settle on the western banks of the mountains there was those that settled within the range itself and even some who pushed all the way through, and were rewarded for their hard work with a truly blessed land to grow and prosper in.
  
  After the arrival of these small groups and eventually the Holy Order itself the region would quickly develop, turning into a secluded yet quite prosperous realm with bustling trade across the Endrian mountains during times of peace. The centuries of struggle have carved out many interesting sites across Krajtegun, including the Mountain Passes of Majtas, The ruined city Aekblenon, the Holy Temple of Thaalgard, and various other landmarks that dot the landscape.
  
  
  
  In the southern fields of the land upon the great river Thaal sits the proud city that dominates both the landscape and the region as a whole, Thaalgard. The city is old and massive, though it was not always so. It was founded by the first missionaries of the order as the original position it held on the plateau along the river prevented attacks from an entire side of the city and ha quite fertile fields. Very quickly the city began to expand and its first layers would eventually grow into what is now known as the Old Quarter and Nobles Quarter respectively. As the city grew and grew soon people began to settle below the plateau and eventually great works were constructed to link the two halves of the city, with the lower half expanding much larger and the upper half solidifying itself as the better off chunk of the city. At the centre of the city bordering the lower and upper quarters alike is the Holy Temple, an immense and massive complex with entire halls dedicated to the God's as well as portions of the building serving as the barracks for the holy guard and even including the governing facilities of the city and whole order.
  
  Farmers operated both within and outside the walls in special garden districts, turning out ample amounts of produce both plant and meat wise, in order to feed the vast population of the city. Other districts within the city consisted of various Market Quarters where trade was centered around, and the outskirts of the city which was collectively known as the Foreign quarter, consisting of the poorer and foreigners of the city generally. Nonetheless the whole city saw some level of prosperity for many decades and centuries.
  
• 
  
  
  The Holy Order of Viinturuth is an old and proud order filled with tradition. It was founded centuries ago by a group of powerful magic users who had contracted themselves with seven deities in order to stop an ongoing conflict between their kings and local lords. These powerful mages succeeded and ended the feuds, and soon gathered a following of their own in worshipping these even deities that had helped them. Unfortionately this order quickly became considered Heretical by their homeland and their followers became ostracised by society, being forced into less well off sections of the cities or out of them entirely. After years of this abuse the order had enough, and embarked on a great trek to a new land promised by their deities. The journey was long and hard, and took them to the opposite end of the continent, but after near half a decade of travel they finally arrived. This new land had great impenetrable mountains, fertile fields and valleys, rivers that breathed life into every corner of the region, and a grand sea blue as sapphire. This region they called Krajtegun in their tongue, meaning "bountiful lands". Within this region on the great river Thaal they established their capital, Thaalgard. The city grew rapidly from a small fort into a grand city, from where they expanded evermore outwards, being only stopped by the Endrian Mountains to the south and west, and the River Narazul to the north.
  
  As the populace evergrew so too did The Order's rule, and all new cities and castles established within the region came under the jurisdiction of Thaalgard. Within mere decades the Order had gone from a backwater organisation of mages and warriors to the heads of a new Theocratic Government, waging war upon all Heretics and ensuring the prosperity of their people. The region prospered with business, the Endrian mountains producing some of the finest metals of the lands, however not all was well. The Kingdom of Krajtegun as it came to be known as was constantly at war, due to its quite zealous nature in the form of its Religion, declaring all others to be Heretics worshipping false idols. The result of this was development of many road networks throughout the kingdom that led to impressive fortresses and castles that dominate the mountain passes, valleys, and all other means of passage in and out of the land. This in turn bred a very warlike people, experts of their craft in near all manners.
  
  
  
  For quite a long period of time the Kingdom persisted, in various times of war and peace alike. This would all change of course once the Great Plague struck. It started off slow due to the sheer isolation of the realm, but once cases began to be reported throughout the northern boundaries of the orders' lands it was soon discovered that the plague was approaching at alarming rates and spreading throughout all the cities without mercy. Gates were shut and entire populations were locked either in or out of civilization to no avail, as once the plague entered Thaalgard it decimated the population. Soon after in the foreign quarter it became apparent that those who had died from the plague had come back as some vile magical creatures hellbent on killing everything in their path. This would not stand and the Order instantly took to studying the disease while trying to quarentine the worse off sections of the city. Their efforts produced mixed results, as they could not find a cure but what they did discover was that this plague and its byproducts had been the work of either demons or wildmages. This was learned too late however as the market quarters had been overrun and those remaining in the city had to flee into the Temple quarter itself, shutting themselves off from the rest of the city. From there they tried their best to organise forces left outside the district but to no avail. The city had been all but lost, and messanger birds flew daily to various lords further south and west hoping to make them aware of the disease before it had spread more.
  
