Holy Order of the Seraphim

[bumblefina 2766]

Holy Order of the Seraphim

Est. 1605

 

 

 

Introduction
The Seraphim Sisters, referred to colloquially as battle sisters, are an all-female division of Owynism's ecclesiastical class. The Sisterhood  serves as the church's fighting arm, zealously charged with combatting corruption and heresy within Owynist lands. The Sisterhood serves as the Owynist church's only official military force because of legislation passed in the Owynist dominated regions of Aeldin (settled primarily by the White Rose) laid down by Rose families leary of Holy Orders under the control of the church rising up to dominate the regions and thus competing with the legacy of their forefathers. By the letter of the decree, the church cannot maintain any "men under arms" barring the already militant nature of the clergy, the Lectorship. This was supposed to limit the power of the church and keep it pure of political corruption. However, the decree was circumvented by ambitious members of the Lector High Council by using an all-female military force. Despite initial resistance from Owynist kings, the Seraphim were eventually embraced by the Kaedreni roots of Owynist culture that aspires to see all of its people empowered to martial prowess. Thus, the women of Kaedrin descent were able to prove themselves just as tough as their men.

 

Ideology

“In the beginning a sister came to encounter the light of Owynism, troubled and uncertain. A slip of a girl, only a few strides down the eternal path leading her to the Seven Skies. She asked a question. She asked how we can ever truly understand what faith is. She was told that there is no coin to measure what we feel in our hearts. There are no scales upon which we might weigh the faith of one woman against another. There is only duty and blood. There are only deeds and words. There is only the service to the Creator, and the price that demands from each Sister can only be known by Him. But we know that whatever fears must be faced, whatever hardships endured, that price is forever worth its full cost.”

 

In the effort to create a unified mindset between the Lectorship and the Seraphim, the dogma and ideology of the two was made very similar. The above is a passage often attributed as the core of Seraphim belief, and one of the first phrases spoken to aspirant sisters in their training. Bits and pieces of the Lector dogma were purposely left out when it was converted into use by the Seraphim, to better suit their functional needs as a militant arm of the faith and less as an extension of the Owynist idea of “clergy”.

 

 

<:: Subsection 2C- Following the Dogma

 

“Agents of Darkness care nothing for why a mortal might fall into their service – they will trick, coerce and snare whoever they can, for each fallen soul makes them a little stronger. The faith of mankind is different. We’re not tricked into the love of God. Our faith is no snare, nor can a man be coerced into a life of holiness. We must fight through our doubt to see the truth, just as a man must fight to crest the summit of a mountain. Take away that doubt, take away that struggle, and we’d be no better than the raving fallen who gibber at the sight of visions and cheap magic.”

- Angelus Custos, Purity and Strife: Owynism in Practice

 

Phase I: Self Discipline

Self-discipline is one of the key concepts of Seraphim behavior, and devouts are taught this from very early on . The lessons start off similar to what might be taught to an ordinary student; however, as the student progresses, so do the complexity of the lessons.

 

       Conquer Arrogance

Seraphim are required to learn that, although we carry the fiery spirit of Owyn into battle, we are no better than those who do not. Seraphs are taught that we are only Seraphim because some had taken the trouble to teach them, not because we are superior to others, and that a Valkyrie is only a Valkyrie because she had disregarded her own sense of self-importance and embraced the will of the faith.

 

       Conquer Overconfidence

Many young Seraphim students, while learning the ways of the Order, began to believe that they can accomplish anything. Many young Seraphim die taking on tasks that are far too difficult for them, not realizing that the blessing of Exalted Owyn are only truly limitless to those who have limitless belief and understanding.

 

       Conquer Defeatism

Young Seraphim also learn that defeatism is just as dangerous as overconfidence. Although it might have seemed contradictory to the goals of conquering overconfidence, a Seraph would first plan for success, then for failure. Seraphim who always plan for failure expect to lose, and usually only use minimal effort—enough to say that they tried.

