The Scorched Saffron Organization in Alkotas | World Anvil
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The Scorched Saffron

Before the Scarlet Thorn took up the worship of the Goddess Ynale, they followed the way of Efana. Essentially a faith-based collection of philosophy and practices for being cuirizu, the Teachings of Efana provided a type of spiritual guidance to the cuirizu of the order who then offered their ministering to the other orders. Efana was generally accepted as the main guiding light for cuirizu until the Gardens and other social systems of the Deep Undergrowth began to reach their height. Even still, during the initial rise of the Deep Undergrowth, there appeared to be room for both ideologies to co-exist with many of the Deep Undergrowth possessing at least a passing understanding of the Teachings at the time.   When Velene converted to worship of Ynale, the Primogen ordered the rest of the order to do so as well, causing the Schism. Numerous members of the order wished not to convert to the worship of the foreign goddess and were slain as heretics or traitors. The Schism grew rapidly and the death toll climbed faster than anyone expected, but before all of the Thorns loyal to the Efana were slain, a prominent member of the order named Akeldama petitioned the Primogen directly to be exiled. What argument or reasoning was presented to the Primogen is not known, but stories persist of a demonstration of Akeldama's martial prowess before the Primogen that won Velene over. Whatever the truth of the matter is, Velene ordered all executions and hunts for the heretics to cease for three days while Akeldama gathered them to her side. At the end of the third day, Akeldama was allowed to depart with her cuirizu and those loyal to them, with any left behind being subject to the judgements of heresy.   The cuirizu fled to the furthest reaches of habitable lands for cuirizu, moving deep into the desert of Al-Tahim and burning the markings from their flesh in a symbolic severance with their former order as they formed the new Order of the Scorch Saffron.   For Cuirizu of exceedingly advanced age, the Order of the Scorched Saffron is an anachronistic look at what the Order of the Scarlet Thorn used to be. Both orders share an emphasis on martial talents with a matching dedication to the Sexual Arts, but the Scorched Saffron has had to adjust to getting by with less due to limited resources in the desert and has shifted its magical focus away from Phyllomagic to include Terramagic and Hydromagic as a means of coping with the brutal conditions of the desert. Cuirizu of the Saffron even bear a passing resemblance to members of the Scarlet Thorn, especially among Elders.   Saffrons are known to have red hair like the Thorns but over the years have begun to breed it out little by little. Orange, Violet, and Red are the most prominent hair colors within the order. Physiques and body decoration are just as varied as the Thorns, with the addition of ritual burns on an arm, leg, or part of the chest also being included as symbols of dedication to the Teachings of Efana and a renewed distance between the Saffron and the Order of the Scarlet Thorn.   The agreement between the two Orders, still in place today, stipulates that the Order of the Scorched Saffron keeps to the wastelands of the desert and the rock of the nearby mountains, never to re-enter the prime territories available to the other orders. Though few of the other orders care about this agreement between the Scarlet Thorn and the Scorched Saffron, many will turn the Saffrons back in the interests of maintaining the peace and keeping a conflict between the orders from spilling over onto their doorsteps. Even so, there is little animosity between the Scorched Saffron and the other orders except in very few cases where territories actually manage to run up against each other.   The Order of the Scorched Saffron lead sparse lives, doing as much as they can with as little as they can manage. The power of the Saffron comes from within, coaxing as much from the flesh and spirit of themselves and those in their Rockeries as possible, creating exceptional warriors and lovers at the same time.  

Scorched Saffron Temples


The Order of the Scorched Saffron maintains it's own temples, but unlike other temples dedicated to individual deities, these temples are dedicated to the study of the Teachings of Efana and the intense physical training and rigorous contemplation that go along with it. Saffron Temples often have statues of Akeldama, not to worship in front of, but to venerate for her liberation of the cuirizu of the order during the schism. Many of the Temples are open to visitors, albeit under strict supervision, as having guests does not violate the agreement between the Saffrons and the Thorns. Those who visit such temples are just as likely to come across a gathering of martial artists as they are rooms of cuirizu engaged in long protracted sessions of intercourse with one another or Acolytes of the Temple. Everything of the flesh is explored within the temples to unlock deeper mysteries of the spirit, the Viridian, Magic, and the power of ki. Saffron Temples house Rockeries, the order's version of Gardens, which tend to the needs of the cuirizu within as well as their guests. Temples are typically constructed of stone shaped from Terramagic, often provided with water by Hydromagic, and given accent plantlife with Phyllomagic. The power contained within the temples is usually arcane in nature, and not divine, despite the faith based purpose for their existence. Many Saffrons learn to fuse the various disciplines here, creating new and interesting manifestations of cuirizu power.

