[A]Chapter of Holy Anethion[mods lock this please]

The Chapter of Holy Anethion

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Are you willing to die a martyrs death? To commit your life to the Sacred Duty? To raise arms and smite down any kind of heresy and cultism you shall encounter on your path? Are you willing to abide by the rules, the Faith, the discipline needed in the name of Anethion?

Are you a preacher, a tutor, a fighter, a man or woman with an iron will, determined to do what’s right? Then do read on. But know that if your Faith does not prove sufficient, that if you are found to soft at heart, then you will be asked to leave, for among us, so called zealous people, there is no room for a bleeding heart.

The Chapter of Holy Anethion is an alliance role-playing guild, mainly for humans. In the early days of The Chapter, we were a zealous inquisition hunting down heretics and cultists and we still are. We expect our people to be Faithful, disciplined and strong. Our people are not allowed to be to intimate with those who are not human and do not follow our ways. For those who does not feel the need to smite, to make people repent their doings and send them into the ever after, we have various options. . But first let me tell you a little more about who and what we are…

Our concept is built around two things;

Our interpretation of the Holy Light, defending human interests and protecting human culture. We seek to enlighten those who does not follow the right path, those too blind to see that the only way is the way of Anethion. And by doing this, we also seek to remove and destroy all evil on our path.

Our In-Character goals:

- Cleansing the lands of heretics; be it non faithful, criminals, those who worship and use darker powers/faiths.
- Destruction of the Horde and the Scourge.
- Spreading Anethionism to every household and every family
- Educating every human in the art of war, so that he may defend his home and making him proud of his race and nation
- Unification of humanity under king Varian Wrynn.
- Establishing humanity as the dominant world-power

Among our people, we are one but still divided.

The Inquisition:

Witch-Hunters, Inquisitors, Confessors, Shadowbreakers, Thaumaturges and the High Inquisitor.
Each their own rank, each their own duties.

The Ecclesiastic Court;
Lectors, Confessors, the Abbot.

Our ranks and our process:
We do our recruitment In-Character and we do it properly.

The first step is to convert you into Anethionism. This is done through a rite where you swear a sacred oath.

When that is done, and you do wish to not just be an Anetheonian (as yes you can convert to our Faith without joining our ranks) but a member of our order you will be given an invite and the first rank among us: Canon.

Canons are the rank for the new, for the ones who has yet to prove their Faith, for the ones that simply do not strive to become something more. If you seek to get further you will be given the rank Aspirant. An Aspirant is either a: Shadowbreaker, Lector, Tharmatuge or a Witch-Hunter in training. Do note: To become a Witch-Hunter you need to be handpicked. You can not join us and seek to become one, you can utter the wish, but there are no guarantees.

Later on you will become either of those ranks if you are proved worthy, Faithful and qualified.

Confessors; Confessors are the more fanatical half of the Clergy, Lectors who are so fanatic in their belief that they join the Inquisition. Among their duties are exorcisms, interrogation and keeping the Chapters soul pure. To become one, you have to be handpicked.

Inquisitors; Inquisitors are specialists in their subject, and are often much more experienced than the common Witch hunter within the Chapters ranks. Their identities are often kept secret even to their fellow brothers and sisters. So they live a life in disguise, Light-willingly.

Do note: The time it takes to go from Canon - Aspirant varies on the person, their progress, their online time. The time it takes from becoming an Aspirant to a higher rank does not just depend on your online time, if two people become aspirants at the same time, both let us say wishes to become a Shadowbreaker, it is not their time spent.. That matters, its how they spend it, how easy they learn and make progress. So the time can vary immensely depending on how well you do.

More information about our specific ranks can be found on our forum.

Shades of Gray
As you might have realized by now, we are no ordinary good knight guild, saving damsel’s in distress. Our concept is quite dark, as we are not interested in a philosophical Good or Evil, but simply in the eradication of all enemies and adversaries of humanity.

Now who sets the definition of someone is evil or not? The answer is simple: The Light does!

We are merciless and without remorse against our enemies, a seldom time we might given the right situation show some mercy. But it is not to be expected at all. When that is said we do of course not kill you if you out of character do not give your consent. But there are other ways to harm, ruin and punish those who work against the Light.

To the outside we try to disguise our harsh and zealot ways with righteousness and propaganda, clothed in the cloak of justice, we will seldom do the “right” thing in the eyes of the commoner, in the eyes of most we are evil, in the eyes of some we are a necessity with our evil, non merciful ways. Weal of humanity is the only thing that matters, we are; warmongers, horde-haters and mistrustful of other alliance races to a degree, helping our allies is not a question of Duty, but of mutual benefit..

