The Spacepiress of Chaos
"Shadows fall and hope has fled
Steel your heart, the dawn will come
The night is long and the path is dark
Look to the sky for one day soon
The dawn will come..."
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..:: Organizational Information ::..
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Title of Leader: Grand Hierophant
Governing Body: Grand Convocation
Order Hierarchy:
- Knight-Commander
- Knight-Captain
- Knight-Lieutenant
- Knight-Corporal
- Knight-Errant
Other Positions:
- The Ancient
- Armiger
- The Chronicler
- Enlightened
- Lord / Lady Seeker
- Seeker
- The Theurgist
- Hospitaller
Special Positions:
- Harbringer
- Hierophant
- Divine Crusader
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- Seneschal
Organizations:
- Armigers
- Enlightened
- Seekers
- Hospitallers
Headquarters:
- Feenix
Locations:
- Alderaan
House Syrush Estate
Language(s):
- Galactic Basic Standard
- Huttesse
- Bocce
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..:: Beliefs ::..
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Holy Text(s):
- Holy Codex
Deity(s):
- The Maker
Locations / Temples:
- Feenix - The White Spire
Relics / Artifacts:
- TBA
Ceremonies:
- Proving Honor
- Glory of the Dead
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..:: Historical Information ::..
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Date Founded:
- 844 ABY
Planet of Origin:
- Feenix
Formed From:
- The Templar Order
- Remnants of the Knights of Kal'Shebbol
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..:: Order of the Righteous Flame ::..
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A militaristic monastic order dedicated to bringing order and stability to the galaxy. The Order of the Righteous Flame views themselves as being the guardians of the galaxy who must rise to defend those who can not defend themselves. While they seek to bring to heel Force Users, make no mistake; they are an army unto themselves, well equipped and trained.
Established as a means to defend the denizens of the Galaxy from Dangerous Force Users, they call the planet Feenix their home, having established their own Temple upon the world. The Order is one in which those who join are sworn to dedicate themselves to ensuring that Order is returned to the Galaxy.
Advancement is thus defined by merit, and the order itself is run as a meritocracy; as it matters not whom one was before they joined the Order or who their family is. All Brothers and Sisters of the Order are treated the same; thus the order looks down upon ideals such as Humanocentrism or any ideals that would exclude any individual due to species, orientation or creed. The Order is thus meant to stand as a beacon of light and hope for those in a galaxy overrun by Force Users and inept Politicians.
Originally founded as a new Templar Order and integrating remnants of the Knights of Kal'Shebbol, the Order has risen from those before them, still holding the belief that all Force Users are dangerous and have posed such to the Galaxy at large. They now stand with a new belief, the belief that the galaxy must be cleansed with a Righteous Flame.
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..:: Holy Codex ::..
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"Remember the fire. You must pass
Through it alone to be forged anew.
Look! Look upon the Light so you
May lead others here through the darkness,
Blade of the Faith!"
The Holy Codex is an evolution of the code established under the Templar Order. As such it retains many of those sections which came before the new code; and likewise it remains as a set guide of rules and establishes how a member of the order should conduct themselves with members of the order and those that they have sworn to protect. While the code is somewhat smaller than the former Templar Code, it is still none the less important. As such, all members of the Order are expected to adhere, though it is the core tenants that are focused upon.
"We are sworn to protect the galaxy from the dangers of the Force."
"Watch for weakness and corruption."
"Act without hesitation for the good of all."
"Seek out Dangerous Force Users that prove a threat to the Galaxy so that they may be destroyed."
"Pursue those that escape."
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..:: Ceremonies ::..
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Proving Honor: A simple Ceremony that all prospective individuals that desire to join the Order of the Righteous Flame undertake. This ceremony is designed to show the individuals true self, their inner desires, loyalty and courage. Often it is overseen by a more senior member of the Order. Should an individual prove themselves worthy, the overseer will over remark that they would 'stand at their back so the world might not overtake us', a show of respect and a sworn oath of brotherhood.
Glory to the Dead: Death is inevitable, and for many it can be peaceful or it can be violent. Those who die in the service of the Order are gathered and returned to the Temple where their bodies are cremated. Those closest to the deceased individual recite a passage from the Holy Codex and mourn the passing publicly before retiring together to mourn in private.
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..:: Order Hierarchy ::..
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The Order of the Righteous Flame maintains a strict hierarchy that ensures that all members of the Order are treated equally and that they are capable of executing their duties as cited by the Holy Codex. This hierarchy is more inline with the established military rank systems of a standing military and are often reflective of those ranks. Each individual is promoted to their rank and station through merit, with more responsibilities given to those whom prove themselves time and time again.
