The Band of Equato

Synopsis:

The band of Equato is a religious organization dedicated to the God of Smithing, Equato. Equato is also known as "The Horse of War", and is depicted as a living flame enveloped within metal bands melted together to form an armored horse. He is also the Companion to Ozburis; the God of War and Fire, but is considered to be a Secondary God to him.
The Band's teachings revolve around constant improvement, and reinforcement. Helping those who are weak become strong through a guiding hand, or a wrathful beating. While not technically of any alignment, those who follow Equato look down heavily on law breakers; considering them to be too cowardly to face and obey the laws of the country.

Strategic Imperatives:

Like all religions, the Strategic Imperatives of The Band of Equato involve the spreading of the message of the Forge. A religion which finds those who have fallen on hard times, and 'reforges' them. Orphans, and Prisoners are not uncommon to be seen chosen by members of the Church, who pay the bail or adoption fees in order to guide them to the Forge. That being said; the organization does not take anyone - as it is a duty of any Clergyman with the authority to initiate a member to be certain that they may be able to handle the demanding physical and mental labor.
Along with this, The Band of Equato seeks to improve anything regarding metal. From swords, and armor, to lampshades, and tin roofs; there are artisans that craft what they feel they are compelled to by Equato. Due to this, there are numerous schools that have specialized High Forge Priests which educate, and guide the members.
As well, since higher ranking members of the Church cannot leave their Cities; when a member of the Church feels ready to Graduate, they must go on a pilgrimage to expand their mind, and create an item based off their school which is unique to them, and bring it back. Doing this; the item will be judged by the Council of Metal, which includes the Inferno Leader, and the High Priests for each respective school. If accepted; then the student Graduates; allowing them numerous benefits of the Church. The weapon's blueprint is then crafted; allowing students in the next generation to study it, guaranteeing a continuous growth of knowledge.

Assets:

Forged in Fire Villages:

The Band of Equato is considered one of the most "Hermet" like; and mostly stick two their homes within the Steam Cliffs; or their main city-Fireheart. Though, some small villages do appear, which are "conversion camps". Such camps involve a handful of Clerics, Paladins, or other clergy members accompanying several criminals who's bail was paid by the church. Once done, the village is established; forcing the ex-criminals to live off the land under supervision. This is known as the "Forged In Fire" conversion plan.
After 1 year, the Village is assessed, as are the members. If they appeared to have a change of heart, then they will be granted a choice to join Equato, or be a free man. Surprisingly, those who survive often turn towards Equato-having nowhere to go most other times anyway.

Fundamental Education:

Regardless of the school that one plans to attend, first, one must finish the Fundamental School, which includes teaching basic skills like cooking, cleaning, math, reading, and more.

Ancient Smithing Tomes:

Old books which are used in the basic grades of the smithing schools. They normally are filled with basic principals instructions regarding smithing. Eventually, these books will also give insight onto how to breathe life into items that you are passionate about. An example would be a tome that teaches how to make a blade. If one has an interest, then they may go into the school of Weaponry to learn how to forge hundreds of different blades. As well, unlike regular schools; there is no limit to how many can be studied by a member of the Church.

Followers of Ozburis:

Due to the lore regarding the God of Fire and War; Ozburis is closely related to Equato. Due to this, followers of Ozburis will offer shelter to members of Equato, or aid them however they can. Resource trade is commonplace within the two organizations, and is overseen by the Head of Trade in Algorath.

School of Weaponry:

"Soldiers see blades as tools. We see them as they are: clay to be molded into living art." -Bug Il within the Equato's Guide to Weapon Forgery, Chapter 2, Page 25.
The most popular school that most members go into, the School of Weaponry is where one learns to create a true weapon - not just a pointy blade. Something that connects with the wielder on a personal level, whether that be the one who forged it, or the one it's going to. The school of weaponry also holds the highest mortality rate for those who attempt to graduate from it.

School of Armory:

"Nothing, and I mean NOTHING will make you feel safer than wearing your own armor. Nothing will also make you feel just as nervous about your own skill in making armor." -Yulsinan Olerwithia during Armor training fundamentals.
The School of Armory is the second most popular school, and is rather self-explanatory. From chainmail, to scale, to plate, to shields and more. This school teaches the best way to create armor that is uniquely yours.

School of Cookingware:

"People often laugh at the idea of this class. I laugh too; especially when they find that their spatulas and pans were food for a rust monster, 3 months out of civilized society." -Vegagal Dawnheart Lakumiala during a demonstration of the capabilities of a rust monster.
The School of Cookingware is highly sought after for those who wish to become merchants, or chefs. It allows one to create their own tools for sale, or personal use; but is both practical, and beautiful. Some even imbue these with magic; making pans that can never rust, or pots that can heat themselves up with no fire. These are rare, however, of course, fetch extremely high prices, when can be found. That being said; anyone that buys a knife from someone who graduated has only to worry about cutting their fingers off with an accidental wrist wave. It's like cutting air-or so they say.

