## Followers of Lialandra, Goddess of Healing and Skill --- ## Historical Overview ### The Founding (circa 123 A.P.) The Order of the Radiant Protectors was founded during one of Solare's darkest periods—**The Age of Walking Death**. Between approximately 100-200 A.P., massive hordes of undead—zombies, skeletons, ghouls, and worse—rose from forgotten battlefields and ancient crypts. The dead walked freely, terrorizing villages and small kingdoms that had known centuries of peace. Some whisper that this was the first stirring of **[[Anam]]'s influence**, though he would not fully reveal himself until 10,123 A.P. **Lialandra herself descended** during this crisis, her divine avatar walking among the mortal realms. She gathered those with strong hearts and skilled hands—healers, warriors, scholars, and monks—and taught them the **dual path**: the art of preserving life and the necessity of defending it. The Order was officially founded when Lialandra blessed **Aelindra Brightblade**, a human warrior-healer, with her first divine mandate: > _"Where death walks, bring light. Where bodies break, bring healing. Where evil rises, bring the radiant dawn. You are my shield against the darkness, my hands that mend the broken. Be the protectors this world needs."_ From that moment forward, the Radiant Protectors became Lialandra's mortal champions against the forces of undeath and those who would corrupt the sanctity of life. --- ### The First Undead Crusade (123-387 A.P.) For over 250 years, the Order fought tirelessly against the undead hordes. They established **Sanctuaries of Light**—fortified temple-hospitals where the living could find refuge and healing while the Order's warriors drove back the undead. The Order developed specialized techniques: - **Radiant Combat Arts**: Martial techniques infused with divine light, particularly effective against undead - **Sanctification Rites**: Methods to purify corrupted ground and prevent the dead from rising - **Field Medicine Doctrine**: Advanced healing practices that could save lives even in the midst of battle Notable victories during this period: - **The Cleansing of Duskmarsh** (156 A.P.): Where High Protector Selan the Pure led 300 Radiant Protectors to destroy a necromancer's stronghold - **The Battle of Silent Vale** (278 A.P.): A three-day siege where the Order held a critical mountain pass against 10,000 undead - **The Hexa Landing Hunts** (312 A.P.): The discovery and destruction of scattered vampire lairs in the Hexa Landing region of North Angoria (long before it became a unified vampire kingdom) By 387 A.P., the undead threat had been largely pushed back to remote regions, ancient dungeons, and isolated vampire lairs. For the next 10,000 years, vampires remained scattered and disorganized—individual threats that the Order could handle through targeted hunts across Solare. --- ### The Age of Peace and Preparation (387-10,103 A.P.) As the undead faded from the general consciousness of Solare, becoming mere "witch tales" and legends told to frighten children, the Order evolved. They did not disband—**they prepared**. The Radiant Protectors transformed from a militant crusading order into: - **Healers and Field Medics**: Serving in every major war and conflict across the Human Union - **Combat Trainers**: Teaching defensive martial arts and self-defense techniques - **Preservers of Knowledge**: Maintaining records of necromantic threats and undead tactics - **Watchers**: Investigating reports of undead sightings, no matter how far-fetched During this period, the Order established: - **Seven Great Sanctuaries** across South Angoria - **The Archive of Withered Threats** in Polaria City - **Training Chapters** in every major kingdom - **The Silent Vigil**: A secret division that hunted remaining undead in the shadows The Order's motto during this age became: _"Never Forget, Always Prepare."_ For nearly 10,000 years, this preparation continued. The Order maintained its vigil even as the world forgot why it was necessary. --- ### The Hexa Landing Transformation (10,023 A.P.) One hundred years ago, the Order faced a challenge unlike any in their history—not a sudden revolution, but the **unveiling of a truth they had failed to see**. For over 3,000 years, Hexa Landing had existed as a city-kingdom in North Angoria, ruled by mortal kings and queens in the public eye. But behind the throne, **vampires had always held the true power**, manipulating politics from the shadows while keeping their existence a closely guarded secret. The Order, like most of the world, believed Hexa Landing was simply another human kingdom—one with an unusually high number of "mysterious disappearances" and "strange rumors." **The Vampire Civil War (10,023 A.P.)** One hundred years ago, a devastating civil war erupted among Hexa Landing's hidden vampire factions. The fighting grew so intense that the vampires could no longer maintain their secrecy. The mortal nobility, caught in the crossfire, began to discover the truth. Among them was **Princess Callidora Von Constantine**, heir to Hexa Landing's throne. When her family discovered the vampire conspiracy, they were systematically slaughtered by one of the warring vampire factions. Callidora herself was bitten during the massacre—but instead of dying, she transformed into an extraordinarily powerful vampire. **Callidora's Ascension** Rather than hide in shame or flee, Princess Callidora did something calculated: she **seized the throne using her newfound power and legitimate claim**. However, she was far more cunning than simply declaring herself an undead monarch. Instead, she: - Crushed the warring vampire factions and forced them to unite under her rule - Established the **Ebonclaw Conclave**—six vampire elder sects providing organized government behind the scenes - Created a constitutional monarchy that _appeared_ to be mortal-led while vampires held true power - Built the **largest navy in North Angoria** to defend against external threats - Made Hexa Landing a vassal of the Askaria Empire (providing diplomatic protection from the Free Kingdoms) - Established laws governing vampire-human relations—but kept these laws secret from most of the population - **Most importantly**: Let time do its work **The Fading of Truth** Callidora's greatest weapon was **patience**. One hundred years ago, many mortals witnessed the vampire civil war and knew the truth about their queen. But vampires are immortal, and mortals are not. Over the past century: - Witnesses who saw the civil war have died of old age - Their children heard stories, but with less certainty - Their grandchildren