The Zabathrii, also known as the Knights of Parity and colloquially as scale-tippers, are a sprawling, cult-like organization of traveling warrior-merchants that hold significant economic and cultural sway over the eastern continents. Rather than a deity, the Zabathrii worship a concept known as the Inevitable Equipoise, which symbolizes a future point in time where the entirety of Maradul enters a complete state of balance and harmony. While the Zabathrii believe that this eventuality is inexorable, the group makes attempts to hasten its arrival. The actions they take to do so are often rather confusing and opaque to outsiders, most of whom are barely aware of the group's beliefs. Most who interact with the Zabathrii do so as traders, as Zabathrii are responsible for facilitating and protecting trade across Maradul, and additionally arbitrate fair trade, often by force. The trade standards for values of goods and coin set by the Zabathrii are widely accepted by many nations and territories. Zabathrii can generally be recognized by their thick, armored vestments and peculiar staves, which are topped by weighing scales.
The Zabathrii have a diverse body of races and backgrounds in their legions who are recruited from all corners of Maradul. Upon induction into the order, members are trained in both fighting arts as well as the arts of trade, and upon the completion of their training, must swear a vow not to work for personal gain, but instead for the Inevitable Equipoise. Those who break this vow and are found to be operating for personal benefit are hunted mercilessly by other operatives of the order, and are either ruthlessly reconditioned for minor infractions, or in most cases, slain. It is not unusual, however, to find Zabathrii turning profit in trade, though it can be assumed any wealth they amass is used in the service of the Equipoise.
The motivations of the of the Zabathrii are difficult to understand, even for the Zabathrii themselves. Many members of the order are sent on specific missions for purposes that are never revealed to them save for the understanding that it will somehow serve the Inevitable Equipoise. This enigmatic mode of operations has led many to believe that the Zabathrii have darker ulterior motives that remain undetermined. Doubt in the intentions of the order has led many Zabathrii to abandon their cause, which the order allows, as long as their vow remains unbroken. Former members much observe their vow for the rest of their lives, lest they risk being hunted down.