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The dangers the Luukosian Order present do not end with the nobility and their people, as many suggest that within the very Church of Koar itself there has slowly been corruption taking place. While it is unknown if this is true or how far their reach may go, it is becoming more and more common for some to believe that there are pockets of high ranking clergy throughout the Church of Koar that are secretly agents of the Luukosian Order, using their position and power to further spread the Serpent's mission of lies, betrayal, and death. Over the years, proof of the cult's expansion has been unearthed by members of the [[Order of Voln]] or other Liabo organizations as they seek to uproot the underground Luukosian cells throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire. It is believed there exists dozens of smaller sects with a few powerful underground strongholds in areas such as Tamzyrr, [[Vornavis]], [[Jantalar]], and even [[Elstreth]], a place where they seek to help overthrow the efforts against the Horned Cabal."</p>|Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire}}
The dangers the Luukosian Order present do not end with the nobility and their people, as many suggest that within the very Church of Koar itself there has slowly been corruption taking place. While it is unknown if this is true or how far their reach may go, it is becoming more and more common for some to believe that there are pockets of high ranking clergy throughout the Church of Koar that are secretly agents of the Luukosian Order, using their position and power to further spread the Serpent's mission of lies, betrayal, and death. Over the years, proof of the cult's expansion has been unearthed by members of the [[Order of Voln]] or other Liabo organizations as they seek to uproot the underground Luukosian cells throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire. It is believed there exists dozens of smaller sects with a few powerful underground strongholds in areas such as Tamzyrr, [[Vornavis]], [[Jantalar]], and even [[Elstreth]], a place where they seek to help overthrow the efforts against the Horned Cabal."</p>|Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire}}


{{Humans}}
{{Humans|nocat=1}}
[[Category:Human Cultures]]
[[Category:Human Cultures]]

Revision as of 14:41, 14 February 2017

Selanthia is a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire.

Crest

  • a crimson sunburst on a field of gold

"An exact reverse of the present Turamzzyrian crest, which represents the crest of the ruling Imperial family. So long have the Anodheles ruled Selanthia, that their family crest has become the crest of the dukedom. Any Anodheles Emperor or Empress, as heads of the Anodheles family, also retains the title Duke or Duchess of Selanthia, and as a result, the Selanthian crest is often placed alongside the Imperial crest at official functions. A separate crest exists for Tamzyrr, a gold diamond on a field of black, which was created by the Overlord Simlorn Anodheles and was used by his daughter, Selantha, to denote Tamzyrrian troops during the conquest of Kedshold and Gor'nustre. In modern times, the crest has fallen out of use, though the supporters of Empress Mynal'lyanna used the crest to represent Imperial strength and expansion, as well as the dominance of humans over other races."

— Culoney of Hendor, The Crests of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Geography

"Selanthia is split north to south by the Yssian mountain range. The western border is shoreline, and host to hundreds of small port villages. The east of the territory is largely plains and hills. The climate is moderate and fair. Severe storms are seasonally swept up the coast toward Tamzyrr, but the low mountain ranges generally break up the storms before they do much damage.

Emperor Aurmont Chandrennin Anodheles rules from the capital of the Turamzzyrian Empire, Tamzyrr, located along Selanthia's western coast. Tamzyrr is the largest city in the Empire, and affords the citizens the most luxury, as the services and goods found in her markets are unrivalled within the Empire.

The city of Tamzyrr is the political and cultural center of both Selanthia and the Turamzzyrian Empire. The city has a rich history and is host to festivals and events of all sizes throughout the year. In addition to the cultural offerings, Emperor Aurmont holds court once a month. Nobles from all over the Empire gather to attend to business such as submitting grievances, requesting aid, and making alliances (or hatching plots). Aurmont's court is a simple affair, but includes sumptuous feasts for court attendants--quite a contrast from how his first cousin and predecessor, Empress Mynal'lyanna Anodheles, ran court before her assassination.