heard rumors and "witch tales" - The new generation knows only whispers and superstition Callidora never needed to openly declare herself a vampire—she simply had to **wait for the truth to become legend**. **The Truth Remains Contested** Even now, vampire existence remains more **rumor than confirmed fact** to most of Solare: - **Elite Knowledge**: Organizations like the Radiant Protectors, high-level clergy (like [[Queen Cyrill]]), royal courts, powerful adventurers, and those who directly serve the vampires know the truth - **Public Perception**: To common folk across most of Solare, vampires are witch tales and superstition - **Hexa Landing Citizens**: Most citizens now only have rumors and "old stories" about their ageless queen. Some suspect, but cannot prove. The elderly who remember the civil war are nearly all dead. - **Mortal Servants**: Those who directly serve the vampire nobility know the truth but are bound by blood oaths, threats, or genuine loyalty - **Diplomatic Fiction**: Other kingdoms maintain official positions of skepticism about Hexa Landing's "rumors," as acknowledging vampire rule would create complex diplomatic problems **The Order's Dilemma** For the Radiant Protectors, the situation created an impossible challenge: **What they discovered**: - Hexa Landing had been vampire-controlled for 3,000 years without their knowledge - They had been operating under false assumptions about who truly ruled the region - Their "scattered vampire hunts" in the area had likely been eliminating rogue vampires that the shadow government wanted removed anyway - The vampire civil war 100 years ago briefly exposed the truth—but Callidora let time erase the evidence **What they faced**: - An immortal ruler who has consolidated power over a century - A vampire kingdom with a massive military that never publicly admits to being vampiric - Diplomatic protection from the Askaria Empire - The humiliating realization they had been ineffective in the region for millennia - **Most frustrating**: They cannot even publicly declare "Hexa Landing is ruled by vampires" without sounding like conspiracy theorists to most of Solare **The Choice**: - **Option 1**: Declare war on Hexa Landing (which would mean fighting the Askaria Empire, battling the largest navy in North Angoria, and admitting they had failed to detect vampire control for 3,000 years) - **Option 2**: Accept the new reality and adapt their mission to monitoring rather than extermination After bitter internal debate, the Order chose pragmatism over ideology. They established **Operation Dawnbreak**—a border monitoring and intelligence gathering mission rather than an extermination campaign. **The Controversy** This decision remains the most contentious issue in the Order's 10,000-year history: - **The Humiliated**: Many Protectors feel they were made fools of, hunting individual vampires while an entire vampire government operated undetected - **The Hardliners**: View any acceptance of Hexa Landing as a betrayal of their founding principles - **The Pragmatists**: Argue that fighting a militarized vampire nation would be suicide and that Callidora's "civilized" approach is better than chaos - **The Optimists**: Hope that internal tensions (particularly between Callidora and rival elders like Isolde) will eventually destabilize the regime naturally - **The Conspiracy Theorists**: Wonder how many other kingdoms might have hidden vampire influence The rise of Hexa Landing forced the Order to confront an uncomfortable truth: **they had been less effective than they believed, and the world was more complex than their ideology allowed**. --- ### The Return of Darkness (10,123 A.P. - Present) In 10,123 A.P., **[[Anam]] [[Anam|the Withered One]]** returned. The world that had forgotten the true horror of the undead was suddenly thrust back into nightmare. The Order of the Radiant Protectors, which many had dismissed as overprotective or paranoid, suddenly became **essential**. They were the only organization with: - Institutional knowledge of fighting undead - Blessed weapons specifically designed for necromantic threats - Trained warriors who understood undead tactics - Sacred rites to protect the living and sanctify the dead #### The First Battle of the Withered Sanctum (10,123 A.P.) Shortly after [[Anam]]'s return, Grand Master Celestria Dawnweaver led a major coalition assault on [[Anam]]'s primary stronghold. The battle ended in a costly draw—though the allied forces inflicted significant damage and freed many prisoners, they could not destroy [[Anam]] or locate his phylactery. Grand Master Celestria fell in combat against [[Anam]] himself, her sacrifice allowing the surviving forces to retreat. The battle proved that [[Anam]] could be wounded but would require immense power to truly defeat. The Radiant Throne has remained vacant since her death, with the Order awaiting Lialandra's sign for the next chosen leader. The Order is now in its **Second Crusade**, fighting on multiple fronts: - Against [[Anam]]'s growing cult and undead armies - Against rogue vampires and undead outside of organized vampire territories - Against **Ashuan Raul**, the Mummy Prince who seeks to destroy Polaria - Monitoring the vampire kingdom of Hexa Landing (unable to take direct action without starting a major war) - Supporting King Leon Talbain and [[Queen Cyrill]] Lightheart in the defense of civilization --- ## Organizational Structure ### The Hierarchy The Order operates on a hierarchical structure that balances military efficiency with healing compassion: #### **The Radiant Throne** (1 position) The supreme leader of the Order, blessed directly by Lialandra. Currently vacant—the last Radiant Throne, **Grand Master Celestria Dawnweaver**, fell in battle against [[Anam]]'s forces shortly after his return in 10,123 A.P. During the First Battle of the Withered Sanctum, Celestria led combined forces in a desperate attempt to destroy [[Anam]] before he could fully consolidate his power. Though she could not slay him, her sacrifice allowed allied forces to retreat with many freed prisoners. The Order awaits Lialandra's sign for who should next ascend to this position. Many believe that whoever can lead them to victory against [[Anam]] will prove themselves worthy of the Radiant Throne. #### **The Dawn Council** (7 members) Seven High Protectors who govern different aspects of the Order: 1. **High Protector of the Sword** - Military Commander 2. **High Protector of the Chalice** - Head of Healing 3. **High Protector of the Tome** - Keeper of Knowledge 4. **High Protector of the Watch** - Intelligence and