House of the Healing Heart

Overview

The House of the Healing Heart serves the Eternal Empire of Koth by teaching, practicing and developing all aspects of the art and lore of healing, arcane, alchemical and mundane. The House of the Healing Heart runs centers of healing across the Eternal Empire through their Houses. Full Houses of the Healing Heart possess a Heartstone that aids in resurrection for those attuned to its use. The House of the Healing Heart provides care in all forms to the citizens of the Eternal Empire through birthing, spiritual magics, curative and preventative supplies, potions and alchemy, basic education and organized social events. The Heart is often the first resort of the common man to resolving differences that require outside mediation. The House of the Healing Heart also provided healing and resurrection support to the Imperial Legions wherever they fight for the Eternal Empire.
The Royal Order of the Sun is the only noble Guild order and serves as the Shield of the Heart. They defend the Heartstones, the Houses and Holms of the Heart, their brother and sisters of the Heart as well as Imperial Citizens under their care. The Royal Order is trained in non-lethal combat methods as much as lethal techniques and are known as committed and loyal to their charges as the Hands of the Emperor are to the Numyn of Koth.
The members of Order of the White Heart serve as missionaries, mediators and healers. These people take the Vitae Odio, a solemn oath, to do no harm to the mortal folk of Urth. While one of the order may hunt and kill animals and plants for sustenance and in defense of mortal folk, they may never take a life of the folk. Constructs, spirits and elementals are not so protected by this vow.

Early History

Nearly six millennia ago, by Heart Reckoning, a darkness descended upon the Urth known as the Wake. It was an upheaval of spiritual magics the likes of which the peoples of Urth had never seen. The effect that the Wake had upon spiritual magics was vast. Depending on the time or place, it was known to disrupt magic such that spiritual magics simply failed, could not be cast beyond a touch, drew too much mana from the caster, surged with extra energy and changed the result entirely just to name a few.
Interacting with spirits became problematic. Those whose physical bodies had died would not properly respond to spells designed to return them to life, either they would fail to heed the call or respond to the calling of their spirit well beyond the normal time of the magic's effectiveness. Also, the healing of the body that the spirit returned to would be inconsistent, sometimes full healed, others with mortal wounds still upon it rendering the person dead again moments later.
The pain that accompanied a battle magic healing spell, that fiery sensation, could be magnified, absent or altered altogether. Sometimes the pain of the healing would render the recipient unconscious or damaged in another way.
There were times when one could see spirits leave their bodies upon death or approach others trying to speak or interact. There were other times when spirits that should have been present due to the proximity to a heart member or other spirit caster and the time of their passing should have let us speak to them or call their spirit back, but it seemed as though they had passed into the far spirit realms or been destroyed. Creatures of spirit became erratic, dangerous and could sometimes walk among us. Icon spirits became erratic and violent. Spirit Warriors and Guides manifested and attacked renegade spirit and mortal alike. All creatures of spirit were affected by the wake.
During this plight, a terrible plague spread across the lands called the Culling. So terrible was this plague, that it attacked the body, mind and spirit of those who contracted it. Like the Wake itself, the plague could cause many different effects and death was far from the worst fate. Tragically, one of the effects of the Wake, known as the Culling, also caused problems with births. Those who have Otherworld ancestry still feel the sting of this today.
After his people were destroyed by the Culling, the Voice heard the calling of the Heart and travelled across Albyon to the great plateau of Heartmont on the shore of the great lake of Heartwell where Heartholm now stands. There, he discovered the Healing Heart. The Heart felt the Voice's grief and offered his aid to the Voice and all the peoples of Urth but he could not act himself. He would need the Voice to speak for him so that others may bring healing to people. The Voice spoke to the Healing Heart for three days and nights learning much of its character and purpose. He felt the power and majesty of the Healing Heart which extended through the Realm of Spirit and the lands around him. The Voice saw the Heartlight in the realm of spirit like a beacon in the darkness. He heard the rhythm of the Heartbeat through the mists of Albyon. Then the Voice saw the gathering of spirits before him including many of his own people. The Voice gladly accepted his calling, vowing his life to the service of the Healing Heart, leaving behind the trappings of his life before, his wealth, his colors and his name. For days unnumbered, the Voice brought back to the lands of Urth the assembled spirits. Those that chose to stay became the first House of the Healing Heart.
A nearby kingdom known as Eonin suffered under the effects of the Wake and the Culling. The heir was afflicted with a wasting plague and would soon die. Through the intervention of the Heart, the prince and many others were saved from a fate worse than death, so have their very spirits wither beneath their mortal coil. Thus, a grateful kingdom joined the House of the Healing Heart, their Knights of the Sun, warriors trained in magic and arms, pledged to defend those who saved their people, taking the people of the Heart as their own and forming the core of the Royal Order of the Sun. These knights helped the missionaries of the White Heart bring the stones to the far corners of Koth, thus quelling the Wake.
It remains the goal of the Heart to bring the Heartstone to all parts of the world, so that any remnants of the Wake and the sickness it brought to Urth can be forever eradicated.

