Organizations of the Faithful

Reading an Organization Entry

Global		The organization has offices in multiple nations or areas. "Global" here is a relative term, and does not imply centralized control.
Localized		The organization is localized. See entry for details. Many Alexandrian-based groups have this feature!
NPC		Only for NPCs.

Temple Affiliations

Most major Temples are a faction unto themselves, and contain many diverse elements. For example, the Daeusite Temples house the Sunguard tradition, as well as others. Not every tradition, such as Sunguards or Silver Chords are necessarily their own organization, though at times they may function as a group. Instead, they are part of a larger umbrella. Temples require a variety of aid and services, and the agendas of deities are as broad as they are diverse in order to provide options for roleplay. These traditions also benefit immensely by being part of the greater structure.

Additional Organizations of the Faithful

Hunters of the Dead Associated Characters

Common: Serrielite, Gilean, Vardaman, Inquisitor, Paladin, Cleric, Ranger Locations: Alexandria (A15)

An order focused on the eradication of the undead.

These men and women have dedicated their lives to hunting down and destroying the undead. Destruction ranges beyond the battlefield, to the uncovering of necromancers and works to counter Thulite propaganda and cults. The recruiting of new members is semi-formal, and the circumstances may differ on a case-by-case basis. Sufficiently grave threats are usually responded to by a mobilizing of the local members, followed by an organized effort to stop the threat.

RPP-Related Skills: K/religion, K/arcana, Heal, other...?

Silver Crescent Associated Characters

Common: Elunite, Gilean, Danan, Inquisitor, Paladin, Ranger, Bard, Cleric, Druid Locations: Alexandria (A10), Greater Alexandria (H02), Wilderness Pointe

An order focused on the eradication of Caracoroth's influence among lycanthropes.

An order dedicated to the unmasking, hunting, and even conversion of lycanthropes. The Crescent stands opposite the Children of Garm and the latter's cults. Their work is not easy: shapechangers hide easily among everyday society and must often be rooted out before they may be neutralized. Though Elunans form strong numbers among the Crescent, Gilead's and Danan faiths are well-represented. Some of their most active members are former or current lycanthropic creatures, themselves. In cases like these, the Crescent can provide them a new identity, and means to move forward outside of Garm's clutches. PCs may use the Skinwalker Prestige Class to emulate this heritage.

RPP-Related Skills: Perception, Survival, K/nature, K/local...other?

Hands of Ithildin Associated Characters

Common: Altheans, paladins, monks, inquisitors, rangers, clerics Locations: Alexandria (A10)

An order dedicated to the spread of nonmagic healing means to uplift poor communities.

