Athians of Light

The Athians of light are a semi-monastic offshoot of the Order of Light that is based in the Olaran city of Athia, the origin of their name. They are dedicated to practicing light magic, uncovering knowledge, and promoting good across the world. Clerics and monks of their order learn how to create things out of nothing and heal wounds that no medicine can heal.

Structure

Any hopeful attempting to join their ranks first becomes a mere Acolyte, the standard recruits who handle basic chores in the temple and run public events. From them some are chosen to become priests, who handle most of the non-magical rituals done by the Athians and direct the Acolytes in their tasks. They are also in charge of public worship in the city. Though many of these are full believers and good Avani, few manage to advance further as magic is difficult to learn and practice.
If an individual as an Acolyte or Priest displays either magical fortitude, a particularly pure soul, dedication to improvement, or other desirable skills, they may be chosen by the clergy to begin an apprenticeship under one of their senior members. These apprentices may become travelling Clerics, the individuals who take their magic where it is most needed, whether that place is a hospital or a battlefield. Apprentices may also become scholars, high priests, or the monks that defend the temple. The Athians of light are mostly decentralized beyond this point, but major decisions and disciplinary actions are handled by forming a temporary council composed of senior members.

Tenets of Faith

The Athians of Light have a few basic precepts to its faith, which are based on the beliefs of the general Order of Light and heavily influenced by their heavy connection to magic. These are:

• Uncover truth in all things

• Create beauty where it can be created

• Heal the wounds left by evil

• Root out darkness wherever it lies

• Defend the innocent

• Prevent suffering by individual actions

Many of these tenets are taken quite literally. Clerics are sent across the world to heal Avani with magic and protect them from monsters, while scholars attempt to make scientific discoveries and specialists work to bring down villainous operations. While peace-minded and focused on disabling opponents rather than maiming them, their people are far from pacifists and will respond with force appropriate to any situation they face.

Granted Divine Powers

Though the abilities wielded by full members of the organization are not "granted" as they only come from training in the usage of magic, Athians of Light can learn to utilize many facets of the Light and Clarity domains of magic. This gives them abilities related to healing even serious wounds, creating objects and things out of almost nothing, revealing even the best-concealed things, and even divination into the future. Some may only gain a minuscule amount of this power. The best can wield it so well that they can call upon it without effort.

Calim ka Doreem (Chase back the darkness)

Founding Date

211

Type

Religious, Holy Order

Alternative Names

Order of Light Athian District, Diocese 5, Athian Monks

Controlled Territories

• Temple of Athia

Notable Members

• Casey Salendas

Related Myths

• The Twelve Paragons