Structure

As exiles living at the edges of hospital territory for their race, the Scorched Saffron has maintained only a few of the roles of other orders while changing a great deal of their structure to fit their spartan lifestyles and observance of Efana, the faith and dogma observed by the Scarlet Thorn before the schism. Most ranks are achieved through degrees of mastery in the teachings of Efana, though much of this mastery is achieved through sufficient age and not always a pointed demonstration of the teachings, though not always.   Primogen: Though not a true Primogen, Akeldama commands the respect of the order just as any Primogen would. When the order split from the Scarlet Thorn, Akeldama was able to secure the safe passage of a great deal of cuirizu, arranging for their peaceful exile from the order without further harassment. Though this is often treated as a spiritual accomplishment by members of the order the truth had more to do with her capability in battle and the respect it held within the Scarlet Thorn.   Akeldama has little that she mandates for the order, having only a few rules of conduct she has ever handed down to the order over her time as Primogen. Instead, Akeldama functions as a source of knowledge for more practical purposes. It was through Akeldama that the practice of Efana survived and which the practice of Terramagic proliferated quickly throughout her followers. Though she has been known to take students to this day, one must first prove their worth. The Primogen spends most of her time honing herself, be it her mastery of Terramagic, Ki, or the Viridian.   Elder: Though most Elders were students of Efana before the schism, few held the degree of mastery that Akeldama had. Elders were the first students of Akeldama when the Scorched Saffron was able to take its leave from the Scarlet Thorn and received the first instructions on Terramagic as it was integrated into the teachings. Today Elders function primarily as teachers at the highest levels, being the highest that most students of Efana will ever encounter in their lives and functioning as the primary judges of who might be worthy of introduction to the Primogen for teaching.   Elders seldomly exercise authority over actual temples, though they are capable of doing so if they wished. Elders leave administration to lesser members of the order, even going so far as to defer to their authority in most matters as they relate to administration in temples. The advice of Elders is always valued, but there is no obligation to follow if it one does not wish to do so. When not providing instruction, Elders will occupy their time primarily with the study of Efana and it's philosophy and practices.   Eyakana: Eyakana are the highest authorities on the matter of the temples, commanding the utmost respect from those studying within their walls. Eyakana are masters of every facet of Efana, having achieved the rank of Eepsis in each one. Considered unparalleled in the arts of martial and sexual arts, the Eyakana also possess keen intellects for tactics and magical theory. The nature of the order's organization does not afford any Eyakana to be lax in any area, requiring a level of mastery in different fields that may be absent in high ranking members of other orders.   Outside of temple matters, the word of an Eyakana still holds considerable weight, especially as it concerns matters of protecting the order. Eyakana never overstate a threat and will move swiftly to provide any lesser members of the order with information critical to their survival. Eyakana have no single temple in which they reside, but rather travel between a group of temples to inspect and offer instruction. When not touring these temples, Eyakanas can be found in their Rockeries with visitation open to any member of Eepsis rank and above.   Eepsis: The rank of Eepsis is one that denotes mastery in a single discipline of Efana, granted by the Eyakana in a formal test. Once achieved, the Eepsis gain authority over a single temple if one is available and serve directly under the Eyakana of the region. Some Saffrons achieved the rank of Eepsis simply to denote their level of understanding however, and never choose to take a position as the head of a temple. Once mastery in one discipline of Efana is achieved, most Saffrons will begin work on their mastery of another, though an extended "cooling off" period is not uncommon to allow for reflection. Those who achieve this rank in all discipline of Efana are granted the rank of Eyakana.   Egome: Any Saffron who has demonstrated a basic understanding of Efana in multiple disciplines is given the rank of Egome. Saffrons of this rank are novices by the standards of the order but those who have shown a commitment to the teachings. Most Egome emphasis the martial discipline of the Efana over others when they start in an effort to defend themselves against the various threats facing the order. Once a Saffron has been granted the rank of Egome, most will start shoring up their knowledge in other areas, allowing their level of martial mastery to serve them for defense until they feel ready to advance.   Erosa: Saffrons who wish to have a rockery and demonstrate a basic understanding of the teachings are awarded the title of Erosa. Erosa's do not need to show a desire to advance in mastery of disciplines, but are required to show a commitment to the teachings and oversee their rockeries accordingly. Erosas are equivalent to a Mistress in other orders and have the same function and responsibility, some Erosa are still referred to as mistress by the mortals under their thrall.   Kinos: Though secretive and suspicious of outside cuirizu, the Order of the Scorched Saffron holds a place within its ranks for those other the Scarlet Thorn who wish to join the Saffron. Saffrons often view the Thorns as lost souls, seduced by a deity and bent to her will. Though they do not seek to rectify that which was done to the order, they do hold out hope for their eventual return to the old ways. Kinos are such cuirizu who have turned from Ynale and seek to return to the teachings of Efana. Kinos exist in a state of probation, being closely observed and often tested by their superiors. Kinos occupy a Temple or a Rockery that wishes to host them, receiving instruction for years before being considered Erosa. Once awarded the rank of Erosa, the cuirizu's past as a member of the Scarlet Thorn is expunged with some even taking entirely new names to symbolize the death of what they were.   Fithiti: Cuirizu of other orders who wish to learn the teachings of Efana go through a great deal to prove their worth. Part of the Scorched Saffron's way of survival is to keep itself relatively isolated, in the hope that the Scarlet Thorn never views their activities as a breach of the agreement between the orders. A fithiti is an individual from another order who has taken on study of these teachings. Most Fithiti originate from a time before the schism, but a small number have received their instruction after. Fithiti are always taught be an Eyakana and monitored closely. Fithiti cannot ascend in rank the way Saffrons do, but may be given honorary recognition of disciplines that denotes a level of mastery equal to that of an Eepsis if particularly worthy.  

