The Crimson Aphorites
Summary
The Crimson Aphorites are a pseudo-religious order, sometimes labeled a cult, which operates loosely as an arm of The Protectorate-Commonwealth. Officially, they follow Merak, but they adhere closely to an old Gultic interpretation of the deity. Among devoted aphorites, Merak is instead referred to by the name of Al-Merak, or by the titles of "the Protector," or "the Testament." Typically, Al-Merak is the general reference, while "the Protector" is used often in stately contexts, and "the Testament" used in the context of flagellation, exorcism, and other expurgations of sin.Practices
Members, known as aphorites, are divided up into various orders, all of which cooperate towards the same goal. Aphorites wear masks when acting in the service of their order, typically colored in gold, which have a prismatic glaze upon them. When hit, the masks turn crimson, though the color gradually fades in a period of a day. This gives the appearance that the masks are the aphorite's true faces in combat. Devoted members, especially those of the Order Orichalcum, have a fanatic devotion to Al-Merak. They view him as a father-figure, as most followers of Merak do, but as one who is authoritative and punishing. They routinely flaggelate themselves for their sins, and are well-known for their discipline and capacity to withstand pain. These practices sometimes extend into the other orders, especially when a member is at risk of expulsion due to moral transgressions. Such physical torture is sometimes extolled as punishment upon criminals in the general Commonwealth, as well, and has thus become viewed as a hallmark practice of the aphorites.Order Astralis
The Order Astralis is the wing of the Crimson Aphorites which specializes in the study of the planes, the celestial dome, and the natural world. They are scientists and wizards, whose members occupy the intellectual elite of the Commonwealth. The Order Astralis also funds the scholarships of many promising youth to further their education in magic and science.Order Orichalcum
The Order Orichalcum are the warrior-clerics of the Crimson Aphorites, and the evangelists of the organization. They travel outside of the lands of the Commonwealth on sacred pilgrimages, acting abroad in service of the cult. Most who encounter a Crimson Aphorite outside of the Commonwealth's borders encounter a member of the Order Orichalcum, and nobody should ever wish to fall onto their bad side.Order Ensignus
The Order Ensignus is practically a civilian organization for the Protectorates, acting as the mail service for the nation. It originated as a philanthropic effort by the Crimson Aphorites, and has grown to be far more important than the aphorites themselves, which has only resulted in giving the broader orders more power. The Order Ensignus is not a formal order, even though it has the most constituents, and its members typically do not wear the standard garb of the aphorites, nor is membership a particularly exclusive position to hold.Order Mechanicus
The Order Mechanicus, much like the Order Ensignus, emerged as a charity group, an engineering corps funded by the Crimson Aphorites to help in the industrialization efforts of the Commonwealth. It has since expanded greatly, and most existing railroad networks within the Protectorate's lands earn their funding from the Mechanicus. Its members are architects, overseers, and inventors, and their domain is no longer restricted simply to infrastructural bounds; members of the Order Mechanicus, from alchemists to golem-crafters, are a prominent sight within the Commonwealth military, as well as its guard forces.Order Silencio
The Order Silencio is the most mysterious of the five primary branches of the Crimson Aphorites. It consists of the order's more secretive agents, hypothesized assassins, and foreign saboteurs. Conspiracies abound across the Kcalsbury Continent of the Order Silencio running all of the nation's governments, but while its reach is unknown, its unlikely to be that broad. The recruitment methods of the Order Silencio are kept as private as its actions, and, unlike the other four orders, one cannot apply or initiate the process of becoming a member.
Type
Religious, Monastic Order