The Order of The Oak
The Order of the Oak is a venerable spiritual and militant organization devoted to safeguarding the legacy and teachings of the Eternal Hero. Rooted in traditions of vigilance, protection, and moral duty, the Order positions itself as a guardian of the realm’s spiritual foundation and a bulwark against tyranny or corruption. Its followers emphasize stewardship of communities, reverence for The Eternal Hero sacrifice, and the preservation of ancient oaths that bind mortal duty to divine memory.
Structure
The Order of Oak operates as a tiered spiritual-militant brotherhood. While decentralised in geography, each branch answers to a hidden senior clergy known internally as the Root Circle. Beneath this leadership, regional Wardens direct sanctums, and Shepherds guide lay followers and pilgrims. Initiates and Oakbound form the militant arm, acting as guardians, scouts, and defenders of sacred sites.
Culture
The Order’s culture is steeped in reverence for sacrifice, remembrance, loyalty, and quiet vigilance. Silence in sacred places is expected; loud boasts and frivolity are discouraged. Members carry carved tokens of oak wood, maintain shrines, and uphold calm discipline in the face of hostility. Outsiders describe them as stoic, ascetic, and unwaveringly devoted.
Public Agenda
The Order declares its purpose to preserve the legacy and teachings of the Eternal Hero, uphold justice, protect the weak, and maintain sacred sites tied to her legend. They publicly oppose tyranny, corruption, and those who erase history. Their presence is framed as moral stewardship, not political ambition.
Assets
Hidden sanctuaries and shrines within The West Forest
A network of sworn followers, scouts, and sympathetic locals
Sacred relics said to be tied to the Eternal Hero’s life
Forest safe-houses, pilgrimage markers, supply caches
Access to donations from worshippers and rural communities
History
The Order of Oak formed after the death or ascension of the Eternal Hero, a folk champion believed to have been betrayed. Over time, her memory faded from urban Alderian culture, but the Order kept her name alive in the forests and borderlands. Following the collapse of central authority in the West Forest, the Order became more openly militant, protecting sacred sites and settlers from bandits, Mandate remnants, and rogue lords.
The Order of Oak entered a political alliance with the The Silver Talon in Northpoint, forming The Silver-Oak Council The Order’s cooperation with a militant criminal faction remains controversial; scholars disagree whether this represents: Pragmatic divine stewardship in a neglected region; or A radicalisation and overreach into temporal power that risks corrupting the Order’s original ideals. Regardless, the alliance resulted in the expulsion of House Varen forces and the establishment of Northpoint as a theocratic-militia republic outside direct Alderian control.
The Order of Oak entered a political alliance with the The Silver Talon in Northpoint, forming The Silver-Oak Council The Order’s cooperation with a militant criminal faction remains controversial; scholars disagree whether this represents: Pragmatic divine stewardship in a neglected region; or A radicalisation and overreach into temporal power that risks corrupting the Order’s original ideals. Regardless, the alliance resulted in the expulsion of House Varen forces and the establishment of Northpoint as a theocratic-militia republic outside direct Alderian control.
Mythology & Lore
Central myth recounts the Eternal Hero’s campaigns against tyranny, her betrayal by those she trusted, and her ascension witnessed in a burst of pale light among ancient oaks. The Order holds that she watches from beyond, rewarding sacrifice and punishing cruelty.
Divine Origins
Founded shortly after the Hero’s death, the Order began as a mourning vigil that evolved into a secret fellowship. Over generations it formalised into a structured order, especially after official Alderian memory of the Hero waned.
Tenets of Faith
Stand for the helpless
Reject tyranny and cruelty
Endure hardship with calm resolve
Protect history and truth
Honour sacrifice and loyalty
Root oneself in humility and discipline
Priesthood
Priests are known as Oak Shepherds. They are teachers, historians, and spiritual guides entrusted with passing down oral and written tradition. Some travel, helping forest folk and blessing shrines; others remain cloistered, preserving scripture and training initiates.
Stand. Guard. Endure
Founding Date
Era of Founding
Capital
Government System
Theocracy
Legislative Body
The Order’s internal doctrine is issued by the Root Circle, who interpret sacred texts and visions believed to reflect the Hero’s will.
Judicial Body
Disputes within the Order are arbitrated by Wardens, with severe matters elevated to the Root Circle. Trials are ritualistic, involving oaths beneath oak boughs and testimony sworn by flame or steel.
Executive Body
Executive actions fall to the Wardens of the Bough, responsible for defence, operations, and enforcement of doctrine in each region.
Permeated Organizations
Deities
Divines
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Species
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