 

        Conquer Stubbornness

Seraphim must always be ready to accept defeat if the cost of winning is greater than the cost of losing. Seraphim are taught that it is always best to end things to your advantage than to win or lose. Sometimes it is better to live another day.

 

       Conquer Recklessness

Many young Seraph lacking in self-restraint are always ready to take up their hammers and plunge straight into battle. They perceive a goal and rush towards it, without any consideration for unseen dangers or other options. And so we must remember that speed does not necessarily lead to success.

 

       Conquer Curiosity

Many inexperienced Seraphim use the resources of the faith to satisfy their curiosity, probing into the darker secrets of our world. In this way, an open mind becomes like a fortress with it’s gates unbarred and unguarded. The influence of evil can be subtle, but it must be protected against at all cost. Faith and devotion to the Creator and Exalted Owyn is enough.

 

       Conquer Materialism

Through service to the Westerlands and Exalted Owyn (and in keeping with the beliefs of Owynism) a Seraph may find that she has amassed a deal of personal wealth. It is a firm Owynist belief that the magnificence of the Creator and his chosen prophet Owyn can be best emulated by the amassing of wealth- after all, the attraction to wealth is parallel to the attraction of faith. Abusing status as a member of the Order is however condemnable by death. Greed is unacceptable in Owynist dogma, and Seraphim who find themselves amassing wealth must always be charitable. The good of the Kingdom of Westerland is always to be put before the good of the individual Seraph, and should the faithful be called upon to assist the Kingdom, they must comply in good spirits.

 

 

Phase II: Responsibility

Once a Seraph has mastered self-discipline, they can begin to accept responsibility for their actions. Seraphim who shun responsibility are never trained, and Seraphim who embrace it are never denied training.

 

        Practice Honesty

Honesty is the first responsibility that aspiring Seraphim are taught. Seraphim are permitted to stretch the truth if the situation requires it of them, however this is to be done as sparingly as possible. An honest Seraphim is always truthful with herself, the faithful, and the Creator.

 

        Honor Your Promises

Seraphim are taught that if we make a promise, we should always be prepared to keep it, or else to make amends. Thus, a Seraph should never make a promise she is not certain she can keep. Seraphim are encouraged to consult Exalted Owyn via prayer before making a promise.

 

        Honor Your Inferiors

A Valkyrie is required to know that she must treat her subordinates with respect. She should never reprimand them in public, nor punish them for disagreeing with her. On the other hand, a Valkyrie should praise her subordinates, especially in the presence of others. This builds the subordinates’ confidence, and strengthens the bond between not only the Valkyrie and their subordinates, but between the subordinates and their faith in the Order.

 

       Honor Your Superiors

By the same token, those lower in rank are expected to show great respect to their superiors, especially in front of others. Devouts are taught never to disagree with their superiors to the point of argument, and that when they are in discussion with others, apprentices should only address their superiors when they had been addressed themselves. This spares the superior having to apologize for his subordinate's behavior.

 

       Honor the Seraphim Council

Although the Seraphim High Council is the ultimate authority of the Seraphim Order, it is not possible for the High Councilors to be everywhere at once. Therefore, when the Council sends a Seraph on a mission, the Seraph speaks for and is a representative of the Seraphim Council. The Council is forced to answer for the Seraph's words and answers, and so the Seraph must be careful not to put the Council in a difficult position, as to do so would be to show terrible disrespect for the Council.

 

       Honor the Seraphim Order

Every action a Seraph makes reflects on the Order. Good deeds boost the Order's reputation, but poor behavior can cause irreparable damage. Seraphim are taught to remember that each person they meet might not have set eyes upon a Seraphim before, and that the acts of the particular Seraph would influence that person’s perception of the Seraphim Order as a whole.

 

       Honor the Law

One of the most important roles of the Seraphim is to protect the peace and justice of the Westerlands, and so no Seraphim is above the law. Seraphim are expected to follow the law the same as they expect others to.

 

Phase III: Public Service

Although the Seraphim exist to serve the faith, they are funded by the Kingdom because they serve the public interest. This shoulders the Seraphim with a duty to the people of the Westerlands- to serve as spiritual, and when called upon military, leaders and advisors.

