Firebrands
The Firebrands are a loose organization of daredevils, liberators, and fighters against injustice with a reputation for sowing chaos in the wake of performing ostentatious acts.
Structure
The Firebrands have no official structure. Instead, an individual's standing is based on their reputation; the more famous ones are considered higher-ranking. Every member is divided into four rankings, known as marks that are inspired by the four marks made by two crossed swords, the Firebrands' symbol.
First marks are self-proclaimed and unproven initiates.
Second marks have proven their bona fides and have been recognized by their peers.
Third marks are locally famous for their work.
Fourth marks are regionally famous for their work.
Anyone can declare themselves a Firebrand, and early Firebrands often gained the attention of the movement at large by announcing such a claim. This method remains prominent, with public announcements ranging from impulsive proclamations to carefully staged events. Membership becomes official only when the recruit earns some notoriety, usually when several dozen locals or a handful of nearby Firebrands become aware of them. After this quick process, the first mark is earned. Since this process is so easy, first marks come and go constantly, and are usually not considered "true" members until the second mark is earned. A Firebrand earns their second mark by being declared an official Firebrand by a member of second mark or higher, either publicly or among fellow Firebrands. Regardless of the publicity, the declaration comes with a symbolic gesture of the Firebrand and the first mark crossing weapons or arms. Second marks gain access to the local Firebrands' resources.34 Firebrands can also complete official training under a veteran Firebrand, which grants the first mark the rank of second mark upon completion.4 Third marks, such as the Mockingbird, are recognised when the local populace knows of the members or groups in question; in the latter case, all members of that group are classed as a third mark regardless of individual standing or seniority. The fourth mark is awarded to those known across Golarion, whether individuals like Devrin Arlos or groups like the Silver Ravens (whose members are all fourth marks). There are no official thresholds for the third or fourth mark, only a nebulous consensus; becoming locally famous is often a requirement.4 Many Firebrands like to debate whether a specific individual or group deserves the fourth mark, but certain key members are universally recognised as fourth marks. In some situations, entire groups of prospective Firebrands are recognized as second or third marks by becoming locally renowned for their efforts in a community.4 Marks can also vary depending on the member's notoriety within a given region, such as Ishii Bunji, a third-mark Firebrand in most of Tian Xia who is considered a second mark in the Inner Sea region. Although it is easy to join the Firebrands, the group has two ways to sniff out potential infiltrators. The Firebrands never intentionally harm innocents, and those who do so in their name never become second marks and usually attract the attention of proper Firebrands. Individuals that might be harmful to the Firebrands are also not informed of updates to local networks' secret codes and signals, and soon become obvious outcasts. Even when such protocols are absent, the Firebrands can still rely on local allies, who report any concerns to other members and allow the group to respond accordingly.
First marks are self-proclaimed and unproven initiates.
Second marks have proven their bona fides and have been recognized by their peers.
Third marks are locally famous for their work.
Fourth marks are regionally famous for their work.
Anyone can declare themselves a Firebrand, and early Firebrands often gained the attention of the movement at large by announcing such a claim. This method remains prominent, with public announcements ranging from impulsive proclamations to carefully staged events. Membership becomes official only when the recruit earns some notoriety, usually when several dozen locals or a handful of nearby Firebrands become aware of them. After this quick process, the first mark is earned. Since this process is so easy, first marks come and go constantly, and are usually not considered "true" members until the second mark is earned. A Firebrand earns their second mark by being declared an official Firebrand by a member of second mark or higher, either publicly or among fellow Firebrands. Regardless of the publicity, the declaration comes with a symbolic gesture of the Firebrand and the first mark crossing weapons or arms. Second marks gain access to the local Firebrands' resources.34 Firebrands can also complete official training under a veteran Firebrand, which grants the first mark the rank of second mark upon completion.4 Third marks, such as the Mockingbird, are recognised when the local populace knows of the members or groups in question; in the latter case, all members of that group are classed as a third mark regardless of individual standing or seniority. The fourth mark is awarded to those known across Golarion, whether individuals like Devrin Arlos or groups like the Silver Ravens (whose members are all fourth marks). There are no official thresholds for the third or fourth mark, only a nebulous consensus; becoming locally famous is often a requirement.4 Many Firebrands like to debate whether a specific individual or group deserves the fourth mark, but certain key members are universally recognised as fourth marks. In some situations, entire groups of prospective Firebrands are recognized as second or third marks by becoming locally renowned for their efforts in a community.4 Marks can also vary depending on the member's notoriety within a given region, such as Ishii Bunji, a third-mark Firebrand in most of Tian Xia who is considered a second mark in the Inner Sea region. Although it is easy to join the Firebrands, the group has two ways to sniff out potential infiltrators. The Firebrands never intentionally harm innocents, and those who do so in their name never become second marks and usually attract the attention of proper Firebrands. Individuals that might be harmful to the Firebrands are also not informed of updates to local networks' secret codes and signals, and soon become obvious outcasts. Even when such protocols are absent, the Firebrands can still rely on local allies, who report any concerns to other members and allow the group to respond accordingly.
Public Agenda
The Firebrands are unofficially divided into two factions: those who fight tyrants, help those in need, and work to rebuild after the revolution; and those who seek thrills and to bring attention to themselves. The former once tried to dissociate themselves from the latter, before realising that their work is made much easier when public attention is kept on the show-offs, and many Firebrands are part of both groups.
History
In 4716 AR, when the two newly-independent nations of Vidrian and Ravounel established diplomatic and trade relations, their respective freedom-fighting representatives also found that they shared an interest in fighting oppression and helping those who cannot protect themselves, and thus formed the Firebrands, sharing assets to combat tyranny where they could.
Founding Date
4716 AR
Type
Alliance, Military
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