Xiuhcozauhqui (shee-oo-koh-zowk-kee)
by hughpierre
Structure
Xiuhcozauhqui operates as a hierarchical meritocracy governed by a High Council, consisting of 12 senior Masters. Beneath them are ranks of junior masters, knights, apprentices and initiates. The Order is decentralized in field operations but centralized in doctrine and oversight, with the witch's tower serving as its heart.
Culture
Xiuhcozauhqui emphasizes emotional discipline, humility, and service. They have an ascetic lifestyle that include minimalist dress and abstention from possession and sexual romance.
Public Agenda
Adherents publicly present themselves as neutral peacekeepers and mediators. Their stated mission is to uphold societal justice and focus on maintaining internal balance. To do this they aid in dealing with social unrest, drought relief, plagues, famines and conflict avoidance.
History
Xiuhcozauhqui is one of the four sects of Xiuhtotontli in the Four Corners from across the Giantsfall.
A conflict - 25 years prior - forced a scattering of these sect where a group of such monks made their way through the pass and eventually negotiated a place to resettle in exchange for service.
Demography and Population
Refugees
In addition to continuing to practice their philosophy, and the means to sustain themselves, the senior monks promised to teach their ways. Specifically, their different magics and fighting style. In spite of their small numbers, the dusky diaspora has maintained their control over the institute and its spiritually-minded purpose. Other politicians see Xiuhcozauhqui as a new source of military power and the tyr/yatei initiates as means to influence. Though it has never been to the extent that they wish.Territories
Witch's Tower
A building carved onto the cold facing side of the Bad Step by a brine marsh witch as part of an experiment to predict the future. The watch tower is since used to give early warning to the city by showing observers, stationed atop, future occurrences over the environments that are fixed in its glassy gaze.Military
Though not an army, the fighting prowess of a xiuhcozauhqui monk is so formidable that as part of their agreement for sanctuary, at least one senior monk is positioned in High Command. Though, they do not view themselves as warriors. They fight bare fisted or with staves charged with energy from ley-lines.
Trade & Transport
Bad Path
Xiuhcozauhqui's headquarters lies on top of a lone black pathway that connects the cavern cities to Gaioor's backdoor. In this way, the monks receive gifts from ppolom to fund themselves.Education
Xiuhcozauhqui tradition involves intensive and lifelong learning. It begins with young initiates undergo structured group classes in the temple corridors as early as 3 before being apprenticed at 12.
Promising students are selected by knights or masters and apprenticed in the field. Instruction spans combat, meditation, camay techniques, ethics, languages and history. The training is personal and focused on character that culminate in an examination trials.
Political Influence & Intrigue
While they claim to avoid political entanglement, they often act in tandem with the kolarch and are often seen as an extension of state authority. Particularly among Gaioor's population, there is a sense that their foreignness makes them spiritually superior and rituals unique to them are better at restoring faith and confidence.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Alternative Names
Golden Flames
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Government System
Electocracy
Power Structure
Dependent territory
Legislative Body
All policy and doctrinal interpretations are debated and final decisions made by consensus of the high council
Executive Body
High Council
Location
Comments