Locations

The main House of the Healing Heart of the Colony of Dupree is in Dupree Proper. This white stone compound is known as Phillian’s Rest. Guildhalls of the House of the Healing Heart are known as Holms and can be found in every major town or city of the Empire.

Major Symbols and Practices

Heart Wards

Shields wielded by members of the House of the Healing Heart or the Royal Order of the Sun are typically shaped in a stylized heart shape reminiscent of a teardrop shield style known as a Heart Ward.

Pax Thread

Those that resurrect at the House of the Healing Heart often have nothing but the clothes that the Heart gives to them. These garments, known as Pax Thread, are made of common white cotton. Their style and manner may not be copied or worn unless one has recently resurrected at a House of the Healing Heart. No other guild, business or person within the Empire is allowed to mimic its appearance. Tradition holds, that one who is so garbed cannot be accosted lest the Royal Order of the Sun meet out its justice upon the violator. One that abuses the privilege may suffer Censure.

Ceremonies and Rites

• Auscultation- This is the act of communicating with others using the Heartstone. This is generally reserved for important communications across the Heart or to specific Houses such as declarations of Censure or inquiries of the Litany.
• Basking- This is the ceremony where a baby or new believer is first brought into the glow of the Heartstone to feel its warmth, see its light and hear its beat.
• Censure- When a citizen performs acts against the people, the empire or the Heart itself such that there is no other recourse, a censure is necessary. This strips the named individual or group of the protection and services of the House of the Healing Heart and all of its chambers.
• Introduction- This is the ceremony when a youth is brought to the Heartstone and trained in the how to find it on the Spirit Plane and resurrect using it.
• Trothing- This is a ceremony when the Heart witnesses the promising of someone to another person or group. Heartthrothing is when one takes their vows to the House of the Healing Heart.
• Hearthing- This is a ceremony when the Heart witnesses the union of two people from different families.
• Parting- This is the ceremony to contact a departed spirit to convey its last wishes and say farewell to those it knew.
• Vigil- This is the act of waiting for a spirit to come to the Heart. If a person is known to have died, that spirit has at most 5 days to find a Heartstone and resurrect. White candles are often lit both in the chamber of the Heartstone and the window of those who sit Vigil.
• Litany- This is the recitation and publication of those that have resurrected or failed to resurrect.
• Restoration- This is the ceremony when a person is brought given healing in the House. Healing can be physical, mental or spiritual in nature.
• Resurrection- This is the ceremony when a spirit is returned to Urth and reunited with their body or aided in forming a new one. Creating a new body is especially taxing upon a spirit and guide and is less successful than guiding a spirit to an existing body and repairing that.
• Sanctuary- This is a protection that the Heart extends to those that are in need of intercession. This protection from Imperial authorities is only exists within Houses and Homes of the Healing Heart. While under a Sanctuary, a person cannot be convicted or sentenced for any crime.

Heraldry

The motto of the House of the Healing Heart is “One Heart, One Voice.” This is said to date back to the beginnings of the House as an organization, underscoring the belief that all who join the Heart are one family regardless of their origin. It also emphasizes the fact that there is only one voice through whom the Heart speaks and that the message is clear and strong. All members of the Heart heed the Voice.
The symbol of the House of the Healing Heart is a red heart representing the courage of the members surrounded by a sunburst representing the power of life and the light that radiates from it. The white field represents the purity of the members, their intentions, goals and power.
The motto of the Order of the White Heart is “By Virtue Prevail.” Those of the White Heart promise before the Heart to never harm a living being, to preserve life wherever it is found and spread the message of the Heart to all. They do this through good works, not force.
The symbol of the Order of the White Heart is a white heart representing the purity of its members at their core surrounded by a sunburst representing the power of life and the light that radiates from it within a blue eight pointed star representing the duty of the order to provide guidance constant and true day and night. The white field represents the purity of the members, their intentions, goals and power.
The motto of the Royal Order of the Sun is “Carry the Light.” The Royal Order of the Sun dates back to the first kingdom of Aeonon whose rulers and people pledged themselves to the defense of the Heart during the great Wake. The Order, born of the royal knights of Aeonon, pledged to always carry the light of the Heart with them, banishing the darkness and promoting life and hope wherever they traveled.
The symbol of the Royal Order of the Sun is a white heart representing the purity of its members at their core surrounded by a sunburst representing the power of life and the light that radiates from it. The red field represents the blood of the fallen and the courage of the members against the darkness of death and void.
The owl is a powerful symbol in the province of Albyon. It is known for protecting people from the creatures of the Mysts of Albyon and the creatures who dwell there, like the mist serpents (Nathairamurr). It symbolizes patience and wisdom crowned with the power of the Aether. Heartmont and many Houses keep owls, if they are able.
Within a territory, be it a Kingdom or Colony, the upper echelon of the House of the Healing Heart consists of the Matriarch or Patriarch, Knight of the Royal Order of the Sun, Emissary of the White Heart and other titled Adepts, Protectors and Serenes:

The Matriarch or Patriarch

The Matriarch or Patriarch is the appointed leader of a House of the Healing Heart that possesses a Heartstone in the territory. The Matriarch or Patriarch is responsible for all operations, all members, all resources and all tribute of the House. The Matriarch or Patriarch sits on the Council of Guilds for his organization, representing its interests across the territory.

The Adept of the House

The Adept of the House is responsible for the day to day running of a House including staffing, resources and schedules. This Adept is also responsible for the use of Heart resources such as libraries, laboratories, smithies, etc.

The Adept of the Kith

The Adept of the Kith is responsible to overseeing the typical ceremonies of the House of the Healing Heart such as Birthing, Trothing and Hearthing. In addition, the Adept of the Kith often organizes various social celebrations, gatherings and ceremonies.

The Adept of the Stone

The Adept of the Stone is responsible for the ceremonies involving the Heartstone such as Introduction, Resurrection and Parting. The Adept of the Stone is also responsible for keeping the Litany, a record of those that have passed through the Heartstone in the territory.

The Knight

The Knight of the Royal Order of the Sun is the head of the Royal Order of the Sun for the House of the Healing Heart within the territory. This position makes him noble throughout the Eternal Empire by Imperial decree. The Knight leads the members of the Royal Order in battle with the Imperial Legions if needed.

The Protector of the Stone

The Protector of the Stone is charged with the defense of the Heartstone and the Chamber. The Protector of the Stone often takes the lead in keeping a Vigil, a watch for spirits making their way to the Heartstone for resurrection.

The Protector of the Kin

The Protector of the Kin is charged with the defense of the brothers and sisters of the House of the Healing Heart in its territory.

The Protector of the House

The Protector of the House is charged with the defense of the lands and property of the House of the Healing Heart in its territory. The Protector of the House enforces the rules of Sanctuary within his House.

The Emissary

The Emissary is the head of the Order of the White Heart within the territory. This position makes him an Ambassador of the Heartlands and the Eternal Empire when necessary. Typically, an Emissary will serve as a permanent Ambassador to a particularly large group of people in the territory of the House of the Healing Heart.

The Serene of the Word

The Serene of the Word is responsible for taking the message of the Heart out to the people of the territory of the House. This Serene will often work closely with the Adept of the Kith and other Guilds to bring schools and learning to the people of the territory.

The Serene of Alms

The Serene of Alms is responsible for collecting and distributing all gifts, charities, aid, services and assistance of the House of the Healing Heart within its territory.

The Serene of Missionaries

The Serene of Missionaries is responsible for organizing groups and establishing missions within the territory of the House.
The rank and file of the House of the Healing Heart appear below:

• A prospective member must first become a Petitioner.
• Petitioners who are accepted into the Heart are called to become a Novice.
• Novices who have demonstrated proficiency and loyalty are called to become Brothers or Sisters.
• Brother and Sisters who show expertise and leadership may be called to become Adepts.

Those that seek entrance into the Order of the White Heart follow a different path. The ranks of this illustrious order honor the first missionaries that carried the teachings of the Heart to faraway lands and peoples pledging their lives to peace:

• A prospective member must first become a Petitioner.
• Petitioners who are accepted into the Guild are called to become an Initiate.
• Initiate who have demonstrated proficiency and loyalty are called to become a Virtue.
• Virtue who show expertise and leadership are called to become a Serene.

