The Torchbearers
Structure
Similar to any other holy order, with a grandmaster at the top and it going down the chain as standard.
Divine Origins
Mortals have always been scared of the dark since the earliest days, huddled around campfires and hoping to survive the cold night. However, some choose not to be afraid, and to light the path into the darkness so that others may traverse it safely. The Church of the Flame would recognize this need for the brave few to light the path into places that terrify the normal gods fearing man, woman, and child, and so they founded the Order of The Torchbearers in the year 2437EC. The orders founder, one Sir Warner, would be given the first task of recruiting for his order to send them into the Empty Range, and to combat nearby Hell Tribes. He is said to have chosen only those with unwavering courage, and would surge out into the Empty Range to scourge these hell worshipping tribals. In the Battle of Kearsons Pass, they were said to fight a horde of demon worshippers numbering in the thousands. Though many fell, their unwavering conviction to Voenta would shine brightly, said to even burn some of the barbarians that came before them. While the order was almost entirely wiped out, it was able to make it back to Ashenfeld, where it now survives on as one of the most trusted holy orders of the Church of the Flame.
Tenets of Faith
- Never waver before the enemy
- Do not back down from being the guiding light
- Never relent, for a retreating enemy is heresy being left to fester
- Pray to the Flame, but remember that Voenta gives you the courage to be the Flames Servant
Ethics
Only the most brave can join the order. For this reason, the order mainly recruits from occupations where one is facing combat, be they noble knight or the humble footman. It is said the trials to join the order involve inducing visions upon the initiate and showing them the most horrifying monsters and sights to test their bravery. Many do not pass, and many more are mentally broken and left drooling, muttering shells. However those few that do pass, are then brought into the order and taught in the ways of the Torchbearer, and are said to shine brightly upon the battlefield, and are utterly merciless in their destruction of the heretic, heathen, and demon.
Worship
Worship is highly regimented, with highly specific times for prayer that are too be followed to the letter. Whenever a time is missed, the initiate must beg in penance for forgiveness from Voenta for their idleness.
Political Influence & Intrigue
Being one of the more trusted orders within the ranks of the Church, the Torchbearers are well respected, but in truth are not adept at navigating the complex political spheres of the religious organizations. They are simply brave warriors ready to fight and die for the Flame, and so largely are not expected and do not participate in the grand political schemes of many other priests and pastors.
"illustra modo!" -illuminate the way!
Founding Date
2437EC
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Alternative Names
The Fearless Light Bearers
Ruling Organization