Beyond these things what do we do?

- We make and participate in role-play events and world pvp roleplay events, we hold mass in the Cathedral or the Abbey, we have tests for our members, we hold meetings, we hand out tasks (but do note we also expect our members to take their own initiative. Meaning you will not get a new task of some kind each time you log on.)

There are more things we do and to give you a little secret information. Despite the hard work it might seem to be, as a member of this guild, we are nice people who knows how to have a good time Both In-Character and Out of Character.

Now if you find this interesting so far, then read on and ask yourself these coming questions before you make the choice to seek or not seek us out:

- Are you willing to go so deep into your character that you will read an IC book containing more than 40 pages of text, are you willing to actually learn most of that text and follow it as if it was your holy book?
If not.. Then turn around… ICly we are truly devoted to our Faith, rules and prophets. It is not easy to be a follower of Anethion.

We do discipline our members ICly. We test their Faith, through tests of their knowledge of their own Faith, through trials with physical ic aspects as well. And we do not let people slack.

- Are you tired of ICly being a pacifist? Are you willing to spend time taking part in planning and contribute in world pvp - rp? Are you willing to do an effort instead of expecting to have things handed in your lap all the time? Are you able to create role-play and not just seek it out?

- Are you willing to lay the shiny armour away, put on filthy cloths and old used up robes and spend ic time on your knees praying, meditating, spreading the word of Anethion - take up arms, spend hours sneaking around in order to find our enemies, learn of their ways and doings - be a confessor to your fellow people and their enemies as they speak of their sins, to exorcise the wicked at need - to harm and torture should needed be any man or woman you are ordered to harm?

If you do not fit in the category as a fanatic, a patriot, a preacher, a warrior who's world is coloured black and white, or a stealthy warrior of vengeance. - Then you might want to reconsider joining us.

Do you?

Consider humans more worthy and put their interest before any other?
For us humanity comes first, in any aspect and any way.
Our people are not allowed to be to intimate with those who are not of human or high elven blood and do not follow our ways.
Do you prefer a dark concept of war, hard moral choices, grim reality, to a fairytale of knights and princesses?
Do you think that Inquisitions and fanatics are an interesting concept?
Do you want to be on “the good side”, without being a complete goody?
Do you like the idea of being in a guild with rich player-made lore?
Do you want to join up on a bold attempt to create a large roleplay community?
Do you like hats?

Look at your answers, if you do feel interested still, whispers an officer ingame (Osmand, Paragus, Corleth, Greagoir, Aadaria, Jehorius) or check out our forums (at the top). Do note: To become an Anethionian you need to: Register on our forum, make an application, you will then recieve comments on the application and instructions. An ooc talk will be done as well as an ic interview followed by a possible rite. Whisper Paragus, Osmand, Greagoir or Aadaria for more information, or register on our forum.

Champions of the White-Cross.

Let the Shadowbreakers be the faceless defenders of humanity, who bring justice where there is evil, illumination where there is ignorance, safety where there is dread, faith where there is doubt. No agent of evil will stand in their way! All who are marked Light’s Enemy will die by their blades, and may the Light be their judge! Light guide the Shadowbreakers to strike the wicked and spare the innocent.

The Chapter seeks men and women whose arms are as strong as their faith, whose ruthless piety will inspire fear in the apostate but courage in the innocent. If you seek to roleplay a character whose mind and spirit are impregnable and live a life of purity and fervour - convert to Anethionism and it's Chapter; so that you may walk the blessed path of the Shadowbreaker. The protectorate of the Clergy and the overtly militant arm of the Inquisition!

Sign me up!

I might or might not have plans to have one of my toons converted to join the chapter, and yes as said it would have to be a conversion as I currently don't really have one that fits in straight away.
Will have to see how things go and how busy I get, rather not have some semi-active toon lingering around without me being able to log onto it much in a guild that appears rather active at most times.

*thumbs up for the fanatics*

Join us, Nilda, join us!

A figure clad in rain-drenched coat, with streams of water dripping from the rims of his hat, appeared around the corner to witness the unsettling scene. Pale and starved man clad in loose and ragged robes of twilight’s hammer stood with a dagger in his hands, raised against an elderly woman cowering in a corner. Twilight’s Hammer attire, caught in the act – direct evidence. Caught red-handed, forms a danger to civilians – execution on the spot. The witch-hunter drew his flintlock pistol and pulled back the hammer with his thumb as he recalled the lines of proper conduct from “Witchbane”. Less than a second later he pulled the trigger. A click, a spark, and nothing happened. Damned, gunpowder’s gone wet! Yet this was sufficient warning for the cultist to realize the danger and turn to flight. No way I can pursue him through all this chaos, may the Word of Anethion abjure this evil that I’ve failed to address.
As he approached the lady, she looked up at him from underneath her short-cut silvery hair. There is something familiar about her. But what?

