The Order of Ascendant Dawn

The Order of the Ascendant Dawn is a privateer organization operating within Dawnray, providing security and humanitarian aid to the populace above and beyond the reach of civic services. Though presenting themselves as an altruistic and nondenominational organization, there are many paladins, clerics, and others associated with sun deities among their ranks.

History

Founded in the year 2529 JA, the Order of Ascendant Dawn had its origins in a small charitable organization that sought to raise the downtrodden of Dawnray. Volunteers offered time and/or goods to those who had less, to improve the overall state of the city. The earliest leaders were famously humble and turned away attempts to immortalize or glamorize them, operating on the philosophy of “a raising tide lifts all ships.”
As their efforts took root, however, the need to consolidate and officially form a proper, authoritative organization arose. It is said the leaders were reluctant to do so, wanting to let the work speak for itself, but formed a proper order to prevent any attempts to exploit their name.
From early on, the Order began drawing in many agents who practiced divine magic in various forms, or were otherwise involved with the Faith’s tenuous grasp on Avonecht. The leadership ever held any official affiliation with the Faith or other religious groups at bay, taking their assistance but not endorsing their messages. These connections nonetheless shaped the face of the Order over time.
While the early years of the organization were focused on providing food, shelter, and medicine to the less fortunate - “home, hearth, and healing” being a popular slogan - its focus soon expanded to protection as well. When the City Guard was unable to assist, the Order of Ascendant Dawn would sometimes unofficially send martial agents to break up criminal organizations or lend their own swords to keep watch over vulnerable districts. Accusations of vigiliantism festered for a time until the Order reached an official accord with the mayoral offices of Dawnray, allowing its knights to assist in certain situations.
By the current age, the Order of Ascendant Dawn is known more for its physical peacekeeping presence than its charity work.

Divisions

• Centres for the unhoused, offering shelter, food, medical assistance, and even donated goods to those in need
• Orphanages, for orphaned or otherwise abandoned children
• Schools, as part of the orphanages or official, city-funded public schools
• Knights & soldiers, for peacekeeping initiatives

Known Members

Commander: Lord Albrecht Hightower
Lieutenant: Naivarra

Type

Guild, Privateers