Order of the Divine Sun

It is known that Ashtyr is the holy light of creation. We see her aspect in many things, from the smallest candle flame, to the great circular sun - the very image of her shield. We understand that she is always with us, and venerate her in that aspect. There is no need to for a shield or even a weapon when the sun itself is all that she is. It is why we are here upon this barren land, and mold our bodies into the battle ready force that will serve her and reveal the truth of existance. We fear nothing as long as the sun rises upon the next morning.

- Master Davril Gladomain

Structure

The monetary is headed by a master, one who has achieved the highest level of atonement, prowess and understanding. Reporting to the master are 4 guides, each linked to the cardinal directions (Guide of the East). Each guide has a number of Seekers that they train and work with. The number varies depending on the number of attendees at the monastery. But a guide must always have at least one Seeker.

Culture

The order is based on the Holy Sun. All their daily routines revolve around the light of the sun, rising with it and settling down as it sets. The monks believe in simplicity in all aspects of life. They dress in simple cream, pale grey or white robes the allow freedom of movement. They usually have the symbol of the sun, or sun upon a shield. in some small decoration or jewelry. 
They dedicate themselves to perfecting their understanding of the Sun, its affects on the world, and its influence upon them. They focus on physical training to grant them the strength needed to aid Ashtyr  when she calls. While they do focus on hand to hand combat (often without weapons) they will use the ceremonial sun sickles as well.
They see activities that need the night to operate as inherently chaotic and dangerous. This means they have little time for scoundrels and criminals who prey upon others at night. They feel that the power of the sun exposes all truths, and the night hides and cloaks reality. 
It is rare to see Elves drawn to this order, since they do revere Yeno who is linked to the stars, nighttime and magic.
Most monks of the Divine Sun see themselves as protectors of the weak, and seekers of truth. Often priests and priestesses from other orders of Ashtyr are sent to the monastery to learn combat techniques and burn away the unneeded to get at the truth. It is an experience that few forget, but they don't always appreciate it.

Assets

Shardcliff Peak Monastery is built upon the craggy mountain of the same name. It is difficult to access and easy to defend. It has a natural spring that is always pure and well guarded. 
Its followers are well trained and disciplined, although few in number. They are also used to dealing with harsh environments and stints without food and water.
The monastery is well funded, and some of its members bring money to the monastery from adventuring, training at other temples of Ashtyr and acting as bodyguards for church officials when the need calls. But they seem to obtain money from another and unknown source and seem to lack for little.

History

The monks were created after the cataclysm, but the exact date is a mystery. The current master Davril Gladomain, is an elf of undetermined age. It is possible he originated the order, but he has not confirmed this. 
The monastery itself dates to just after the cataclysm, and seems designed as a monastery in all aspects, but there are no known records of its construction, and who ordered it. Any attempt to dig up this information from Davril will usually be met with "it does not matter to Ashtyr and it should not matter to you."

Tenets of Faith

• Seek the truth of the world as revealed by the Ashtyr the Divine Sun 
• Purify the spirit, mind and body with the power of the sun. 
• Refine the body to answer Her call.
• Test those that seek Her guidance, and ensure they are prepared for the difficulties ahead.

Ethics

The monks believe in truth above all things. Truth is obvious in the glare of the sun, or the divine knowledge the sun grants. So trained monks feel they can suss out the truth in any situation. 
Deception, lies and underhanded dealings are considered elements of chaos. Monks seek to expose such things and open the eyes of those around them.
The monks see truth as the end of the discussion. If a conflict arrises that can not be solved by the revelation of the truth, then force is used to make the liar understand that they can't escape the Holy Sun.

Worship

Direct worship occurs twice day, at sunrise and sunset. Prayers praising the Divine Sun are spoken at these times, with the speaker facing the sun disc (or approximate location on days where the sun is hidden). 
The rest of the time, the monk is guided by the sun teaching in all things.

Priesthood

Members of the order are expected to focus their time on honing spirit, body and mind in the model of the sun.

• Mind - Always seek the truth
• Spirit - Strength in protecting and defending
• Body - Strike with the force of the hottest sun

Most of their actives revolve in routine training, mediation, and wisdom of the Divine Sun (a series of scrolls penned by Elder masters). A morning and sunset prayer sequence is expected from all members of the order, no matter where they are. 
Monks traveling the world are expected to help those that ask for it, as long as those asking are themselves worthy of divine protection. This is up to the monk to decide and some of them have very strict standards.

Granted Divine Powers

It is said that some the Guides and the Master have attained some levels of spiritual powers from their years of training and adherence to the Holy Sun.

Political Influence & Intrigue

The Order of the Divine Sun does have connections to the great Cathedral of the Great Goddess in Mystemere. The monks are called upon to train martial skills to the clerics who wish to go into the world and work for Ashtyr beyond prayers and clergy beuracracy. The order does so for a stipend, and their Seekers or Guides will often attempt to show how the divine path of the Sun is the superior way to worship Ashtyr.
The Order is admired by much of the clergy, but also thought of as a bit fringe. Their dedication to truth can be inconvenient at the best of times, and dangerous at the worst. But none can deny their dedication and martial prowess.

Sun protect and avenge you

Type

Religious, Monastic Order

Alternative Names

Order of Shardcliff Peak, The Sun Monks

Deities

• Ashtyr