The Merciful Althean Order of the Hands of Ithildin, or simply The Hands of Ithildin, is a female-only monastic cult of the Temple of Althea. Their primary duty is to venerate Althea through community service, most particularly through the provision of mundane and thereby affordable healing, care and midwifery skills. In particular, through the teaching of these skills to others in poor areas, as a means to uplift that community and its members. History There are several theories as to the origin of the Order. Some have aspects of the divine, believing that the first Arma Superius Cassiel Memmius, in life a poor but kindly woman who had died during childbirth, returned to earth from the Elysian city of Ithildin to spread the message of community, healing and the uplifting of the poor. Others have a more mundane explanation, believing it more likely that Cassiel Memmius was the wife of a noble man who became the first patron of the Hands of Ithildin. Ultimately, it is likely that there is some truth to either foundation story. Role The Hands of Ithildin are distinct from the general healers of the Temple of Althea in their approach, teaching the importance of mundane healing over miraculous means. Whilst divine favour is not eschewed entirely, often magical means are not available or affordable in impoverished or remote communities; as such, the Hands of Ithildin use mundane medicine, emphasising careful long-term care and herbalism over spells and potions. This message is also expressed through education. In poor communities, the Hands will often invest much time and effort in training local women in healing, herbalism and midwifery, proving these women with important skills as well as a profession. These folk healers become known as gentis medica (pl. gentium medicae) and are often widely revered within their communities. Doctrine & Teachings Doctrine closely matches that of the main body of Althean teaching, but with some differences, which can be summarised through the three main tenets of the faith of the Hands of Ithildin, which are repeated several times daily during individual and group prayer. What is unnatural, is divine - This is the foundation statement of the faith of the Hands of Ithildin, which states that anything which is not supernatural (not only the gods, but denizens of other planar beings too) must be part of the natural world; this links humanoids to other creatures, emphasising their humility. Conversely, it also states that anything which is not natural must be divine. It is this tenet which calls the nuns into deep reverence not only of Althea, but of all the gods as well as the natural world. What is natural, is fallible - This simple statement highlights the vulnerability of all living things. The Hands of Ithildin use this as the basis of their tenets - even the strongest things can be injured, or otherwise fail, and so to restore order, they must be healed howsoever they can. It also indicates that even what seems natural can result in failure, and so care must be taken of all living things in all stages of life. It is this tenet which brings the nuns into working as healers, carers and midwives. As the natural, so the unnatural - This says several things, and is more or less the key tenet of the faith, tying together the first two tenets in saying that the gods can and may die, or otherwise fail. Should this happen, a divine healer's link to her god will be extinguished, and one may have no choice but to rely upon the mundane healing arts. Should the gods of healing fall, then it is likely that healing arts will be in greater demand than ever before required. As such, then, knowledge of herbalism and medicine must be preserved and spread throughout the populous, such that should they be required, the Hands of Ithildin and gentium medicae will be able to administer to the sick, injured and otherwise needy. The Hands of Ithildin are based upon reasonably loose edicts that cover many aspects of a nun's life, a flexibility reflecting the variability of day-to-day activities of healers, midwives and community teachers. There are some edicts, however, which are based upon the monastic vows of other traditions, which are required to be followed. Some of these are mandatory, and some are optional; all have been developed as part of a lengthy tradition and are carefully controlled. The vows are as follows: Caelibati: the vow of celibacy asks that the Hands and Althea be the first in a nun's life. This extends to ties to a nun's birth family. Upon joining the Hand, the nun rescinds her birth name and takes one given to her by the cult. The nun's principle relationships, then, are her divine bond to Althea, her familial ties to her fellow nuns and superiors, and her universal links to the community. Some cells interpret this to honor the steadfastness between Althea and Daeus. Munditiae: the vow of cleanliness applies not only to a nun's personal hygiene, but also to the purity of her thoughts and deeds. It does not extend to not touching the sick, tainted or deceased, as these clearly form some of the tasks required of a healer; however, it does require several cleansing rituals when bodies are prepared for burial. This vow arose when they noticed that cleanliness reduced the recurrence of diseases. Ieiunii: the vow of fasting does not apply continuously to a nun. If she wishes, she may undertake a period of fasting, but she is required to abstain from all activities in the community at this time to avoid errors and mistakes. At this time she should remain in isolation, focusing on her relationship to the divine, or working in intense study of the mundane healing arts. Pacis: the vow of peace prevents a nun from acting in anger or engaging in violence, except to defend oneself, or those around her. This vow also focuses on inner peace, and on the importance of rest, repose and quiet