Saffron Order

an old or ancient organization which still casts a shadow The Saffron Order falls into that interesting grouping of often dismissed stories considered myths, tall tails, or historical facts. Many modern scholars scoff at the idea that the Saffron Order ever existed. Yet, mystical beings of the Saffron Order feature prominently in many modern fictional tails. Other popular stories are about great adventurers discovering a hidden monastery on a tall mountain top where the Saffron Order continues to exist in peaceful secrecy. If any such monastery was discovered to exist news of its location would spread like wildfire over dry grass plains. Most certainly Yalthum would be on the march within a fortnight. The Saffron Order is just one of many clandestine organizations that have long since been lost to time. The popularity of these secret societies has never diminished. Many of these societies served as safe spaces for open dialogue about everything from academia to religious discourse, removed from the restrictive eye of the church and state. The Saffron Order was one such group. It originated in the Midgard universe as a small religious sub-order of the larger Buddhist religion. The members of this order permitted men and women to join and they taught as well as researched the concepts of democracy, modern science, and ecumenical religion. They elected their own leaders and drew up constitutions to govern their operations. Much of their power was wrapped up in their ability to stay anonymous and keep their communications secret. The Saffron Order supposedly undermined a number of the ancient nations driving them to war with each other. In the end, the tattered survivors come together forming a lasting peace and becoming the ancient roots that grew into the nation of Yalthum. In spite of supposedly being the perpetrators that ended the lives of millions of people in wars, the Saffron Order is also revered by many. In popular mythos about the order, they all swore to a life of service and had to follow a strict regiment of personal training to sharpen their minds and bodies. The Saffron Order believed that salvation and peace were ultimately achievable for people but only if they were able to overcome their worldly greed and self-service. Stories conflict on if they would actively participate in war or battles. All stories agree that they:

Refrain from harming living beings.
Refrain from taking that which is not freely given.
Refrain from sexual misconduct.
Refrain from wrong speech; such as lying, idle chatter, malicious gossip, or harsh speech.
Refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs which lead to carelessness.
Encouraged self-improvement through study, research, exploration, and martial arts.
Encouraged others to practice equality between all races and sexes.
Encouraged the selfless sharing of knowledge and skills.

Historical Events Attributed to the Saffron Order

The end of three great Midgard nations by tricking them into waring with each other until all the fanatics were killed off.
Assassination of many mythic tyrants who suppressed knowledge or equal rights for all.
Creation of the nation of Yalthum.
Creation of the Nhia-Samri.

Code of Conduct

Control yourself, let others do what they will.
This does not mean you are weak.
Control your heart, obey the principles of life.
This does not mean others are strong.