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• • 

• • The Order of the Cleansing Flame

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“Heresy is like a tree, its roots lie in the darkness whilst its leaves wave in the sun and to those who suspect nought, it has an attractive and pleasing appearance. Truly, you can prune away its branches, or even cut the tree to the ground, but it will grow up again ever the stronger and ever more comely. Yet all awhile the root grows thick and black, gnawing at the bitter soil, drawing its nourishment from the darkness, and growing even greater and more deeply entrenched. Such is the nature of heresy, and this is why it is so hard to destroy, for it must be eradicated leaf, branch, trunk and root. It must be exorcised utterly or it will return all the stronger, time and time again, until it is too great to destroy. Then we are doomed.”

• - Lord Templar Francisco Arcemendi, addressing the Order during Olos, 22.

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• Overview

The Order of the Cleansing Flame is an ancient priesthood, dedicated to the task of returning Illarion to its initial state of absolute purity. Rumoured to date back more than 4,000 years, the Order’s past is shrouded in secrecy. It is thought by many that the temple of the Cleansing Flame sits within one of the two deserts on either side of the Khal-Tiramon Mountains, but none have been successful in further specifying its location. The servants of the Flame believe that they are the chosen children of Bragon and that it is their sole duty to rid the world of darkness, chaos, heresy, and corruption. For once their charge is achieved, it is claimed the God of Fire shall return to Illarion and reward those who remained faithful. Throughout history, there have been countless reports of their work: wherever evil has unveiled its face, blade and fire have soon followed... In more recent years, the Order has emerged from its shadow, seemingly disillusioned with the teachings and practises of the current religions. New chapters and temples have sprouted across Illarion, each one dragging them further into the public eye. Towns and villages have begun seeking out the assistance of the Order, which is in turn all too willing to dispatch a trained Inquisitor to purge whatever sin plagues the region. Governors, kings, and emperors have begun calling upon the armies of Templar at the Order’s disposal, begging for aid in ridding their lands of the evil that has been set upon them. Further expansion seems inevitable.

(Excerpt taken from A Brief History of Religion, by Alistair H. Wolff.)



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• The Order

Keeper of the Flame:
*The scorch of fire has removed the writing here*



Lord Inquisitor:


The Inquisitors:



Lord Templar:


The Templar:



Aspirants:





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• The Code of Faith

"We, the Chosen, believe in the sovereignty of the Five Elders, creators of Illarion, eternal and above all else."

"We, the Pure, believe in the purity of the Younger Ones, they who once walked amongst us. "

"We, the Righteous, believe in the might of the Eternal Flame, kindled by Bragon, a beacon of the faithful and redeemer of the wicked."

"We, the Vigilant, believe in the duty to the Flame, we must use it to reveal the truth, purify the sinner, heal the loyal, and purge the unworthy."

"We, the Favoured, believe in the ascendancy of the pure races, we are the Elders’ finest creations."

"We, the Holy, believe in the eternal struggle against chaos and darkness, the two forms of evil and enemies of the world."

"We, the Blessed, believe in the war against the Fallen Gods, their unholy servants, and those whom kneel before them."

"We, the Pious, believe in the authority of the Order, only through it can complete truth be found."



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• On Initiation and Rank

"So, you wish to join our order? Very well. But heed my warning: the path that lies at your feet is a long and treacherous one. Should you falter in step, your fate is sealed. Only one who is strong of body, complete of mind, and pure of spirit shall survive the tests of initiation. There is no place for the weakwilled or hesitant. If the Flame does not call you, turn back now. Neither I nor these Templar shall give chase. But we will meet again, for you shall fall into sin, as the weak do, and I will find you and show no mercy. You will endure? Good. There is no greater way to serve your God or your people. Embrace the Flame, for it serves as a beacon to our fellow faithful, and the most powerful weapon against our enemies.

What path will you choose? That question is neither mine nor yours to answer. The Flame shall guide us, when the time comes. Bragon's will is his own, and not for we to second-guess. Perhaps you will raise the sword and shield of the mighty Templar, and become an instrument of righteousness and purity. There are few sights upon this earth more inspiring than a legion of Bragon's soldiers marching into battle. Or possibly you shall welcome the life of an Inquisitor, working amongst the very shadows that he seeks to purge. The Priests of the Cleansing Flame are tasked with exposing sin and rooting out heresy, a mission of the highest importance. It may be that you are one day accepted into the esteemed ranks of the Lords of our Order, tasked with leading their Templar or Inquisitor brothers. Only the Keepers of the Flame are awarded a higher honour, trusted to lead an entire chapter of the Order, and to protect our very lifeforce. But first, a lifetime of faith, loyalty and purity lies before you."

• - Lord Juan Bernardo Escolano, Keeper of the Flame, welcoming an aspirant to the Chapter upon the isle of Gobaith during Tanos, 32.

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• On Interrogation

"Be seated, Brother Inquisitors.

Within even the most darkened soul, a light burns. It may be hidden. It may be faint. It may be surrounded by a cloud of corruption and sin. But it is there. And it is the task of we, the Inquisitors, chosen and blessed, to find this flame and care for it. Today, you shall learn of the Staircase of Revelation. This process has been employed, successfully, by our Order since its ancient origins. Through it, we identify the sinner, the heretic, and correct his path, providing him with redemption and guiding him towards the Eternal Flame. We must welcome all those with chill into the warmth of Bragon's embrace.

