Mobius Pillar

The Ministry of Magic

by Mad Adam

Introduction

Founded in the aftermath of The Crusade, the Mobius Pillar emerged from the legacy of St. Mobius, a magician of unparalleled skill. When the Crusade was ended and the Ten were being chosen, Mobius was offered his place amongst them. He declined, saying:

"...I must refuse. For though I was born better than I have acted, surely I have earned a better end than that."
— St. Edric Mobius

Ironically, refusal to become a religious figure birthed the modern Ministry of Magic. For when at last Mobius died, Invictus was stricken with grief. To immortalize Mobius' methods and ensure their perpetuity, Invictus sanctified Arcanistry as a tool of the Church, then named the Order which would safeguard it after his friend. ⁽¹⁾

As the Golden Age unfolds, the Mobius Pillar emerges as a crucible where magic, faith, and governance converge. The subsequent chapters will delve into the historical roots, contemporary functions, and enduring legacy of this enigmatic institution, revealing the intricate layers that define the magical heartbeat of the Holy Cathrican Empire.

Structure

Ministry of Magic

The Ministry of Magic consists of the Administrative, Judiciary, and Enforcement divisions, each with different but related areas of concern. (See Sidebar for details.)

The leader of the Ministry is the Crimson Bishop. This position is usually held by a wise and seasoned member of the Ministry who is approaching Ascension. Their second-in-command and eventual replacement is called the Chancellor of the Arcane. The Chancellor shares the responsibility of steering the Pillar through the complexities of magical governance. When the currently-serving Bishop dies or Ascends, the Chancellor is promoted to Bishop and the Order elects a new Chancellor. This hierarchical structure ensures the seamless transition of power and regulation of magical practices, melding spiritual reverence with administrative acumen.

The Divisions are headed by a Minister, who reports directly to the Chancellor. After that, the Mobian Way makes things a little tricky.

Culture

The culture of the Mobius Pillar is a mosaic of esoteric traditions and magical scholarship, with a deep-seated commitment to maintaining the equilibrium of magical forces within the Holy Cathrican Empire. Mobians, as the members are known, embody a blend of disciplined academia and mystical devotion.

Scholarly Pursuits: Academic excellence is highly esteemed within the Pillar. Mobians engage in rigorous study, delving into ancient tomes, experimenting with magical theories, and honing their craft. The pursuit of knowledge is seen as a sacred duty, and the Pillar serves as a bastion for magical scholarship.

Esoteric Societies and The Mobian Way: Mobius encouraged rivalries between his apprentices, to inspire them to greater heights of excellence. Within the Pillar, esoteric societies thrive, embodying the essence of the Mobian Way⁽²⁾ and preserving the mystique of their magical traditions. As a result, rituals and ceremonies play a pivotal role in Mobian culture. From initiations to annual celebrations, these events serve not only as displays of magical prowess but also as expressions of unity among the diverse practitioners. The ceremonies reflect a reverence for the magical arts and a shared commitment to the Pillar's mission.

Harmony in Diversity Despite the fact that it's an organization built on safeguarding secrets and sequestering dangerous magic, the Pillar fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity, welcoming magicians from various backgrounds and magical traditions. Collaboration and mutual respect are essential tenets, emphasizing the importance of working together to maintain magical equilibrium and ensure the safety of the Empire.

Guardians of Order: Mobians perceive themselves as custodians of magical order and guardians of the Empire's mystical integrity. Their duty extends beyond scholarly pursuits to the regulation and oversight of magical practices, contributing to the Pillar's role as the Empire's magical judiciary.

Public Agenda

The public agenda of the Mobius Pillar revolves around the regulation, preservation, and responsible use of magic within the Holy Cathrican Empire. Key aspects of its public agenda include:

Magical Regulation:

The Pillar is tasked with overseeing and regulating magical practices across the Empire. This involves setting standards for magical education, certifying practitioners, and ensuring that magical activities align with the Empire's laws and ethical guidelines. It accomplishes these goals via:

Certification and Licensing: The Pillar issues certifications and licenses to magical practitioners, ensuring that individuals with magical abilities have undergone proper training and adhere to established standards. This process helps maintain a balance between magical freedom and the prevention of misuse.
Magical Education and Public Awareness: The Pillar is involved in standardizing magical education across the Empire. It certifies magical academies and institutions, ensuring that they meet the required standards. This emphasis on education aims to foster responsible magical practices and prevent the misuse of magical abilities. The Pillar also works to raise public awareness about the responsible use of magic and the potential dangers associated with its misuse. This includes educational campaigns, public lectures, and the dissemination of information to help citizens understand the role of magic in their daily lives.

Peacekeeping

The law-abiding mindset of the Mobian philosophy appeals to those in the business of keeping the peace. This tendency has seen the Pillar assume responsibility for most of the Peacekeeping duties in the Empire and abroad, as well as primacy in the following areas:

Judiciary and Conflict Resolution As the Empire's magical judiciary, the Pillar plays a crucial role in resolving magical disputes and conflicts. Mobian judges and arbitrators apply magical law, ensuring that justice is served in cases involving magical practices, artifacts, or conflicts between magical entities.

Military and Security Enhancement

Collaboration

While officially recognizing major magical Colleges, the Pillar acknowledges that it's not the only game in town, and collaborates with various esoteric societies and magical orders. This collaborative approach ensures a diverse and inclusive magical community while maintaining an overarching framework for regulation.