“You are so fearsome sir, he fled at the very sight of you,” the woman called with a coarse voice.“Of course he did, all heretics fear Light’s Wrath, ma’am. Please, let me escort you to the Cathedral. The refugees gather there”
As they walked, the woman turned to him again and resumed the conversation. There is something familiar about her!
“A man like you fears nothing. You are as brave as any knight.”
“You flatter me, I am but a humble servant of Anethion.”
“Is there anything that frightens you? Dragons perhaps?”
No, the dragons do not frighten me. Nor does death. Why is she asking those questions?
“No, ma’am, only thing I fear is that I would fail the Vicarial Inspection,” he answered laughing.
“Vicarial inspection,” the woman inquired with a disappointed grin which the witch-hunter did not notice.
“Yes, our Lectors –priests—make sure each member of the Chapter knows the word of Anethion by heart. And they punish those who fail.”The woman stopped abruptly, with a strange firmness for somebody looking her age. Tugged on his coat, the witch-hunter too had to stop.

“Ma’am? What is it?”
“You know Witchbane good enough, brother witch-hunter. But a man of faith fears nothing, not even the Inspection! You are demoted to a Canon and shall rewrite the Holy Scripture. Your rank shall be restored once you are done with that task,” she answered with a stern and unwavering voice.
Witch-hunter’s mouth opened slightly, as he took a step back and then dropped down on one knee. Damned! I should’ve seen this coming. It –is- the abbess.
“But how, it looked so real?” His voice was shaking with disbelief and shame.
“It was a set-up to test your skills, brother. They are sharp as they should be, but your Faith has been found wanting. New dawn is coming for the Chapter, and I shall not suffer faithlessness in our ranks!”

OOC: A short story to illustrate the point. We are enforcing new, harsher standards among the chapterians. Join us to get as close as possible to being a fanatic in a rigid, zealous sect!

And another note: There is no longer an abbess, but the story shows the aimed intent. The old ways are returning, the former new shall perish. Treason and doubt shall perish along with it.

Canon

“Every good deed counts towards the Greater Good, every contribution is noted and rewarded by the Light”

Appearance:

Canons come in many ‘shapes and sizes’, some wear robes of the lowest-ranked Lectors, others simply casual outfits, some wear battle-armour. There is no dress-code for the Canons, safe for a small White Cross hanging around their neck.

Concept:

Canons are volunteers and laymen who assist the Chapter in whatever way they can without being full members, and bearing full responsibility. Canons can be found within every part of the Chapter and doing every imaginable work. Some act as support-troops during battles, others spread propaganda, act as squires, repair clothes and armour and assist with Chapter’s every-day activities. There are rumours’ of canons working with the Inquisition as well, doing this shady organization’s dirty work.
It is an unwritten policy, at times, to let the new chapter recruits join as Canons first so that they can be prepared and educated and so that both sides (Chapter and Canon) can see if they are willing to continue working and living side-by side. In this respect Canons can be equated to recruits, but this doesn’t take away that some of them can rise to great prominence and hold greater influence than full-time members.

Requirements and Training:

Willingness to join the Chapter and work for free is what makes a cannon, but these men also enjoy some education while working with the chapter if they wish so. Willing and able canons can use this time to learn the doctrine, receive combat training, and even such exotic skills as writing and science. Some canons use the acquired knowledge to climb the social ladder in their lives, others choose instead to join the Chapter.

OOC: it is possible to be a canon, and participate in some of the Chapter events and activities without joining the actual guild. Again, this is on case-by-case basis.

Most likely candidates:
Citizens, willing to assist a noble cause
Chapter-recruits, given a trial period.
Ambitious men and women, due to circumstances excluded from formal education and career
Former criminals, on the quest for redemption and reintegration
Disappointed people, seeking re-education and recognition

Lector/Lectress

“The word of Anethion shall conquer even the highest mountaintops; but we shall bring it there”

Appearance: Lectors are men and women of the cloth, and are usually seen wearing robes and hoods and staves which reflect their prelature rank. Humblest Lectors wear simple linen robes, most influential wear elaborate white & black robes of the Chapter.

