The Order

At first, individuals may be drawn to the Order without realising it. They may encounter a sorcerer, a place of magic, a promise of power or be involved in a magical stake-out without knowing to be followed up later. The more proactive and curious individuals may find themselves in the interest of a sorcerer and the Order, if they decide to want to step into the realm of the unknown.

An individual may approach a sorcerer that might introduce them to The Order, or approach Order grounds. They will have to give general information about themselves and where they live, and may be approached later by a Teaching or Artifice sorcerer about initiation, or allowed into the grounds to see for themselves.

The next step is a gradual introduction to the Order - just simple facts, like they use sorcery and protect the world. The individual will move into a room meant for novices on Order grounds, where they will be a novice for a number of years. During these years, the novice will be taught mainly common magic, history of the Order, rankings and procedures, general habits and guidelines. The novice would be discouraged from seeing outside family and friends, due to the required secrecy of the Order but they may be allowed out of the Order if they’re deemed trustworthy.

More often than not, novices may be kicked out for a variety of reasons, from being arrogant, lusting for power, or being unable to follow rules.

Once the novice has proved themself enough in terms of obedience and sorcery, they may become an adept. At this point, they are trusted enough to have responsibilities. They have a choice of what sector they’d be interested in - or if they have no preference, they will be allowed to explore their options and work in the sectors. Adepts will have a solid grasp of common magic and some spells from the other branches, but they aren’t necessary. They will have shown themselves to be trustworthy and reliable, and will accompany master sorcerers on tasks. They will remain an adept for at least 5 years or less if they are a prodigy.

Once an adept has proved themselves further, exhuming compliance and reliability for the name of the Order, they may ascend to mastery. These master sorcerers have put their lives on the line many, many times or have saved lives. They are trusted and in turn, trust the Order to have their back no matter what, as long as they keep following the rules. They will work with their fellow masters as equals and will always work to better the Order.

Once every few decades or when there’s an unfortunate opening, a master may become a Head and wield ultimate power and responsibility over the Order. These Heads are chosen by the remaining Heads, or by majority of masters. There’s never any guarantee to become a head in a sorcerer’s lifetime. It is an honour to become one.

Sorcery education and classes

All novices and adepts will learn the fundamentals of sorcery, the history of The Order and creatures and entities. They will also learn self-defense hand-to-hand combat, martial arts, and how to integrate sorcery into physical action. 

Self-defense is mandatory to learn, no matter the sector the sorcerer wishes to join.

Once a sorcerer has reached adept rank, they may choose to venture into a sector.

The Order hosts many different subjects for Novices to learn with a dedicated teacher and guest teachers from the other sectors very frequently teach small lessons in tandem with the usual curriculum. 

Core Classes include:

Magical based subjects:

• Introduction and Fundamentals of Sorcery, taught by: Navita Sermon (NPC)

• Spellcasting and crafting, taught by: Hui Moff (PC), Kyugo Kamo (PC)

• Magical Beasts, taught by: Silas Riley (PC)

• Entities, taught by: ...

• Magical History and Theories, taught by: Victoria Sterling (PC), Lucius Desrosiers (PC), Sybil Hawthorne (PC), Hui Moff (PC)

Non-magical subjects:

• Self defense, taught by: Navita Sermon (NPC), Marianne Sterling (NPC)

• Social Engineering, taught by: Malakai Luma (NPC)

Generally The Order does not like allowing non-adults into The Order. They prefer recruits to have maturity in order to handle the training and procedures. However it is possible for the children of sorcerers to learn at an early age.

Children under age 12 are strictly prohibited to non-lethal spells and may learn non-combative procedures. They can still learn history and other related knowledge. They are also required to spend time in a non-sorcery school during their child and teenage years, usually a private school and paid attendance by The Order.

If the child grows into their teenhoods and shows an aptitude for sorcery then they may become a novice and learn like any other novice sorcerer. 

Sorcerers that grow up this way are able to achieve mastery early on, such as Thyia Arx who achieved mastery in her mid twenties.

