The Order of Eternal Light
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The Order of Eternal Light is a Meeting Hall Organization focused on improving the understanding of the Arkati. It is based out of Solhaven.
Purpose
The stated goal of The Order:
The Order seeks enlightenment of the Arkati for all peoples through the study of the various religions, religious orders, rituals and cults on Elanthia. All are welcome in the sharing of knowledge, even the faithless should they earnestly seek to study the Gods.
The Order investigates reported Arkati activity involving mortals, seeking to interview witnesses and document encounters.
Core Tenets
Members of The Order are to be:
- Curious
- Never cease seeking out opportunities to further our understanding of the Arkati.
- Curious
- Open-minded
- Set aside personal beliefs and biases. All Arkati and Pantheons are worthy of our study.
- Open-minded
- Vigilant
- Move aggressively to investigate reports and rumors when the Arkati or their avatars walk among us.
- Vigilant
- Devoted
- Be purposeful in action and remain dedicated in support to fellow Order members and our communities.
- Devoted
Insignia
The insignia of The Order of Eternal Light is three faintly scaled interlocking bronze rings on a field of emerald.
- The three rings are a reflection of the never ending pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment.
- The left ring represents mortals.
- The right ring represents the Arkati.
- The central ring represents the unbreakable connection between Gods and mortals.
- The faint scales covering the rings are a reminder of the connection to the Drakes, for without them, the Arkati do not exist.
- The bronze used to fashion the rings is a symbol of humility, knowing that true enlightenment is impossible for mortals.
- The emerald backdrop symbolizes the natural world in which all mortals exist.
Structure
Keepers
As the scholars and chroniclers of The Order, the Keepers are responsible for the safekeeping and curation of The Order's manuscripts and archives. A Keeper's role is not purely academic. They seek further enlightenment by hosting lectures and debates, guiding pilgrimages, and conducting experimental rites and rituals.
Seekers
As the investigators of The Order, the Seekers are responsible for investigating all reported Arkati activity in Elanthia as they become aware of the encounters. Tenacious is the pursuit of the truth, Seekers interview witnesses, collect tangible evidence, and thoroughly document their findings to create an accurate record for posterity.
Membership
Requirements
All with a sincere and earnest curiosity to better understand the Arkati are welcome to join The Order.
Members
Leadership
| First Pilgrim | Bakarus Klysus |
| First Seeker | Zeminar L'Draggor |
| First Keeper | Aenternoll L'Draggor |
Library
Each chapter of the Order is responsible for maintaining a local library of knowledge, sending regular reports back to Tamzyrr.
History
Founded in the shadows of Tamzyrr, the Order of Eternal Light has worked with quiet diligence, studying and researching the Arkati and their adherents for centuries. While an ancient order, little is known about its origin and founders as all of its recorded history, archives and numerous members were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Ysspethos in 4327. Those that survived, having learned tragic lessons, rebuilt the Order as a decentralized organization, creating safeguards for the protection of future archives and knowledge.
As is with most long-lived organizations, the Order of Eternal Light has traditions, rituals and sayings that have evolved over time. There are two important sayings that are often overheard between members. The first is the Order’s formal greeting - “Eternal Light”. Said to have originally been part of formal ceremonies, over time it has evolved into a greeting between members. The second is “In these halls, there are no secrets.” While the true origins and meaning have been lost, it is now used as a way to gently admonish a fellow member who is not being honest or not setting aside their personal beliefs and bias. In more recent times, it has been shortened further to a simple “In these halls…”
Today, the Order has spread throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire, having a presence in nearly all communities within the Empire’s claimed borders. Individual chapters are generally autonomous and loosely organized, with a 1st Seeker, 1st Keeper and 1st Pilgrim being the de facto leadership group if a consequential decision needs to be made.
Recent History
In late Imaerasta in the year 5120, tasked with founding a new chapter on the frontier, Pilgrim Bakarus embarked from Jantalar to the northern reaches of the Empire. While assisting the Icemule Trace community, he became acquainted with Zeminar and Aenternoll L’Draggor. In 5122, in the month of Eorgaen, the three formally created the Solhaven chapter of The Order of Eternal Light.