The Gathering of Ioun

The Gathering of Ioun is an organisation devoted to the collection and distribution of knowledge across the world. There are many towers, standing far taller than most modern day constructions, believed to be protected by the vast magics held within. While these towers have existed since long before the start of the Third Age, some have been found in ruin, the cause of their demise unknown.

External Relations

The followers of Ioun and the residents of the various towers across the world welcome any individual who has a desire to learn, teach or protect knowledge. They believe that under no circumstances should knowledge be withheld or controlled. This has sometimes cause some tension between The Gathering and other organisations or governments. Despite this there have been very few outright attacks on an Ioun tower, save a few from marauders or raiders. Generally these towers are situated in the quieter, less travelled regions of the world so that the scholars within can better focus on their works. Despite this most towers have collected a small village or town around them in order to support their activities. In Thallingen the Colbh Geal, or White Pillar, used to stand at the edge of the old city but thanks to the urban sprawl, now sits within the city walls. It is a hive of activity and can gather a great deal of knowledge from the travellers and traders that pass through.

Organisational Structure

Most towers are presided over by a committee of elders and learned scholars, whose responsibility it is to oversee the daily running or the towers, their upkeep and sustenance, alongside longer projects for collating, organising and translating the knowledge within. Most areas of study will have an "aspiring master" who will be the most knowledgeable and they are supported by a number of acolytes depending on the vastness of the topic. The followers and those that live within a Gathering of Ioun are very humble when it comes to the scope of their knowledge believing it pales in comparison to that of Ioun herself.

Controversy

As there is no limit placed on the sharing and passing of knowledge, there have been some individuals who have sought out lesser known and more unsavoury arcane knowledge. While these people have been provided with the knowledge they sought, if it was available to that Gathering, their names and information were shared widely in order to ensure that should their intent be to cause harm, they would be stopped. There are of course people who have slipped through the cracks and obtained knowledge without being revealed, leading to soured relations with the governments of some countries.

Type

Educational, Scientific Institute