 

       Duty to the Westerlands

Although the Seraphim and the Kingdom are dissimilar, and the Seraphim Order has no authority over the Kingdom, the Seraphim serve the Westerlands, and are expected to uphold its laws and ideals, and to protect its citizens. Members of the Seraphim Order are often called upon to serve the Westerlands military in battle.

 

       Render Aid

Seraphim are obliged to help those in need of aid whenever possible, and are expected to be able to prioritize quickly. Seraphim are taught that while saving one life is important, saving many lives is even more so. This principle does not mean a Seraph has to abandon other goals in every circumstance, but merely that a Seraph must do her best to make sure that they aid those who are most in need of assistance.

 

       Defend the Weak

Similarly, a Seraph is expected to defend the weak from those who oppress them, ranging from small-scale suffering at the hands of an individual to large-scale endangerment of an entire population. Coddling is unacceptable however, and the approach that Seraphim take to defend the weak is oftentimes to inspire and train them to be strong instead- life is harsh at the edge of the world, and the people of the Westerlands must be strong in body and spirit. Seraphim are taught to remember that all may not be as it seems, and that they should ensure that they understand the entirety of the situation before acting, even if they clash with a Seraph's moral or ethical code. Seraphim are also warned not to act in areas out of their jurisdiction, and to always consider the consequences of their actions.

 

       Provide Support

At times, it is necessary for a Seraphim to stand aside and let other people defend the weak, even if the Seraphim feel that they can do a superior job. Seraphim are taught that they should assist by word or action as required by the situation, offering advice when requested to, warning when necessary, and arguing only when reason fails. Seraphim should remember that while they carry the strength of Owyn with them in their words and deeds, if the weak can work to improve their lot and become strong enough to defend themselves, then the whole of the Westerlands benefits from it.

 

Hierarchy

 

   Devout

Those pilgrims who make their way to the Cathedral of the Dawning Flame and express interest in serving the Sisterhood are given the “rank” of Devout. Devout rarely have any free time between the daily prayers and strenuous chores they perform. What little they do have is often spent in contemplation of sacred texts and learning the faith side of their role. There is also the Master of Devout who leads weekly lessons in history, theology, and literacy. Once the Master of Devouts feels a candidate is ready, a ceremony is held to elevate them to the rank of Acolyte.

 

   Acolyte

Upon reaching the rank of Acolyte, students are assigned to a Seraph or Valkyrie who serves as their “Mother” and teaches them what they need to know (how to be a warrior, how to serve in alongside the military and inspire them to greatness).This is the lowest rank of oathed sister. The rule of the Seraphim is harsh and a novice Sister must endure many hardships during her training. Self-denial, rigid discipline and religious contemplation are indivisible parts of their training. They are armed not only with skills needed to defend the church but also with training that teaches them to fan the flames of their faith into a roaring blaze. When deemed worthy by their mentor, the Acolyte is given a trial. The content of these trials varies, but is always kept secret. If the Acolyte succeeds (and indeed survives) at this trial, they are elevated through another ceremony to the rank of Seraphim.

 

   Seraphim

Seraphim, referred to typically as “Sister”  are given something that has been missing for some time in their training thus far: Freedom. Sisters of the Seraphim are expected to put their education and training to work improving the lives of the people of the Westerlands. Frequently they can be found working with the Lectors at the Cathedral of the Dawning Flame, while also overseeing the training of Acolytes and even making pilgrimages to holy sites or the rumored locations of relics that might be important to the faith.

 

   Valkyrie

The Valkyries represent the ultimate rank that can be achieved within the holy sect. Ostensibly, they must be the wisest, most devout, and most accomplished members of their faith: eminent personages even among the great and the good. They must lead the Seraphim through perilous times. The future and direction of the sect is in their hands. Needless to say, such responsibility is a heavy burden. Valkyrie are often already aged when they attain their position. However, this is not a position that the faithful can achieve simply by serving her time and keeping out of trouble. Sometimes younger, energetic women are recognised for their talents, and given the rank of Valkyrie. In a harsh environment, groups cannot afford to squander what talent they have, and the Westerlands is not the sort of place in which complacency and seniority trumps skill, devotion, and talent.