Tamzyrr is home to the Hall of Mages, the most prestigious of the arcane colleges in the Turamzzyrian Empire. Founded nearly 750 years ago under the auspices of Emperor Immuros Kestrel, this college educates students interested in the arcane arts, focusing on the responsible use of magic to improve society and the Empire. The Hall of Mages maintains satellite colleges in Elstreth, Nydds, and The Swale.

The Imperial Drakes are also based in this wondrous city, under the auspices of the Royal Magister. This magical branch of the imperial military consists solely of skilled wizards. Under the tutelage of House Kestrel, magical training for the Imperial Drakes has been standardized and focused for specific military needs, increasing their usefulness to military commanders.

Numerous chivalric orders can be found in Selanthia, and most are based in Tamzyrr. While Tamzyrr is well protected, and no foe has seriously threatened the city in centuries, the activity of the city's courts draws many knights. Those knights who seek to prove themselves for the Empire often venture south to aid against the Horned Cabal and other threats from the Southron Wastes, or east to aid in defending the Demonwall.

Selanthia has an abundance of farms and flatlands, supporting grain, vineyards, produce, and grazing livestock. The low mountains are spotted with small mines and produce iron and other precious metals.

Selanthia also hosts Tamzyrr, the greatest port in the Empire and home to the finest shipwrights known. Tamzyrr boasts a massive navy, staffed with the finest sailors and military officers.

The mild climate of Selanthia causes vineyards to flourish, and Selanthian wineries thrive on trade throughout the empire. The region is famed for two wines in particular: the pale Selantha marsanne and the dry, dark Selantha merlot."


Customs

"The festival season starts in the spring with the grand Seafarer's Carnival, a celebration of the city's ship building industry and maritime traditions. It is also an opportunity for the citizens to peruse and purchase the latest imports. In the summer months, many smaller festivals are held and military parades are very popular. Imaerasta brings about the Harvest Fest, which rivals the Carnival in size and popularity. The fruits of the land of all types are celebrated, displayed, and entered into contests, but most important is the grape harvest. Vintners from all over Selanthia attend to show off their wines and compete for the highly coveted first prize.

At the beginning of the new year, the Pilgrimages of Koar take place. Holy sites, such as the Crown of Koar, are visited by the devout from all over the Empire. The High Hall of the King in Tamzyrr is a major destination for the faithful, where the Patriarch of Koar presides over the Church. People travel from far and wide, often undergoing great hardships, in order to participate in this holy festival. The Patriarch himself officiates over the nightlong prayer vigils. Children born in the previous year are dedicated in the temples and the priests often mediate disputes brought before them by their parishioners.

Another Selanthian tradition of note is the Conquest Fete. The tradition goes back hundreds of years, waxing and waning in popularity. Fetes are held in all the larger towns and cities, though Tamzyrr has always boasted the grandest spectacles. Empress Mynal'lyanna was quite fond of the Fetes and they are a frequent amusement for the populace. The Fetes consist of various types of battles to the death between two or more contestants.

Conquest Fetes serve a dual purpose. They provide entertainment for Selanthians and they help keep the citizenry under control. The combatants are culled mostly from the prisons, but when the pickings there become sparse, no one of any importance seems to mind that "undesirables" are plucked directly off the streets as unwilling participants. The Fete goers love nothing better than to see a couple "dirt elves" fight to a bloody death."

— A Traveler's Guide to the Turamzzyrian Empire


Religion

"The capital of our Empire is dominated by the Church of Koar. The Imperial palace is rivaled only in size and extravagance by the Temple of Steps. It sits on the opposite end of Chaston's Way from the palace, down the grand boulevard, and on the east side of Grand Imperial Plaza. From the plaza rises one of many steps that the penitent must climb to reach the temple and common altar area of the Temple of Steps. Every section of steps is decorated with statues of all the children of Liabo and Lornon; they kneel in supplication to their king. The more devout followers kneel at these sections as well and offer prayer. It is on these steps that the ruler of our empire is proclaimed Koar's and crowned with the Three Sun Crown. One might spend a treatise describing the Temple of Steps, so I will conclude that it is from the top of this man-made Koargard that the Patriarch watches the palace. His humble chair is seated at the end of the Whispers Hall, and at the other, a great circular window that views upon the home of our emperors and empresses.

