The Brackish Order

The brackish order is a reclusive religious order on the coast of Windsong to the east of Yusala. The group is largely monastic, with some cloistered clerics and oracles as well. The brackish order worships Morthok and places great emphasis on the sacred state of death. They strive to reduce the amount of suffering in the world through healing, but if that doesn't work, then a swift humane death is the next option.
Due to their macabre nature, people often see the Brackish Order as wantonly violent. However, its adherents often try to avoid fighting so as to reduce suffering on both sides. They also often arrive suddenly from the sea, and disappear just as quickly which doesn't help their reputation. They will rarely pick a side during a conflict, instead acting as healers and occasionally even mediating disputes. When they do decide that a certain evil has to be eliminated however, they strike swiftly, quietly, and with surgical precision. Historically, their penchant for assassinating cruel rulers hasn't given them many powerful allies, so they've needed to lay low for the past couple decades.
Since Morthok is the god of the Sea as well as death, much of the Brackish Order is concerned with the Sea. Mainly this is in reference to The Astral Sea but the real oceans are the physical stand ins for this astral force. The Astral Sea is composed of the thoughts of living creatures, and is where the souls of dead creatures reside, slowly dissipating until they're indistinguishable from the rest of The Astral Sea. Because of this their most common saying "All things return to the sea" is understood and quoted by even the most uneducated citizens of Yusala.

Tenets of Faith

Heal to Provide Succor

When possible and fruitful, life should be preserved. This may seem antithetical for a group dedicated to the god of death, but they know that all will die in it's own time. Death is seen as a long calm after a life well lived.

Kill to Bring Mercy

If someone's beyond the point of saving, or will cause more suffering in life, then they must be put down as gently as possible. Even the cruelest tyrant must be ended with as little pain as possible, as a mercy.

Act Swiftly and Kindly

Whether the choice of healing or mercy is taken, it must be taken without hesitation. Even after a decision is made, if another path is made clear, take it.

All Things Return to the Sea

Eventually every moment of healing and mercy goes on to be forgotten. Don't linger in the past, simply let all these thoughts return to the sea.

Worship

Saltwater Dirge

Naturally, the most common ritual that members of the Brackish Order perform are for the recently deceased. They see mortal souls as small pools of freshwater that are temporarily separated from a much larger body of saltwater. This ritual is performed over someone recently deceased and aims to usher their soul back to The Astral Sea.
The ritual plays out as follows:

1. The body is laid flat on the ground
2. Saltwater from a waterskin is poured into a high rimmed bowl and placed on or near the deceased person
3. A small vial of freshwater is placed into the person's hands and the hands are placed on their chest making them look as if they're praying
4. The one performing the dirge reads from their holy text and wishes them a safe journey back to the sea
5. The vial of fresh water is retrieved, uncorked, and poured into the bowl of saltwater
6. The saltwater is put back into the waterskin, and is later poured back into the ocean

Type

Religious, Holy Order

Deities

• Morthok