Non-Cuirizu Roles


Instead of maintaining Gardens, cuirizu of the Scorched Saffron maintain a Rockery. Though there is little difference between a Rockery and a Garden outside of a temple, there are roles that are included when a Rockery is attached to a Temple that helps differentiate it.   Sacrist: Charged with the maintaining and upkeep of sacred texts and items, Sacrists are awarded with positions of great honor and trust. Though still below the authority of the Second in most matters, Sacrists enjoy a level of autonomy when it comes to their specific area, commanding respect equal to or greater than that of a First. Firsts can command a Sacrist to do anything except anything that would go against their mandate to safeguard and protect her sacred charges. Likewise a Sacrist has no authority over a First save for these charges.   Because of the time a Sacrist spends with these texts and items, they eventually become fluent within the materials and gain an exceptional level of understanding in the teachings. Few Sacrists go for long in their roles without demonstrating a firm understanding of at least a discipline or two. Most Sacrists are every bit as deadly as Enforcers with magical abilities to augment them, making them potent guardians of inner Sanctums as well.   Acolyte: Though mortals cannot climb the ranks of the Saffron, many do receive special recognition for their dedication to Efana. Among mortals of a Garden the role of Acolyte is awarded to those who might have otherwise reached the level of Egome had they been cuirizu. Acolytes typically serve as assistants to the cuirizu they are bound to and often engage in many of the same duties for oblations and obediences. Acolytes are trusted individuals, whose bodies and minds are trained beyond their normal limits, allowing them to truly commit to the martial and sexual arts of Efana.   Firsts and Seconds alike are often chosen from the ranks of the Acolytes in a Rockery, often demonstrating a clear commitment to the teachings and understanding of multiple disciplines. Saffron firsts can exhibit a quiet brutal efficiency that is often unmatched in other orders, and often unexpected.

Culture

Everything in the lives of the Scorched Saffron revolves around the study of Efana, an abstract faith and philosophy once prevalent among the cuirizu. Once the purview of the Scarlet Thorn, the study of Efana was banned when worship of Ynale replaced it. Efana, at its core, is the study of becoming a better cuirizu. The faith centers on the areas of cuirizu expertise and divides them into disciplines, which then are subdivided further into devotions.   Efana is studied in various ways, most of which are not incompatible with other faiths. Indeed, the schism that happened within the Scarlet Thorn was more about the Thorn's purging themselves of their old ways to devote themselves entirely to Ynale rather than the abstract concept of Efana and that of the Viridian. The Scarlet Thorn even goes so far as to sever its connection to the Viridian, taking on a power called the Vermillion in it's place. The Viridian stands central to the study of Efana, with most Saffrons considering it the core of what it means to be cuirzu. Efana has many teachings that cover magic, philosophy, sex, and combat.   Among most cuirizu, Efana is synonymous with a kind of Sex that extends for an extended period of time. The sexual arts of Efana are said to have a lot in common with the teachings of the Kyrs, in fact, with some studies focusing on withheld orgasm, extended orgasm, or rapid repeated orgasm. But Efana extends beyond just the studies of the sexual arts, and many of the Scorched Saffron stand as testament to this. Saffrons are capable of doing a great deal with very little, matching even the Briar Harvest in combat with nothing but their bodies as their weapons and the earth beneath their feet as their allies.   Efana teaches other potent powers which are often neglected by other orders as well, including a master of the Viridian and the power of ki, both of which can be mingled with one another to deadly effect. Each is their own discipline within the techings, but mastery of both is considered the end goal of studying either one. Phyllomagic, though important to the teachings, holds less emphasis with the Saffrons due to most living in the desert. Instead, Terramagic and Hydromagic become more important with all three and Eromagic having their own devotions of equal standing within the Discipline of magic.   The Scorched Saffrons dedication to the Teachings of Efana leaves little room for much else, causing the Saffrons to live less extravagantly that cuirizu of other orders. Even the mortals which the cuirizu take are significantly reduced, being restricted only to those who venerate the same values and lifestyle as the Saffrons. Most other orders, including the Briar Harvest, consider conflict with the Scorched Saffron to be a waste of time and resources due to the lack of bounty to be won from such hard won conquest.   The Test of Sun and Stone
Held during a festival in which the members of the order exhibit their mastery over their disciplines and engage in feasting and revelry, the Test of Sun and Stone is considered the ultimate test of dedication to the teachings of Efana. Cuirizu who participate in the test meet together on a flat plain of rock called the sunstone during the height of summer. Each cuirizu sits nude in a meditative state from dawn til dusk over the course of several days, being permitted only a single cup of water each night while remaining completely stationary. Those who pass the test are given special honor and recognition in the order for their steadfastness and durability in the face of such blistering heat. Few are able to complete the test, and those who fail are encouraged to redouble their efforts in their training.   Every ten years, a variation of the test is held during the festival in which the test continues until all but one of the participants has collapsed under the strain. Those who collapse under the heat of the test are generally treated well and encouraged to indulge in the other activities of the festival once they have recovered. The Festival itself is one filled with bright colors and numerous duels, but it's the spectacle of the duel itself that stands central to all of it. Members of other orders are allowed to participate, either in the test itself or the festivities around them, but such individuals are forbidden from undermining the teachings while doing so.

