Askari Watchers

Under the enlightening scriptures of Ioun, the Knowing Mentor; teachers, priests, scribes and monks who have been drawn to the calling of truth and knowledge spend their lives training within the Great Library of Korrenberg, within the Grand Duchies of Aranoc. Amid the ancient stacks of book, tomes, and velum, this is the home of the scribes of the Askari Watchers. The Library of Korrenberg is a sprawling campus of archives, housing, vaults, studies, grand halls, and more; nearly a city unto itself. It stands for the universality of knowledge and philosophies upheld by those who follow Ioun’s teachings. The Watchers are guided by a central belief that true strength is found in understanding, knowledge, and the truth of the world around you. Despite their idealism, the pursuit of truth is hampered by the realities of life across the lands: politics, propaganda, and the dangers of the wilderness.
While the heart of the organization is at the Great Library, the order operates smaller archives throughout much of Esseas and Tyrean. These archives, also double as temples to Ioun, sometimes also as schools or local libraries, are usually located in larger cities and cultural centers. Its members come from all walks of life and are expected to assist in the maintenance, organization, and protection of the archives. Its satellite archives collect artifacts and research information both historical and contemporary from the far flung corners of the world and in the distant lands of Tyrean, Xeti, and beyond. Members of the Askari are hired across the world as instructors and teachers in the houses of nobles, as well as learned advisors in the courts of nobles.
A member of the order, no matter their position, undergoes a lifelong journey of learning, with frequent, and sometimes mandated breaks from their regular duties to study fields new to them. Once a member achieves a mastery of knowledge in given field, they are awarded a symbol of office. This can come in a way of the member's choosing, such as rings, bracelets, a necklace of chain links, rings on a staff, tattoos, etc. Regardless, each honor is different colour, allowing members to visual display their accumulation of knowledge.

Silent Observers

Despite changes in power, the Keepers of the Library have continued to work with and under the various kingdoms out of necessity, but its archivists are savvy political players — whenever possible, they avoid making moves that could put them in danger of being exploited by the royalty or other political players. Nowhere is this tension more apparent than in the rumored existence of secret militant truth-seekers within the Custodians; who are rigorously trained to root out corruption and falsehoods. Behind the scenes, a silent war is brewing as its members bring the dark secrets of the world's social elite, such as The Aurum, The Violet Eye, or the Ashford Trading Company to light and justice.
The core beliefs of the organization, to share knowledge, expose corruption, and preserve all knowledge often makes the organization a target. There are many who do not wish to see their secrets exposed, and many others who would see much of the knowledge which order possesses hidden away, rather than laid open for those to read.

Beliefs

Access to knowledge and education is a cornerstone of society

Knowledge and history must be preserved

The Truth must be brought to light in order to achieve justice

Goals

Bring enlightenment to the world through the acquisition and sharing or knowledge, and banish darkness by exposing corruption within the world.