Citadel of the Dawn
Perched precariously upon a majestic cliff, the Citadel of the Dawn rises like a beacon of hope above the Republic of Verisara. This revered academy for monster hunters is a testament to the architectural genius of ages past, with towering spires that shimmer in the morning light and ancient stone walls that have weathered countless storms. From its highest battlements, one can gaze upon the sweeping landscapes of Verisara, watching over valleys, forests, and meandering rivers. The citadel grounds echo with tales of legendary hunts, whispered amongst the winds, and reverberate with the diligent training of aspirants. The air is rich with the scents of aged tomes, the tang of weapon oil, and the subtle undercurrents of magic. Hallowed halls and chambers are adorned with banners, statues, and artifacts—relics of great hunts and heroes of old.
Structure
1. High Chancellor
- Role: The supreme leader and highest authority within the Citadel, responsible for setting overarching strategy, policy, and guiding the Citadel’s role in Aethria.
- Responsibilities: Oversees all divisions, makes final decisions on major threats, and represents the Citadel in diplomatic affairs. The High Chancellor also leads the Council of Masters and ensures that training, strategy, and operations align with the Citadel’s mission and values.
- Current Holder: High Chancellor Liora Valewyn.
2. Council of Masters
- Role: A senior advisory body comprising experts who lead specific departments critical to the Citadel’s function.
- Responsibilities: Each Master oversees a specialized area, such as combat, magical studies, lore, or diplomacy, guiding both their division’s internal training and advising the Grandmaster. They work together to coordinate comprehensive training programs and ensure that Hunters are equipped to handle the diverse challenges of Aethria.
- Ranks within Council:
- Master of Arms: Leads combat training and martial tactics.
- Master of Aethers: Directs studies in Aetheric arts, spellcasting, and magical defense.
- Master of Lore: Manages the Bestiary and historical research, equipping Hunters with essential knowledge of the creatures and history of Aethria.
- Master of Diplomacy: Oversees diplomatic training, preparing Hunters for political missions and interactions with Aethria’s realms.
3. Captains
- Role: Experienced Hunters who hold field and operational command, often serving as team leaders or mentors for other Hunters.
- Responsibilities: Captains lead specialized squads on field missions, oversee group exercises within the Citadel, and provide direct mentorship to Acolytes. They can issue orders to squads both within the Citadel and in the field, functioning as the primary contact point for teams operating on missions. When leading or coordinating squads, Captains are responsible for ensuring that their team adapts to both combat and diplomatic challenges, embodying the Citadel’s dual focus on physical and strategic acumen.
- Selection: Captains are appointed based on demonstrated leadership, field experience, and skill, with a focus on those who have excelled in both tactical and diplomatic scenarios.
4. Hunters
- Role: Fully trained members and the primary force of the Citadel, Hunters are tasked with missions involving Aetherspawn control, monster hunts, and strategic support for Verisara and allied regions.
- Responsibilities: Hunters undertake assignments either individually or in squads, depending on mission requirements. They operate under the guidance of Captains, who direct their assignments and act as their liaison within the Citadel. Hunters are expected to continue refining their skills across all areas of combat, survival, and diplomacy.
- Rank Progression: As they gain experience, Hunters may specialize further in areas such as magical or strategic support, and some may be promoted to Captain if they demonstrate strong leadership.
5. Acolytes (Recruits)
- Role: New entrants who undergo extensive training and trials to become fully-fledged Hunters.
- Responsibilities: Acolytes participate in a rigorous training program led by Captains and Masters, covering combat tactics, Aetheric studies, diplomacy, and survival. Their training includes multi-stage trials to test their abilities in realistic scenarios, with Captains supervising their progress and Masters providing instruction in specialized fields.
- Training Structure: Acolytes advance through preliminary and final assessments, with only those who succeed being initiated into the Citadel as Hunters.
Founding Date
744 SE
Leader
Parent Organization
Notable Members
Related Plots