Concept:

Lectors are zealous preachers and evangelists of Anethionean cause; but preaching is not all that they do. It would happen so that the clergy are the intellectual elite of the Chapter, as a result of this many Lectors perform non-religious duties such as diplomacy, administration and ‘public relations’ (propaganda). Most zealous of the Lectors would join the Inquisition where they will listen to the forced confessions of the torture-victims and speak the final prayers. Some still take up heavy battle-robes and charge into battle to assist the Chapter forces with the powers of the Holy Light.
People underestimate the clergy, they see them as zealous fanatics with their head up in the clouds; that is not true, especially not when it comes to Chapter Lectors. Many of the Lectors have superb education in theology, law, history, arts and sciences. The Chapter relies on them for policy-making among other things, but also investigations of various artefacts and pieces of lore. In the end it is better to think of Lectors as of learned scholars who double as priests, rather than simple preachers.

Requirements and Training:

Lectors are expected to know the Holy Scripture and Book of Recitations and be able to apply and preach the doctrine whenever appropriate. Education in other intellectual fields is also important. Depending on the current needs the Chapter might prefer zealous preachers or calm scholars, ruthless confessors or experienced battle-priests.

Most likely candidates:
Battle priests, willing to fight for the cause of the chapter
Zealous preachers, who think that the Church is just too moderate
Intellectuals, who choose to stay in touch with the faith
Fanatics, preferring to smite unbelievers with eloquent speech rather than a big hammer
‘Evil’ priests, seeking to rule the masses through religion

Thaumaturge

"The power of Magic has been granted for the benefit of humanity, not to become our scourge. Magic is to be wielded with restraint and responsibility, and never in vain, for the unwary and the reckless unwillingly invite the Demons to enter our world."

Those ,who wield Magic in order to annihilate Evil and all its agents with the White Cross dangling from their necks, are called Thaumaturges, wizards at the service of the Light and the Chapter!

They have got a great knowledge and mastery of the Schools of Magic, but Magi’s is a double-edged sword, powerful as well dangerous for he or she who wields it. If it would be properly used, it's able to extirpate Evil in a single snap but such powers require a Faith which never staggers, an unbreakable Faith.

A Thaumaturge risks each day to be corrupted by his or her powers, since he may crave all the time to be more powerful, but he must choke these impure thoughts which wish to convince him not to use our powers for the Greater Good. These thoughts are the first step towards the corruption, as a Thaumaturge would hear these voices, should meditate to purify is mind and flagellate himself to purify his fleshes.

A Thaumaturge is those, who unleash his or her power in order to annihilate, those who dare to face the Light's will! He or she prefers staying behind the front line, where he can invoke his spells without the anxiety of being involved in a melee fight, but he will not be surely scared of dirtying his hands in a close fight, in fact most of the Thaumaturges carry with them a melee weapon, which is used rarely. His spells are always direct towards the wizards, since the other Brothers may have problems in fighting one, besides they try to evoke conjured items in order to defend or help his brethren.

Witch-Hunter

“It takes but a single hole to break the dam, it takes but a moment of doubt to ruin a man’s faith; The Inquisition shall root out such weaknesses for the Greater Good!”

Appearance:

Most witch-hunters wear dark-brown heavy leather armor, long capes and broad-brimmed hats. Their arsenal includes various light weapons of close combat, pistols and such exotic gear as flasks of acid, holy water, purified stakes and the like.

Concept:

The witch-hunters are a dark and secretive fraternity with the Chapter, consumed by the paranoia and mistrust to everybody around them; some take this a step further still, choosing not to trust even themselves. They operate in the shadows, away from the public eyes and strike without warning. On a chain they carry a dark tome, Bane of Heresy, into which the names of the Light’s enemies and even suspects are written. Had it not been for the Witch-hunters eliminating those whose name is in the book mercilessly and effectively, Bane of Heresy would fill a library by now.

Some witch-hunters are experienced and agile warriors, attacking from the shadows and assassinating the enemies of the Light, and the enemies of the Chapter. Others excel in combating demons, the undead and dark sorcerers, accompanying the Chapter forces while remaining shamelessly in the broad daylight. But not all of them are warriors, some are investigators and information gatherers, who can discover the best hidden mysteries and see conspiracy where none else would suspect it. Those unfortunate enough to be captured by the Witch-hunters will soon discover that they also excel in the art of interrogation and torture.
Training and Requirements:Edit Training and Requirements: sectionEdit

Those who aspire to become Witch-hunters must possess stoic faith in the Light and a cunning mind. It is the ingenuity and treacherous cunning that makes the Witch-hunters feared and respected, not their brute strength or combat prowess. They are trained in spotting signs of heresy, combating fallen wizards and demons and having no mercy and no regret. Some would say that madness and psychopathic tendencies contribute to the Witch-hunter’s quality. To become a Witch-Hunter you will be handpicked by the Inquisition. One can wish hard and long to become one, without ever being given the honour.