Investigation 5. **High Protector of the Sanctuary** - Manages temples and refuges 6. **High Protector of the Dawn** - Spiritual Leader and High Priest/Priestess 7. **High Protector of the Shield** - Defensive Strategy and Fortifications #### **Regional Commanders** (approximately 50) Each major city or region with an Order presence has a **Knight-Commander** who oversees: - Local chapters and sanctuaries - Coordination with secular authorities - Recruitment and training - Response to undead threats in their territory #### **Chapter Masters** (approximately 200) Leaders of individual chapters (typically 20-100 members). Responsible for: - Day-to-day operations - Training regimens - Community healing and protection - Maintenance of sanctuaries #### **The Ranks of the Order** **Martial Path:** 1. **Initiate** - New recruits undergoing training 2. **Squire of Light** - Apprenticed to a knight 3. **Sentinel** - Fully trained warrior 4. **Radiant Knight** - Elite warrior with 5+ years service 5. **Knight-Captain** - Commands 10-50 warriors 6. **Knight-Commander** - Regional military leader **Healing Path:** 1. **Acolyte** - Medical students 2. **Healer** - Licensed practitioners 3. **Master Healer** - Advanced specialization 4. **Sanctifier** - Can perform sacred purification rites 5. **High Sanctifier** - Leads healing operations **Scholar Path:** 1. **Student** - Researching undead and necromancy 2. **Lorekeeper** - Maintains records 3. **Archiver** - Senior researcher 4. **Master of Lore** - Leads academic division **Hybrid Roles:** - **Paladin-Healers**: Skilled in both combat and medicine (most common) - **Battle Clerics**: Divine spellcasters who fight on the front lines - **Warrior-Monks**: Martial artists dedicated to Lialandra - **War-Physicians**: Combat medics who stabilize fallen allies mid-battle --- ## Geographic Presence ### The Seven Great Sanctuaries #### 1. **The Radiant Spire** - Polaria City - **Location**: Built into the Polarian Mountains, near the House of the Blessed Arcane - **Population**: 847 Protectors, 2,300 support staff and civilians - **Significance**: Headquarters of the Order, houses the Archive of Withered Threats - **Commander**: High Protector **Tharandis Goldenshield** (Dwarf Paladin, Level 18) - **Special Features**: - The Grand Library of Undeath - Training grounds for the most elite warriors - The Chamber of Eternal Vigil (where the bodies of fallen Radiant Thrones rest) - Direct connection to King Leon's court #### 2. **Sanctuary of the Crystal Dawn** - Kingdom of Kalanthie - **Location**: Eastern kingdom, near the Euthoria Mountains - **Population**: 623 Protectors - **Significance**: Specializes in training field medics for military operations - **Commander**: Knight-Commander **Vera Stormheart** (Human Cleric, Level 15) - **Special Features**: - Largest medical training facility in Solare - Houses the **Sacred Infirmary**, which can treat 500 patients simultaneously - Maintains emergency response teams for the eastern front #### 3. **The Emerald Bastion** - Green Palace - **Location**: Deep within the Great Green Forest - **Population**: 531 Protectors - **Significance**: Center for research into natural healing and forest-based threats - **Commander**: High Protector **Sylvara Leafwhisper** (Elf Ranger/Cleric, Level 16) - **Special Features**: - Botanical gardens for medicinal herbs - Training in woodland combat against undead - Alliance with forest druids and elven rangers #### 4. **Fort Dawnbreak** - Port Emerald - **Location**: Northern coast trade city - **Population**: 412 Protectors - **Significance**: Naval operations, protection of trade routes, monitoring sea-based threats - **Commander**: Knight-Commander **Captain Aldric Wavecaller** (Human Paladin, Level 14) - **Special Features**: - Fleet of 12 blessed ships - Specialized training against aquatic undead - Trade route protection services #### 5. **The Golden Citadel** - Bay Town - **Location**: Western coast, entertainment capital - **Population**: 389 Protectors - **Significance**: Public relations, recruitment, urban operations - **Commander**: Knight-Commander **Seraphina Brightstar** (Half-Elf Bard/Cleric, Level 14) - **Special Features**: - Public healing clinics (treating thousands weekly) - Cultural center promoting Lialandra's teachings - Extensive intelligence network among artists and performers #### 6. **Sentinel's Rest** - Euthoria Palace - **Location**: Eastern kingdom of magical innovation - **Population**: 445 Protectors - **Significance**: Research into magical healing and anti-necromancy wards - **Commander**: High Protector **Magister Elendril Starweaver** (Elf Wizard/Cleric, Level 17) - **Special Features**: - Experimental healing magic research - Development of anti-undead enchantments - Partnership with Euthoria's magical academies #### 7. **The Vigilant Keep** - Border of the Oak Wilds - **Location**: Southeast, near the dangerous untamed forest - **Population**: 734 Protectors (heavily militarized) - **Significance**: Frontline defense against undead emerging from the Oak Wilds - **Commander**: High Protector of the Sword **[[King Gorath|Gorath]] Ironfist** (Dwarf Fighter/Paladin, Level 19) - **Special Features**: - Most fortified sanctuary - Elite combat training center - Constant state of readiness - Regular patrols into the Oak Wilds ### Regional Chapters Beyond the Seven Great Sanctuaries, the Order maintains approximately **150 smaller chapters** throughout South Angoria, with presence in: - Every major city - Most towns over 5,000 population - Strategic military positions - Known sites of historical undead activity Recent expansion includes: - **North Angoria**: 12 new chapters established since Hexa Landing's transformation, positioned along borders for intelligence gathering - **Keranda (Dwarf Union)**: 8 chapters, with strong dwarven membership - **Elandra**: 23 chapters, particularly near the Fay Sea and Shattered Isles - **North Polaria**: 6 chapters near Solstice Keep and the Wilds --- ## Training and Doctrine ### The Path of Balance Every Radiant Protector must master **both healing and combat**. This dual training typically takes 5-7 years: **Years 1-2: Foundation** - Basic combat training (swordsmanship, archery, unarmed combat) - Fundamental healing arts (first aid, anatomy, herbology) - Religious instruction in Lialandra's teachings - Physical conditioning and discipline **Years 3-4: Specialization** - Advanced combat techniques (Radiant Combat Arts) - Medical procedures (surgery, disease treatment, trauma care) - Divine magic training (for those with the gift) - Study of undead types and vulnerabilities **Years 5-7: Mastery and Field Experience** - Apprenticeship with veteran Protectors - Real-world missions and campaigns - Specialization in a particular path (martial, healing, or scholarly) - Final trials and ordination ### The Radiant Combat Arts Lialandra's unique martial tradition combines: - **Precision Striking**: Targeting weak points in undead anatomy - **Flowing Defense**: Circular movements that deflect attacks while positioning for counters - **Light-Infused Techniques**: Channeling divine radiance through weapons and strikes - **Defensive Positioning**: Always placing yourself between threats and the vulnerable Notable techniques: - **Dawn's First Strike**: Opening attack that disrupts necromantic energy - **Guardian's Embrace**: Defensive stance that protects allies - **Radiant Cascade**: Multi-target attack pattern against hordes - **Final Rest**: Execution technique that prevents undead from reforming ### Medical Doctrine The Order pioneered advanced battlefield medicine: - **Triage Protocols**: Assessing who needs treatment first - **Combat Stabilization**: Keeping warriors fighting-ready - **Sanctified Healing**: Combining divine magic with practical medicine - **Plague Response**: Containing necromantic disease and curses **Field Medic Training** includes: - Operating while under fire - Rapid assessment of injuries - Resource management in austere conditions - Psychological care for traumatized soldiers ### The Ten Oaths of the Radiant Protector Upon full ordination, every Protector swears: 1. **I shall preserve life above all else, fighting only when necessary to protect the innocent.** 2. **I shall heal without prejudice—ally and enemy alike deserve mercy.** 3. **I shall stand against the undead and those who defile death's natural order.** 4. **I shall master both the sword and the healer's touch, for true protection requires both.** 5. **I shall never use my healing arts to harm, nor my combat skills to destroy without cause.** 6. **I shall honor the dead and grant them proper rest.** 7. **I shall be a light in darkness, hope in despair, and strength to the weak.** 8. **I shall submit to the Order's hierarchy and Lialandra's divine will.** 9. **I shall teach others the arts I have learned, that protection may spread.** 10. **I shall sacrifice my own life before allowing the innocent to suffer.** ### Controversies and Challenges **The Bone Dove Debate:** Some members of the Order have embraced **Bone Dove necromancy**—the practice of sanctifying undead servants through Perserphina's blessing. This has caused significant internal conflict: - **Traditionalists**: View all undead as abominations, regardless of blessing - **Progressives**: Argue that sanctified undead can serve the cause of good - **Official Position**: Currently under review by the Dawn Council Notable Bone Dove practitioners in the Order: - **Brother Marcus Ashenveil** (Human Cleric 12): Operates a sanctified undead labor force for disaster relief - **Sister Elara Bonecaller** (Human Wizard/Cleric 10): Uses blessed skeletons to recover bodies from dangerous areas --- ## Key NPCs ### Current Dawn Council Members #### **Tharandis Goldenshield** - High Protector of the Sword - **Race**: Mountain Dwarf - **Class**: Paladin 18 (Oath of Devotion) - **Age**: 287 years old - **Appearance**: Broad-shouldered dwarf with a magnificent golden beard braided with holy symbols. Wears gleaming plate armor bearing Lialandra's eye-and-feathers symbol. - **Personality**: Gruff but compassionate, tactical genius, protective of younger members - **Background**: Fought in the Order for 260 years, veteran of countless undead battles - **Current Role**: Overall military commander, based at The Radiant Spire in Polaria - **Notable**: Wields **Dawnbreaker**, a legendary warhammer blessed by Lialandra that deals extra radiant damage to undead - **Quote**: _"We are shields, not swords. Remember that when your blood runs hot."_ #### **Seraphine Dawnheart** - High Protector of the Dawn - **Race**: Human - **Class**: Cleric 17 (Life Domain) - **Age**: 52 years old - **Appearance**: Silver-haired woman with kind eyes that have witnessed too much suffering. Wears flowing white robes trimmed with gold. - **Personality**: Deeply compassionate, wise, spiritually powerful, mediator - **Background**: Former battlefield medic who rose through the ranks after saving 300 soldiers during an undead siege - **Current Role**: Spiritual leader of the Order, direct conduit to Lialandra's will - **Notable**: Can channel Lialandra's divine presence, causing a 60-foot radius of radiant light that burns undead - **Quote**: _"Healing is not weakness—it is the strongest magic in existence."_ #### **Kael Shadowhunter** - High Protector of the Watch - **Race**: Half-Elf - **Class**: Ranger 14 / Rogue 3 - **Age**: 127 years old - **Appearance**: Lean and scarred, with observant gray eyes. Dresses in practical dark leather that allows silent movement. - **Personality**: Cynical, suspicious, fiercely intelligent, paranoid (with good reason) - **Background**: Former member of the Silent Vigil who hunted vampires for 80 years—most of his work was done before Hexa Landing's vampire rule was exposed 100 years ago - **Current Role**: Intelligence operations, investigating [[Anam]]'s cult, monitoring Hexa Landing - **Notable**: Has personally destroyed 34 vampires before Hexa Landing was exposed, now primarily runs intelligence networks - **Frustration**: Deeply frustrated that the Order cannot act against Hexa Landing despite knowing an entire vampire government operates there - **Quote**: _"I spent decades hunting shadows. Then I discovered the shadows had a kingdom, and we could do nothing about it."_ #### **Lyanna Brightforge** - High Protector of the Sanctuary - **Race**: Human - **Class**: Paladin 15 (Oath of Redemption) - **Age**: 38 years old - **Appearance**: Warm brown skin, compassionate brown eyes, strong build from years of construction and defense work - **Personality**: Pragmatic, organized, excellent administrator, patient - **Background**: Architect and defensive engineer who joined after her village was saved by the Order - **Current Role**: Manages all sanctuaries, coordinates refugee operations, oversees construction - **Notable**: Designed the fortifications that saved The Radiant Spire during [[Anam]]'s first major assault - **Quote**: _"Walls protect bodies. Hope protects souls. We must build both."