Order of Fire and Brimstone
The Chivalrous Order of Fire and Brimstone is a militarized religious organization who have outposts and headquarters around the continent. They are dedicated to the production, regulation, and research of Sulphur, and their members have varying degrees of executive and economic influence on the greater population.
It is considered the most regulated and orthodox of Benefactor Organizations, following a strict Humanist Method style of Lithomancy.
The organization due to its strengths and assets, is structured like a feudal military order.
Executive Branch
Chief Pendragon
The ultimate authority within the order. They are elected from the Fifth Class ranks by their peers, and it is a lifetime appointment.
Regional Administration
Chief Vassal
There are Twelve, one for a particular district of the continent. They are composed of Fifth Class and sometimes Fourth Class job ranks.
Catuboduos
The Catuboduoi, who are initiated members, report to a Chief Vassal, often administering subregions and parishes. They are composed of First Class to Fourth Class job ranks.
Non-Initiated Ranks
Squire
Squires are apprentices who are in training to become Catuboduoi.
Men-at-arms
These are laypeople who are officially associated with the order in some way. Often they are people higher guild members are patronizing, or local officials from the region. They enjoy minor perks which are normally closed to non-members.
The Order is very martial and matriarchal in culture, and for higher ranks members are castrated to quell their 'unvirtuous humours'. Members are encouraged to be past child-bearing age before ascending to higher ranks. For younger members, they offer family planning and stipends for marriage and children. Fraternizing, and to the displeasure of many, emotional incest, is encouraged, but members are not allowed to marry each other at lower ranks. This concept is known as Kindred Family, but they are particularly extremist. They believe that the more intense relationships between comrades makes for a more dedicated and loyal army. Betrayal or treason is punishable by torture and execution. They are draconian over sexual assault and domestic violence charges and hold long trials over them, always ending in at least one execution. They have no problem with discipline by maiming. Older women in the order will typically have many younger members close to her, who are often referred to as "goslings", and form sisterly or maternal bonds with them. These relationships venture from platonic to romantic and sensual, but are typically not explicitly sexual nor expected to last past First Class ranks.
The Order focuses on the promotion of standard, humane law throughout Avalon. One of their common phrases is "peace between all beasts", a romantic notion of alliances between man and machine that is not easily achievable. They are known to be very strict with their members in order to preserve the Order from corruption, but have mostly peaceful policies with regards to the general public. They are often hired to oversee mercenary groups or to train a local region's military, and also serve as guards in many places. They are known for their knowledge of different species of fauna and environments, and sometimes publish bestiaries or guides for merchants and nomadic groups.
Most regions donate a certain amount of their income to the Order, which is mainly how they sustain themselves. Guild members who go private have to donate a certain amount of dues to the preservation of the Order as well. There are some areas where the Order is less welcome and thus they generally lose money when first setting up in the area, having to make up for it with raiding or excursions.
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