The Searing Light

The Searing Light is an organization based in Pinegaard that was later revealed to be a cult.
The fey Azael Lightbringer founded the organization along with Maie and emphasized business and self-improvement in oneself before it was forced to disband when their illegal activities came to light.
On the surface, the Searing Light emphasizes that followers do better to help understand their self-worth. Azael and Maie began recruiting numerous members. Most members were rich nobles, merchants, and artisans. After gaining some experience and passing Azael’s teaching modules, the followers become leaders. These leaders recruit new members who then recruit more members. Followers who joined the Searing Light felt a strong sense of community and bonding in the organization. Those of higher rank learned about the Searing Light’s darker side.
The Searing Light’s name alludes to two meanings. One focuses on the idea that to find oneself, they must step into the light with the risk of being burned or seared. The other meaning is a literal one, as the ritual to induct high members is to burn their arms as a sign of loyalty to Azael. The name also alludes to Azael’s wrath.
In the years leading to its downfall, the Searing Light was tied to kidnapping, murder, embezzlement, racketeering, and other crimes. Azael made his followers participate in these activities to test their loyalty. Some committed these acts only because they felt they had no choice, while others willingly participated in crimes.
Cities who knew of the Searing Light’s activities refused to aid the cult in any investigation, and some even became sanctuaries for fleeing members.
The Searing Light’s activities were exposed when the Silverflame Agency seized their operation.
Azael and many of the cult’s high-ranking members were arrested and thrown in jail.
Many of the cult’s members, now free of Azael’s control, refused to have anything to do with the Searing Light and won’t even mention their time in the organization within their circles. Others have published their stories for the public to view.
However, Some members hiding in Pinegaard hope to avenge their leader and have made the Silverflame Agency a high-priority target. The Flight, which the Silverflame Agency answers to, considers these Searing Light members a high risk.