Acolytes

Astral Servants

  The Acolytes are a faction of zealots characterized by their fervent devotion to a particular Astral God and their ideology. Publicly organized as missionaries or clergy of a church, they operate only loosely within the boundaries of the law and are known for their unwavering commitment to their beliefs. Unlike cultists, another faction with which they are often in direct opposition, Acolytes typically enjoy some degree of sanction or tolerance from governmental authorities.  

Beliefs and Practices

  The beliefs and practices of acolytes can vary widely depending on the specific Astral God they venerate. However, common themes among acolyte members include religious fervor, political extremism, or devotion to a charismatic leader or cause. Acolytes are often united by a sense of mission or purpose, which they pursue with zeal and dedication.   While some acolytes may engage in peaceful protest or advocacy for their cause, others may resort to more extreme methods, including violence or intimidation, to achieve their goals. This has led to conflicts with both the Adventurer Society and rival factions, particularly cultists, with whom they often clash over competing interests.  

Government Sanction

  Despite their sometimes radical beliefs and actions, acolytes are often loosely sanctioned or tolerated by the Adventurer Societyand Magic Society, particularly when their activities align with the interests of those in power. In some cases, acolytes may even receive covert support or funding from governmental authorities who see them as a useful tool for advancing their own agendas.   However, this relationship is not always harmonious, and acolytes may find themselves at odds with the Adventurer Society if their actions threaten stability or challenge the existing power structure. In such cases, acolytes may face crackdowns or persecution, driving them further into their shadowy dealings while fueling their sense of persecution and righteous defiance.  

Opposition to Cultists

  One of the most significant conflicts faced by acolytes is their ongoing rivalry with cultists, another faction of zealots who espouse their own radical beliefs and practices. While acolytes and cultists may share some similarities in terms of their intensity of belief and willingness to take action, they are often diametrically opposed in terms of their ideologies and goals.   Whereas acolytes may seek to uphold the status quo or advance a particular political or religious agenda within the bounds of the law, cultists are more likely to embrace radical or subversive ideologies that challenge societal norms or seek to overthrow existing power structures. This fundamental difference in approach often leads to conflict and violence between the two factions, as they vie for influence and supremacy within the world.  

Notable Acolyte Groups

  While Acolytes operate in various forms and under different banners around the world, some notable groups include:   A well-organized religious sect known for its fanaticism and extreme devotion to the Astral God, Athlema. Thier extremist ideologies include "purging" anything that they deem to be unpure. This is one of the only acolyte orders to have a standing military force, which they use to directly further their own interests. The Order has been implicated in numerous acts of political subversion and terrorism, yet marginally retains public approval due to their fervent dedication to fighting the cultists.   A conglomerate of rebels disguised as religious practitioners, they adhere to the ideologies of the Astral God, Sigil. The Brotherhood is a paramilitary religious sect dedicated to the overthrowing of authoritarian regimes and the establishment of order based on principles of individual freedom and self-determination. Prioritizing the needs of the individual over the needs of the collective, members of the Brotherhood are known to be wildcards, with no true unifying ambition between each member. Despite their noble aspirations, the Brotherhood has been at the center of acts of terrorism and political assassination for years in pursuit of their goals.   A group of radical academics who believe that humanity's exploitation of ethereal knowledge threatens the very existence of life on Theos. Venerating the ideals of the Astral God, Genesian, The Sacred Flame believes that all knowledge should first be censored and sparingly released to the public to avoid calamitous consequences. While often working alongside the Magic Society, the two often find themselves in disagreement with how knowledge should be disseminated. The Sacred Flame is known for their militant tactics, including sabotage and eco-terrorism, in defense of their censorship and its influence.  

Conclusion

  The acolytes represent a diverse and often controversial faction within society, characterized by their fervent devotion to their beliefs and willingness to take action to advance their goals. While they may enjoy some degree of sanction or tolerance from governmental authorities, they are also frequently at odds with rival factions, with whom they clash over competing ideologies and interests. Despite facing opposition and even persecution, acolytes continue to pursue their mission with unwavering zeal and dedication, shaping the course of history through their actions and influence.