Order of Light
Originally nothing more than a small sect of devotees to Hidum, the Order grew in prominence during the War of Penance when the high marshal of Selwen called for a crusade against Plutoria. Now after more than three centuries they are now one of the strongest and most influential religious factions in Selwen, even holding a honored position in the Royal Court. In recent years they have been given more power, using it to spread Hidum’s light. They now have Inquisitors seeking out cultists devoted to Hidum’s enemies and aggressively keeping the faith. While these activities are not officially sanctioned by the crown, officials tend to look the other way.
Structure
The High Priest is the head of the orginaztion in general and is the face of the orginaztion.
The Witchfinder General leads the sects efforts to stamp out heresy and the enemies of Hidum. This position also leads the more militant aspects of the sect including any templars and paladins.
Templar are the titles of their militant leaders. They submit to the Witchfinder General orders. In regards of battle and similar situations they are given the more freedom. In other terms they tend to follow the inquisitors or priests orders.
Chaplins head different temples or outposts of of the Order. They are the most visible aspect of the order so are often chosen if the embody the ideals of the Order along side the Preachers. The Chaplins duties are similar to the Preacher, however Chaplins remain at one location.
Inquisitors are the most infamous positions of the Order as they are the ones who root out the enemies of Hidum. These indiviuals are trained investigators, interrogators, and inspectors. They are known for their ruthlessness and unshakable faith.
Preachers are traveling positions where a priest of the order will head across the face of Gromlin spreading the faith of Hidum, denoucing dark magic, and promoting the Orders goals and beliefs. Also a very visible aspect of the order, their members are chosen carefully, usually by Chaplins.
Squires are a low ranking militant rank within the order, only ranking up the Acolytes. Their main duties are to assit Templars in preforming their duties and act in defence of the Order.
Acolytes are the inital rank you recieve when joining the Order. From here the new member can help the order in many duties and learn their path.
Culture
With its origins in Selwen, The Order has a strong friendship to the nation. They see themselves as a protector to the faithful will guard the people when possible. The people in return have a favorable view of the Order, enjoying the protection they seem to offer. While some of the more educated feel uncomfortable with many of their witch hunts, the more common citizenry view it as a necessity to keep the peace.
Public Agenda
The ultimate goal of the Order is the veneration of Hidum. To accomplish this they have grown in power and influence and spread their own denomination of the religion. While they are accepting of other gods aligned with Hidum, they take a hostile stance to those opposed as well as creatures of Darkness and Dark Magic. Which is their second goal, the elimination of heresy. Members of the order are of the firm belief that much, if not all of the troubles in Selwen is the tolerance of certain religions or even the nation of Plutoria.
Assets
While a majority the resources of the sect are its connections and that members of the sect now hold high positions in the royal court of Selwen, they do have a vast network for information gathering. They also have a number of temples dotted across Selwen and now even Raelon, that act as points of opperations for their Inquisitors and their champions.
The order stations most of its militant forces near the Ghostly Mountains in Selwen, and near the Darken Wood in Raelon.
History
The order was formed durring the days of The War of Pennance. The sect was a normal religious order that followed Hidum. They followed the High Marshall Virtumal on his doomed crusade. In the initial parts of the war, when the crusade met with success, the sect slowly grew as they aided the injured and a few of them began acting as shock troops in smaller engagements. The Order then became more famous as the crusade began to meet disaster after disaster, when they often acted as a rearguard for retreating forces.
Political Influence & Intrigue
In the past several years the Order of Light has gain more influence and distinction. Growing from a small religous sect, to a powerful and respected order with influences in both Selwen and Raelon. In Selwen high ranking members are now even amongst the royal court and now are given more resources and leeway.
Heaven’s Light in the Darkness
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Alternative Names
The Order,
Leader
Deities
Location
Comments