Behind the Temple of the Steps you will find much smaller temples to the Gods of Liabo and none to those of Lornon. For the mayhem and mischief such gods have wrought, their priests are no longer welcome within the Imperial capital. It is very much the same throughout the Empire. Rarely will one find open and visible places of worship to Lornon. They are the dark gods and their worship is not done in daylight, nor often in conspicuous places. More often, should such temples or shrines exist, they are hidden away and sought only by those desperate or deluded enough to consider attracting the attention of Lornon. Should a citizen of the Empire have need to pray to the Gods of Lornon, they can pray to Koar, and he will command them to act.

Beyond Tamzyrr and for many leagues, the Church's power of influence remains strong. Our churches and temples rank among the finest in every major city. It is by the order of the Imperial Throne, since the time of Emperor Rallick Anodheles, that every provisional capital possess such a home for the Church and her priests. It is at these temples that law is given and justice sought. It is true that the power of justice does rest with the rulers, the barons, the earls, and the counts, and so their laws often have their own courts. However, it is a law of the Church, which provides the last refuge for those who cannot find justice elsewhere. They are judgments made by the Prelates, those chosen by the Patriarch to be his extension beyond the center of the Empire. Because the Patriarch grants them his power, they can rule with his wisdom. It is true, one must lament, that the farther away from Tamzyrr one travels, the less power of the Prelate, but it is a momentary concern. The power of the Church grows ever and always. Beneath the Prelates are the First and Second Watchers, who govern the smaller churches, and who at times travel to spread Koar's justice and his will."


Organizations

Hall of Mages

"In 4362, the Hall of Mages was founded in Tamzyrr by Emperor Immuros, and the initial response exceeded the Emperor's hopes. The number of imperial spellcasters increased markedly over the remainder of Immuros' reign. In 4547, the Hall of Mages, controlled by the House of Kestrel, became involved in a serious dispute with The Arcanum, the magical school in Toullaire. Led by the wizardess Hyla Kestrel, an official complaint was lodged with Empress Eschylle that The Arcanum was allowing reckless use of magic. No official action was taken, but many students turned to the Hall of Mages, favoring structure and reason over the recklessness espoused by The Arcanum. In 4565, a major magical catastrophe destroyed the city of Toullaire, causing a devastating earthquake that damaged Krestle, Immuron and Elstreth, and even shook the city of Tamzyrr. The disastrous combination caused several volcanoes to erupt, hurling a huge cloud of dust and ash into the air that covered the region for several months. Dust fell as far away as the Kezmon Isle. Imperial historians call the territory the Wizardwaste, but the citizens of Krestle and Immuron call it "Ba'Lathon", which translates to "Land in Pain" in the elder Kannalar tongue. Faced with the clear proof of the folly of irresponsible and unrestricted magical training, Empress Verranna passed a law requiring mandatory registration of all wizards and sorcerers within the Empire, and required all elemental magic instruction to be approved and guided by the Hall of Mages. Casting of elemental magics (Minor Elemental, Major Elemental, Wizard, and Sorcerer Circles) without registering would lead to imprisonment, and using elemental magic against another individual would be punishable by death.

In 4922, Emperor Trydall bestowed the hereditary position of Royal Magister upon the patriarch of the House of Kestrel. The Royal Magister governs the study of arcane arts within the empire and serves as advisor to the emperor. As the founders and leaders of the Hall of Mages, the governance over arcane study was not a true change for the Kestrels. What was significant, however, was that with the appointment to a hereditary advisor position, the Kestrels gained in political strength. The Royal Magister is an official position close to the emperor and on equal footing with the Sentinels, with the additional advantage of always being at the emperor's side, whereas the Sentinels must advise from a distance. With the bestowal of the Royal Magister position, the Kestrels ceded their lands local to Tamzyrr, and Trydall granted them a small earldom south of the city, including The Swale.