Assets

Sunstone Temple
Located just outside of the Sunstone, this temple is responsible for the protection and upkeep of the Sunstone, a large flat rock plain in which the Test of Sun and Stone is conducted every year. When the sun makes contact with the Sunstone, the temperature rises to a point by which food can be cooked by within minutes. Considered one of the most inhospitable places in all of Alkotas, the Sunstone serves as a place to test the Saffrons dedication to the teachings of Efana.   The Temple itself is located within a mass of large jagged rock outcroppings, sheltered from the worst of the sun and overlooking the plain below it. Few are capable of approaching the Sunstone from any direction without being detected hours in advance thanks to the vantage point offered by the temples location. The Rockery of the Temple is one of the largest in the order, with numerous Acolytes, Enforcers, and Artisans dedicated to the temple grounds and that of the Sunstone. Throughout the year, Saffrons who wish to settle disputes may meet at the sunstone to engage in Duel, overseen by Eepsis of Sunstone Temple. The results of the duel are recorded and abided by, with few of the duels ever being allowed to be to the death.   Shadowpond Rockery
Located in southern Al-Tahim, Shadowpond Rockery is a rare Oasis found deep in the dunes of the desert. Shade created by large boulders and meticulously maintained palms allows water to collect in a deep impression in the land allowing members of the Scorched Saffron to respite from the scalding heat of the desert. The Oasis of the Rockery is known throughout the order for its hospitality and dedication to the Discipline of the Sexual arts, with cuirizu being able to train for days on end without rest. The Rockery hosts numerous Acolytes capable eager to assist with this training and other obediences.   Shadowpond Rockery is also noteworthy for the business it does with the nearby Emira and her various trade routes. The Eepsis of the Rockery has secured an agreement that allows for travelers with the Emiras seal to take refuge in a dedicated section of the Oasis. The travelers receive safe passage, protected from the elements and bandits, and in return the members of the Scorched Saffron are allowed to operate undisturbed and unfettered, often with addition trade agreements of flesh and Saharite being negotiated every few years when needed.   The Gate of Efana
Located in mountain pass in Southern Vastan, The Gate of Efana is a Temple that sits upon intersecting ley lines. Here, the Primogen of the Order, maintains her Rockery with the assistance of dedicated Eyakana and her First. While the Primogen spends most of her time in the nearby mountains engaged in rigorous training, the Eyakana oversees the training of the most gifted members of the Saffron in the temple itself. Here, the connection to the Viridian, Magic, and even Ki is more powerful, making for more dramatic and potent applications of these energies more attainable by those learning their secrets for the first time.   The Gate of Efana is well protected, with few outside of the Order ever being allowed to approach it. Though the generally accepted reason for this heightened security is the numerous Saffrons and Acolytes training within it's walls, the truth of it is the natural opening to the plane of Ivalia itself, one of the only ones known to exist on the material Plane. The Gate allows for the temple to effectively exist on both planes, with half situated on Alkotas and the other half in Ivalia. The Rockery of the Primogen is located on the Ivalia side, though she spends much of her time in Alkotas. Few Acolytes are permitted entry to the Ivalia side, unless engaging in training or obediences with the Primogen herself.
Alternative Names
Hermits
Demonym
Saffrons
Leader Title
Parent Organization

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