THE ORDO LUXOverwatch and Key Faction Info:The Ordo Lux is a secretive religious group that has dedicated themselves to spreading and protecting the power of the Pyre, a form of magic fueled by hope, resolve, and other positively charged emotions. The monastic group is one of the many allies of the Travelers Society, their main form of support for the adventurers being the everlasting torches the Society uses to help mark mapped areas of the Dungeon. Though they are a mostly peaceful group, preferring to spread the warmth and light of the Pyre through their sermons and hospitality, with the shadow of evil looming over Axeleron, many members of the Ordo have prepared themselves to fight the forces of chaos head on. The Ordo has Hearth Chapels built all over Avross, while the Heart of the Pyre, the great cathedral that acts as their headquarters is located in the Renlothian capital of Caerlon.
UNITS:Hearth Chapel GuardThe Hearth Chapels of the Ordo Lux are often targeted by monsters and creatures of darkness, and though many members of the Ordo are well versed in combat, many more are pacifistic in nature, and thus these outposts tend to be quite vulnerable on their own. Due to the increased level of aggression against their people, the high ranking bishops of the group have begun to hire guards from the surrounding cities to protect the Chapels and their inhabitants from danger. These guards, while not necessarily devout disciples of the Pyre, still benefit greatly from the presence of the Ordo in their cities and thus are motivated to dutifully keep their posts.
Battle MonksComposed largely of fighters and mages that decided to give up adventuring to spread the warmth of the Pyre, the Battle Monks are the Ordo Lux's first line of defense against the dark things of Axeleron. Like many members of the Ordo, the monks will often mount Everlasting Candles on their fighting staffs, allowing them to wield the burning essence of the Pyre more skillfully. Their proficiency in non-lethal combat is unmatched, but when facing off against creatures of darkness, these monks will not back down from taking a life with their gleaming golden blades.
Priests of the Eternal FlameThe Everlasting Candles of the Ordo Lux are one of the foremost magical artifacts created in Axeleron's modern day, as not only do they burn without consuming the candle, they also provide light that naturally deters most species of hostile monsters, making them ideal for both adventurers and the common folk. Each candle is blessed by a Priest of the Eternal Flame, and in order to retain their ceaseless light, each candle must be blessed again each year. Besides their duties, the Priests of the Eternal Flame are stalwart defenders of the Pyre capable of holding their own and weilding their staves and battle thuribles against any number of deadly enemies.
Ember Sisterhood NunsThe Ember Sisterhood is an all female branch of the Ordo whose task is to maintain the great burning Hearths that sit at the center of the Ordo's Hearth Chapels. They train themselves to be able to go long periods without food or rest so as to dedicate more time to tending the Pyre. The only time when they leave their duties at the base of these great burning fires is when the Chapel itself is threatened. In these situations, the Ember Sisterhood Nuns take up great arbalests that fire burning coals into the ranks of the dark things that clamber at the door.
Ash ElementalIn times of most dire need, when the forces of darkness assault the Ordo Lux's larger Hearth Chapels, the high fathers and cardinals of the society will sometimes call upon the aid of ancient beings born of the Pyre itself. These spirits are native to the Pyre's dimension, and can enter our world when called, taking the form of huge burning humanoid columns of charcoal and ash. These Ash Elementals are wild and chaotic beings that scorch the land as they move and smite down any being that does not pledge its allegiance to the Pyre. They are feared and respected by the Ordo, and are not summoned except in grave situations.
Ordo Lux Leadership (Heroes)Father Josef is the current liaison of relations between the Ordo Lux and the Kingdom of Renloth, and the High Cardinal in charge of the Heart of the Pyre. He has served the Ordo for decades, ever since he retired from adventuring following the Great Sundering. The Father is both an eloquent and effective negotiator and a cleric of tremendous power, and has overseen the expansion of the Ordo in many areas of Avross personally. He is nearly always accompanied by his phoenix companion Dawnfyre, whom he hatched as a chick many years ago.
