Stormriders

Stormriders are explorers, treasure hunters, beast-slayers, adventurers and inventors. They are anyone who challenges the power structure of the world, whether that be elemental powers while battling The Rage of Castellian, the strength of a kraken, the power of a regime or the engine of an airship about to explode. Stormriders live by a code, and it is often one that aligns with a short and very exciting life, something that appeals to all that adopt this profession and become a member of the Stormriders' Guild. Though it was not always this way, for history saw them as freedom fighters and it is only in the last century they have opened their doors to others not of the Stormheld Bastion.

History

Founded during the The Stormheart Rebellion as the followers of Castellian Harlscurl, the Stormriders were first those of the Vorago that fought against the Yeshi oppression, then after the death of Castellian, the Stormriders became a name for those that had learnt his magic, guided boats through The Shattered Shelf and protected settlements from The Rage of Castellian.

However, in recent history the title 'Stormrider' has become a profession of sorts, split into two distinct elements. There are those that follow the old ways, practise the magic and continue to keep tradition alive, and then there are those that push the limits of magic, ingenuity, exploration and strength. The latter has spread around the nations of the Unitum Pact and further afield, forming more of a guild that any can requisition to join (though they must pass the tests and swear an oath upon the tenets) Those of this guild are called on often by private financiers with extravagant and dangerous missions in mind, as well as called upon for aid by its founding nation, Stormheld Bastion, and are honourbound to answer.

Spirituality & Power

The first Stormriders scrambled for any knowledge regarding their old ways, but much was lost in the occupation by the Yeshi. The Vorago believed to be closer to their ancestors would grant them additional power over the storms. Though the Stormriders Guild does not necessarily reflect this, its tenets do speak to those of ancestral harmony. The real spirituality of the Stormriders rests in their quest for adventure. They find themselves closest to their gods, whether it be Samudir, Castellian or their ancestors when they are in the heat of the moment, racing through rip-currents, facing down the greatest of beasts in a hunt, wandering shores that have never before felt mortal steps. This is the real spirituality of their order and what elevated the Stormriders from a faction within Stormheld Bastion into a guild that is quickly spreading across Venya.

The Power of the ancient Stormriders can be learnt by any that wish it, though those that seek to follow these teachings much take their vows of allegiance through a magical bond, so they may never break their word and commitment, where as those that don't seek to learn this magic can take a non-magical version of this bond. The training to learn the magic of Stormriders is vigorous and dangerous, but those that gain this power tap into the truth of the order. These individuals are called 'Stormrider Magus' and are propelled into positions of authority within the guild, where they are tasked with running the guild's logistics and preside over judgements, whether that be membership requests, charters for new expeditions or breaking of tenets.

Tenets

The tenets of the Stormriders are the words they live by, the oaths they take and the honour that binds them. Without it the members would be nothing, and the guild would crumble and fall. Those that break the tenets are judged by a council of Stormrider Magus, who enact the laws, and punish those accordingly based on their infraction.

1. The Path of Honour

   Know what is right, and wrong and act on it. Give no credence to the doubts in your mind but trust your heart in matters of honour. Protect those unable to protect themselves. Respect those worthy of respect, and give what you can afford to those that struggle.

2. The Path of Strength

   Test yourself in strength of all things and show deference in defeat. Grow and better yourself to eclipse your goals. When you stand at the top, with clear skies and calm oceans, search for the storm and what gives you pause, for that is where strength lies.

3. The Path of Exploration

   Push the limits of life, in heart, mind and body. Step to where you have not walked. Fight what you have not conquered and set yourself against your past, for none but you may conquer that.

4. The Path of Freedom

   Hold no man, woman or beast against their will. Through no actions cause others to fall into servitude and slavery. For freedom is a right, whether it be in life, or death.

5. The Path of Spirit

   Hold your heart in your hands and feel fragility and freedom. Find peace and adventure in all you do. Show respect to those that came before and know that life will come to an end, as all things do.

Allegiance

The origin of the Stormriders tells of freedom and war. The Vorago fought against a greater power and claimed their own lives back from the slavers of Yeshi. For this reason the spread of the Stormriders and their guild around the Free Cities and other nations has become an ideal, but one that requires an allegiance of sorts. One that states you may never aid a nation against the Stormheld Bastion and in times of war, offer aid in whatever manner they can. Stormriders would not be forced into aggressive action against other nations should war arise (if they don't wish to partake), but instead offer humanitarian or defensive aid. This is not necessarily unique to the Stormheld Bastion but is also present for small nations and collectives (in line with their first tenent: The Path of Honour, particularly those of the Unitum Pact.

Stormriders Guild

Stormriders are as much a staple profession as any others across Lenwir, though they are infinitely more varied in their skills and expertise. They are also able to pick and choose their contracts and expeditions as they see fit, and are likely one of the only guilds across Lenwir that is oath-bound to become involved in a nations war, should it be called upon. No two stormriders are the same, their skills all unique, making them extremely valuable and specialised for a number of dangerous tasks. For this reason those of the Stormrider's Guild often became tales of legend, their acts and names recorded for eternity.

Founding of the Stormriders: 2320 AC

Founding of the Stomriders Guild: 2447 AC

Type

Religious

The 'Vorago'

The majority of Stormriders, and particularly the eldest of them are largely Vorago. The organisation was founded as such, for them to gain power and break the chains of oppression during the The Stormheart Rebellion but in recent years the culture and responsibility has spread to other nations and cities of the Unitum Pact and even farther afield to 'The Riverlands' and 'The Realm of Iaur' where exploration and challenging nature are more in line with their cultures.

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Credited artists: Duke678