- Grand Hierophant: The de facto leader of the Order, they act as the guiding hand, interpreting the Holy Codex with the aid of the Grand Convocation; the governing body of the Order. They serve as a beacon to all members and act as a Paragon of the Order, seeking to further its influence and protecting the denizens of the galaxy. While this position is meant to be held for the duration of an individuals life, there are no established rules preventing their abdication or against the Grand Convocation voting for a new member of the order to take up the mantle.
- Knight-Commander: The highest ranking positions of The Order, these individuals are given the most responsibilities, often leading armies and fleets. Though some Knight-Commanders maintain positions as the heads of Temples or even act in the capacity as a Planetary Governor when needed. While there can be multiple Knight-Commanders, it is only the most senior thirteen whom form the Grand Convocation, the governing body of the order; and from those thirteen they elect the Grand Hierophant
- Knight-Captain: These individuals form the back bone of the militaristic monastic order, as they are those whom often execute the commands of the Knight-Commanders. These individuals are often commanders of vessels or sections of armies when at war, or serving as the heads of smaller temples. In order to be named a Captain, one has to show responsibility, dedication and have proven themselves dedicated unto the Order.
- Knight-Lieutenant: Serving often as the Lieutenants of Knight-Captains, and acting as their instruments to ensure that their orders are spread, they are proven combat veterans. Many take up various duties, and while not all remain within the main branch of the Order, it is more often the senior Knight-Lieutenants that take up positions in the Armigers, Enlightened and even Seekers.
- Knight-Corporal: A step above the rank and file, the Knight-Corporals are the true back bone of the military might of the Order. All orders filter down to these individuals, and it is they whom take their Templars into the fray. Leading from the front, they ensure that their units are equipped and properly trained, and that their equipment is well kept. Many whom attain this rank push unto higher ranks, while a staunch few remain, desiring nothing more than to forge greatness from the shells of others.
- Knight-Errant: The Rank and file; nothing more than an enlisted trooper. These are those individuals that make up the bulk of the Order. Trained and Equipped, they are sent out to secure the worlds and defend the people of the Galaxy. They swear away all of their titles, wealth and land, and become equal. No matter if an individual comes from the Core Worlds or the Outer Rim, none is better than another.
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..:: Special Positions ::..
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Among those Knights of the Order there are those individuals that prove themselves through merit, skill, determination and loyalty as being worthy of accolades beyond their station. No mater the rank, those that have been granted these titles are those that are respected by all members of the Order. Few though ever reach such lofty heights, meaning that these accolades are only bestowed upon those that are truly worthy of their position.
- The Harbringer: The sole individual that is entrusted to act in a capacity similar to that of a Minister of War. This individual is the one who oversees the Army, Navy and Starfighter Corps of the Order. While it is a titled held for those of Knight-Captain or Higher, it can be granted to any deemed worthy by the Grand Convocation to hold the title.
- Hierophant: These individuals are often those whom can no longer serve the Order upon the field of battle. Their injuries too severe or their spirits needing rest. Their experience however is too great to be left untapped and thus they are given a great honor as being the instructors and trainers, even the heads of the Order's temples. They train the warriors, scholars and healers of the Order, and often they train those that shall be the one to ascend to their position.
- Divine Crusader: The embodiment of the Order, these individuals are living Paragons, thus they are entrusted with the most sensitive and important of tasks. Those that are bestowed the title of Divine Crusader are those that organize and plan Crusades, full scale invasions of those deemed to be not only enemies of the Order; they are enemies of the Galaxy itself.
- Sergeant-at-Arms: The prestige of this position is one that many clamor to prove their worth of such a title. The Sergeant-at-Arms are trusted with the administration of entire armies and temples; seeing to their security and the well being of its forces. Not only do they over see the security, they also see to its supplies, manufacturing of arms and armor and all aspects. They are in essence administrators with the most senior over seeing multiple system forces.
- Seneschal: Few understand the importance of such a position, and many have viewed it as a punishment; yet it is not that simple. For the Seneschal is the right hand of the Hierophant, chosen from among the members of the Order, and trained to be the successors of a Hierophant. In time, those few are often raised above and granted greater positions, and for those seeking to be a Sergeant-at-Arms, they must first become a Seneschal.
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..:: The Most Holy Order of the Dragon ::..
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The Most Holy Order of the Dragon is a special recognition given to those of the Order of the Righteous Flame for their conspicuous gallantry and bravery during their execution of their oath to the Order and their duty of defending the denizens of the Galaxy.
The two highest ranks are entitled the use of the title 'Sir' or 'Dame' before their forename, though such accolades are only rewarded to those whom show acts of great gallantry or bravery above the call of duty in the face of the enemy.
Where as those below can be appointed for gallantry and acts of bravery (while not in the face of the enemy) or are rewarded as such in the face of honorary appointments.