The Hall of Mages began in Tamzyrr, with two satellite colleges forming later in Elstreth and Nydds. Years later, additional satellite colleges were built in Phannus, Immuron, Brantur, Connedale, and The Swale.

Within the Hall of Mages, there are several specific organizations and roles dedicated to special goals or responsibilities of the Hall itself. There exists an entire group of adjudicators that operate similarly to imperial inquisitors. These adjudicators are dispatched by high ranking members of the Hall of Mages, often the Royal Magister himself, and deal with the research, investigation, and sometimes judgment over crimes against the Empire or the Hall of Mages. Often times, these investigations involve crimes of powerful magic, which is why the expertise of the Hall is called into service. In addition, another group referred to as the Witchhunters, exists as a powerful segment of the Hall that is specifically designed to help hunt down, and bring justice to, rogue spellcasters. While they themselves often employ a variety of magic, they are also trained in many anti-magic techniques, allowing them to better combat arcane users. Another prominent branch of the Hall is referred to as the Archivers, who serve throughout the main college and all of its satellite sisters, tirelessly working to catalog and protect the tomes and artifacts of the Hall, in addition to providing scrivener services.

Their symbol is a golden hawk overlapping three blue spheres."

— Lord Brieson Cassle of Highmount, Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Imperial Drakes

"In 4935, the House of Kestrel founded the Imperial Drakes, a new branch of the military consisting solely of skilled wizards. With this organization, magical training for military mages could be standardized and focused for specific military needs, and a military officer would know what the minimum capabilities of an allied spellcaster would be. Previously, allied spellcasters had wide variances in capabilities, leading to battlefield errors when one may not be able to perform as required. The Imperial Drakes have been instrumental in a number of battles throughout the recent history of the Turamzzyrian Empire, using their might and magic to aid in conflict against the Horned Cabal and other nefarious creatures and enemies along the Demonwall. One of their greatest accomplishments was when a trio of Imperial Drakes defeated Tyrgh, the Chaos Lord, and drove his creatures back into the depths of the Wizardwaste.

Because of the fame and adventures surrounding the legend of Imperial Drakes, enrollment in the Hall of Mages has increased exponentially.

All members of the Imperial Drakes begin their initial studies among the lower echelons of the Hall of Mages, learning rudimentary skills and control with their magic before graduating to the Imperial Drakes, where they then undergo years of training and seasoning to become some of the finest mages trained in combat for the glory and defense of the Turamzzyrian Empire. The Imperial Drakes exist as a branch separate from the Hall of Mages, yet also report to the Royal Magister, who ultimately oversees their regime and training."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Black Tide

"The Black Tide is one of the longest known factions of the imperial navy, dating back to the summer of 4222. It was the ships of the Black Tide that helped protect shipping vessels during the trade and defense alliance between Tamzyrr, Elstreth, and Kai Toka. The group gained infamy over the years in successfully countering piracy, which helped provide efficient results after Kezmon Isle submitted to governance by Overlord Selantha Anodheles in Tamzyrr. Throughout history, the Black Tide has been treated and trained like a specialized unit of the imperial navy, eventually exploring new tactics and strategies thanks to the magical knowledge and education of House Kestrel.

Their soldiers are trained and fiercely loyal to the Sun Throne, and every one of their ships houses a handful of mages trained in the elements of water and air, providing many useful talents to the naval fleets. The hardened and veteran warriors, augmented with the presence of powerful magic users, has allowed for the Black Tide to gain a reputation for being the fastest and deadliest ships in the Western Sea. They are the bane of krolvin, pirates, and enemies of the Sun Throne, providing swift and deadly action and justice on the high seas.

