The Acastus Consortium

Introduction and Overview

Throughout history threats to our way of life have lingered in vast stretches of wilderness outside our settlements. Many with the inpsiration of Torm in their hearts endeavored to root out and end any and all threats to folks. In our modern age, threats from wilds have steadily decreased. But the need for heroism in the face of great danger has never left fully. Darkness and threats to civilization still linger in the obscured corners of undeveloped land, and this is where the Consortium focuses their efforts today.

STRUCTURE AND GOALS

The Consortium is a large sprawling organization with its headquarters in Nevma, and Kastros (branches) all over Terrania. While the hierarchy and charter of each Kastros is contingent on recommendations and guidance from Nevma, the Kastros have almost full autonomy. All Kastros have a Syntagsis (Commander) and depending on the size may have a Tagmasis (Vice Commander). These individuals approve and organize the various potential contracts that come through the Kastros. They are also in charge of filtering potential associates and offering recommendations for folks to become members.
The overarching goal of the organization is to use their talents to bring and maintain stability in the world by being the sword and shield against chaos; exactly like their founder Acastus The Great . They usually focus their efforts on pacifying or removing threats posed to the local populace. This can include dealing with wildlife, supporting the investigation of ruins, and helping the The Academy of Arcanium deal with arcane threats. They have a strict policy on not getting involved in sullied arts of politics or economics, leaving those blood contracts to the local mercenaries.
While its not a requirement, many members have strong ties to Torm, God of Adventure, Courage and Heroism , and his iconography can be found in many Kastros.

HISTORY

Sensing a need for structured defense against the Agrios Agnosto; Acastus The Great began organizing his own band of stalwart defenders. From their main headquarters in the fortified city of Nevma; this new group sought to protect Heleninum from the onslaught. As their success grew, more and more areas across the border called for aid. Acastus began sending his most trusted Stratigos (Generals) to start fortifying these cities. Over time more and more Kastros sprung up. Each following the code of conduct, and hierarchy developed by Acastus himself.
Overtime time many cities and settlements across Heleniunum and Terrania began calling for the Acastus's aid. Many leaders were too busy fighting each other to effectively focus their efforts on anything besides territorial squabbles. Therefore, there was plenty of work for Torm minded indvidual's in taking out threats by outsiders of unknown alignment.

How to Join

In its current form, the Consortium is no longer the lifetime commitment it once was. Instead, as threats become far and few between; each individual is a member or an associate. The current arrangement promotes traveling around Terrania, taking on contracts from the Syntagsis (Commander) or Tagmasis (Vice Commander) of a Kastros. The Syntagsis and Tagmasis are usually chosen/ nominated by the regional Stratigos and consist of members that have distinguished themselves within the Consortium. It's not just martial prowess that leads to a nomination; as each Commander must have the diplomatic sense to work with the local leaders their Kastros falls under the domain of.
As mentioned before there are two types of connections one can have with the Consortium. An Associate is an individual or group that has an affiliation with a particular region or single Kastros. They are usually given highly specific contracts based on specialized skills or relationships with the local populace. Those who wish to make a career within the Kastros of the Consortium can pledge themselves for a progression into a membership. With a full membership, those Sworn to the Consortium must uphold its Three Tenants of Acastus :
Bravery and Resolve Above All Else
My Life in Service to Defending Civilization from Chaos
To protect those which cannot protect themselves.

Through a long trial one must obtain three nominations by three Kastros; and petition for full membership through the Oathsworn Committee & The Polemarchos (Supreme Commander) in the Nevma.
As one can see, a full commitment in the Consortium is a considerable endeavor. This is why in general many Kastros rely mostly on associates to carry out the bulk of contracts.

Founded: 605 AC
Headquarters: Nevma, Heleninum
Leader: Polemarchos Dion II of House Dracos.