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..:: Organizations ::..
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While the Order of the Righteous Flame itself is the main branch, there are multiple branches that extend from the trunk. These organizations act in various capacities and often work to aid and further the power of the Order. Without these organizations, the Order itself would be nothing more than an equipped force without an infrastructure and would be relegated to a single world.
- Armigers: Their name implies their work, yet it is a work that is looked upon with pride and treated with honor. The Armigers are those whom forge the weapons and armor that the Order is equipped with. Not only that, they are also those whom design and manufacture the vessels and vehicles that further aids the Order is pushing away Chaos and bringing Order back to those worlds it seeks to protect. Many Knight-Lieutenants take up this mantle, and among them is named The Ancient, the master of the armory; named by the Grand Convocation, they are the individual whom ensures that all works are beyond acceptable.
- The Enlightened: The Galaxy is a dangerous place, filled with countless artifacts and relics created by Force Users. Many of these items are too dangerous to be in the hands of others or left in the galaxy. Thus the Enlightened seek out these forgotten or recovered items in a bid to secure them and lock them away. They seek to study them in a safe environment and ensure that they can no longer spread destruction. Those Knight-Lieutenants whom take up this task are vaunted for their selflessness in putting their lives on the line to secure these items. Chief among them, as named by the Grand Convocation, is The Chronicler, an experienced individual whom chronicles all of the recovered relics.
- Seekers: While the Keepers are those whom secure and lock away force relics and artifacts, it is easiest to view the Seekers as what they really are. They are a force within the Order whose sole duty is to fret out any hidden Force Users whom have infiltrated the Order or are hiding upon those worlds within the protection of the Order. They are those whom fight in the shadows against the most dangerous Force Users, and whom hunt them down for the sole purpose of destroying them. From among their ranks is the Lord or Lady Seeker, the sole individual whom leads them and whom is often a Knight-Commander.
- Hospitallers: There are those organizations whom seek to aid those that have been injured. Many though (like the once fabled Jedi Medical Corps) have fallen to the whims of others, and often turn many away. Thus the Order seeks to right that wrong and to aid those whom have been otherwise forgotten as they languish in pain and suffer from sickness that can easily be healed. War continues to ravish the Galaxy and there are those of the Order whom stand up and declare themselves Hospitaller, healers in their own right. Under the guidance of The Theurgist, the Hospitallers work with the Order to aid those whom have suffered at the hands of Force Users.
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..:: Exalted March ::..
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An Exalted March is a tool that is used by the Order of the Righteous Flame. Often it is called against those whom prove to be a clear danger to the Galaxy; with the effect being the total subjugation of those whom the March has been called upon. This is not as history shows, that being a March to reclaim a holy land or a struggle to do so. This is more of a Total War with the clear goal being to force the enemy to submit.
Such a command however is never taken lightly. The mere thought of such is brought up and voted upon by the Grand Convocation and even then the decision must be unanimous. There can not be a single no vote against the Exalted March. Thus they are not often called unless all among the Grand Convocation feel that it is the last course and there are no more actions to be taken.
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..:: History of the Order ::..
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The Order of the Righteous Flame has its roots in various mercenary organizations that operated during the most recent times of turmoil. One of the lesser known, who would go on to discover and rescue a young girl; the sole survivor of a family massacre, would form the original foundations of what would become the Order. The leader, an elderly man, took in the girl and shortly after the entirety of the Mercenary Force had adopted her.
Their contracts and duties took them across the galaxy and brought them into conflict with Force Users on multiple fronts. This was the beginning of the establishment of the belief that all Force Users pose a danger to the Galaxy. In time this force would grow by absorbing other mercenary factions, usually those that had been broken or were no longer hired by previous employers.
These small groups formed together into what was christened as The Templar Order. While this order shared a name with one that had been standing previously, they still sought out the doctrine that there was no chaos, only order. Believing themselves to be the ones to bring about Order, they set out to accomplish such a task. Also integrating the remnants of the Knights of Kal'Shebbol, along with their practice of training in the art of Teras Kasi; they also adopted other practices, creeds and tenants from the former Knights.
However the ghost of the former Templar Order still haunted them, and thus they were reorganized.
849 ABY
..:: The Omega War ::..
The Galaxy has changed.
For years the Order of the Righteous Flame has been quiet, its members idle and waiting, helping where they could. Then it happened, an event so unthinkable that it shook the very foundation of the galaxy and shifted the power structure across the void.
The Galactic Alliance, striking from their base of power in the Outer Rim Territories, conquered the center of the Galaxy, Coruscant. They wrest control of the world from the One Sith Empire; which in turn splintered internally as factions began to war against one another, ultimately causing the Empire to fall.
Though they are not the only to fall.