Their symbol is a golden crown and cutlass on a field of black."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Swans of Selanthia

"The capital city of Tamzyrr was rocked by the explosion of Mount Ysspethos when it erupted suddenly in 4327. The imperial palace itself was left mostly in ruins, the destruction even claiming the lives of Emperor Chaston and his daughters. In the aftermath of the event, Chaston's young cousin Immuros ascended to the throne and ushered in an age of great economic prosperity for the Empire, working to repair the shattered city, public buildings, and neighborhoods. While Emperor Immuros did reduce the standing imperial army at the time, he did not reduce any forces within the navy, and it was during this time the Swans of Selanthia were born.

Technically considered part of the imperial navy, the Swans of Selanthia are more ceremonious than combat ready, their members trained but rarely tried. The Swan ships, recognized by their ornate designs and heavy white masts bearing the crest of Selanthia, provide more decoration in the waters near Tamzyrr than any real protection. Many Tamzyrr nobles send members of their families to train and serve with the Swans, knowing full well they will likely face no danger while still garnering some military allocades to help further their family name.

The Swan Ships have been prominent at many imperial celebrations, from coronations to festivals, the sea vessels providing the backdrop of many lavish parties, or glorified escort ships for visiting nobles. While the members of the Swans of Selanthia are indeed trained in combat and naval tactics, few have seen conflict, and their inexperience causes other members of the imperial navy and factions to look down upon them as nothing more than show.

Their symbol is a golden white-beaked swan on a field of crimson."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Imperial Blades

"While the seat of the Sun Throne has always had the protection of close and trusted defenders, the official position of Imperial Blade was not ordered into existence, and subsequently recognized, until the year 4281. This position underwent a score of new training regimes and oaths after the Kannalan Alliance sent back imperial emissaries tortured and whipped after having been dispatched on a peacekeeping mission. After such an affront, Empress Selantha Anodheles declared war on the Kannalan Alliance, and at the request of her own counsel, tested and trained more members to serve as the newly named Imperial Blades, whose sole purpose in life was to provide protection for the Empress or Emperor, even at the cost of their own lives.

The Imperial Blades consist solely of men, each one spending years being conditioned to obtain fierce loyalty to the command and defense of the Sun Throne. Members of the Imperial Blades hold no land and no titles beyond their service and duty, and are forbidden from marriage or siring children. Their life is the Sun Throne, and anything else is deemed a distraction and punishable by death.

Most recently, in 5103, the Imperial Blades played a critical role in scouring the Empire seeking out the responsible parties in the assassination of Empress Mynal'lyanna.

Their symbol is of crossed golden blades on a field of crimson."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Golden Smiths

"The Golden Smiths are a renowned organization known along the streets and among the imperial barracks of Tamzyrr, and their reputation spreads far and wide. They are, in fact, a group of highly skilled and highly sought after human blacksmiths, whose craftsmanship is extremely coveted and often compared to the work of dwarves. The Golden Smiths, while all experienced blacksmiths, are also trained in many areas of combat, sometimes even competing in various local tournaments, but never leaving their day jobs. Their weapons are primarily circulated among the higher ranking officers of imperial and provincial armies, and collected by nobles all throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire.

Throughout history, in times of great conflict, the Golden Smiths have suspended their work and taken to the battlefield, lending both their skills and weapons against imperial enemies. While they are not enlisted into any faction within the imperial army, they are indeed considered a powerful fighting reserve, and both their presence and their products provide many citizens with a sense of peace and pride.

No one is for certain where the secrets of the Golden Smith's forging process came from, and none among the group dare to even think of sharing it outside of their organization. Speculation insists that the knowledge came directly from the dwarves, while others say their talents were first born in the Kannalan Empire. Others, a bit more radical in their theory, put forth that Eonak himself blessed the original Golden Smiths with the divine knowledge to forge their blades, which explains why all members of the organization are devout followers of the Arkati smith himself.

Their symbol is a golden hammer on a field of grey and red."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Troubadours of Tamzyrr

"The Turamzzyrian Empire saw a boost of imperial pride in 5903 as Empress Mynal'lyanna sparked a revival in restrictions on non-humans in accordance to Chaston's Edict, and also significantly increased the military in a pro-expansion movement for the Empire. Such actions saw growth across all regions in the shape of swelling in the size of armies as the Empire strengthened its position to defend both its current lands, and perhaps soon turn eyes outward into future conquests to broaden their borders.

