Order of the Pillar of Fire

The Order of the Pillar of Fire

The Order of the Pillar of Fire is a clerical order of the Hierarchy of the Eternal Flame. The order is open to both men and women. In theory, the Pillar of Fire sponsors the fighting Order of the Companions of Roving Doom, although the clergy of the order's Hârnic branch are currently unable to fulfill that role.

Until recently, the Pillar of Fire operated in both the Kingdom of Rethem (in western Hârn) and northwestern Ivinia. After the 718 TR destruction of its orderial headquarters in Golotha and the slaughter of most of its Hârnic priests, the order has effectively ceased its functions on the misty isle. The order's official headquarters (and largest temple) are now in Vulenheim, in the Kingdom of Menglana (Ivinia). The order also maintains a small temple at the foot of Mount Geravek, a volcano on Hutheng Isle. Most of the Hârnic branch of the order's priesthood has either been killed or has fled to Ivinia, but there are still probably a score of Pillar of Fire priests "hiding out" in western Hârn. A half-completed Pillar of Fire temple stands unused in Arketh, in Rethem.

The recognized Senesharil of the order is Rudi of Armnuda, 57, who is as ruthless and intelligent as he is portly. One of the original Pillar of Fire "missionaries" to Ivinia, Rudi is originally from Rethem. He is also Viriahn of the order's Vulenheim temple.

One of the surviving Hârnic Pillar of Fire priests, Balak of Rensi, however, also claims the title of Sensharil. Balak's whereabouts are unknown, but he is apparently in contact with some of the remaining Pillar of Fire priests in Hârn and has convinced them to accept his leadership. His practical power and authority, however, are virtually nil.

The order has no Markithrai.