The Order of the Sanctified

Written by Yankee Samarai

“As Martyrs we toiled silently for the sake of Ashnuw, enduring the mockery of Kingdoms who only now see that our preparations were just. Now, you...creatures, and isolationists, will no longer be tolerated.”

Overview

The Humble, Militant Order of the Unblemished, Sanctified, and Elect Servants of Elyon, more commonly known as The Sanctified, are a Chivalric Order and primarily human faction, appearing in the year 1700-present. Motivated by extreme religious zeal, the Sanctified unleashed a wave of terror which threatened to plunge Ashnuw into chaos. Their aggressive tactics stemmed out of extreme frustration to the current world order which had seemingly failed utterly to make preparations for Pale’s return, of which the Order of the Martyrs had prophesied for centuries. The Sanctified leadership believed strongly Ashnuw’s many sins against Elyon would allow Pale victory as judgement against Ashnuw. Primarily, the Sanctified condemned the practice of inter-species marriage between humans, dwarves, elves, etc., which created half-breeds, which stood in clear violation of the doctrine Sanctity of Species. Although the practice had imbedded itself in many parts of the continent, the Sanctified’s numbers swelled with individuals who saw this as a blemish on Elyon’s natural order. The Sanctified were mainly led by Baldwin de Sulac and Artois de Valiate among others. Artois attained the position of Grand Master of the Order of the Martyrs, from which he opened negotiations with Bergenstaat for the construction of highly advanced weaponry. Under his leadership, the Sanctified developed new pathways in technology, the culmination of which was a weapon which Artois aptly named “The Rectifier."

Weapons and Technology:

Sanctified soldiers and Knights were characterized by their formidable armor and weaponry, which made them a foe not to be taken lightly by any single kingdom. Part of Artois’ policy was to use the Order’s enormous wealth to make advancements in military technology and to train recruits in the professional art of war. Lacking in able means to supply themselves on the scale Artois desired, he turned to Bergenstaat which supplied a significant portion of his weapons. Because of Bergenstaat’s assistance, nearly every Man-at-Arms and Knight was able to be outfitted with the latest rifles, pistols, as well as swords, armor, and other gear.
The implementation of rifles as a mainstay weapon was an absolute necessity, as Supers were non-human, thus primarily became part of the enemies ranks, although there were few exceptions. Rifles deployed in mass numbers, combined with professional training is what allowed the Sanctified to compete and even sometimes dominate their opponents despite their numerical disadvantage.
Other Technology
Landmines: These new devices were invented by Martyrs to protect their forts from goblins who may surge from underground. Many of these were brought to Middlemarch and used to defend against potential invaders.
Canon: Gunpowder based artillery. While no more powerful than other types of artillery, its advantage is that it is able to be fired quicker, and with various types of projectiles ranging from kinetic damage shells, to grapeshot, and incendiary.
The Rectifier:

History

Origins
“They swelled from within our ranks, like Goblins of the Gholar Empire.”
The title and crest of the Sanctified did not appear to the public until the invasion of Middlemarch. Prior to this, they operated as a secret society, as popular opinion within the Martyr Order began to sway from the standing Grand Master, Francis de Molay, who was considered moral, but lacking in boldness. Francis was an admirer of King Edward of Tir Cendel and sought to mimic his efforts in encouraging peace between the races of Ashnuw. This was a furthering of Grand Master Jacque de Valiate’s policies, Artois’ great grand-father, whose more tolerant approach as well as separation from the King of Vachelous assisted the Martyrs in expanding their power and attaining the sky island of Navis Roche, as well as surface territories in Draldon. In spite of this, many Knights yet believed in the Sanctity of Species doctrine, and were greatly concerned that Francis’ polices would allow mixed breeds to be accepted into the Order and compromise their holiness. Yet another point of contention were the rumors that began emerging out of Middlemarch, and the man Donindor that seemed to be linked to them all, in the eyes of the Order. Many spies were sent ahead, but Donindor remained elusive, nevertheless, there remained evidence that whispered of Pale.
Of these rumors, Francis remained passive, there was no concrete evidence and mobilizing troops might alarm the kingdoms. This decision further upset many of the Knights. Those like-minded began meeting covertly and plotting Francis overthrow. They offered to elect Artois de Valiate, pupil of Grand Efficiary Bertrand, both known for their bold action. When Francis’ age and health forced him to resign, the “Shadow Knights” were successful.
Measures were taking immediately, one of Artois’ first acts was to distract key-members of those in opposition to him with important assignments. Initiate Master Guiscard de Sulac was one such opponent, and he was sent to Middlemarch to represent the Martyrs intentions. At the same time Artois hunted for the disgraced Knight, Baldwin de Sulac, whom he considered a friend and spiritual mentor. Baldwin was given access into Artois’ inner circle where he was treated with Prophet-like status. Delivering the words below, Baldwin galvanized the leadership into accepting the mandate that was too be their driving focus:
“This world is soon to be judged for its vices and misdeeds. Misfortune looms on the doormat, and you are the first to take heed. The luxury of power has led to the corruption of Elyon’s natural order. But as His servants, we are a pure Order, a banner to gather the faithful, a sanctified army.”
Conquest of Middlemarch
Baldwin de Sulac led a small contingent of his forces into Middlemarch. Their objective was to gain clues into the rumors surrounding Pale’s return, and the man who seemed to be at the source of these rumors, Donindor.
Baldwin himself entered Adventurers Outpost, collecting information from the locals, while ordering Scarface to shadow his brother.

Flag Color & Symbolism

The colors of the flag speak of their holy mission, while adapting symbolism of the Martyr flag.
The Sans Tache Épée
Characterized as an upturned sword, the Sans Tache Épée (translates: unblemished sword) bears similar yet inverse meanings to the Martyrs downward sword. The blade turned upright signifies the Sanctified’s aggressive mission. It still includes the lumistone as part of the crest, the traditional Vachelous symbol of martyrdom, but its position is changed to be the swords cross guard. Combined, these two items form the idea that active war against Elyon’s enemies is a sacrificial act.
Colors
Blue: Color of divinity, as well as peace, and the Word of God. It is the dominant color, the plane of blue speaking of a cleansed world united in holiness.
Yellow: Isolated to the Sans Tache, which rests in the center of the flag. It is light and hope the same as the Martyrs white crest, however is a more aggressive color equated to fire which is uncompromising in what it burns and cleanses.
Black: sewn onto the borders of a Knight’s tunic, black is the darkness being withheld. The idea mirrors the Borax Uldek surrounding Ashnuw.

Founding Date

1700

Type

Military Order