Theme - Humans

[Vardaen]

Within each human nation there are plenty of factions. Listed here are some of the major ones and how they interact with the world at large. This is not a comprehensive list but is enough.

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Icatian Factions

The Order of Lietbur (Knightly Order, Clerics, Paladins, Fighters)

The Order of Leitbur is a religous sect in Icactia founded by Bethan Leitbur. Their members are Cleric Knights who worship the Hand of Justice Junil and Bethan Leitbur himself. Bethan recorded his teachings in The Way and the Order follows it as a codec for their way of life. The Order of Leitbur fundamentally opposes the Order of the Ebon Hand (from Calabim) and the two often clash in combat. With the arrival of the Illians and Mulcarn's forced they have turned their attention to the new threat. However centuries of combat against the Ebon Hand has made it difficult to turn their tactics to a new foe, and they are slow in responding to the new threat.

Origin
Very little is known about the Order of Leitbur's origin as their transcripts are closely guarded to protect against outside influence. There are rumors that the Ebon Hand and Leitbur have a common origin though due to vast similarities in their teachings. While the Order of Leitbur remains seperate from the the Icatian army, it is still dedicated to Icatia's defense.

Fall of Icatia
Internal strife in Icatia has led to a weakening of the Order as many members are swayed into the Farrelite Cult. The Farrelites hold very similar beliefs and goals with Leitbur, but differ in actions often taking to fanaticism and zealotry to erradicate the Order of the Ebon Hand but more importantly Mulcarn's new forces.

"May you be strong and valiant, to defeat the enemies of the pure." '€"Leitbur's Prayer.

"The powers of the corrupt will fade before the fury of the pure." -Bethan Leitbur, 'The Way'

The Ferrelite Cult
The Farrelites are a breakaway religous sect in Icatia founded by Oliver Farrel. While found throughout Icatia, they are concentrated in the city of Montford. Far more zealous in their actions than the Order of Leitbur, many Icatians are wary of the cult. While the Farrelites still claim to stand for righteousness, purity, and the Hand of Justice, they are quick to label others as impure and have became brutal vigilantes.

Origin
Oliver Farrel was originally an Icatian priest who broke away from the Order of Leitbur when he found them too complacent towards the Order of the Ebon Hand. Farrel gathered many followers through impassioned speeches on the street, bringing many of the poor to his flock with talks of political reform against the corrupt Icatian government. When Trokair fell, the Farrelites broke all ties with Icatia and became openly hostile. Farrelite Priests will often stir crowds into a frenzy, accusing innocent people of being agents of the Ebon Hand or of Mulcarn.

Apocalypse
The most fanatic of the The Farrelite Cult have turned to a sort of apocalypse view of how to solve everything. They believe the only way to save the world is to remake it, and they believe that the Hand of Justice, the god Junil will come down and cleanse the world of everything so creation can start fresh once more. This following is small still, but is growing with each passing season.

"The Hand of Justice will come to cleanse the world if we are true." '€"Oliver Farrel


Calabim Factions

The Order of the Ebon Hand (Knightly and Mage Order)
The Order of the Ebon Hand is a religous sect in Patria founded by Calab the Dark One. They worship the Ebon Praetor (an avatar of Agares the Black) and Calab himself, whom was deified after his death. The Order is one of the few places on Patria that welcomed humans and non-humans in the same place. The Order of the Ebon Hand is at war with Icatia, specifically the Order of Leitbur. In addition to Icatia, the Order is also in conflict with the Elohim, but little is known of thier conflicts outside of the two groups.

Origin
Much of the origin of the Ebon Hand is forgotten, but it seems to have been orginally started as a cult that worshipped Agares in the form of the Ebon Praetor. Most prominent is that members of the Order upon joining sever one of their hands. There are even mentions of there being a link between the Order and their sworn enemy the Order of Lietbur. It was the Order of the Ebon Hand and Calab that founded the small nation of Calabim, and often the two are considered one and the same. The talk of vamprism among the higher levels of the order is more than rumor.

Creation of the Thrulls
Endrek Sahr a promiment Wizard in the Order has created Thrulls to serve them as slaves and ritual sacrifices in hopes to withstand the coming Ice Age. Created through a mix of necromancy and alchemy, they so far have proved invaluable resources and are continually being experimented on further. Eventually, they may be created as a replacement source for armor, expendable soldiers, a food source for the vampric leaders, and to ritual assistants.

"We are no longer nature's children, but her masters..." - The Oath of the Ebon Hand

[Vardaen]

Braduk Factions

Order of the First Chapel (Knightly and Cleric Order)

Origins
Extremely devout members of the clergy and nobility first formed this order 75 years before the pit came into being. Their purpose was simple, to protect the followers of Amathaon the Pure while they made pilgrimages to holy sites throughout the continent. Its members were well known as both great defenders of the people and expert cartographers. Many of their expertly detailed maps gracing the halls of kings throughout the lands.

Apocalypse
Small groups of these devout warriors who survived the Fall of Bhall now travel the lands in an attempt to bolster their Amathaon's power on earth. Many of the order have become flagellants, believing that the punishments upon their persons is an atonement for their failure to protect those who perished when the pit came into being.

"We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection." - Mad Dallia, 'After the Fall'

"There is no gain without sacrifice." - Braduk proverb


The Dormuth (Mystics, Outcasts)

The Dormuth, also known as gypsies; are a very secretive. They are shunned by most of the populace of the Braduk, even lowly farmers shoeing them from their land. Their practices are strange and no one knows where they originated from. Their flashy clothing, dark eyes, and dark hair serving as beacons to those who would seek them out. Since the pit they have been actively hunted down and put to death. Being believed by many to be the harbingers of the great fall. Wether true or not they have gathered in hiding amoungst the mountains that overlook the Braduk empire...

"At times, survival must outweigh all other considerations." - Unknown Dormuth Gypsy

[Vardaen]

Independent Factions

The Bannerthorn (Rangers, Druids, Hunters)

After the fall of Bhall, and the creation of The Pit, all manner of monsters and beasts began to roam the countryside. The Bannerthorn prior to The Fall were a sportsman lodge for hunting big game, wild beasts, and the occational monster or troll from the forests and mountains on the edge of Icatia and Braduk lands. After The Fall the Bannerthorn took to hunting the creatures that came from pit. They have lodges in many villages and towns in dangerous areas all along the edge of wild country. Mostly hunters and rangers, they offer lodging to their members at their guildhalls. They welcome all races and nationalities among them, and there are Bannerthorn of men, dwarf, and elohim kindred.

They have a known lodge in Olfden.