 

Owynist High Council

The Arch Lectors and Valkyrie form the Owynist High Council (often shortened as just the Council), the ruling body of the sect. Charged with determining the direction of the twin orders, the Council convenes regularly to discuss important matters of faith, serve as judges in disciplinary action required within the sect, and to elevate  members to the rank of highest seniority in their respective order. The Council is headed by the Lord Arch Lector and Lord Arch Seraph a title equivalent to the rest in authority, but whose role is to serve as the leader and mentor to the orders overall.

 

Basic Rules of Sisterhood

Spoiler

1. Sisters are expected to remain dignified and mature at all times. We aim to be seen as pillars of the community and role models for our fellow women and young girls.
2. Sisters should always dress modestly when not in uniform. This means that your shoulders and legs should be covered. We live in the tundra, so dress appropriately.
3. Sisters are expected to maintain their armor and weapons during their entire tenure with the Order. If your equipment needs repairs, speak to the appropriate person.
4. While Sisters are in uniform, they are expected to keep their hair in a plait, braid, or other contained style. This is to keep your appearance neat and functional.
5. Sisters are expected to keep their quarters neat and orderly, as well as any communal living spaces.
6. Sisters are expected to always act with kindness, charity, and love in their hearts. Heretics, heathens, and abominations will be dealt with by blade and fire.
7. Sisters are expected to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. Sisters found in possession of drugs will be immediately dismissed. Alcohol may be consumed in moderation, never in excess.
8. Sisters are allowed to marry and have children. The Creator asks us to remain abstinent until marriage, and Sisters should be a perfect example of such.
9. Sisters are expected to follow orders and adhere to any guidelines and recommendations laid out by higher ranking Sisters. Inability to do so will result in punishment, up to and including dismissal from the Order.

 

Women with an interest in becoming a Devout and starting their path towards sisterhood may come and visit the Sisters in the Cathedral of the Dawning Flame in Bastion, the capital of the Westerlands.

 

[Imi 425]

Ericka gave a soft smile, making her way to the Cathedral upon reading the pamphlet. 

[LadyRebecca 1050]

A princess of the Westerlands excitedly claps her hands together at the idea, bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet. “Oh, I hope mother lets me join!”

[DarkElfs 160]

*Ser Rolien Claps hands at seeing this smile upon his face*

 

Finally women can show what made of around here. Also give better chance talking with people other than other men so 

 

*grabs bottle ale holding it up*

 

Cheer this happening if ask me

[GDPR 014 48]

 

A fellow paints a depiction of one of these venerable sisters.

[colovian fur 8362]

 

Caius I quickly stamps his approval! Every body was needed on the front lines, male or female!

 

[Destroyer_Bravo 1054]

"Looks like some swell cans of armor paint" says a hulking man in silver-plated armor

[Malocchio 983]

Eleanora Renée scowls in disapproval upon reading the pamphlet, appalled by the concept of women on the battlefield - as soldiers. With that, she confines herself to a foreign location, praying expurgation of such a radical force, restless about the future of femininity in the changing kingdom.

[Taketheshot 3834]

"The Lectors are this desperate for the females huh" Comments Phillip

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

"At least women don't got an excuse to be useless and sittin' ducks for the undead now. This must be the Order Ericka mentioned." Rakim says as he reviews the recruitment pamphlet. "If it helps save Axios from the undead it's fine by me I reckon."

[Heff 2460]

Padre Gaspar de Holofernes frowns, "Degenerate." 

[Angmarzku 1251]

A couple million undead continue to knock on the Westerlands' door with a plate of ash chip cookies.

[GDPR 014 48]

The Sunsinger screeches at the undead.

 

"YOUR MASTU IS ****."

[cablam 477]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.