Order of Kukshin
Much of the inspiration and details for this article are derived from Colombia Games.
The all-female Agrikan clerical order who sponsor the Fighting Order Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer.
The Order's headquarters at the Orbaalese keep of Quimen and draws most of its recruits from martially inclined Ivinian shieldmaidens and Noblewomen from the west who are disenchanted with their subservient role in society.
The order is infamous for its brutal treatment of its Jarin thralls and is feared by menfolk everywhere.
Structure
Senesharil (Grandmistress)
The political and inspirational leader of the Order of Kukshin. Marene Tusyne is also the High-Priestess of the Order’s headquarters temple in Quimen Keep.
Temple Organisation
The Viriahan (High Priestess)
The High Priestess is the mistress of the temple appointed for life. All are formidable women who have absolute control over the temple and work closely with their sisters at the Crimson Dancers.
The Aperani (Mistresses)
There are usually eight mistresses, each with her area of running the temple, ceremonies and dealing with the laity. Competition for positions and power is ceaseless. The High Priestess appoints Aperani.
The Heruchai (Lieutenants)
These rank between acolyte and mistress and are assigned to assist one of the Aperani.
The Agnichari (Acolytes)
Usually, enter the church between ages 13 and 18 then are trained in martial arts and ritual although most of their time is spent at menial tasks.
Public Agenda
Provide spiritual support to the Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer and female Agrik worshipers.
Honor the god Agrik and promote his principles especially victory in combat.
Establish a presence in the Thardic Republic and the Kingdom of Rethem.
Punish and Intimidation of men who wrong worthy women.
Encourage the concept of merit-based promotion.
Assets
Major Temples
The Order has major temples in the Kingdom of Orbaal at Quimen, Thursa, and Geldeheim as wells a Beleka, Harling and Jarehm in the Viking Kingdoms of Ivinia. They have recently claimed a temple near Castle of Ithiko in the Kingdom of Rethem.
History
605 to 629TR - The Sisters of Crimson
A group of women in Shiran was so troubled by the social chaos and dangers of the times decided to take their defense into their own hands. Arming themselves, they vowed that they would stand together to fight off any man who would harm them. This band called itself the Sisters of Crimson.
630 to 640TR - Formation of the Crimson Dancers and the Order of Kukshin
In 630TR Shiran government demanded the Sisters of Crimson to disband. The Sisters refused, immediately proclaiming themselves to be a Religious fighting order pledged to the service of Agrik. They changed their name to the Sisterhood of The Crimson Dancer. As religious fighting orders were expected to have a sponsoring clerical order, a few Sisters proclaimed themselves to be Agrikan priestesses founding the Order of Kukshin.
640 to 682TR - Relocation to Rethem
In the 640s the Orders pledged support to King Arlun (the Barbarian) of Rethem, which made them very unpopular in Shiran, given that Arlun was invading, so they decide it would be wise to migrate to Rethem. They loyally supported the Rethemi Crown; however, they were never granted any lands.
682 to 697TR - Ezar's War
King Chafin I orders the Crimson Dancer to assassinate Queen Eriel of Kanday. They were successful; however, the assassin, Brenlyn Shernath, was caught while escaping, and she confessed under torture that she had been acting on Chafin's orders. Outraged, Kanday launched a lightning offensive, seizing considerable territories forcing King Chafin sued for peace. Chafin refused to give any reward to Crimson Dancers, claiming that the assassination was 'botched' and that they were directly responsible for the war's loss.
700 to 720TR - Relocation to Orbaal
Given the hostility from the King, the Crimson Dancer and the Order of Kukshin decided it would be the safest to relocate. The Kingdom of Orbaal was chosen after Priestess seduced King Alegar I. They were remarkably successful in attracting converts among women of Ivinian blood plus discontent Thardic and Rethemi noblewoman.
721TR onwards - The Rethemi Civil War
The Order has accompanied the Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer when they joined the Tormau Rebellion fighting on the side of the Earl of Tormau against the Royal forces lead by Chafin III, the King of Rethem. Early in the campaign they claimed an abandoned Temple at Castle of Ithiko.
Mythology & Lore
The Crimson Dancers theology is based around myths of the mysterious being called 'the Kukshin' a spirit which unleashes terrible destruction through some kind of 'dance'. They believe the Kukshin is a demonic servant of Agrik and one of the revered Four Horsemen of Destruction.
The bulk of their religious dogma is contained in their unique holy book, Holy Book - Blood and Fire, the Dances of the Kukshin.
Tenets of Faith
In recent years they have promoted the concept that they the Brides of Agrik, who will upon their death, attain a special privileged personal relationship with the God.
The priestess do not marry, but there is no restriction with having relationships with persons of either sex.
Priesthood
Female only Priesthood.
Many of the Priestess are trained in the famous Crimson Dancer battle dances.
Dance in Blood and Fire
Sisterhood of the Crimson Dancer
D&D Alignment Guidlines
Guideline only.
Order of Kukshin Members
Adherants/Lay members
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