The Odd Fellows
It is the condition of our race, who are void of wisdom yet know it not.The Odd Fellows are a secret society based around good works, charity, and mercy. The prospective Friend is blindfolded by white cloaked men, chanting "Mercy!" after being gruffly yet gently chained with cold iron. The Vice Grand then speaks:
"Man in darkness and in chains, how mournful a spectacle. Yet, it is the condition of our race, who are void of wisdom (yet know it not)"
The blindfold is removed, and a solemn oath to never divulge Odd Fellows secrets is even more solemnly spoken by the prospective. There is a long moment (ninety seconds), and the prospective becomes a Friend of the Odd Fellows.
To enter a lodge, one must pass under the arched double doors of the entrance, boasting a carved wooden sign bearing three linked circles. To do so, one must rap three times upon the door, and answer correctly when challenged for the password. Then, announce your first name, your membership rank, and the town and number of your home lodge.Structure
Tenure hierarchy
Culture
One of good works and charity, but mistrust of people who have not proven themselves trustworthy.
Public Agenda
To comfort the sick, feed the hungry, and educate the orphan.
Assets
There are lodges in every city and major town, and lodges in many of the non-major towns also. There is ALWAYS at least one Odd Fellow in every populace.
History
Started by an odd group of people from the desert across the sea.
Demography and Population
Boasting members from every race, creed, color and socio economic status.
Technological Level
They are precisely as tech savvy as everybody around them...
Religion
All of them!
Foreign Relations
They are an underground, "secret society".
Agriculture & Industry
They have been deeded land so many times over the centuries, they surreptitiously own most of the farmland on @Pax.
Trade & Transport
They have a working relationship with the Merchant and Sailors' Guild.
Education
The Odd Fellows own and operate many of the publicly available schools in the realms.
Mythology & Lore
They have hundreds of mysterious symbology and genuine, deodorized human skeletons. Some few of of them include:
- The Three-Links Symbol (Friendship, Love, Truth)
- Ass (willing to work)
- Bundle of Sticks (stronger together)
- All-Seeing Eye (personal accountability)
- Triangle (Friendship, Love and Truth)
- Compass (Maintain the course)
Divine Origins
The Singers tribes of the Rhegev Desert began this tradition, at the many different trade and merchant camps.
Ethics
Stay the course, and do the right thing.
Political Influence & Intrigue
A king, or one of his advisors, could very well be a member....
Sects
Lodges are self sufficient.
Friendship, love, faith, charity
Founding Date
1206TK
Type
Social, Activist
Capital
Alternative Names
Rebeccas (female members)
Predecessor Organization
Successor Organization
Demonym
Odd Fellows
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Transnational government
Economic System
Traditional
Legislative Body
The highest ranking members of any given lodge. Issues are handled in-house.
Location
Official Languages
Related Ranks & Titles
Related Ethnicities
Comments