The Order has a strict hierarchy concerning their top sorcerers and how these sorcerers gain their rank of Master Sorcerer. There is no firm rule for when Adepts are ready to take up the prestigious mantle as all sorcerers and their circumstances are different, but there are some general rules for sorcerers attaining Master Sorcery in their lifetime.

The following is generally considered when the Order makes a decision to ascend a sorcery to the rank of Mastery. Sorcerers can be categorised by their Order-borne affiliation, whether they are a recognised Prodigy (see Sorcerer Gifts), or if they are found as a Rogue Sorcerer. 

Sorcerers born in the Order are expected to excel at sorcery no matter their heritage, so they may gain Mastery at a young age, around mid-twenties at the earliest. Rogue sorcerers, even those found as early as young teens, will still take longer to gain the trust of the Order and the sense of duty that is required of them. Recognised Prodigies can gain mastery even faster than normal due to their excellence at sorcery studies and shifting to adept work quickly. 

Regardless of sorcery ability, Master Sorcerers must be at least 21+ if they are a prodigy, and at least 25+ if they are a non-prodigy. If you create a sorcerer character that is younger than this that achieves mastery mechanically, they will still need to wait until they are of age to rank up within the organization itself and be recognized as that rank in its entirety. 

Please consider the following numbers for those wishing to attain Master Sorcery; these years include time spent as a novice:

Prodigies:

• Prodigy Order born sorcerers can gain mastery at 6-8 years of service. They must be at least 21 in age. 

• Prodigy non-Order born sorcerers can gain mastery at 7-9 years of service. They must be at least 21 in age. 

• Prodigy and former rogues can gain mastery at 9-11 years of service. They must be at least 21 in age. 

Non-Prodigies:

• Non-Prodigy Order born sorcerers can gain mastery between 10-20 years of service, with 10 years being extremely rare. 12 years is the norm. They must be at least 25 in age. 

• Non-Prodigy and non-Order borne sorcerers can gain mastery between 13-20 years of service. They must be at least 25 in age. 

• Non-Prodigy and former rogues can gain mastery at 15-23 years of service. They must be at least 25 in age. 

These numbers are not concrete and assumes perfect dedication to the Order. The exact years can shift based on behaviour and outlook, for example, a volatile former rogue might spend twice as long as an Adept before being recognised and trusted as a Master Sorcerer.

Rules are not generally set in stone, however it’s assumed that sorcerers will learn how to cooperate and be decent to each other. Provoking or assaulting fellow sorcerers are generally forbidden. Sorcerers are not expected to always get along, but they are encouraged to remain level-headed.

Property is not to be damaged unless it's for demonstration or training purposes but it is understandable if something is damaged due to a bad spell.

Novice and adept sorcerers are expected to listen and follow directions of master sorcerers. The Heads are always obeyed; they can be questioned on their decisions but don’t be disrespectful towards them or you might find yourself facing worse than a scowl…

Non-Order members are not to be harmed unless provoked. Sorcerers are generally always stronger and more powerful than any ‘normal’ person, so that must be kept in mind. But if a sorcerer is provoked, they may defend themselves by any means necessary, just don’t go overboard if it's unneeded. 

Intelligence regarding magic should be brought to The Order and to any Inquiry or Defense sorcerer immediately. However, if something magical is found in public and may place the public in immediate danger, sorcerers are expected to carefully investigate and/or defend the public if necessary, and report back to superiors.

Sparring is a healthy tradition amongst The Order. It is essential for teaching novices the basics of healthy competition and adaptability, and it is important for higher sorcerers to show good sportsmanship and keep them in shape, no matter what sector they work in. Of course, Defense and Inquiry sorcerers tend to be sparring the most, given their duty and need to stay sharp.

Rules are plain:

• Do not assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm or death

• Use only common magic spells

• Physical weapons may be used but no bigger than a quarterstaff

• Hand-to-hand combat is encouraged

• Respect the Yield from the opponent

• Smaller items like common-magic gem bombs are allowed

Opponents will use whatever common magic spell they wish or otherwise until the opponent has yielded, either verbally or physically lifting their hands above their head. Further harm is forbidden once an opponent has yielded. The spar may also stop once it is obvious that an opponent is unstable, from spell stress, injury or otherwise. Try not to bleed all over the ground, the Artifice sorcerers clean enough blood as it is.

