Dolos Glaukos

Dolos Glaukos is an elite mercenary order renowned for its unmatched prowess in combat and strict adherence to ancient codes of honor and discipline. With a history spanning over 1,500 years, the Dolos Glaukos are masters of martial arts, stealth, and strategy, drawing inspiration from the mythical figure Eion Glaukos, known for his cunning and skill in battle. Members undergo a lifetime of rigorous training, honing their minds and bodies to perfection. Guided by the Glaukon Axioma, their sacred text, they uphold the principles of precision, loyalty, and enlightenment. Residing in the harsh, unforgiving Stone Gours, the Dolos Glaukos are feared and respected across the world for their deadly efficiency and unwavering commitment to their ancient traditions.

Structure

The ranks of the Dolos Glaukos are a reflection of their strict discipline, hierarchical structure, and commitment to their ancient traditions. Each rank represents a step on the path of mastery, with members progressing as they demonstrate greater skill, wisdom, and dedication to the Glaukos Axioma.

1. Neophyte

Description: Neophytes are the initiates of the Dolos Glaukos, typically young individuals who have just begun their training. They are taught the basics of survival, combat, and the principles of the Glaukos Axioma. Neophytes are expected to learn humility, endurance, and obedience as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Duties: Basic training, performing menial tasks, learning the history and traditions of the order.
Symbol: A simple stone pendant, representing their potential to be shaped into something greater.

2. Acolyte

Description: After proving their basic proficiency, Neophytes are promoted to Acolytes. At this stage, they begin more intensive training in the art of combat and the rituals of the Dolos Glaukos. Acolytes are paired with experienced Sentinels, who act as their mentors and guides.
Duties: Advanced training, participating in minor missions, assisting their mentors.
Symbol: A polished stone emblem, often worn as a brooch or belt buckle, signifying their progress and dedication.

3. Sentinel

Description: Sentinels are fully-fledged members of the Dolos Glaukos, having completed their basic and advanced training. They are skilled warriors, capable of handling most tasks independently. Sentinels are the backbone of the order, taking on the majority of the missions and responsibilities.
Duties: Carrying out missions, mentoring Acolytes, upholding the Glaukos Axioma in all aspects of life.
Symbol: A metal-stamped badge depicting a stylized hawk or serpent, symbolizing their readiness to strike with precision and force.

4. Guardian

Description: Guardians are veteran Sentinels who have proven themselves in numerous battles and missions. They take on leadership roles within the order, overseeing the training of lower ranks and leading critical operations. Guardians are also entrusted with the protection of the sacred texts, artifacts, and the strongholds of the Dolos Glaukos.
Duties: Leadership, training, guarding the strongholds and sacred sites, leading critical missions.
Symbol: A finely wrought pendant shaped like a shield or a mountain, symbolizing their role as protectors and leaders.

5. Venerable

Description: The Venerable are the elders and advisors of the Dolos Glaukos, warriors who have transcended the need for combat but still guide the order with their wisdom and experience. They are often retired from active duty but remain influential in decision-making, strategy, and the interpretation of the Glaukos Axioma.
Duties: Advising the leadership, guiding the spiritual and philosophical aspects of the order, interpreting the Glaukos Axioma.
Symbol: A ceremonial staff or rod, often inlaid with precious stones or inscribed with runes, symbolizing their wisdom and authority.

6. Glaukos Master

Description: The Glaukos Master is the highest rank within the order, held by the most experienced and respected member. The Glaukos Master leads the Dolos Glaukos, making final decisions on matters of strategy, training, and the interpretation of the Codex Glaukos. They embody the spirit of the order and are responsible for ensuring its traditions and values are upheld.
Duties: Leading the order, making final decisions, representing the Dolos Glaukos in external affairs, preserving the Glaukos Axioma.
Symbol: A unique and intricately designed crest, representing the entire legacy of the Dolos Glaukos. This crest is worn on the chest and is passed down from master to master, symbolizing the continuity of leadership.

Honorary Titles

Blade of the Gours

An honorary title given to a Sentinel or Guardian who has performed an act of exceptional valor. This title is a mark of great respect, and those who hold it are revered among their peers.

Keeper of the Axioma

A title granted to a Venerable or Glaukos Master who has made significant contributions to the interpretation and preservation of the Glaukos Axioma. The Keeper is often called upon to resolve disputes or provide guidance on the most difficult matters.

Shadow of the Dolos

A rare and prestigious title given to a Guardian or Sentinel who excels in stealth and reconnaissance. These members are the eyes and ears of the order, often sent on the most secretive and dangerous missions.

