Order of the Firmament
The Order of the Firmament, or just The Firmament, is a knightly order based in the Kingdom of Lacus Litore, headquartered in its capital of Moriaen. Composed of champions, clerics, and all manner of warrior, the Order is dedicated to protecting Sulheim from extraplanar threats in all forms. Once found and apprehended, these threats become entombed in the Panopticon where members of the Order may study them to learn more about their native planes.
Structure
The Firmament is led by the Antediluvian who inherits the title from their predecessor upon their retirement or death. At their induction ceremony, the Antediluvian names their successor, though this successor can be changed at any time through an official decree.
Each national branch of the Firmament is headed locally by a Prior based in that branch's head office, usually near the Prior's hometown. Firmament outposts within an Prior's jurisdiction are led by Inquisitors. The base rank of a Firmament member is the Laity.
Culture
Members of the Firmament are trained to be stoic, diligent, and always fighting on the side of "good". These traits are said to be inherited from Antediluvian Argante herself so that her followers may carry on their mission.
Members are allowed to practice any religion; the Firmament is classified as a non-religious order.
Public Agenda
In a famous speech given in 482 Anno Diluvio, Antediluvian Marguel stated, "The Order of the Firmament is dedicated to protecting all lives upon Sulheim by vigilantly guarding against existential threats from the Outer Planes. Through risking our lives we secure those of the people. Never again shall another Flood threaten these lands--not while the Order of the Firmament stands."
Assets
The Order is a decently wealthy organization. They own the Panopticon in its entirety and hire their own staff to maintain the building (with plenty of hazard pay). Until 1270 Anno Diluvio, the Order was directly funded by the Kingdom of Lacus Litore directly, but after a falling out between Antediluvian Morguein and King Arturus, the deal was canceled. Members of the public can make donations to the Order at their local outstations, though it is never required.
History
The Order of the Firmament dates back to ten years before the Cataclysm. Founded in 10 Ante Diluvium, its original purpose was to unite mankind against the dragons under the name The Order of Mundus. As the story goes, once the Flood of Light swept over the land, only the Order's leader, Argante, remained.
In the face of such raw power, after seeing the dragons descend from the outer planes, Argante chose to rebuild her entire order and re-dedicate it to protecting the still-weak Sulheim from extraplanar threats. She took the title of Antediluvian and recruited many now-galvanized survivors of the Cataclysm.
In the centuries since the Order of Mundus became the Order of the Firmament, every leader has taken the title of Antediluvian in Argante's honor, swearing to carry on her mission of protection even as Sulheim fully recovers.
In the year 283 Anno Diluvio, Antediluvian Orvan commissioned the construction of the Panopticon on Firmament property. The prison was finished in 572 under the leadership of Antediluvian Tryamour and quickly opened for extraplanar prisoners.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Alternative Names
The Firmament, Order of Mundus
Training Level
Trained
Demonym
Firmament
Leader
Location
Notable Members
Comments