Order of the Bow
The Order of the Bow is a monastic order of archers following the bowmanship style and philosophy of Aoth Stormwind, Vassal of the Platinum Dragon. The Order is located at the Abbey of the Ruby Rose in Kendell, located in western Branca, the Kingdom of the South.
The Order is one of the two organizations founded by Aoth Stormwind, Vassal of the Platinum Dragon, early in the Fifth Age, the other being the Brancana Rangers.
Description
After Aoth left the Brancana Rangers, he retired to lands granted to him by the kingdom, and there he founded the Order of the Bow and built the Abbey of the Ruby Rose, a monastery where he could instill his ideals and the morals he had learned into future generations of archers. For Aoth, hope was earned through hardship and battle, and he felt he could help those searching for their own hope and save them from the battles he had to endure to earn it. At its start, it was a place where less fortunate individuals, like orphans or refugees, could find some shelter and solace. Some would choose to stay and better the place that aided them, as so the Order would continue to grow and evolve. Word of it has spread slowly through Branca and today, it is a monastery where those seeking aid can find it, and those wanting to provide aid can find a way to make a difference.Philosophy
Though humanitarian efforts are a part of the Order, its central function is to teach and progress Aoth’s philosophy of the bow. While the Brancana Rangers view the bow as a tool and a means to an end, the Abbey teaches initiates that the bow is only as strong as the wielder. Without an archer, it is nothing, so the archer is as much a part of the bow as it is an extension of the archer. They carry a deep respect for the weapon; When an archer of the Order of the Bow fires, it is because they truly, wholeheartedly, mean to do so. Though they are not a military force, the archers produced by their long initiate period of study are some of the best in the world, and are sought after in the militaries of Gimor. While some leave the Abbey to continue on with their lives, many choose to stay and help each successive generation of archer that seeks their guidance and their aid. As a general rule, the Order keeps to itself and does not interfere with the goings-on of the kingdom. Not every member of the Order is as convinced that non-interference is the best course of action. Rarely, members of the Order may venture out for a specific objective in the world. Though never officially sanctioned by the Order as a whole, these Initiates are called Nighthawks and are forbidden from returning. Nighthawks have been a part of the Order since its inception. Nighthawks used to be the special forces of the Order in its early days when the Order was more active. However, this has since changed and evolved over time into a title given to those that are too strong-willed to fully dedicate to the Order and who leave to interfere in the world. Among the Initiate members who quietly discuss such things out of earshot of the Abbot, the term has a combination of meanings including “outcast” and “agent” for what it evokes.Organization
The Abbey accepts all those who wish to study and learn, but only those that truly pursue the art in understanding are called Initiates. From there, it is many years of practice and study until one can make their first bow. One they have done so, they achieve the title of Sage, and can choose to further pursue the rank of Bowmaster, held only by the best and most dedicated that the Order produces. At the head of the Order is the Abbot, who oversees all aspects of the Order and Abbey. The current head of the Order is Abbot Elaran Stormwind, a distant descendant of Aoth’s firstborn son, Lororin.Equipment
Due to the importance of the bow, each initiate of the Order crafts and maintains their own unique bow. It takes many years of study and practice before one takes on the task under the guidance of the Abbey’s Bowmasters, and the process is tedious and difficult. Rare materials must be gathered from secluded or protected spaces, and the result is only as strong as the effort put into it. The result is unique to each initiate. The only exception to this is the Zenethian Bow. This weapon was forged by Zenthai, The Dragon King, for the Hero Aoth and is a relic of great power and importance. To prevent this item from falling into hands that would use it for their own gain, Aoth left its care in the hands of the Order of the Bow. It has passed from generation to generation, held by numerous warriors who have proven themselves worthy to wield it.Locations
The Abbey of the Ruby Rose is located deep in the Kendell Forest. Though isolated, they receive many visitors on pilgrimages to the nearby Hometown of the Zenethian Children. The Order maintains and protects this holy place and the nearby Trip’s Tower, for Aoth was one of the Heroes that aided the Children, and it was his task to honor that connection.- Abbey of the Ruby Rose: The Abbey was built by Aoth early in the Fifth Age to house to the burgeoning Order of the Bow. It has grown into a place of study and reflection.
Notable People
- Abbot Elaran Stormwind: The current head of the Order is Abbot Elaran Stormwind, a distant descendant of Aoth’s firstborn son, Lororin.
- Styrmir Stormwind: A Bowmaster of the Order and the current wielder of the powerful Zenethian Bow.