Overall, the public agenda of the Mobius Pillar is centered on promoting a harmonious coexistence between magic and mundane life, safeguarding the Empire from magical threats, and fostering a responsible and knowledgeable magical community.

Mythology & Lore

Mobius' remains are in the posession of the Pillar, and lie in state in the catacombs of the Crimson Cathedral in Maunder. Every year on the anniversary of the Archmagus' death, the Emperor personally conducts a memorial service where He relates a personal memory of Mobius to those of the Order in attendance. Besides his fame as Invictus' tutor in the arts of magic, Mobius is venerated by the Taheen as their creator.

Tenets of Faith

The Mobius Pillar, although functioning more as a regulatory body than a traditional faith, operates under a set of guiding principles rooted in the legacy of St. Mobius and the amalgamation of esoteric practices within the Crusade era. While lacking the cohesive theological structure typical of conventional religions, the Pillar's tenets can be outlined as follows:

Unity in Esoterica

The Pillar emphasizes unity among practitioners of diverse magical traditions and esoteric societies, fostering a collective pursuit of magical knowledge and understanding.

Preservation of Magical Knowledge

The primary objective is to preserve and pass on magical knowledge through Colleges and esoteric societies, ensuring the continuity of arcane wisdom across generations.

Regulation and Licensing

The Pillar advocates for the responsible use of magic, promoting regulatory measures and licensing to ensure the safety and ethical practice of magic within the Empire.

Harmony with Other Ministries:

Collaborating with other Ministries, particularly the Ministry of Peace and the Ministry of Empire, the Pillar aims to integrate magical practices seamlessly into the broader functions of the Holy Cathrican government.

Adherence to Mobian Philosophy:

The essence of Mobius's philosophy, emphasizing the synthesis of magical knowledge, nature, and spirituality, serves as a guiding principle for Pillar members.

Secrecy and Esoteric Traditions

While promoting unity, the Pillar recognizes and respects the inherent secrecy of many esoteric practices, allowing members to maintain the mystique of their individual traditions.

Service to the Empire

Members of the Pillar are expected to serve the Empire by contributing their magical expertise to areas of governance, law enforcement, and national security.

Continual Learning

Embracing the idea that magical knowledge is ever-expanding, the Pillar encourages a commitment to continual learning and adaptation to new magical discoveries.

Non-Interference in Spiritual Matters

Despite its magical focus, the Pillar refrains from interference in purely spiritual or religious matters, acknowledging the diversity of faiths within the Holy Cathrican Empire.

Preserving Mobius's Legacy

As a tribute to St. Mobius, the Pillar seeks to honor and uphold the principles and ideals laid down by its legendary founder.

These tenets collectively guide the Pillar in its multifaceted role as the custodian of magical knowledge, regulator of magical practices, and collaborator in the governance of the Holy Cathrican Empire.

Priesthood

Mobius took no wife nor any other lover during his long tenure as Archmage, and left no natural heir to his power when he passed. Instead, his bequeath was the Last Dominion; that spark of greatness which fills the hearts of the Chosen and calls them to service.⁽³⁾ Most Mobian clergy dabble in arcanistry and arcane magic. Proficiency with the Alchemy Kit is common, and most Mobians know how to brew minor potions and tinctures to enhance their performance... or their experience of daily life.

Footnotes

Both he and the Order would later be affectionately nicknamed "Old Moby." The name captures both reverence for its founder and the Pillar's enduring commitment to magical tradition.
The Mobian Way celebrates the diversity of magical practices while uniting them under the overarching goal of maintaining magical order across the Empire.

In Arcanum Concordia

Part of a series on

Cathricism

Founding Date

115 IR

Type

Religious, Sect

Capital

Maunder

Alternative Names

Old Moby, the Redcoats

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Decorated/Honored

Demonym

Mobian

Leader

Kal Invictus Rex

Founders

Government System

Oligarchy

Economic System

Palace economy

Legislative Body

The Administrative takes care of all of the bureaucracy. They deal with licensing, prophecy, administration, and handle the money. Their magical style is typically subtle, involving minute adjustments over long periods of time, in an effort to steer Cathrica as a nation towards its higher destiny. Its methods are arcane, its members are some of the smartest people working in magic today, and as an entity the Administrative Division doesn't miss a tic. By far the larger of the two divisions, Administrators wear the White Coat of Sorcery and assist the Imperatori in running the cosmos.

White magic is like the tide or the sunrise; by the time you notice it's happening, it's too late. If you have a Whitecoat show up on your doorstep, you'd better hope they don't have a reason to be there.

Judicial Body

The Judiciary is composed of senior members of the Administrative and Executive branches, responsible for interpreting the laws of the Order and the Empire.

Executive Body

The Executive is a federal policing and executive body dedicated to keeping the peace domestically and abroad. They're the ones to charge toward danger, masters of healing and defense, who help their fellow sapients. Theirs is the Red Coat of Sorcery and the prestige that goes along with it. Red magic, however, goes 'boom', and is about as subtle as a kick in the crotch. For obvious reasons, public perception of the Redcoats is highly dependent upon the circumstances in which they're involved.

Deities

Divines

Location

Cathrican Cradle

Neighboring Nations

Sanguine Sodality

Edric Mobius, Magister Mundi. Pictured here with his faithful dog, Ludo.

Entry for Worldbuilding Summer Camp 2021

Answering: "a religious order founded or based in your world's history"

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