_ #### **Magister Aldric Thornwhisper** - High Protector of the Tome - **Race**: High Elf - **Class**: Wizard 16 (School of Abjuration) / Cleric 1 - **Age**: 342 years old - **Appearance**: Tall and elegant with white hair and sharp features. Constantly reading or taking notes. - **Personality**: Obsessive scholar, brilliant researcher, socially awkward, utterly committed to understanding undead - **Background**: Former member of the Wizard's Conclave who joined the Order after his family was killed by vampires - **Current Role**: Maintains the Archive of Withered Threats, researches necromancy countermeasures - **Notable**: Has catalogued 487 different types of undead and their weaknesses - **Quote**: _"Knowledge is the truest weapon against death. Ignorance is its greatest ally."_ #### **Helena Stormbreaker** - High Protector of the Chalice - **Race**: Human - **Class**: Cleric 16 (Life Domain) - **Age**: 61 years old - **Appearance**: Plump and grandmotherly with kind eyes and skilled hands. Always carries medical supplies. - **Personality**: Nurturing, brilliant diagnostician, fierce when protecting patients, mentor to many - **Background**: Trained as a mundane physician before discovering divine healing gifts - **Current Role**: Oversees all medical operations, trains new healers, manages plague responses - **Notable**: Developed the "Stormbreaker Protocol" for treating necromantic diseases, saving thousands - **Quote**: _"Death is patient. We must be faster."_ #### **Garrick Ironshield** - High Protector of the Shield - **Race**: Half-Orc - **Class**: Fighter 17 (Battle Master) - **Age**: 44 years old - **Appearance**: Massively built with ritual scars and protective tattoos. Missing his left eye from vampire attack. - **Personality**: Stoic, defensive-minded, brilliant tactician, quietly gentle - **Background**: Grew up in the Oak Wilds, lost his entire tribe to undead before being rescued by the Order - **Current Role**: Defensive strategy, fortification design, training in shield-wall tactics - **Notable**: Has never lost a position he was ordered to hold - **Quote**: _"They cannot kill what they cannot reach."_ ### Regional Champions #### **Brother Cedric Ashenblade** - The Wandering Healer - **Race**: Human - **Class**: Cleric 12 (Life Domain) / Fighter 4 - **Location**: Travels between villages across South Angoria - **Significance**: Famous for arriving at disaster sites before anyone knew disaster had struck - **Legend**: Saved an entire town from a plague by working for 72 hours straight without rest #### **Knight-Captain Thalia Dawnstrike** - The Vampire's Bane - **Race**: Human - **Class**: Paladin 14 (Oath of Vengeance) - **Location**: Operates on the borders of Hexa Landing in North Angoria - **Significance**: Has destroyed more vampires than any living Protector (23 confirmed) - most killed before Hexa Landing's vampire rule was exposed 100 years ago - **Personal**: Lost her wife and children to vampire attack 105 years ago, now hunts them relentlessly - **Current Mission**: Leading Operation Dawnbreak - intelligence gathering and monitoring Hexa Landing's borders - **Frustration**: Deeply frustrated by the political reality that prevents her from entering Hexa Landing to hunt vampires there - **Conflict**: Struggles with the Order's pragmatic acceptance that they cannot fight a sovereign vampire nation with the largest navy in North Angoria - **Quote**: _"For a century I've watched that cursed kingdom grow stronger. How many more must I watch from the borders while they feast?"_ #### **Archiver Miren Scrollkeeper** - The Living Library - **Race**: Gnome - **Class**: Wizard 11 (School of Divination) / Cleric 2 - **Location**: The Radiant Spire, Polaria - **Significance**: Has memorized the entire Archive of Withered Threats (over 10,000 volumes) - **Quirk**: Speaks in extremely precise technical language, often incomprehensible to non-scholars #### **War-Physician Kaelen "Deathwalker"** - The Impossible Survivor - **Race**: Half-Elf - **Class**: Cleric 13 (Grave Domain) - **Location**: The Vigilant Keep - **Significance**: Has been clinically dead 7 times, revived each time by Lialandra's direct intervention - **Ability**: Can sense when someone is about to die with uncanny accuracy #### **Brother Jack Homes** - The Divine War Medic - **Race**: Half-Elf - **Class**: Cleric 18 (Life Domain) / Fighter 3 - **Location**: Currently with the Heralds of Silver - **Significance**: Three-year veteran of the Kalanthian military, renowned field medic - **Personality**: Socially awkward, emotionally detached, brilliant at keeping people alive - **Notable**: Performed last rites over countless dead, deeply affected by war - **Equipment**: Mithral plate helm, cloak of protection, blessed implements - **Quirk**: Will strip bodies for ritual purposes in public without understanding social implications - **Quote**: _"I don't need you to like me. I need you to stay alive."_ ### Legendary Figures (Historical) #### **Aelindra Brightblade** - The First Radiant (123-201 A.P.) - First leader blessed by Lialandra - Established the Order's structure and training - Died defending a village of 2,000 against an undead horde #### **Grand Master Celestria Dawnweaver** - The Fallen Throne (10,087-10,123 A.P.) - Most recent Radiant Throne - Led the Order during [[Anam]]'s return - Fell in the First Battle of the Withered Sanctum - Her sacrifice is commemorated on the 15th of Ganis each year #### **Saint Mordren the Unyielding** - The Iron Healer (2,341-2,419 A.P.) - Legendary dwarf who held a fortress hospital for 6 months against siege - Healed over 10,000 wounded soldiers during the siege - Died of exhaustion after the siege was broken, having given everything --- ## Sacred Rites and Traditions ### The Rite of Radiant Ordination When an initiate completes their training and is ready to become a full Protector: - 24-hour vigil in a sanctuary's inner sanctum - Meditation on the Ten Oaths - Blessing by a High Protector or Knight-Commander - Receiving their first blessed weapon or holy symbol - Public ceremony where they speak the Oaths before witnesses ### The Sanctification of the Dead Protectors perform funeral rites to ensure the dead remain at rest: - Purification of the body with holy water - Prayers to Lialandra and [[Aria, Goddess of Birth and Death|Aria]] ([[Aria, Goddess of Birth and Death|goddess of death]]) - Blessing the burial site to prevent necromantic interference - **Watchful Guard**: If undead activity is suspected, Protectors stand watch for three nights ### The Dawn Vigil Every morning, Protectors who are not on active duty participate: - Gather at sunrise - Group meditation and prayer - Review of the day's tasks - Moment of silence for fallen Protectors ### The Festival of Eternal Light (15th of Ganis) Annual