meditation, which forms an important part of the nun's day-to-day activities. Staff note: While nonviolence is a good goal, a complete pacifist is difficult at best on a DnD game. So, acting in defense is a good interpretation of this vow. A Hand may act in defense of another, or themselves. This includes slaying, though of course they would generally prefer not to when there is a chance of redemption. Penuriae: the vow of poverty is not always followed by the Hands of Ithildin, and is again an optional part of the nun's vows. This is most frequently undertaken when the nun is embedded in a poor community to provide training to the gentium medicae. In general, nuns are encouraged to avoid the collection of material possessions, and all possessions are technically considered the property of the corpus, and are handed down when elderly nuns pass away. Personal items are also discouraged, especially those which link the nun to her old life. Silentii: the vow of silence is also optional, although this is a part of the hermetic sabbatical year which nuns must undertake as the final year of their training. A nun may undertake other, usually shorter, periods of isolation during their lifetime, but this is not mandatory. Veritatis: the vow of truth is mandatory. Every nun must speak the truth, particularly when it comes to care, healing and training. If a Hand of Ithildin breaks one of the mandatory vows (Caelibati, Munditiae, Pacis and Veritatis), they risk serious chastisement from her superiors and colleagues, and may be cast out of the order entirely. With the exception of a nun following the vow of Silentii during her sabbatical, the breaking of the elective vows is not viewed with such seriousness. When the Hands of Ithildin train new lay members in the mundane healing arts (the gentium medicae), they also instruct them in some of the Ithildinis doctrine, but certainly not all. Additionally, a gentis medica is not required to follow any vows. Organization & Nomenclature When a woman joins the Hands of Ithildin, she becomes a manus minor (pl. manūs minōrēs), a 'minor hand', who undertakes training beneath more experienced nuns. Usually a manus minor is brought to the Order at her coming of age; training typically takes approximately 7 years. The penultimate year is spent in the community, providing care alongside other healers, and the final year is a hermetic sabbatical. Manūs minōrēs wear simple blue robes, without adornment or holy symbols, to distinguish them from other members of the Order After the final year of a training, a nun is brought fully into the Order in a ceremony when her robes are exchanged for ones with silver piping at the hems, and with a deep blue image of the Evening Star Telmentar at the collar. At this point the nun is known as a manus (pl. manūs), or 'hand', and is able to work fully and independently in the community. A manus is instructed not only to provide healing, but also to teach others in the mundane arts of healing, particularly the poor and needy, as per the edicts of the Order. Most cities or nations have a branch of the Hands of Ithildin, which are known as a corpus (pl. corpora), or 'body'. Each corpus may have a few dozen manūs and several manūs minōrēs, all under the direction of a single senior nun known as an arma īnferius (pl. arma īnferiōra), or 'lower arm'. Although in a position of power, the cult is somewhat egalitarian, and each manus has an almost equal say in the day-to-day activities of the corpus. An arma īnferius is usually chosen from nuns with a great deal of experience within the community, but the role can be turned down or relinquished at any time. A council of arma īnferiōra, the corpus mājus, meets occasionally to discuss the general activities of the cult, and to elect an overall leader, somewhat of a spokesperson with the main Temple of Althea. This leader is again only slightly superior to the wishes of the general corpus mājus. The order slowly seeks to expand itself. A recent foray was made into Am'shere. Though not rejected, the order was not officially permitted, either. Instead, it is locked in discussions with local elders and ultimately, the Empress. Of particular discussion are the vows, which must, they believe, be adapted to the requirements of that people, and their natures. Likewise, how the order changes to fit the tribal and caste system is in thoughtful discussion. Last but not least, any order must be under the guidance of the Empress, and appropriate castes. Yet, they have not said "no." Daily Activities The day-to-day activities of a Hand of Ithildin are much less rigid than in other monastic orders, reflecting the flexibility required in the work of a healer, nurse or midwife. However, the general pattern of life for a manus is expected to be similar to the following. A manus will rise early in the morning in an individual or shared room in the corpus house, typically several hours before a winter's dawn. Early morning activities include ablutions and private prayer, before a simple communal meal is taken at dawn. Following this, there is a period communal prayer and discussion of the day's activity with other manus. Lecturing of manus minores and gentium medicae usually takes place in the morning, usually finishing slightly before lunchtime, which may or may not be taken communally. Many manus treat this as freetime, to follow personal interests. The afternoon is much more flexible; most manus will undertake community work or training until the early evening, when they will gather for communal prayer and further discussions. Following a large evening meal, the nuns are free to again follow personal interests, although typically remaining within the corpus house. Evensong occurs much later in the evening, with all nuns singing in unison in praise of Althea. Before bed there are evening ablutions and finally, personal prayer.