Under the leadership of a new Mandalore, who has united the clans, the Mandalorians strike against the Republic; already ailing from its countless conflicts. The Republic falls, and the Mandalorians accomplish that which the One Sith could not for all of their attempts over the years.
Now the Core of the Galaxy is left undefended. While the Galactic Alliance consolidates their gains and fortifies their forward positions, the worlds of the Core remain in the hands of remnants of the once great and now humbled powers. It is only a matter of time before Warlords rise up from these remnants and lay claim to those worlds they once protected.
Darkness falls upon those worlds; though a flame still burns...
United under the leadership of an individual known only as the Grand Hierophant, they heed the call.
The banners of a burning flame rise across the worlds. Their members old and new flock to the banners and their numbers grow.
The Omega War begun in the aftermath of the fall of the One Sith and the Republic brings about a burning flame in the heart of many.
For while the night is darkest before the dawn, the dawn shall come.
They burn with a passion.
They are the Order of the Righteous Flame...
By their hand they shall raise a sword to pierce the sun...
By their hand an iron shield shall rise to defend the innocent...
By their might let chaos be undone...
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..:: Goals ::..
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- The establishment of safe havens to protect the denizens of the galaxy and those that have been harmed or taken advantage of by Force Users.
- The establishment of a neutrally aligned dominion of space dedicated to protecting the denizens of the galaxy from Force Users.
- The establishment of a repository for the sole purpose of securing and locking away dangerous relics and artifacts of a Force based nature to ensure the safety of the Galaxy.
- Establish temples and fortresses of the Order across the Galaxy to provide logistical support and humanitarian aid for those in need.
- The destruction of the Sith Order and the Jedi Order...
The eventual Reunification of the Jedi Sects into a Single Order...
- The destruction of the Force...
When and only when all other courses of action have failed and all options have been expended.
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..:: Afterwards ::..
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First I would like to thank you the reader for taking your time and spending it with us today to read about the Order of the Righteous Flame. Your time is precious and I thank that you took a moment of it to read through this labor of love and inspiration. The Order of the Righteous Flame is the successor to the Templar Order (not the original that was part of the CIS) and the Knights of Kal'Shebbol. Much of what was written though has changed and developed as ideas develop and as interactions happen upon the board, thus resulting in an extended write up.
The primary additions are noticeable; as we see that the leader of the faction is now titled the Grand Hierophant, and rather than being established as an NPC, that position is now open for a member of the faction to attain. Likewise, an additional special rank titled Hierophant has been added and can be thought of as an instructor, the masters of a temple or fortress of the Order. While other special positions have been added as well (the Sergeant-at-Arms) and others (the Seneschal) having their definition rewritten to match with their new position.
Another shift and further development is that of the Religion behind the force; and while it is still not as large and a primary pillar as a religion has been in other factions, it remains to provide an additional story to our members. The Deity's name has also been changed to prevent confusion with the Deity of other factions.
Now we come to the questions, and I am sure there will be many; though the primary one that nags at the back of my mind has to do with the Order itself. Some might read through this and think 'wait, isn't this faction dead or stagnant?' To that I will simply say, dead no, stagnant yes and that is why I am here today. This write up is aimed to help revitalize the faction, to draw new attention and spark the creativity of others who wish to join a faction with a hint of Medieval swordplay and crusader zeal.
As always, even though I pour myself into this faction and I have stuck with it the longest (yes, I have accepted and come to terms with my own actions of creating and abandoning ideas); I do desire to see this one flourish. I look at Amelia and the Order and see ideas that still have life within them and that can bring stories and inspiration for others to enjoy. However, I can not do this alone and it will only be with other writers that the Order of the Righteous Flame will succeed.
Of course, there will always be questions, comments and concerns and I welcome them. They can be voiced here, or follow the link below to find our Q&A section. Or if you feel a bit more of a private conversation is to be had, the Private Message system is always a welcomed way to get in contact.
As an addition, I would like to make the following note.
If you decide to join the Order of the Righteous Flame, please attempt to do so with an already established character. See if the Faction will fit within your character's already established rp and story. Do not force a Star Peg into a Triangle Hole.
Likewise, I request that as tempting as it may be, do not create a new character just for the faction unless you are able to dedicate your time and presence to developing that character. I have seen it (and am one guilty of doing as such) where an individual creates a new character specifically for an idea, then when the initial steam and inspiration runs out, they become forgotten or abandoned.
As much as I would love your presence within the Faction, keep in mind that you are dedicating your time and effort to the Order of the Righteous Flame. Do not rush into this decision blindly.
While it is noted in the Faction Q&A, I believe it should also be needed to be noted here as well.
The Order of the Righteous Flame is a purely Non-Force User Faction focused on Non-Force Users.
