Order of the Westerly Winds

The Order of the Westerly Winds is a mysterious and nomadic sect, its members bound by their unwavering devotion to Mal, the youngest daughter of Lilith, and her daughter, Elphaba. They believe Mal's journey of betrayal, loss, and revenge symbolizes the resilience and untapped power of the downtrodden, while Elphaba's defiance against societal norms and her ultimate tragedy serve as lessons in the pursuit of justice and individuality.  

Founding and Purpose

The Order was established shortly after Elphaba's exile to the west, during a period when her name was vilified across the lands of Oz. A small band of disenfranchised scholars and mages sought to protect her legacy, viewing her as a misunderstood savior rather than the villain the propaganda portrayed her to be. These early followers saw Mal and Elphaba as divine avatars of rebellion against tyranny and patriarchy, weaving their stories into the fabric of their doctrine.   The Order's core mission is to recover and preserve lost artifacts of power, particularly those connected to the Daughters of Lilith and the forgotten magics of the ancient world. They view these relics as tools to restore balance and as symbols of resistance against oppressors like Glinda and the so-called Great and Powerful Oz.  

Doctrine and Beliefs

The Order's teachings are rooted in the lessons of Mal and Elphaba:

• From Mal, they draw inspiration to punish betrayal and champion the forsaken. Her creation of four daughters—each embodying unique virtues and flaws—is seen as an act of defiance against despair.
• From Elphaba, they learn the value of unrelenting pursuit of truth, even in the face of ostracism and personal loss.
• The Four Winds symbolize the daughters of Mal—Glinda, Elphaba, Nessarose, and Theadora—each representing a direction and a tenet of the Order’s philosophy:
• North (Glinda): The necessity of deception to achieve justice.
• West (Elphaba): Courage in defying societal norms and fighting for the marginalized.
• South (Theadora): Compassion through the empowerment of the weak.
• East (Nessarose): Legacy through the creation of new life and order.

 

Structure and Ranks

The Order is decentralized, with no central seat of power. Its members operate in small, tightly-knit enclaves, often disguised as travelers, scholars, or performers. Each enclave is led by a Windkeeper, who embodies one of the Four Winds and ensures the enclave’s alignment with the Order’s doctrines.   The Windcallers are the sect's emissaries and field agents, tasked with seeking out artifacts and spreading the legends of Mal and Elphaba. The Keepers of the Storm serve as the spiritual leaders, preserving the histories and conducting rituals to honor Mal and Elphaba.
The Galeborn are the warriors of the Order, charged with protecting the relics and confronting threats to their mission.  

Connection to Relics and Artifacts

The Order's pursuit of lost artifacts often leads them into conflict with other powerful factions in Grimm and beyond. They believe these relics contain fragments of Mal’s essence and the latent magic of Elphaba, which can be harnessed to prevent the rise of despots like Glinda and her allies. Chief among their quests is the Emerald Flame, a mystical artifact said to be tied to Elphaba's untamed power.    

Key Figures

Sylara Windweaver: A legendary Windkeeper of the West, Sylara is rumored to have spoken directly with the spirit of Elphaba through forbidden rituals. She leads the Order's most devout faction.
Kael Morryn: A renegade Galeborn who believes the Order should take a more aggressive stance, even if it means forming temporary alliances with figures like the Black Sage.
Aelana the Archivist: A Keeper of the Storm, Aelana is responsible for maintaining the Order's vast collection of recovered texts and artifacts, including the mysterious Tome of Whispers, said to contain Mal's final prophecy.