celebration of Lialandra: - Free healing services offered to all - Martial demonstrations - Remembrance ceremonies for fallen Protectors (especially Grand Master Celestria) - Recruitment drives - Grand feasts open to the public ### The Silent Walk When a Protector falls in battle: - Their body is carried back to the nearest sanctuary in silence - Every Protector they pass joins the procession - No words are spoken until they reach the sanctuary - A night of stories and remembrance follows --- ## Equipment and Regalia ### Standard Equipment **Every Radiant Protector receives:** - **Blessed Weapon**: Sword, mace, or bow enhanced with minor radiant damage against undead - **Holy Symbol of Lialandra**: Eye with two feathers, worn as pendant or emblem - **Healer's Satchel**: Comprehensive medical supplies, herbs, bandages, surgical tools - **White Tabard**: Bearing Lialandra's symbol, worn over armor - **Sanctified Oil**: For performing purification rites - **Prayer Book**: Contains healing prayers and anti-undead litanies **Higher Ranks receive:** - **Radiant Armor**: Plate or chain mail with enhanced protection - **Staff of Great Healing**: Legendary artifact (only for the Radiant Throne) - **Ring of Life Warding**: Protects against necromantic magic - **Cloak of the Dawn**: Provides resistance to necrotic damage ### Sacred Relics **The Staff of Great Healing** (Lialandra's Artifact) - Currently stored in the Chamber of Eternal Vigil - Awaiting the next Radiant Throne - Can cast Mass Heal 3/day without components - Radiates protective aura in 30-foot radius **The Dawnbreaker Hammer** - Wielded by Tharandis Goldenshield - Deals 3d10 extra radiant damage to undead - Can cast Daylight at will - Forged in the First Undead Crusade **The Silver Aegis** - Ancient shield housed at The Radiant Spire - Grants immunity to necromantic effects in 10-foot radius - Used in the most dangerous missions against [[Anam]]'s forces **The Tome of Final Rest** - Written by Aelindra Brightblade - Contains the most powerful anti-undead prayers - Reading from it grants temporary divine power --- ## Relationships with Other Organizations ### Allied Organizations **The Dragon Warriors of Polaria** - **Relationship**: Close military alliance - **Cooperation**: Joint operations against [[Anam]], shared training facilities - **Notable**: Many Protectors train with Dragon Warriors in advanced combat **The Wizards' Conclave** (pre-corruption) - **Relationship**: Academic partnership - **Cooperation**: Research into anti-necromancy magic, shared knowledge - **Current Status**: Strained due to [[EMBROCIEA - Master of Necromancy, The Grave-Eyed Whisper|Embrociea]]'s infiltration and corruption **The Keepers of the Twilight** (Medical Guild in Polaria) - **Relationship**: Sister organization - **Cooperation**: Training exchange, shared medical resources - **Leadership**: Vera Sol (18th-level cleric) maintains close ties with the Order **Followers of Perserphina** - **Relationship**: Spiritual cousins, both protect life - **Cooperation**: Bone Dove debates, mutual respect - **Common Ground**: Opposition to undead, protection of innocents **[[Queen Cyrill]] Lightheart's Court** - **Relationship**: Formal alliance - **Cooperation**: The Order provides healing and military support to Brensistria - **Notable**: 200 Protectors permanently stationed in Brensistria since [[Anam]]'s return **King Leon Talbain's Court** - **Relationship**: Deep partnership - **Cooperation**: The Radiant Spire coordinates closely with Polaria's defense - **Notable**: Leon's paladins often train with the Order ### Neutral Organizations **The Brothers of the Arcane** - **Relationship**: Cautious cooperation - **Concern**: Some members dabble in necromancy for research - **Agreement**: Share information on undead threats, keep distance otherwise **The Shadow Masks** (Rogue Guild) - **Relationship**: Grudging mutual respect - **Cooperation**: Intelligence sharing about vampire and cultist activities - **Tension**: Thieves and assassins clash with Order's moral code ### Hostile Organizations **Followers of [[Aria, Goddess of Birth and Death|Aria]]** (Some factions) - **Relationship**: Religious conflict - **Issue**: [[Aria, Goddess of Birth and Death|Aria]]'s hardline followers view all undead—including Bone Dove servants—as heresy - **Violence**: Occasional clashes, though usually verbal **The Circle of the Black Thread** ([[Anam]]'s Cult) - **Relationship**: Mortal enemies - **Status**: Active war, no quarter given - **Priority**: Total destruction of the cult **Ashuan Raul and his Forces** - **Relationship**: Existential threat - **Priority**: Protecting Polaria and the Talbain bloodline - **Status**: High alert, multiple task forces assigned ### Complex Relationships **Hexa Landing and Queen Callidora's Court** - **Relationship**: Tense diplomatic standoff - **Reality**: Hexa Landing is a sovereign vampire kingdom with the largest navy in North Angoria - direct military action is impossible - **Complexity**: Queen Callidora drinks only cattle blood and maintains order; some Ebonclaw Conclave elders (like Isolde) are more predatory - **Order's Position**: - Cannot openly operate in Hexa Landing without starting a war - Monitors refugees and escapees from the kingdom - Investigates vampire activities outside Hexa Landing's borders - Maintains intelligence network to track threats - Debates internally whether Callidora is a necessary evil or eventual enemy - **Political Pressure**: The Order is caught between wanting to eliminate undead and recognizing that attacking a sovereign nation would unite enemies against them - **Current Status**: Uneasy peace - the Order watches, Callidora tolerates their presence outside her borders - **Internal Conflict**: Many members (like Knight-Captain Thalia) are deeply frustrated by this pragmatic approach --- ## Current Operations and Missions ### Primary Objectives 1. **Defend Against [[Anam]]** - Track cult activity - Destroy Soul Stones feeding the Heart of Continuance - Protect potential targets of necromantic rituals - Support King Leon and [[Queen Cyrill]]'s armies 2. **Monitor Hexa Landing** - Intelligence gathering along borders - Rescue refugees fleeing the vampire kingdom - Track vampire activities outside Hexa Landing's territory - Prepare contingencies if Callidora's regime collapses 3. **Protect Polaria** - Guard against Ashuan Raul's agents - Secure Talbain bloodline members - Fortify critical infrastructure - Train city guard in anti-undead tactics 4. **Sanctify the Dead** - Ensure proper burial rites across South Angoria - Purify corrupted graveyards - Prevent mass graves from becoming undead armies - Perform exorcisms on haunted locations 5. **Public Health and Healing** - Maintain free clinics in all major cities - Respond to disease outbreaks - Train civilian healers - Provide battlefield medicine in ongoing conflicts ### Active Campaigns **Operation Eternal Vigil** - **Location**: Oak Wilds - **Forces**: 734 Protectors from The Vigilant Keep - **Mission**: Constant patrols to prevent undead emergence - **Status**: Ongoing for 3 years, successful containment **Operation Dawnbreak** - **Location**: Borders of Hexa Landing region (North Angoria) - **Forces**: 150 intelligence operatives and scouts (not vampire hunters) - **Mission**: Monitor vampire activity outside Hexa Landing's borders, rescue refugees, gather intelligence - **Commander**: Knight-Captain Thalia Dawnstrike - **Status**: Intelligence gathering, refugee rescue operations - **Challenges**: - Cannot operate inside Hexa Landing without diplomatic incident - Queen Callidora's naval forces patrol aggressively - Must distinguish between Callidora's lawful vampires and rogue predators - Political pressure from kingdoms who trade with Hexa Landing - **Reality Check**: The Order knows they cannot defeat Hexa Landing militarily - this is a containment and monitoring operation, not a crusade - **Frustration**: Many operatives, especially Thalia, are deeply bitter about this limitation **Operation Silver Shield** - **Location**: Polaria City - **Forces**: All Radiant Spire personnel - **Mission**: Defend city against Ashuan Raul - **Status**: Defensive posture, intelligence gathering **Operation Withered Heart** - **Location**: Classified (multiple sites) - **Forces**: Silent Vigil operatives - **Mission**: Locate and destroy the Heart of Continuance - **Commander**: High Protector Kael Shadowhunter - **Status**: Long-term infiltration, extremely dangerous --- ## Challenges and Controversies ### Internal Debates **The Bone Dove Question** - Deeply divides the Order - Some view sanctified undead as tools of good - Others see all undead as abominations - No official policy yet established - Causing tension with traditionalist members **The Hexa Landing Dilemma** - Most controversial issue facing the Order - **Hardliners**: Want to declare war on Hexa Landing regardless of cost, view any compromise as betrayal - **Pragmatists**: Argue that fighting a sovereign nation with the largest navy in North Angoria would be suicide - **Moderates**: Hope that internal tensions (particularly Isolde's faction) will destabilize Callidora's regime naturally - **Political Faction**: Some see opportunity to negotiate with Callidora, potentially recruiting her against [[Anam]] - This debate has created the deepest rifts in the Order since its founding **Resource Allocation** - Demand for Protectors exceeds supply - Debate over whether to focus on military operations or civilian healing - Some chapters overstretched, requesting reinforcement - Recruitment not keeping pace with losses **Relationship with Secular Authority** - Some kingdoms want to control Order operations - Order insists on independence - Tensions with local lords who want Protectors to serve their interests - Balance between cooperation and autonomy ### External Challenges **Public Perception** - Some view Order as overreacting to undead threat - Others see them as ineffective against [[Anam]] - Vampire sympathizers spread propaganda against the Order - Must constantly prove their value to maintain support **Infiltration Attempts** - [[Anam]]'s cultists have attempted to join the Order - Several moles discovered and executed - Paranoia about trusting new recruits - Enhanced screening procedures slow recruitment **Financial Strain** - Maintaining seven great sanctuaries is expensive - Relies on donations and kingdom support - Some kingdoms reducing funding due to other priorities - Must balance free healing services with operational costs **Casualties** - Losing Protectors faster than they can train new ones - Veteran leadership depleted by [[Anam]]'s return - Low morale in some chapters due to losses - Succession planning complicated by high mortality --- ## The Order in the Current Crisis ### Strategic Position With [[Anam]]'s return, the Order has transformed from a peacetime medical organization back into a crusading military force. They are: **Overstretched but Essential**: Every kingdom in the Human Union is requesting Protectors. The Order cannot meet all demands. **Battle-Hardened**: The current generation of Protectors has seen more combat than any since the First Crusade. **Evolving**: Adapting tactics and doctrine to face new undead threats, including [[Anam]]'s unique Soul Stone system. **Recruiting Aggressively**: Accepting candidates they might have rejected in peacetime, training them faster, sending them to battle sooner. **Politically Compromised**: The Hexa Landing situation has forced them to accept that ideology sometimes must bow to reality. ### Key Storylines **The Search for a New Radiant Throne** - Lialandra has not indicated who should lead the Order - Dawn Council functions as collective leadership, but lacks unified vision - Some believe a great hero will emerge from current crisis - Others think Lialandra herself will descend again - Candidates being whispered about include Tharandis Goldenshield and several younger heroes **The Archive of Withered Threats** - Contains information about [[Anam]] from First Destruction - Some records suggest weaknesses or patterns - Magister Aldric Thornwhisper believes he's close to breakthrough - [[Anam]]'s forces have attempted three raids to destroy the Archive **Brother Jack Homes and the Heralds of Silver** - Jack serves as field medic for renowned adventuring company - Provides critical intelligence to the Order about front-line conditions - His unconventional methods (working with Bone Dove practitioners) controversial - His connection to high-profile heroes gives Order political leverage **The Hexa Landing Question** - For over 3,000 years, Hexa Landing was secretly controlled by vampires while appearing to be a mortal kingdom - The Order hunted "scattered vampires" in the region, not realizing they were targeting rogues the shadow government wanted removed - 100 years ago (10,023 A.P.), a vampire civil war exposed the truth - Princess Callidora Von Constantine was transformed and took the throne openly as the first undead monarch - She unified vampire factions under the **Ebonclaw Conclave** (six vampire elder sects) - Hexa Landing now commands the largest navy in North Angoria - The kingdom became a vassal of