School of Construction:

"From nails, to hinges, to rain gutters - our job is to make sure no one notices that these things exists, because they work so well." -Alashia Nurathos' private Journal as her opening line during her first year Teaching.
Perfection is impossible, but it is the goal, and the School of Construction teaches that very well. To put it simply, the School of Construction believes in safe homes, who's pieces that will never buckle. Because of this, most people say that if you buy nails from an Equato member, they'll outlive a Dragon.

School of Trinkets:

"Yeah, yeah; everyone calls you a pussy for taking this class until you make a necklace for the girl he likes...or guy, I don't judge." -Inlith Zerulpalzur's opening lines to her class during her 5th year of teaching.
The School of Trinkets doubles down on the idea of beauty over practicality; helping students focus on aesthetically pleasing visuals based on things such as racial history, religions, or regional aesthetic. Jewelry making is taught here as well, meaning that those who would like to, could commit to be a jeweler that makes their own items from the start of it being completely raw metal, to the final product, with no one else needed. Otherwise, rings, necklaces, bands, and more are also taught here.

Religious Lore:

While no one knows when or how Equato was founded, most believe that it was attributed to the Dwarves who first founded Fire-Heart, and discovered the Steam Mountains. Regardless, this religion has been built over hundreds of years.

The Flames:

The flames are considered to be a rumor, or a boogeyman's tale to those who wish to take shortcuts within the organization. Though, tomes only reserved for the highest members of the Church can view them which give details about their actual nature. However, while how to make a flame is said to be a secret, the punishments one faces are made very clear for the curious. Whether they choose to believe them or not is up to them.
There are also the 3 legendary colors; said to be used by Equato itself when it forges the weapons for Ozburis.

The Blue Flame:

The Blue Flame is said to make those who use it break away at their mind bit by bit. It is said to be like a drug which drains the one who uses it of their personality, and instead, causes them to work themselves into insanity creating more and more items with it until they die of exhaustion. Often, the Church warns that this happens to people who do not bring their conscience into their decisions when forging, and create with malice.

The Green Flame:

The Green Flame is said to bring bad luck to those who are unfortunate enough to use it. Tragedy befalls them, and anyone around them if they utilize it; starting with small issues, which slowly turn into life-threatening consequences. Often, the Church warns that this happens to those who forge for ulterior motives, rather than their own true ideals, and forging with a pure heart.

The Purple Flame:

The Purple Flame is said to take the very soul of the one who uses it; burning it away as it is used. Due to this, the person in question will simply be unable to feel anything, and become a husk-eventually committing suicide due to the inability to feel joy in victory, or sadness in defeat. Often, the Church warns that this happens to those who become too envious of others and their own skills. Lacking faith in your own ability, and desperately wishing to be as good as someone else will only lead to trouble.

The White Flame:

One of the Legendary Flames, the white flame is the hottest of all the flames, and is said to be used by Equato himself when forging the Armor that protects Ozburis. Those who can use the white flame are considered chosen by Equato, and are normally extremely powerful Priests.

The Gray Flame:

The Gray Flame is another Legendary Flame, which is said to be gifted to all humanoids by Equato himself. For those who are not chosen, they can still manifest an impressive flame, but must do so with intentions which align with Equato's beliefs. If not, the rumors say that the user will be cursed with immortality, but constant agony; their skin constantly bubbling like melting steel.

The Black Flame:

The Black Flame is the last Legendary Flame, and is said to be used by Equato himself when forging the Weapons that protect Ozburis. The black flame is allegedly so dangerous, that not only could it rival the White Flame in Strength, but has the potential to overpower it in the right circumstances. A power which is fueled by the non-legendary flames, and infused with power rivaling that of a High Priest. The Church makes it a point to rarely even speak of it, even as a threat, as even the mention of the Black Flame is said to have the potential to engulf someone in flames. As such, no one truly knows what will happen if it is summoned to forge with.

Grand Strategy:

The Grand Strategy of Equato is to make sure that those that follow are the sturdiest, strongest men and women that they can produce. People that fight against hardship with a smile, and are willing to be the shield against the hardest of times. To those that follow; it does not matter if you are a simple nail maker - if that is the path you chose, then you will try to make the most perfect nails you can.

Ranks:

Copper - Beginner
Bronze - Student
Gold - Smith
Silver - Teacher
Titanium - Sage
Platinum - Head Member