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The World of Teréth End - People & Races - Organization |
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People
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Book of the Illuminated The Illuminated is a secret organization based in Jadth whose operatives have also been found in the city-states of Azàlari and distant Panath. Few know of the organization's existence, though through time rumors have trickled-down telling of "special priests" that can spy into the waking mind. Such news may seem alarming, but the populace of Jadth is more non-plussed than most regarding the use of magics. Should these rumors reach Azàlari, or Lanàdus, the reaction would be much more volatile. It is a fair assessment that little is known of the organization, but that does not mean that the curious haven't been putting the pieces of the puzzle together for many years. What follows is a collection of data from various sources. Such a complete set of information does not exist outside the Illuminated, but if all the sages and investigators were to compile their notes and theories, it might result in what is to follow. Physiology: Most members of the Illuminated are dark-skinned, as most initiates are natives to the Jadthari region. In recent years, numbers have been recruited from distant regions, so this is expected to change somewhat in the next one or two generations. The order is not believed to use identifying marks though during ritual some have been known to wear blank masks. Psychology: Little is known as no members of the order have ever been interviewed, and no initiates are known to have ever left its ranks. The order is believed to command a great deal of discipline and selflessness from its members. Culture: The order's organization is naturally secret, but observation of its members reveal that there is a definite order. Not only is an order present, but it seems omnipresent in all things, despite the fact that members are rarely observed speaking or dealing with other members. It is guessed that initiates of the order have other ways to communicate between themselves, and that this rapport is utilized in all things. Language: Members of the Illuminated rarely are observed talking except with non-initiates. Since the order seems based near the Old City of Jadth, Jadthari is likely to be the most common language spoken between them, though Dekàlan is also a possibility. Religion: Because all initiates seem to come-to or from Jadth, the Illuminated order is believed to have firm ties with the Temple of Sudul. Priests of Sudul feign ignorance of the group. When pushed on the subject, many have commented that Sudul is the Dreaming God and that his Truth cannot be found within the littered minds of waking men. Old scriptures of the Temple uncovered in the Halls of Panath may reveal a possible answer. In the 9th century HK, a Sudulite priest of Sëjal preached that "...the waking world, like the sleeping world, is a dream within a dream. Sudul's wisdom and care does not leave us while our eyes our opened. Whether sleeping or awake, our eyes are opened to the Dreamer." Magic: Initiates of the Illuminated are not spellcasters in the conventional sense, but more than one observer of their activities has noticed Chaos flares from time to time in their proximity. Flares are most commonly observed around apprentice spellcasters who do not have the control or finesse of their more practiced elders. It is unknown as to why or how such flares might occur around persons who are not casting. Serôdoç, a Chaos sage of Panath, has postulated that this may be a "New Magic", a proposed concept which has inspired fear in the sirkùli sorsèreul. Stories that the Illuminated initiates may be able to "explore the waking mind" is most supported by reports of ka'laçá (life-streaming) around Jadth's Old City. An experience reported by many that visit the site, ka'laçá is the experience of seeing scenes of your life race before you as you near the Bowls of Sudul. Many pilgrims and faithful call this the "Touch of Sudul", and believe it prefaces the reception of vision. Those more skeptical (and more familiar with magical effects) attribute ka'laçá to the Illuminated. Though the purpose of the life-streaming may not be nefarious, it remains unsettling to those who guess at its cause. History:
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Races The main races of Teréth End are: Uren (Humans) |
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| Ref. PHB (Player's Handbook), © Wizards of the Coast  |
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