Voice of the Ancients

A title bestowed upon a Venerable who serves as the spiritual leader of the order, guiding members in the rituals and ensuring that the connection to their ancestors remains strong.
These ranks and titles ensure that the Dolos Glaukos maintains its structure, discipline, and focus, allowing them to continue their legacy as elite warriors shaped by the Stone Gours.

Culture

The Dolos Glaukos are not just a group of mercenaries; they are a brotherhood bound by a shared code known as the Glaukon Axioma. This code emphasizes:


Discipline: Every member undergoes rigorous training that hones not only their physical abilities but also their mental and emotional control.
Honor: They never break a contract once accepted and never harm innocents.
Unity: Members consider each other family, and betrayal is punishable by death.

The group also has a unique way of communication through subtle gestures, body language, and an unspoken understanding. They often do not speak aloud unless absolutely necessary, relying on this "silent speech" to convey messages.

Public Agenda

The Dolos Glaukos are highly sought after for:
High-risk missions: Whether it is assassinations, protection of valuable assets, or retrieval of dangerous artifacts, they are known for their efficiency and discretion.
Strategic interventions: They are often hired by powerful nobles, merchant lords, and even kings to turn the tide of wars or eliminate key threats.
Training: On rare occasions, they will train the warriors of those they deem worthy, sharing some of their techniques but never the full extent of their secrets.

History

Founding Era - The Dawn of Glaukos

Over 1,500 years ago, in a time when the world of Gallidion was fractured by endless wars and conflict, a group of warriors known as the Children of the Sky sought refuge in The Stone Gours. Led by Eion Glaukos, a former general disillusioned with the senseless violence of the kingdoms, these warriors were united by a vision of creating a society where discipline, honor, and mastery of the self were paramount.

Eion, known for his strategic brilliance and fierce combat skills, laid the foundation of what would become the Dolos Glaukos. The group’s name was derived from Eion’s personal mantra: “Dolos” meaning cunning or fierce, and “Glaukos” referencing the ancient, mystic blue hue of the sky above their hidden sanctuary. The blue color symbolized their connection to the heavens, representing their commitment to a higher code of conduct.

The early years were spent in isolation, deep within the mountains, where the Children of the Sky honed their skills, developed the Eidolon Machinari fighting style, and built their fortress, Glaukopis. This stronghold, carved into the heart of a mountain, was hidden from the world and accessible only through treacherous paths known only to the Glaukos. It became a sacred place where only those who proved themselves worthy through rigorous trials could enter.

During this period, the group developed the Glaukon Axioma, the code that would govern their lives. Eion emphasized that their strength lay not just in their physical prowess but in their ability to control their emotions, remain disciplined, and uphold honor above all. The Glaukon Axioma included strict rules about loyalty, silence, and unity, with betrayal being the most severe crime one could commit.

The Emergence and Expansion

As the world outside their sanctuary plunged further into chaos, the Dolos Glaukos began to emerge from their hidden fortress, offering their services as mercenaries. Unlike other groups, they chose their contracts carefully, only accepting those that aligned with their code of honor. They quickly gained a reputation for being unbeatable on the battlefield, their eerie silence, and their ferocity in battle earning them the title "The Fierce Blue."

One of their earliest known contracts was with the kingdom of Iselra, which was under siege by an alliance of neighboring nations. The king, Thalos Iselrin, desperate for help, turned to the Dolos Glaukos. In a series of night raids, the Glaukos decimated the enemy forces, turning the tide of the war and securing the kingdom’s independence. From that point on, their legend began to grow.

During this period, the Dolos Glaukos expanded their influence, establishing secret outposts in various parts of Gallidion. They maintained their secrecy, ensuring that only the most trusted individuals knew their locations. Kyros Thalassa, a descendant of Eion Glaukos, took leadership during this era and further refined their combat techniques, incorporating knowledge gathered from various cultures.

Kyros also established the practice of Mask-Bonding, where each member created a unique mask that symbolized their journey, achievements, and personal identity within the group. This mask became a sacred object, worn during missions and kept close at all times. The bond between a warrior and their mask was considered as strong as the bond between comrades, and losing or damaging it was seen as a grave dishonor.

The Era of Wars

The period between 700 and 1100 years is often referred to as the Golden Age of Dolos Glaukos. During these years, Gallidion was ravaged by a series of brutal conflicts known as the Great Fracture Wars, where powerful kingdoms, magical orders, and dark entities vied for control over the land. The Dolos Glaukos were in high demand, with kings, wizards, and even gods seeking their aid.