  This last ditch effort worked and various banner masters and nobles holed up in their towns and castles within the mountains, and through sheer force pushed the Plague's horrid creatures back. After amassing their forces the Order took to a massive campaign that saw Thaalgard retaken and the disease eradicated from its streets and walls. Infected buildings were demolished and razed, and all those infected were killed and cremated to avoid becoming monsters like numerous others had. Once the city was back in the hands of the order a large scale reorganization had been done and all studies of the plague turned to developing new methods to combat and contain it. The military developed entire new technologies and new magics were learned all in the effort to fight back this evil disease.
  
  The Great Plague was decreed to be a work of Heretics and Pathless beings, and so with new resolve the Order set out on campaign to begin retaking the rest of its lands. Fortresses were stormed and the plague was driven out of many places, however not everything could be saved. In some regions the Order has had no option but to raze entire cities, reducing once bustling centres of population to nothing but ash and ruble. But nonetheless the warlike nature of this people has led it to proclaim that through steel and blood they will cleanse the land of this foul sickness and all its heretical creations it hath brought with it, and that no quarter will be given to those who have forsaken the Gods or those who dare to willingly harbour the plague and bring it upon the doorsteps of any civilized lands.
  
  With this proclamation it was decided that the Order must also seek to destroy the source of the Plague whatever it may be, and so entire companies have been sent forth making the perilous journey through the Endrian mountain passes to seek out the cause of the sickness and to stop it if possible.
  
• 
  
  
  Within the Order itself is quite an organised and expansive heirarchy, with the Grandmaster at the top leading the Order and Kingdom alike. However this is far from the only rank and so instead we shall jump to the bottom and work our way up. The lowest position within the order is that of Novice, freshly levied or volunteered men and women who have just joined the Order. They spend their time often learning the Holy Texts and running day to day errands such as cleaning or maintaining buildings. From here the novices will be sorted into those Magically gifted and those not.
  
  Once sorted they come into the next rank, known as Initiate. These are the first proper members of the order and are in training to either join the Arcane and Clergy or the Military sects of the order respectively. All initiates will undergo what is known as the Journey of Purity, in which they will make pilgremage to some of the holiest sites in the region and undergo various rituals, culminating in the Grand Initiation where they rise to the next ranks.
  
  
  
  Those who complete the Initiation on the Military side of the order become Footmen, they make up the bulk of the army and are common soldiers, armed by the order or themselves if they can afford it. These men are put into city guards and militia units generally, being better suited for such jobs moreso than combat but in times of desperation the footmen can be levied into new regiments when needed.
  
  From here the path splits, and those magically talented become Magisters, training to heal soldiers of the Order or to rain fire upon the enemy.
  
  Those not in the Magisters Sect are known as Bannermen, and are the true backbone of the Orders Army, being well armed and equipped, going into battle either via horseback or on foot. These men fight spear in hand to destroy all heresies across the lands, and will stop at nothing to purify their homeland. Often equipped with Plate or mail armour their looks vary based on which Castle or House they hail from but nonetheless they fight all with the same zeal. These soldiers are also organsied into various Regiments that dominate the military structure of the army, fighting its wars wherever called to.
  
  Further up from here we reach the Holy Guardsmen, a much smaller and elite force tasked with guarding the Holy Temples and officials of the Order. These men can be distinguished from the Bannermen with their white cloaks and richly decorated armour, the selection process of becoming one of these guardsmen is rigourous and harsh, ensuring only the strongest of warriors and magisters are in service with the Guardsmen. Although not officially part of the Regimental system within the Order in the past during great times of need the Guardsmen have been organised into an elite regiment that proved itself multiple times over.
  
  Above this we have the Banner masters and the Archmagister. Banner Masters are the lords of Bannermen, generally heads of noble houses or proven military commanders, and help with the organisation and leadership of campaigns and the defense of the realm. The Archmagister is head of the Magister sects and seen generally as the Second in Command within the order.
  
  Above here lies only the Grandmaster, who is chosen by the Gods themselves out of the Holy Guardsmen. Only the strongest and most devoted may even hope to be chosen by this position, and it is a position for life. The Grandmaster not only is in charge of the military aspect of the Order but also the civilian government and in effect is similar to a monarch.
  
  
  
  Within the Kingdom itself also are various Saints and Martyrs, those that have been venerated by the Gods or in the Gods names for their heroic deeds. Often blessed by the Gods themselves the souls of these Saints and Martyrs have been elevated to divinity themselves, being lesser demons in a sense. Thus many form contracts with these Saints, in order to both honour their name and to grow their own powers.
  
