Sunward Seekers

The Sunward Seekers are a secretive and fanatical group that has operated in the shadows of Silverhelm for several decades. They are bound by their belief in the immense, untapped power of the Sunspire Obelisk, which they revere as a relic of divine or ancient magic. The Seekers believe that the obelisk is not merely a monument, but a key to unlocking the raw, primal forces of the sun itself—energies that they seek to harness for their own enigmatic purposes.
Though their presence is not widely known, the Sunward Seekers have steadily grown in influence, recruiting members from across the realm, particularly those disillusioned with the established orders of magic and religion. To them, the power of the sun is the ultimate force in the universe, capable of bringing both life and destruction, and they aim to control it.

Structure & Hierarchy

The Seekers operate under a strict hierarchy, with each rank taking on a title associated with celestial imagery. Their leadership is shrouded in mystery, but it is known that the group is headed by a figure known only as Solivaris, a name whispered in secret by members. Solivaris is believed to be an immensely powerful mage or cleric who has devoted their life to unraveling the mysteries of the sun and the obelisk.

• Solivaris, the Solar Magister: The leader of the Seekers, a shadowy figure whose face is never seen. Some believe Solivaris is a powerful sorcerer who has unlocked forbidden magic, while others suspect the title may be passed down through generations. Solivaris is thought to hold the key to the Sunspire Obelisk's deepest secrets.
• Helioliths: The second-highest rank, these are the devoted lieutenants of the organization who lead smaller sects of the Seekers. Helioliths are tasked with uncovering new information about the obelisk, performing rituals, and recruiting new members. Each Heliolith controls a cell of followers and reports directly to Solivaris.
• Daybringers: These are the field agents and operatives of the Sunward Seekers, carrying out covert missions to gather artifacts, acquire magical knowledge, and spread the doctrine of the group. Daybringers often infiltrate local guilds, temples, and political circles to further the Seekers' goals.
• Sun Acolytes: The newest recruits to the organization, these members are tasked with menial duties, such as guarding the Sunspire Obelisk, performing smaller rituals, and assisting with the cult's research. They are required to prove their loyalty through rigorous training and indoctrination before ascending to higher ranks.

Beliefs & Doctorine

The Sunward Seekers' core belief is that the Sunspire Obelisk holds the power to manipulate the sun's energy, an energy that can be harnessed for divine magic, and more ambitiously, for control over the world. They revere the sun as the ultimate source of life and power, and their rituals often involve capturing and focusing sunlight for arcane purposes.

• The Obelisk as a Conduit: The Seekers believe the obelisk is a conduit for solar energy from other planes, and that it can be used to create devastatingly powerful magic. They perform rituals during solar events, like solstices and eclipses, hoping to open a gateway to this hidden plane of power.
• Solar Ascension: The Seekers strive for what they call "Solar Ascension," a state of existence where one can fully merge with the sun's energy and wield it to reshape the world. They believe that the ancient civilization that created the obelisk had reached this state, and that through it, they ruled vast stretches of land before their sudden disappearance.
• Light and Purification: The Seekers see the sun as the ultimate purifier, and some sects believe that fire and light can cleanse corruption, both literal and metaphorical. While many Seekers are scholars, some have adopted more militant views, claiming that entire civilizations must be “burned” to bring about the rise of the sun’s chosen people.

Activities

The Sunward Seekers are primarily focused on unraveling the mysteries of the Sunspire Obelisk, but their activities have spread far beyond simple scholarly research. As their influence grows, their actions have begun to affect the balance of power in Silverhelm and beyond.

• Rituals and Solar Magic: The Seekers often gather at sunrise or sunset to conduct secretive rituals, using rare ingredients and ancient texts to draw power from the sun. They believe that by focusing the sun’s energy through the obelisk, they can access its deeper magic. During eclipses, their ceremonies grow even more elaborate and dangerous, as they attempt to breach the obelisk’s hidden potential.
• Artifact Hunting: The Seekers are known to employ mercenaries and adventurers to locate artifacts tied to solar magic. Some of these artifacts are said to be linked to the same ancient civilization that built the obelisk, while others are newer creations they believe will aid in their quest for power.
• Sabotage and Infiltration: As the Seekers grow more desperate, they have begun to infiltrate local temples, mage guilds, and even noble courts to gain leverage and influence. There are rumors that the Seekers have blackmailed or assassinated key figures who stand in their way, though no solid evidence has been found.
• Recruitment: While the Sunward Seekers operate in secret, they are always seeking new converts. They often target disillusioned magic users, outcast scholars, or those who have suffered losses they attribute to the gods or the government. The Seekers promise these individuals power and enlightenment through solar magic, drawing them into their cause with promises of Solar Ascension.

Known Hideouts

The Seekers have several hidden enclaves scattered across Silverhelm, though they are especially active near the Sunspire Obelisk. Their most prominent known base is a hidden temple carved into the hills south of Silverhelm, near the obelisk itself. Here, the Seekers conduct their most secretive rituals, and only the highest-ranking members are allowed to enter its innermost sanctum.
There are also rumors of a floating citadel hidden high in the sky, shrouded in sunlight during the day and almost invisible at night. This is said to be a place where the Sunward Seekers experiment with solar magic on a grand scale, but no one outside the cult has confirmed its existence.

Rumors & Secrets

• It is said that Solivaris, the leader of the Sunward Seekers, was once a high-ranking member of the Silverhelm Mage’s Guild but was exiled after dabbling in forbidden solar magic.
• Some believe that the Sunward Seekers are not just trying to unlock the obelisk’s power but are attempting to summon an ancient sun deity that has been trapped within the stone for millennia.
• There are whispers that the Seekers have recently uncovered a second obelisk in a distant land, one that they believe holds even greater power than the Sunspire.

Type

Secret, Brotherhood