The most famous of these engagements was the Battle of the Shattered Plain, where the Dolos Glaukos were hired by the Council of Elders to defeat the necromancer Zalthor the Undying, who had raised an army of the dead to claim the fertile plains of Vithoria. The battle was brutal and lasted for weeks, but the Glaukos, using their mastery of Eidolon Machinari, systematically dismantled Zalthor’s forces, culminating in a legendary duel between Kyros Thalassa and Zalthor. Kyros’s victory cemented their reputation as the most elite mercenaries in all of Gallidion.

In this era, the group’s membership grew, and new traditions were introduced, such as the Rite of the Aegis, a ceremony where new members, after completing their training, were officially inducted into the Glaukos by receiving a ceremonial kyriaklon and their personal mask. The Glaukos also began to diversify their skills, learning the ways of alchemy, magic, and even espionage. They became not just warriors but strategists, infiltrators, and advisors to those who could afford their services.

However, this era was also marked by internal strife. As the Glaukos expanded, so did the differences among its members. Some believed in staying true to the original code, while others, lured by the power and wealth they had amassed, began to drift from the path. The Schism of the Azure Blade occurred during this time when a faction led by Arkos Drevin, a powerful and charismatic warrior, broke away from the main group, accusing Kyros of diluting the Glaukos’s purpose.

The schism led to a brutal civil war within the Dolos Glaukos, resulting in the deaths of many members, including Kyros himself. The war ended with Arkos being banished and the group reuniting under the leadership of Astraea Thalassa, Kyros’s daughter. Astraea swore to restore the Glaukos’s honor and reforged the group’s unity, making them stronger and more disciplined than ever before.

The Silent Millennium

After the Schism of the Azure Blade and the conclusion of the Great Fracture Wars, the Dolos Glaukos retreated from the public eye, entering what became known as the Silent Millennium. This period was marked by the decline in the demand for mercenaries as peace began to spread across Gallidion. The Glaukos, once feared and revered, became legends and myths as fewer people remembered their deeds.

During this time, the group focused on introspection, returning to their roots in the Stone Gours. Under Astraea’s guidance, the Dolos Glaukos reinvented themselves, focusing on preserving their culture, training future generations, and deepening their understanding of the Eidolon Machinari. The skyweave armor, once a prized possession of the Glaukos, became a relic of the past, replaced by more practical and adaptive gear suited to the changing times.

Astraea introduced the Way of the Glaukon, a spiritual path that combined meditation, combat training, and the study of ancient texts. This way of life became central to the Glaukos, emphasizing the balance between body, mind, and spirit. The Glaukos also became more selective in their contracts, only taking on missions that aligned with their philosophical beliefs.

Despite their reduced presence, the Dolos Glaukos were far from inactive. They quietly influenced key events across Gallidion, acting as unseen protectors, advisors, and enforcers of balance. Legends tell of the Ghosts of the Blue Sky, Glaukos warriors who intervened in conflicts before they could escalate, often leaving behind only their blue-cloaked forms and masks as evidence of their presence.

Towards the end of this millennium, the world of Gallidion began to change again. New threats emerged—ancient powers awakening, dark gods returning, and the balance of magic shifting. The Dolos Glaukos, sensing the oncoming storm, began to prepare for a new age of conflict. Astraea’s descendants, Nyros and Lysandra Thalassa, took the mantle of leadership, determined to lead the Glaukos back into the world as a force of stability and strength.

Return to Prominence

The past century has marked the Age of Ascendance for the Dolos Glaukos. As Gallidion once again finds itself on the brink of chaos, the Glaukos have stepped out of the shadows to reclaim their place as the world’s most feared and respected warriors. Nyros and Lysandra Thalassa have united the group, reestablishing old alliances and forming new ones with the rising powers of Gallidion.

The Glaukos have returned to their roots but with a renewed purpose. They are no longer just mercenaries; they see themselves as the guardians of Gallidion’s balance, intervening wherever they are needed to prevent the world from descending into darkness. They have adopted new techniques, blending the ancient ways of the Glaukos with modern innovations in magic and warfare. Their skyweave armor has been restored, infused with new enchantments that make them nearly impervious to both physical and magical attacks.

The New Glaukos, as they are sometimes called, have also embraced a more active role in the world. They have taken on apprentices from outside the group, training a new generation of warriors who share their ideals. They have also expanded their influence into politics, using their knowledge and power to subtly guide the course of events in Gallidion.