the Askaria Empire for diplomatic protection - **The Order's Dilemma**: - They were fooled for 3,000 years, believing Hexa Landing was a normal human kingdom - Attacking Hexa Landing now would mean war with a militarized vampire nation AND the Askaria Empire - Queen Callidora drinks cattle blood and maintains order (unlike rogue vampires) - Some Conclave elders (like Isolde) are more predatory and problematic - The humiliation of having been ineffective for millennia weighs heavily - **Internal Debate**: The Order is deeply divided on whether to accept Hexa Landing's existence or prepare for eventual conflict - **Current Approach**: Intelligence gathering, border monitoring, hoping internal tensions will destabilize the regime - **A Century of Frustration**: For 100 years, the Order has watched Hexa Landing grow stronger while unable to act - **Rising Tension**: Some members advocate for covert operations to destabilize Callidora's regime **The Mummy's Threat** - Ashuan Raul specifically targets the Order - Has killed 47 Protectors in past two years - Order protecting Talbain family members around the clock - Believes final confrontation with Ashuan inevitable --- ## Hooks for Player Characters ### Joining the Order - Characters could undergo training and become Radiant Protectors - Provides equipment, support, mission structure - Access to healing resources and sacred rites - Reputation benefits in Human Union territories ### Working With the Order - Protectors make excellent quest-givers and allies - Need adventurers for dangerous missions they can't spare troops for - Can provide healing, information, and equipment support - Offer rewards and recognition for assisting their missions ### Opposing the Order - Some characters might disagree with their methods - Bone Dove practitioners might face Order persecution - Tension with Order's religious dogma - Could create interesting moral conflicts - Hexa Landing sympathizers might view Order as warmongers ### Personal Connections - Family members in the Order - Saved by Protectors in the past - Trained by the Order before leaving - Seeking to join after personal tragedy - Romance with a Protector (complicated by their oaths) ### Major Questlines **"The Heart of Darkness"**: Help the Order locate [[Anam]]'s phylactery **"The Vampire Dilemma"**: Navigate the complex politics of Hexa Landing - can the party broker peace, or will they choose to destabilize Callidora's regime? **"The Fallen Throne"**: Investigate who should become next Radiant Throne **"Bones of Contention"**: Mediate debate over Bone Dove necromancy **"The Archive Raid"**: Defend the Archive of Withered Threats from cultist assault **"The Mummy's Curse"**: Protect a Talbain family member from Ashuan Raul **"Field Hospital"**: Serve as combat medic during massive battle **"The Silent Vigil"**: Join elite undead hunters on classified mission **"Sanctuary Under Siege"**: Defend a Great Sanctuary from undead army **"The Divine Sign"**: Witness Lialandra's descent and new prophecy **"Border Watch"**: Join Operation Dawnbreak monitoring Hexa Landing's borders **"The Isolde Conspiracy"**: Investigate rumors that rebel vampire elders might ally with the Order against Callidora --- ## Symbol and Motto **Symbol**: An eye with two feathers behind it, rendered in gold and white. The eye represents vigilance and awareness, the feathers represent healing and protection. **Official Motto**: _"In Light, We Preserve. In Darkness, We Protect."_ **Unofficial Mottos** (used by various divisions): - _"Death's Door Guards Life's Threshold"_ (Field Medics) - _"None Shall Pass"_ (Defensive Specialists) - _"The Dead Rest, The Living Endure"_ (Border Watchers at Hexa Landing) - _"Heal First, Fight Second, Never Surrender"_ (General Order) --- ## Conclusion The Order of the Radiant Protectors stands as one of Solare's most vital organizations. For 10,000 years, they have guarded against the forces of death and undeath, healing the sick and protecting the innocent. Now, in the Age of Rebirth, they face their greatest test since the First Undead Crusade. They are the light that stands against [[Anam]]'s darkness, the healers who mend what war breaks, and the warriors who ensure that the living remain living. Though stretched thin and bloodied, they endure. Yet they also face hard truths: that ideology must sometimes bend to reality, that not every evil can be fought with a sword, and that sometimes the most righteous path is also the most pragmatic one. The rise of Hexa Landing has forced them to confront the limits of their power and the complexity of their mission. _For in the darkest night, the smallest candle shines brightest. And the Radiant Protectors are that candle—burning with divine purpose, warming those who suffer, and driving back the shadows that would consume all._ **Where there is death, they bring life.** **Where there is darkness, they bring light.** **Where there is despair, they bring hope.** _They are the Radiant Protectors. And they will never yield—even when they must learn to wait._ --- ## Notes for DM Use This organization can serve multiple functions in your campaign: 1. **Quest Hub**: Protectors constantly need adventurers for missions they can't handle themselves 2. **Support Network**: Provides healing, information, and safe havens 3. **Moral Complexity**: Bone Dove debates, Hexa Landing dilemma, and hard choices about resource allocation 4. **Epic Scale**: Massive battles against undead armies 5. **Personal Stakes**: NPCs that matter, who can die or be corrupted 6. **Religious Depth**: Exploring what it means to serve a goddess of healing in a world at war 7. **Political Intrigue**: The Hexa Landing situation provides rich diplomatic and espionage opportunities The Order should feel like a living organization—bureaucratic sometimes, heroic other times, flawed but fundamentally good. They make mistakes, have internal conflicts, and can't save everyone. The Hexa Landing situation shows they can be forced to compromise their principles when faced with overwhelming force. But they try. And that's what makes them heroes. **Key Tensions to Explore:** - Hardliners vs. Pragmatists on the Hexa Landing question - Traditionalists vs. Progressives on Bone Dove necromancy - Military focus vs. Healing mission in resource allocation - Independence vs. Cooperation with secular authorities - Immediate threats ([[Anam]]) vs. Long-term threats (Hexa Landing) These internal conflicts make the Order more than just "good guys who fight undead" - they're a complex organization struggling to maintain their values while adapting to an changing world.