The Staircase is broad in scope, and deliberately so. Throughout the history of our Order, many of our Brothers have stood upon the steps in their own unique manners. Many of these Brothers have ascended to the status of Lord Inquisitor. Each of them have perfected the process of Revelation, turning it into a true art. A personal style like no other. No painting nor song shall ever achieve the level of wonder and inspiration that the masterpieces of these Brothers have produced. Should you ever be granted the honour of witnessing such an artist at work, you must know that Bragon smiles upon you. Savour the sounds, the movements, the skill. The Order has no desire to stifle such creativity, but seeks to promote it, hence the general outline.

And so, the eight steps of the Staircase of Revelation:

• Upon the first step, the subject is to be directed through a verbal interrogation. No physical harm is done.
  
  Upon the second step, the subject is to be threatened with further action. No physical harm is done.
  
  Upon the third step, the subject is to be administered light physical torture, followed by verbal interrogation.
  
  Upon the fourth step, the subject is to be engaged by the use of psychological manipulation.
  
  Upon the fifth step, the subject is to be deprived of any of the senses, or of food and water, or of any other physical necessity.
  
  Upon the sixth step, the subject is to be treated with intensive physical torture.
  
  Upon the seventh step, the subject is to be put through the Trial of the Dragon.
  
  Upon the final step, the subject is to be consigned to the Flame.

The steps of the Staircase need not be taken one after the other, nor approached from the beginning. The order provided is a general guide, but the concerned Inquisitor shall have full authority to interpret the guidelines as he will, to pass over any of the assessments, and to return to a prior test as he deems necessary. The only exception to the rule applies to the eighth step. It is not allowed to begin at the final step, nor to pass ahead to it without a satisfactory investigation having already taken place. In most cases, the Flame shall only follow failure of the Trial of the Dragon, where it is a necessary consequence. I do not need to explain the Trial here, for you all know what is involved, and have all been issued with the Dragon's Kiss so that you may conduct the Trial yourself. All Brothers must remember that the Flame is only to be relied upon in the most dire of circumstances, when Bragon's own judgement is the sole option. Redemption is our object. Execution is to admit defeat."

• - Lord Inquisitor Kar'armak, addressing the Inquisitors of the Order's Gobaith chapter, during Ushos, 32.

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- Reserved -

I wish to participate in the tests of initiation and become a member of this group.

~Nathan Nale

Mister Nale,

The Order is most pleased by your displayed interest. I urge you to seek me out within the walls of Troll's Bane, so that I might deem you worthy of the tests.

May the Flame guide you along the path and draw you into Its glorious light.

Signed,

Lord Inquisitor Juan Bernardo Escolano

A note is pinned roughly to the board, written in appropriately red ink.

Greetings there! I've always felt me-self to be a friend to Bragon, and this sounds like something I'd enjoy bein' apart of!

Yours sincerely,

(titles)
Mead-King of the Stoney Clans,
Father of a thousand sons,
The Dwarven Blood-Lord,
Husband to Golems,
Rogan 'Thunderfoot' Thorgrim, Fifth of his name.

I wish to take you up on your offer, but I would like to speak with you in person about it first.

Signed,
Altrix Wulfgar

Colonel of Salkamar
Corporal of the Army of Gobaith
Town Guard of Trollsbane

Brothers of the Flame!

On this day, the Halfling known as Bindus and Hew Keenaxe, the Dwarf, embraced the Cleansing Flame with open arms. They have both passed the trials laid before them, and repented for their prior wrongdoings. Their bodies, minds and spirits have emerged from sin, and they are now ready to step into the light of our order and serve the Gods with we. Welcome our new Brothers, as I know you shall, and with them share your faith.

Also, I have received word from our Brothers upon the mainland. It pleases me greatly to announce the ascent of Brother Inquisitor Kar'armak to the status of Lord Inquisitor. Kar'armak has served our Order for many years, and Bragon, in his glory, has chosen to reward this faithfulness. I am certain that you shall obey the commands of the Lord Inquisitor, and address him in the appropriate manner.

I am also humbled to announce my own ascent to the revered position of Keeper of the Flame, and with it, the official recognition of the Gobaith Chapter of our Order. I pledge to lead this island on its journey forward, away from the darkness.

Remember: a Light burns, even in the most tainted of souls.

Signed,
Lord Juan Bernardo Escolano
Keeper of the Flame

My dear Brothers,

It is my humble privilege to announce the ascendency of Brothers Hew Keenaxe and Antiochus Helias to the positions of Templar and Inquisitor, respectively. They have served both Bragon and our Order with complete faith and honour. I know that you shall all congratulate your Brothers, award them the respect they deserve, and address them by their proper titles: 'Brother Templar' and 'Brother Inquisitor'. We continue the search for one of such purity to fill the position of Lord Templar. Patiently, we await Bragon's signal.

I suspect that many of you are now aware of the current political conflict within the walls of Troll's Bane. Please, none of you concern yourself with such petty matters. We must not be distracted by simple problems of the body and mind, while evil continues to wage war against the soul. Let us maintain our focus upon the true conflict.

May the Light deliver you all safely through the darkness.

Signed,
Lord Juan Bernardo Escolano
Keeper of the Flame

A hooded figure calmly marches towards the foot of the Copper Mountains, the dim glow of a near-extinguished torch lighting his path. The figure pauses suddenly, placing an armoured hand upon the exposed hilt at his side. He holds still, the only movement coming as the cool breeze briefly catches his red cloak. Shrouded eyes quickly scan the scene before him. Seemingly content with whatever was -or was not- seen, the figure continues on.

'Soon, old friend.'