The Order of Lightwood

Deep within the bowels of Portcross—amid the pits of slavery and shadow—there exists a sect of Ygharis that stands defiantly against the tide of darkness. They were founded by Priestess Kirkini Lightwood of Gorus, a devout follower of Ygharis, the Mother of Creation. She found them in that darkness and gave them the light to carry on.   It is said that, just once, when she raised her divine staff, prismflowers bloomed in the dark—luminous and trembling—as she stood against the abyss.   The Holy Wardens now reside in a bastion known as Lighthold, offering aid to those they can and conducting quiet missions to help the stolen and displaced find refuge. They began as seventy-four men and women—warriors and believers alike—who reclaimed the fort with a singular mission: to preserve the light of Ygharis and stem the ever-growing darkness spreading across Portcross. What began as a small ripple in a still pond has grown—the Order of Lightwood has since doubled its number of holy knights and is steadily reclaiming footholds in the north.   However, their work is perilous. King Oryn of Sorrowwind is not blind to this rising sect of holy knights and wishes to cast them out at his earliest convenience.   Commander Hallsend Everknight remains steadfast, working tirelessly to welcome all who seek refuge within the walls of Lighthold. The fortress remains hidden by unseen powers, as if shielded by the grace of the Mother Goddess herself. Within, efforts are quietly underway: reuniting families, helping the displaced return to their homelands if they so choose, and training those who wish to join the cause.   It is a blessing that some among the holy knights possess the gift to heal, tending to the sick even as they slowly root out the evil festering across Portcross. Yet something darker lingers—beneath the surface, a shadow waits, ancient and watching.