To become a Witch-Hunter you must be handpicked by the Inquisition, deemed suitable for the task.

Most likely candidates:

Subtle an agile fighters, choosing to fight on the ‘Good’ side
Paranoid savants, seeing conspiracies wherever they go
Religious fanatics, firmly believing that some people just need to die
Religious fanatics, believing that the True Word must be protected from heretics and blasphemers
Cunning characters, putting their talents for treachery and deceit to a good use
Psychopaths, with a passion for the thrill of the hunt and the screams of the tormented

Shadowbreaker

“Light, guide my blade to strike down the wicked and spare the innocent; Light be my judge!”

Appearance:

Shadowbreakers wear heavy knightly armour under the white robes and tabard of the chapter. Black cape covers their back and black and white helmet dons their head. When it comes to weapons, Shadowbreakers pick those according to their own fighting style, some charge into battle with sword and shield, while others seek to beat the true teachings into heretics with a huge hammer.

Concept

Shadowbreakers are champions of the Anethionean faith, but not necessarily shining examples of goodness and justice. These men display deep and far-reaching faith in the Holy Light, which they believe warrants pro-active slaughter of anybody they believe guilty of affiliation with evil, or anybody they suspect of potentially falling to the Dark Side. These men (and sometimes women) are taught to know no fear or remorse, never retreat and charge head on into battle with complete disregard to odds. They are different from simple knights due to their strong faith in the Light, but also different from Paladins due to their remorselessness and unrelenting onslaught against all evil.

Many Shadowbreakers believe that the Light will truly guide their blade, and that the innocents will miraculously escape their rampage while heretics will be cut down. Next, they believe that the Light is their only judge, and only the Light is able to bring them before account for any misdeeds they have committed. The Light will set everything straight in the end. Not all Shadowbreakers are like this however, some of them genuinely try to do the Good Thing and display remarkable restraint and wise judgment. The main difference between a Shadowbreaker and a murderous maniac in black and white armour, however, remains faith in the Holy Light

Requirements and Training:

The Shadowbreakers are supposed to display remarkable faith in the Holy Light, unbreakable and blind faith, faith at its finest. They must be courageous and fearless, but also possess combat prowess and martial strength and endurance.

OOC: Due to the dangers a crazy murderous fanatic possesses, you must be ready to face the consequences of your actions at all times. It takes much to be a righteous maniac and not slip and become a monster.

Most likely candidates:

Paladins, disappointed in peace and moderation
* Holy warriors, determined to cut down everything that doesn’t sing the Light’s praise
* Religious fanatics, who view the world in simple black and white
* Knights, willing to take their religiosity to a new height
* Bitter men and women, desiring to exact terrible vengeance against the horde and the
scourge


Confessor

A confessor first have to go through the training of a lector, then it must face the training on the path to become a Confessor. A confessor, does not just listen to confessions, it also perform exorcisms, interrogate.

- A confessor is hand picked, with the same examination and caution as a Witch-Hunter is.

My poor, little paladin got randomly jumped upon by one of these. D; Nevertheless, I approve! Seems like a very fun bunch, and indeed a very well thought out concept to boot!

Paladin eh?

May I interest you in a copy of the scripture?

Kozgugore Feraleye wrote:My poor, little paladin got randomly jumped upon by one of these. D; Nevertheless, I approve! Seems like a very fun bunch, and indeed a very well thought out concept to boot!

Hmm.. I wonder who jumped him.

I'd like a scripture..
If I can burn it?

Burnt like that character of your's on a pyre?

Spoiler:

Big thanks to one of our awesome guildies:D

Another big thanks to one of our awesome guildies

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful!

They.. almost make you want to roll an Anethionean... don't they? Don't they?!

They almost make me want to return Acaia.

Really nice art works. Perhaps biased, but that Witch Hunter looks especially so hot

One of the Chapters members mentioned sending me some literature ooc for reading, I'm GENUINLY interested, hell This concept alone almost make me want to roll a human...
Though I have seen worgen in the Anethion ranks also, I'll imagine there's very strict policies however, still... I am certainly facinated by the Chapter!
Though I must download GHI first...

Thou shalt not shift into a feral killing engine of destruction..... unless you're hurting a cultist