Description
4th Era, 1 - 1388. The Order of the Sun is a monastic group primarily comprising of devoted monks dedicated to Maldos and Andralte. The order established numerous temples in remote, often mountainous locations. The largest among them, which also housed the order's spiritual leader, stood near Longford in Unknown. While the order's main focus was on spiritual guidance, it also imparted combat training. This training was essential, as the defense of their remote temples against monstrous threats relied solely on the skills of the monks. The order enforced strict laws among its members, emphasizing discipline and equal contribution to their communities.
4th Era 1389. During the dark years of the Devourer's Apocalypse, many of the order's monks survived, thanks to their isolation in remote locales and small, close-knit communities. However, the primary temple and its inhabitants fell to the cataclysm. Survivors sought refuge in these remote temples, and soon the order found itself responsible for the safety and survival of Unified Caldar's remaining populace. This transitioned the order from a purely religious monk order to a governing body and, eventually, the only functioning government in Unified Caldar. Realizing that the growing numbers could not be sustained in remote mountainous regions, the order cleared the threats from the nearly abandoned fortress of Knightveil and transformed it into a fortified city. Through tremendous hardship and significant loss of life, the fortress not only endured but thrived, becoming a fully-functioning city protected by the order against the relentless advances of the Devourer.
Size
The number of members in the order has undergone substantial changes. Initially, as a monastic order, it boasted only a few hundred members. However, as they assimilated new members, their numbers swelled into the thousands.
Alignment
Originally a lawful good order, the years of the apocalypse compelled the order to shift towards neutrality while still maintaining a sense of lawfulness to increase their chances of survival.
Governing
Preceding the apocalypse, the order had a simple hierarchy, with a head monk in each temple and a spiritual leader overseeing matters concerning the entire order. In the years following the Great Sleep, as their community grew, a more structured organization became essential to govern the increasing population.
Governing structure after 1388:
Cardinal: The supreme leader of the order and governor of the city.
Bishops: Three trusted advisors to the Cardinal, offering assistance as needed and managing affairs in the Cardinal's absence.
Master of Arms: A group of about a dozen individuals renowned for their combat prowess, responsible for the defense, offense, and tactical deployment of the combatants.
Exemplars: Esteemed nobles who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in military or other influential groups.
Lords: Leaders of noble families, each with authority over a substantial number of people.
Knights: Capable combatants responsible for the enforcement of law in the settlement.
Citizens: The majority of the population, enjoying the safety and protection of the order.
Criminals: Individuals who have committed crimes not heinous enough to warrant execution.
Founder
It is believed that the first monk who founded the order was Meldaran Zens.
Key people
See below