Overview
Who or rather what is the Order of the Thorn? That question is hard to answer. Many would call them crazy lunatics, others would say that they are misguided, or even a tool of the ancient enemy. The order itself refuses to engage any questions and eludes capture.They have been quiet over the last few decades, their glory days have passed and reports from trustworthy sources have claimed that the Order of the Rose has begun to re-incorporate them.
Tenets
The following is a collection of their core tenets, as far as we have been able to determine them. The first two were stated publicly, while the last two have been inferred from interrogations and interviews of captured members. It cannot be guaranteed, that these last tenets are not influenced by the beliefs of a sub-group within the order or individual creeds.The Power of the Gods does not belong to the Mortals
This has caused all the troubles we have had with them. In the past they have made multiple attempts at destroying, killing or otherwise hindering the Divine. These people believe that the power of the gods does not belong in the hands of a mortal and should be ripped from them at any cost.Mortals should not exceed what they were granted
We may strife for excellence in our fields, battle for kingdoms and over control of borders or organizations, rising and falling through the ranks. This is what mortals were made for, attempting to seize divine power, divine magic, which according to them is all magic, is far beyond the scope or rights of a mere mortal. Take what the material realm offers, stay in your place and do not reach for what was never intended for you.All Life will come to an end
No matter what you do, no matter how you long to prolong your life and no matter what necromantic energies you fortify yourself with - your life will come to an end. Your divine spark, the thing that turns an animal into a sentient being, the divine magic that is granted to us upon birth, it will return to the true divine.Above all, Life must be protected
What little life you have must be protected, use it wisely and for a just cause, you will only get the one after all.History
We know little about the history of the organization, the few known events will be listed below.
Splintering Off
What led to the schism within the Order of the Rose remains hidden from the public eye. What we do know is that the order appeared in the second century after the discovery of the continent. They apparently used the turmoil of the First War for Liberation as cover for building up their organization.Recorded Attacks
Attack on TemplesOver the last few years, the attacks on temples have increased in intensity. From one every few years, to multiple within a month. As always, they choose the followers of the modern gods first, trying to discourage them from their worship. Only one attack on a holy site dedicated to the forces of nature has been noted to date.
Attacks on Priests
Multiple priests, paladins and other religious officials have been targeted. Usually they receive threatening messages first, are later accosted in the streets, sermons and missions interrupted before they are finally attacked if they do not cease their functions. These attacks often end in death.
Attacks on the Gods
No direct attacks on the divine have ever been recorded, although the order claims to have been involved in numerous operations targeting the divine and their more direct messengers. We have been unable to verify these claims, but if they pose to be true, this could have long lasting consequences.
Core Tenets
1. The Power of the Gods does not belong to the Mortals2. Mortals should not exceed what they were granted
3. All Life will come to an end
4. Above all, Life must be protected
Squire
Anyone initiated into the organization receives the rank of squire. They are the most numerous and are most often recruited from the regular folk on the streets.
Knight
The Knights are the enforcers of the group. Many of them carry out the violent work of the leaders, the threats, the attacks and so forth. They are nothing more than brutes.
Lord
The ones that rise high enough to make decisions and actually lead a local chapter become lords. They have been growing fewer and fewer over the many decades they have been in decline.
King
Multiple chapters are overseen by a king, controlling their movements and handing out assignments. In the last twenty years, no evidence of one has been found.
Emperour
In over a fifty decades, no emperour has ruled the organization, since the death of the first one. The emperour is supposed to be the one that holds the entire thing together and steers them into the correct direction.
Martyr
Anyone willing to give their life for the cause, in the destruction of the gods will become a martyr.
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