  An example of this is Saint Anzor of Aegenka, he was a warrior unrivaled in strength and arcane abilities during his time. With the demon he had contracted he campaigned numerous times in service of the gods and never once wavered or faltered in battle. His life had been hard fought, as he was by his path a mere Manufacturer. However by the blessings of the Gods he would rise to such strengths never seen and by the end of his time he had arisen to being one of the Greatest Banner Masters of the entire history of the Order. Had he lived he could even have possibly been chosen to ascend to that of Grandmaster, but fate would not have it so. Instead Anzor would meet his fate fending off an entire advancing army from the Great mountain fortress of Aegenka with only a dozen men to aid him, while the rest of the garrison and populace within was evacuated. Anzor and his men held for 4 months before the Heretic armies finally breeched the Holy Temple and slew him, it is said before he drew his last breath he had slain over 400 Heretics. His fate served as a rallying point to all across the order and he became venerated as one of the greatest Martyrs of all and was soon venerated as a Saint by the Gods themselves. Today he stands as one of the more popular of Saints that men in the order wish to Contract, and an inspiration for all regardless of their path.
  
  
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  Alongside these ranks lie a caste system that dominates the entire Order and by associastion the Kingdom it rules, known as the Holy Path. The Holy Path is a role desginated to every person by the Gods, which indicates what jobs or functions the person may perform, as well as their standing in society. The Path doesn't determine exactly what job a person must have, rather, it determines what types of jobs a person may have. With this system there are Three Path's one can be born into.
  
  The first of these is the "Sublime" Path. The Sublime is the Path of nobles, high-ranking officials, and rulers in general. These are highly-respected members of society, and are often seen as "superior" by those outside this Path.
  
  The next Path is that of the "Erudite". The Erudite is the path of professions that require high knowledge, such as alchemy or scribery. People in this path generally also consist of high performing Magisters and lower government officials.
  
  The final Path chosen to people is that of the "Manufacturer". The Manufacturer is the path of professions that require physical and manual labor, such as blacksmithing or woodcraft. This path primarily includes merchants, smiths, and men of all calibre. This is as well the most common of the castes and a majority of the populace is made up of Manufacturers.
  
  Seeing as these path's do not determine people's exact jobs there are plenty of scenarios where a Manufacturer can arise to be one of the most prominent Merchants in the realm or an Erudite could rise to the position of Archmagister, but there is some level of restriction nonetheless. As opposed to being one of these members there are also those known as "Pathless". The Pathless is a "Path" for those who have forfeit their original Path, usually by committing a grave crime or by ignoring the boundaries of their original roles. A person can also become Pathless if they refuse to ever be assigned a Path by the church in the first place. As such, they are often seen in a negative light by the common folk.
  
  While foreigners are also technically Pathless, this negative connotation doesn't carry over to them, since they never had a Path to begin with, seeing as they live outside the Path system.
  
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  Within the Military force of the order itself there are many different Regiments and units, all varying based on which House or region of the realm they hail from. In total the order operates about 10 Regiments at all times, generally 1000 men strong which ensures a constant defense of the Order's territories and outposts. Although this may seem like a large part of the population of the region it is to be remembered that the region even before the plague was susceptible to prolonged periods of war and thus the majority of the people are trained warriors before their other talents.
  
  Some of the more famous regiments include those such as the Scarlet Guard who pioneer gunpowder weapons in the Order, utilizing new technologies such as cannons and matchlock weaponry. They are quite infantry focused and have in recent proven to be one of the most effective forces of the army, with this new technology revolutionizing the way the Order fights wars. Advancing in blocks of pikemen with harquebusiers flanking them these men have proven themselves to be formidable against cavalry, infantry, and demons alike. Their discipline is unshakable and their ferocity on the field is unmatched, making them one of the most feared regiments of all.
  
  
  
  Another popular regiment is that of the Darone Riders, a specialised regiment of shock cavalry. These men go into battle upon the fastest steeds of the land, and are some of the heaviest armoured soldiers the order has to offer. They charge with lance and sword alike, shattering enemy lines with ease and even having reportedly routed entire armies before. Often being the first forces deployed on battle the Darone Riders lead the charge for any other regiments participating in battle, opening up the enemy forces for the Order's various infantrymen.
  
  However by far these two regiments pale in comparison to the Aeksian Paladins. The Paladins are an elite regiment of soldiers who have campaigned numerous times and are reported with only faltering in battle twice, not something many other regiments can tout. The Aeksian's are a Heavy Infantry force by nature, equipped in full plate and mail, and armed with halberds, greatswords, and matchlock pistols. These men when deployed can decimate entire hordes of enemies without support and have at times turned the entire tides of war. The Paladins are true masters of shock warfare however, being utilised to storm breaches in sieges and to break sieges against our own fortresses whenever needed.
  
  
  
  There are many more regiments with their own specialties and awards, but they are just lesser known. Another note could be the absence of any mage regiments, and that is because arcanists are assigned to regiments as any other bannermen or footmen are. They generally are healers or in some regiments serve as battlemages and commit great deeds worthy of praise and song themselves. Part of the reason for there not being entirely arcanist Regiments is also due to their lower numbers, not all in the land are magically talented and even fewer skillfully talented, and so it would be both a waste of potential and resources to commit to the formation of such a force.
  
  This however does not mean that dedicated Arcanist units do not exist, as within the Holy Guardsmen there exists a group of powerful Arcanists who both guide the training of lesser arcanists and also participate in battle as their own unit when called upon.