It was in the winter of 5903 that the Troubadours of Tamzyrr were born. Unfortunately, their origins are as wide and far flung as the members of their organization. It is only fitting perhaps, that a group comprised primarily of bards and other performers have hugely embellished their history. Some sing of the Troubadours starting from a group of retired adventurers who still sought the glory of battle without facing the front lines of war. Some claim the group sprung up out of an elaborate scheme for a handful of knaves to impress some local maidens in their self-proclaimed fame and misrepresented service in the imperial military. But there are others who would say that the group began more organically, like many do. A minstrel meets another, a bard greets a friend, armies fight and serve together, and the performers make long lasting relationships.

Whatever their past, the Troubadours are famous all through Tamzyrr and beyond. While bards and performers they are, there is certainly no lack of fighting prowess among them. Members of the Troubadours, alone or in groups, can often be found traveling with imperial armies, especially in times of war or conflict, as they seek to acquire some level of fame with their experience, tales, and songs. When not deep in the chaos of battle and war camps, the Troubadours gather many times a year to host festivals, carnivals, and are always lending their musical and entertainment talents to imperial courts and galas. Their symbol is of a silver mandolin on a field of crimson."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Grey Mystics of Yssian

"The Yssian mountains run north to south in the region of Selanthia, separating shorelines to the west, and plains and hills to the east. Many storms that move along the western coasts are buffered by these mountains, generally keeping the weather more moderate for the rest of Selanthia. Settled into the depths of the Yssian mountain range is a stone monastery dedicated to Jastev, where a number of monks, scholars, and priests reside throughout the year, fully dedicating their lives to the worship of the Great Seer. But chief among these residents are the four elders of the temple who many refer to as the Grey Prophets.

Little is known of the birth of these Grey Prophets, as the earliest documents indicate they were all identical brothers, quadruplets born within minutes to their mother, a proud servant of Jastev, who had foretold her own death, but gave the ultimate sacrifice to bring her sons and prophets into the world. It is suggested, because of the recorded history and the dialect of the scholar's writings, that this event occurred long before the Turamzzyrian Empire was formed and might have dated back to the early ages of the Kannalan Empire. Nothing is known of the time between their birth and their ascension to influence within the temple or its founding.

Despite the mystery of the legend behind their origins, the Grey Prophets have held great sway over the history of the Turamzzyrian Empire as it is rumored on many occasions an imperial ruler has gone to them, traveling into the great mountains to seek their guidance or warning before participating in a great undertaking. The Prophets themselves were taken more seriously, and visited more frequently after the death of Emperor Bezzender in 4303. It is said, but not proven, that Emperor Bezzender had sought the advice of the Grey Prophets about his plans to attack the Kingdom of Hendor, to which all of them warned him of doom if he chose to do so. Despite their message, the Emperor pressed on and found only defeat when faced against Hendor, and months later, the Emperor and his heir are poisoned by House Lampion.

Other such warnings throughout time were ignored, such as the eruption of Mount Ysspethos, which resulted in the death of Emperor Chaston and his two daughters, and the mysterious death of Emperor Jasdurel, who some among his court claim was foretold a year before, and some claim he died at the hands of anti-imperial agents of the recently annexed Kingdom of Torre. It is unclear at this time if Emperor Aurmont Anodheles has ever consulted with the Grey Prophets, but given that the Turamzzyrian Empire is in a state of peace with little to no focus on conquest and expansion, it is unlikely the devout Jastev followers would be called upon anytime soon.

