Blade's Edge of Kohra

The largest organisation representing the god Kohra, this order of paladins and priests seek to spread the teachings of Kohra and carry themselves according to his will. As Kohra is the god of sacrifice in the pantheon of Isturian Polytheism, this mainly relates to putting others above oneself and protecting the people of Isturoth.
Paladins of the Blade's Edge are taught to fight in a defensive stance, mastering use of the tallshield and the spear, but also the longsword and the greatsword, as they are icons of Kohra. The name of "Blade's Edge" probably implies that of Kohra's icon weapon, this organisation is the forefront of their protection, acting as an extension of the god in the material world while they carry out their deeds in their divine realm of Zaehina.

Structure

The structure of the order is very simple:

Initiates

Individuals seeking to officially become part of the Blade's Edge of Kohra must first seek admittance at a temple which initiates and trains new recruits, of which there are only 7 currently in Isturoth, so this first step often involves a long, difficult journey. Once judged by those overseeing the temple, they are given a bed while they begin their studies at the monastery.

Acolytes

Upon passing tests to their initial studies of the lore, philosophy and rituals of Kohra, they will be allowed to choose a specialisation to focus on (upon approval by the overseeing member), to either become a priest or paladin, to study the book or the blade. Paladins are taught a variety of martial and combat skills, as well as balance and athleticism. Priests, on the other hand, are further submerged into the teachings of Kohra and are taught the rituals and philosophy of Kohra on a deeper level, becoming beacons of faith and religious knowledge.

Partisans

At this stage, the previous acolytes will have chosen a vocation and completed their training. They will then be given another choice, to remain at the temple and to teach those under them, to travel to another temple and continue to practice there, or to find a local hub of worship in any town or city to call their home and continue to work under the church at this location.
Priests also have the added option of becoming a pilgrim, wandering the roads from destination to destination, spreading the word and worship of Kohra as they travel. However, it should be noted that once this option is chosen, they will no longer be admitted into another temple to live and work. They are given a unique tattoo so that others will be able to identify their exile from the church, but it is also a destiny that is highly revered as one of the ultimate signs of sacrifice for the betterment of Isturoth.

Prophets

A higher rank is still yet attainable for a select few. Those who have immersed themselves, body and spirit, into worship and sacrifice in the name of Kohra, will be selected by popular vote to ascend to become a Prophet, those who have more say about operational and administrational decisions that go on within the order. Historically, one had to prove themselves a dedicated servant, a font of knowledge and a highly-capable warrior, though in recent centuries the latter has been less important, leading to many more priests than paladins being elevated to prophet. Some circles of the order have even instituted high prophets as to further emphasise the hierarchy amidst the abundance of prophets.

Golden One

A person who has proven themselves to be a tool of Kohra themselves can be chosen by a circle of prophets.

Mythology & Lore

See @kohra.

Tenets of Faith

• Self-Sacrifice

• Honour through Selflessness

• Protection of the Weak

Ethics

The core tenets of the order are clear, the main values that guide the everyday lives and decisions of the faithful. These can manifest in simple acts of kindness such as offering an item of clothing for warmth or providing a buffer against the strong wind, or in more official gestures such as volunteering for military service or installing themselves as a fixture of a town to provide aid and protection.

Sin

Acts of selfishness or cowardice are extremely frowned upon. Such acts which result in someone else being negatively impacted (especially through injury or death) will a begin a process of ex-communication where tattoos are branded and the people being exiled from the church. Even in official or municipal proceedings outside of the order, these acts are severely criticised and considered shameful.

Priesthood

Priests of the Blade's Edge are marked with tattoos that proudly put onto display their devotion to Kohra and the teachings of the order. After acolytes choose this path, they will likely assume this role for the rest of their lives. They become fluent in the stories of the god and everything that can be gleaned from their actions, able to dictate on command, as well as philosophical experts that many come to for advice.

Political Influence & Intrigue

While technically just a specific order within the greater Isturian Polytheism, they have much influence and power. While worship to the level of the Blade's Edge is not as normal for everyday citizens of Isturoth, belief in the gods and the values they represent are far-reaching and fundamental in Isturian society.
Because of this, the word of the order carries a lot of weight, and judicial proceedings will often involve a member of the church to some degree, to hear their judgement and weigh in on the situation.

Aegis of Isturoth, Whetstone of the Gilded Guardian

Founding Date

Unknown

Type

Religious, Holy Order

Alternative Names

Blade's Edge, The Protectors

Demonym

Protectors / Paladins / Priests

Leader

Golden One Vreshir

Leader Title

Golden One