Those that seek entrance into the Royal Order of the Sun follow a different path. The ranks of this illustrious order honor the first the Knights who pledged their eternal loyalty to the Healing Heart, the Sun Guards of Aeonin:

• A prospective member must first become a Petitioner.
• Petitioners who are accepted into the Guild are called to become a Defender. Defenders are called to defend the kith and kin as well as their brothers and sisters in the House of the Healing Heart no matter where they are found.
• Defenders who have demonstrated proficiency and loyalty are called to become a Guardian. Guardians are called to defend the Houses, Homes, Stones and lands of the Healing Heart as well as all those kith, kin, brothers and sisters who hear the call of the Heart.
• Guardians who show expertise and leadership are called to become a Protector. Protectors are called to defend the Houses, Homes, Stones and lands of the Healing Heart as well as all those kith, kin, brothers and sisters who hear the call of the Heart. In addition, each Protector is called to defend a special charge given to them by the Heart itself.

There are local Heart members throughout the territory who perform specific functions. Here are just a few:

Envoy

A member of the Order of the White Heart that serves the Emissary as a representative to their chosen people. This individual performs functions for the Emissary in their absence, serving as their eyes and ears. This is typically a chosen Virtue but has occasionally been a Brother or Sister.

Goodmyn

A person who has received tutelage through the House of the Healing Heart, ascribes to all of its beliefs and acknowledges the authority of the House may use the term Goodmyn. A Goodmyn may wear a silver heart to display their affiliation. Goodmyn may legally charge for healing services as long as they return one third of their income to the House of the Healing Heart. Such an honorific recognizes the affiliation and intentions of those that use it. Those that pretend or misuse the honorific are subject to the justice of the Royal Order of the Sun.

Medicant

A traveling member of the House of the Healing Heart that provides healing services to the people of the territory, typically a Brother or Sister. Medicants are welcome sights in the outlands of the Empire and their arrival is often cause for celebration should they choose to treat the populous.

Missionary

A traveling member of the House of the healing heart that provides healing services to the people in non-imperial or heart lands, typically a Brother or Sister.

Seeker

This is a Heart member who is trained in travelling through the Spirit Realm to find spirits that are lost, accosted by other forces or too weak to make the journey back. Seekers are typically assigned and trained at full Houses with Heartstones, but some missions include Seekers, especially those that enter the Aether or deal with areas that may be hidden or outside the light of a Heartstone.

Sun Guard

A member of the Royal Order of the Sun that is not tied to a specific House or Home to the people of the territory, typically a Defender. Sun Guards travel the outskirts of Heart territories, aiding the people of land where and how it is necessary. This aid may overlap with the duties of other guilds which Sun Guards are empowered to do. Sun Guards are expected to let the ranking members of the Heart know that they are operating within their territories as soon as possible. These warriors still respect the chain of command within the Heart and the Royal Order but directly report to the Knights of the Royal Order of the Sun.

Why join the House of the Healing Heart?

• You are first and foremost a caregiver or protector, seeking to help those who are less fortunate than yourself.
• You are especially skilled in the realms of spiritual magics or curative alchemy.
• You are looking for a tight knit and large family to join.
• You see the good works of the House of the Healing Heart and want to be a part of them.
• You need the protection that the powerful and influential House of the Healing Heart can provide you. Have a care, for such protection does not come without your loyalty, dedication and devotion to the Heart.

Whispers about the House of the Healing Heart?

• Who knows what happens to the spirits of those who resurrect through the Heartstones? Surely the family of the Heart won’t tell us the truth of it.
• What’s in it for them? They can’t be doing this out of the goodness of their bleeding hearts now can they?
• Is life so dangerous that we need the House of the Healing Heart or is life so dangerous because of the House of the Healing Heart.
• Who or what does the Voice really listen to? Can you trust someone or something that won’t even speak to you directly?
• They garner so much power, magical, political and martial that they could seize the reins of power right out from the Kothites themselves.

Typical missions of the Heart

• Investigate any claims or evidence of disease, sickness or spiritual activity and take the appropriate action to remedy the issue.
• Gather resources to make items of healing and cures.
• Perform the rites and rituals of the Heart for any citizen.
• Aid those that resurrect to return safely to their lives.
• Provide healing support or private, guild or imperial endeavors.

Heart Traditions

HEALER OF THE HOUSE

• Discipline of Spirit
• Discipline of Dispel
• Discipline of Healing

WHITE HEART ENVOY

• Discipline of Persuasion
• Discipline of Dispel
• Discipline of Healing

WARRIOR OF THE SUN

• Discipline of Defense
• Discipline of Dispel
• Discipline of Healing

Common Aspects of members of the House of the Healing Heart

• DEFENDER OF LIFE
• THE PEOPLE’S ADVOCATE
• AETHER CALLER