RPP-Related Skills: Heal, Diplomacy, Profession/Herbalist, Profession/Teacher, Knowledge/Local, Perform/Sing, Knowledge/Religion

Paladin Traditions of Ea Associated Characters

Paladins Locations: Many temple orders

Most paladins hold a position within their deity's temple, and may find themselves guided by the traditions held within these temples. Sample paladin traditions may be found below. It is also common for paladins to work together across order lines--they are foremost warriors of good and what is good in the world. See individual entry deity pages for titles.

Althean Paladin Traditions: Paladins of Althea are often protectors of the weak. They serve often as guards to Althea's good works and as defenders of those who cannot aid themselves. It would be a mistake to call them pacifists. Rather, they are encouraged to be strategic, with both shield and strength. Daeusite Paladin Traditions: Paladins of Daeus are are typically warriors for justice and what is good in the world. The martial arm of the faith, they often partner with Altheans and other servitors of the Gods of Light. They stand at the forefront in the world's fight against evil and oppression. Elunan Paladin Traditions: Paladins of Eluna rarely gain full levels of paladins throughout their career and some times turn their attention to minor development of arcane might or the gift of foresight. They often hunt down instances of evil magic and black spells which bring harm to the world, and so have little to no problems working with magicians and other goodly aligned arcane spell users. Gilean Paladin Traditions: Gilead's paladins are rare, and typically serve as guardians of pathways through the wilderness, as well as defenders of wild spaces. They may range with Gilead's hunters against abominations and the corruption of natural spaces. Navosian Paladin Traditions: Navosian paladins remember the time when Navos possessed Compassion. They recall the fall of Animus and the gap among the gods of Twilight, and recall their gods' sacrifice when he left the Light. Traditionally close allies of the Daeusites, camaraderie of late has been somewhat awkward and marked by sorrow. Paladins of Navos strive to exemplify the best that Navos' tradition is, and has been. Reosian Paladin Traditions: Reos has few paladins, with the greatest number among the khazadi. These paladins are normally considered champions of their kind, blending together all of the virtues of the khazadi race into their ultimate warriors. They are often promoters of peace, clan, and order, and other traditional, khazadi values. Serrielite Paladin Traditions: Serriel's paladins are a new face among Ea's denizens. Like their goddess, they tend to focus on the beauty of civilization and the progress of mankind, whatever race they may be. Given Vardama's scarcity of paladins, they've begun to form a partnership where they assist in guardianship of the more dangerous crypts and graveyards. Vardaman Paladin Traditions: Paladins of Vardama are almost exclusively concerned with the hunting, slaying and destroying of evil Necromancers and killing of undead. While rarer than paladins of other faiths, they nonetheless maintain a sacred role within their faith. These paladins are some of Thul's greatest enemies.

RPP-Related Skills: Whatever is flavorful for their temple and tradition.

Monk Traditions of Ea Associated Characters

Monks Locations: Many temple orders

Monks may belong to a variety of orders. A number of deities sponsor monastic orders, though sponsors are not limited to the ones, below. In addition, not every monastery has a sponsor. It may, instead, focus around an ideal or other set of teachings. You are encouraged to use your creativity.

Angoron Monk Traditions: Angoronian monks tend to follow a more martial tradition, focused to an extent on heroism and good deeds. They're known for their feats of not just strength, but dexterity and any demonstration of bodily prowess. They tend to believe such acts are better attained through proper discipline and technique, rather than the more chaotic enthusiasm of other Angoronian followers. Daeusite Monk Traditions: Daeus' monks walk the line of balance, devoted to goodness, and ideals of honesty, purity, and perseverence. Known for their kinder philsophy, they nonetheless have a strong martial tradition. Elunan Monk Traditions: Elunan monks tend to come from a tradition more in line with reflection and meditation. They're known for their almost otherworldly styles, and a number of them place emphasis on the interpretation and study of dreams. Serrielite Monk Traditions: Serriel's monks are highly disciplined, known for their precision and expertise in the battlefield. Of all orders, they're explorative of new techniques, incorporating them and seeing them as part of the advancement of civilization and ideas. Many Serrielite orders work with Vardaman ones. Navosan Monk Traditions: Navos' monks are known for a solemn study of the perfection of the body and mind. Often historians, they're known for their production of illuminated manuscripts and wide berth of knowledge in addition to a philosophical martial tradition. Navosian monks are also some of the few monks with official titles: they are known as Focus, and often noted for their skills in concentration and meditation. Korite Monk Traditions: Korite monks are strictly martial in their outlook, though a number of them take joy in the study of battle formations, history, and techniques. Vardamam Monk Traditions: Vardama's monk orders are well-known, usually solemn individuals who contemplate life's natural cycles and the unknown of death. They are sometimes employed as assassins, and are frequently found as temple guards, serving as a kind of holy warrior. Vardaman (or Vardamite) monks are some of the few to hold divine titles akin to clerics and paladins--see Vardama's entry for details. Vardaman monks are some of the few monks with official titles: they are called Chords, which refers to Vardama's role as the Harpist, an instrument she famously plays to sooth the souls of the dead.

RPP-Related Skills: Whatever is flavorful for their temple and tradition.