The Order of the Rising Moon

The Order of the Rising Moon was a religion formed just days after the Battle of Kulon Bridge, a major battle in the Magewars of the First Age. After seeing the atrocities committed in the battle, a group of soldiers deserted and fled into the mountains of Irëduin, where the Order of the Rising Moon was formed. All its members took a vow of non-violence against the intelligent races of the world, and over the years built a monastery in the Northern Mountains. The Order slowly grew, drawing members from all over Irëduin. In 2766, the Order gained a famous new member; Ralthyr Wazavor, who joined the Order after regaining balance within himself and adjusting his view of the world. The Order endured until the End of Days, and displayed a remarkable resistance to the multiple attacks factions like the B'omarrin Kashar launched against it.

Tenets

In addition to their non-violence vow, members of the Order revered magic. Their primary monastery was constructed atop a Dream Well, which gifted the inhabitants of the monastery with limited foresight and enlightenment. Any magic user that joined the Order was respected, but not instantly elevated to leadership. The Order was wary of infiltration, and survival was almost as important as adhering to their vows.

The Order were allowed to eat meat, as it did not contradict their vows (the vow allowed the killing of animals, as long as their pain was not prolonged).

Structure

The Order was led by a council of older monks. When one of the leaders died, a successor would be chosen by the rest of the council. Aside from the council, the Order had no hierarchy, the rest of the monks having no authority over each other. Initiates would be taught the philosophy of the Order by a more experienced monk, as well as intellectual subjects such as the structure of magic, science, and general philosophy. When an initiate was deemed ready by their mentor, they would be sent to meditate in the Dream Well for three days and three nights without food or water, surviving off the energy of the Well alone. When they emerged from the Well, there would be a simple graduation ritual, and the initiate would take their place among the main body of monks.

Monastery

The Order had their headquarters in a monastery in the Northern Mountains, although several Order members were spread out throughout Irëduin, acting as the eyes and ears of the council. Although not as large as any of the great palaces or Citadels in Irëduin, the monastery was large enough to accomodate several hundred monks. Tunnels and chambers extended into the rock below the building for more space, and below those was the Dream Well. Though rare, Dream Wells did exist elsewhere in Irëduin.

Type

Religious, Monastic Order