Speculation does surround the Grey Prophets' identities however, as what small clues exist of their origin all indicate they were human. That alone raises many questions about the longevity of their lives. Some historians point out that the Prophets themselves are anointed by Jastev, thus making it easily explained that the divine hand of an Arkati can strengthen the mind and flesh of any mortal, making them last throughout the ages. But there is another school of thought that persists. The original Grey Prophets, while experts in the arts of divination, foretold of their own eventual deaths much like their mother. To this end, the founding brothers took it upon themselves to secretly train hand-picked members within their own organization to eventually ascend to their position at the time of their deaths, indicating that over time, the actual Grey Prophets have changed. This theory is embraced by many, as the Grey Prophets' appearance is similar to one legend of Jastev, who has at times appeared as an old wizened man with a thick grey beard. So it is, too, that these Prophets appear in such a manner, their heavy robes and thick beards providing an easy concealment of their features beneath.

But while the Grey Prophets are the true power and head of the order, it is their servants that also carry out a very important role. The Grey Mystics, as they are called, exist of many different ranges of age and skills. Some are scholars who seek knowledge and the mastery of divination. Others are artists content to be confined to their temple, surrounded by the teachings and truths of the Great Seer. Others come on as great servants, devout in their worship of Jastev and loyal in their aid to the Grey Prophets, hoping to one day ascend to their position should the rumors prove to be true. At times, Grey Mystics even depart from their mountain home, traveling the world to bring their gifts of sight and knowledge to others, as it is not uncommon for imperial citizens and even minor nobles to request their service. However, the Grey Prophets themselves speak only to the ruler of the Sun Throne of the Turamzzyrian Empire, and rarely do they offer warnings unless asked. It is because of this some have come to even call them the Grey Guardians, as their faith is bound to Jastev but their purpose seems bound to the kingdom of humans."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


Luukosian Order

"Cradled in the shadows of Tamzyrr lies the ancient Luukosian Order, whose power and reach have grown in parallel with the Turamzzyrian Empire's own expansion. Since the dawn of the Sun Throne, there has been, and always will be, those whose ears are more easily swayed by the silk whispers of the shadows, the honey-coated promises of power, influence, and wealth. Behind each string lies the followers of Luukos, the Eater of Souls. Perhaps it is by happenstance or careful manipulation that a handful of changes of power have come about in the history of the empire as a result of the deadly poison Luuksian deathwort. In 4307, House Lampion poisoned Emperor Bezzender and his heir with the deathwort. Again in 4832 Selantha II narrowly avoids death by the poison, but her son Morlan is not as fortunate when his drink was laced with the substance. Again in 5074, the Southern Sentinel Marcus Calquinor marshals imperial forces to battle the undead minions of the Horned Cabal, but he is assassinated and in the ensuing chaos, the undead armies nearly overcome the defenders. In time, it is Luukosian cultists who are assumed to be behind the murder, but no proof is ever discovered.

Even in most recent times, in the year 5103, Empress Mynal'lyanna was assassinated in Solhaven by a bolt covered in Luukosian Deathwort, and even that same year when Baron Hochstib lost control of his conquest and suffered many defeats, it is said he called upon Luukosian followers to help him infuse his body with Mandis Crystal shards by conducting mass killings in a series of dark rituals. Some rumors even persist that part of the reason for Empress Mynal'lyanna's death was that she refused to follow commands by the Luukosian Order, who had originally helped place her on the Sun Throne after the mysterious deaths of her siblings, freeing her to be the only surviving heir to ascend.

The dangers the Luukosian Order present do not end with the nobility and their people, as many suggest that within the very Church of Koar itself there has slowly been corruption taking place. While it is unknown if this is true or how far their reach may go, it is becoming more and more common for some to believe that there are pockets of high ranking clergy throughout the Church of Koar that are secretly agents of the Luukosian Order, using their position and power to further spread the Serpent's mission of lies, betrayal, and death. Over the years, proof of the cult's expansion has been unearthed by members of the Order of Voln or other Liabo organizations as they seek to uproot the underground Luukosian cells throughout the Turamzzyrian Empire. It is believed there exists dozens of smaller sects with a few powerful underground strongholds in areas such as Tamzyrr, Vornavis, Jantalar, and even Elstreth, a place where they seek to help overthrow the efforts against the Horned Cabal."

— Orders of the Turamzzyrian Empire


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