Today, the Dolos Glaukos are once again a name to be feared and respected. Their fortress, Glaukopis, has become a symbol of strength, discipline, and honor. The group continues to operate in the shadows, their presence felt but rarely seen, always watching, always ready to strike when the time is right. The legacy of Eion Glaukos lives on, carried forward by the bloodline of Thalassa and the countless warriors who have sworn to uphold the Glaukon Axioma.

As Gallidion enters a new era of uncertainty, the Dolos Glaukos stand as a testament to the power of discipline, unity, and the fierce blue fire that burns within their souls. They are the protectors of the balance, the guardians of the sky, and the Fierce Blue that will never be extinguished.

Laws

The Council of Stone operates on a principle of consensus, with decisions made after thorough discussion and consideration of all viewpoints. While the Glaukos Master has the final say, they often defer to the wisdom of the Council, especially on matters where the experience of the Venerables or the tactical expertise of the Sentinel Commanders is crucial. The Council meets regularly to discuss the state of the order, plan future operations, and address any internal or external challenges.

In silence, we strike; in shadows, we prevail.

Notable People

Eion Glaukos
Astraea Thalassa
Nyros Thalassa
Lysandra Thalassa
Arkos Drevin

Founding Date

1653

Type

Military, Mercenary Group

Formation Type

The Fierce Blue

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Decorated/Honored

Demonym

Dolos

Leader

Kyros Thalassa

Founders

• Eion Glaukos

Legislative Body

The governing body of the Dolos Glaukos, known as the Council of Stone, is a highly revered assembly of the most experienced and respected members of the order. The Council is responsible for all major decisions, including strategic planning, interpretation of the Glaukos Axioma, and the preservation of the order's traditions. This body ensures that the Dolos Glaukos remains true to its ancient values while adapting to the challenges of the present.

Structure of the Council of Stone

The Venerables

Role: The Venerables are the elder members of the order, typically those who have served for many decades and have retired from active combat roles. They serve as advisors to the Glaukos Master and the rest of the Council, offering their wisdom and experience. The Venerables are also responsible for maintaining the spiritual and philosophical integrity of the Dolos Glaukos.
Duties: Advising on strategy, interpreting the Glaukos Axioma, guiding the spiritual practices of the order, and resolving internal disputes.

Guardians of the Axioma

Role: The Guardians of the Axioma are senior members who have proven themselves as exceptional leaders and warriors. They are tasked with safeguarding the sacred texts, including the Codex Glaukos and the Glaukon Axioma. These Guardians ensure that the teachings and rituals are passed down accurately and that the traditions of the Dolos Glaukos remain untainted.
Duties: Protecting the sacred texts, overseeing the training of Sentinels and Acolytes, leading important missions, and enforcing the laws and codes of the order.

Sentinel Commanders

Role: The Sentinel Commanders are experienced warriors who lead groups of Sentinels and Acolytes on missions and oversee their training. They are the tactical experts of the Council, responsible for planning and executing the order’s military operations. The Sentinel Commanders also play a key role in the selection and promotion of members through the ranks.
Duties: Planning and leading missions, training Sentinels and Acolytes, advising on tactical matters, and recommending members for promotion.

Keepers of the Gours

Role: The Keepers of the Gours are members who specialize in the survival and navigation of the Stone Gours, the harsh and unforgiving territory where the Dolos Glaukos make their home. They ensure that the order is well-prepared for the challenges of their environment and that the Gours are respected and understood.
Duties: Training members in survival skills, mapping and exploring the Stone Gours, safeguarding the order’s strongholds, and maintaining the order’s connection to the land.

Voice of the Ancients

Role: The Voice of the Ancients is a Venerable chosen for their deep spiritual connection and understanding of the order's ancestors and rituals. This member serves as the spiritual leader of the Council, guiding the rituals and ensuring the order’s bond with their ancestors remains strong.
Duties: Leading rituals, advising on spiritual matters, preserving ancestral knowledge, and maintaining the order’s sacred sites.

Executive Body

Glaukos Master

Role: The Glaukos Master is the head of the Council and the highest authority within the Dolos Glaukos. They are the ultimate decision-maker and have the final say on all matters concerning the order. The Glaukos Master embodies the spirit of the Dolos Glaukos and ensures that the Council operates according to the principles of the Glaukos Axioma. Only a unamious decision from the advisors can overule his decision. Duties: Leading the Council, making critical decisions, representing the order in external affairs, overseeing the training of the highest ranks, and ensuring the continuity of leadership.

Location

The Stone Gours