To initiate sparring, all opponents (or teams, if 2v2 or more) will face each other and half bow, showing their hands open and palms forward (close to a T-pose lmao). Most opponents will look each other in the eye, however opponents may completely bow their head. A head bow is a show of strength, as though they don’t need to see their opponent’s moves to defeat them. This is bluffing, of course, plenty of sorcerers have been humbled by their own yield after bowing their head at the start of the match.

After sparring has been initiated, sorcerers will place their arms at their sides and straighten up. Whoever makes the first move, either by making a step, casting a spell or producing their weapon will officially start the spar and the opponents will fight until the opponent/s yield.

Standing out from the crowd, sorcerers typically don robes, scarves, shawls, hoods, bandoliers and everything in between. Their choices of clothing usually stems from traditionalism, for the remnants of The Order seldom change their ways if they don’t need to.

Though, robes aren’t purely aesthetic. Wearing combinations of robes and shawls can help reduce spell stress to a degree, for an overloaded system can transfer to the robes, searing it alongside the sorcerer to a lesser extent. Thicker clothing will accomplish this better but this may be undesirable in warmer regions. Otherwise, sorcerers may hide plenty of small blades amongst their person; perfect for speed-rearing defense sorcerers.

Robes will also help the sorcerer in distinguishing themselves for other members of the Order. It’s good to be able to spot your friends fast.

Robes can be made of any fabric, from wool to cotton, to hemp, and adorned with stitches, patterns, to bits of metal or gems. Artificers are usually the ones to create robes for The Order and come in a vast array of colours and combinations. Only master sorcerers are allowed personalised robes.

Otherwise, members of The Order are free to wear more casual clothes at any time. This may not be obvious however, as subtle pressure to conform makes even the most foolhardy sorcerer fit in amongst their peers. Or they may see the robes as a symbol of loyalty and their power over sorcery, and who can argue with that?

Robes given to novices and adepts are generally more boring, less colourful and less detailed than their master counterparts. Master sorcerers can have as much detail to their robes as they want, without being too impractical.

In the last couple of centuries of humanity, the governments and ruling bodies of old, fashioned a pact that would allow The Order to do as they wished with little consequence of boundaries or international jurisdiction, as long as they only worked for the protection of the world. Not all countries and provinces were privy to the knowledge of this pact or agreed with it, especially modern countries that had nothing to do with the rulers of old. 

Still, The Order uses this pact to their advantage, trampling wherever they need to go for whatever reason. The enigmatic Order uses the fear of their power and the unknown to keep modern governments off their case, for now. Most governments do know of the Order, but not a lot, and details of their operations are scarce.

Though, there are talks of revisiting the Pact, for better or worse. Some would like The Order to follow the direction of The Guild in terms of transparency and oversight, but it’s not like The Order would be happy to comply. 

Of course, revisiting the Pact may bring the attention of The Order with them, and not to The Order’s favour. They like the clandestine but altering or destroying the Pact will bring them out of the shadows and into the public’s consciousness. It might not be the best idea to tell the whole world that magic exists.

Sanctuaries are small communities consisting of sorcerers and sorcery esoterica. There are two main Sanctuaries that serve as hub areas. These are found in Cahigh, Moasao and Bermel, Weldoon, respectively. There are minor Sanctuaries scattered amongst the world, usually led by a trusted master sorcerer and generally smaller in scale in terms of operations and serve like watchtowers to feed information to the main sanctuaries or to serve as a base of operations to any encroaching threats outside the radius of the main Sanctuaries.

The main Sanctuaries are surrounded by old walls of stone and the buildings within can range from old to modern in appearance. The sanctuaries are complete with plumbing and clean water, electricity and internet access.

The Main sanctuaries consists of:

• Training areas

• A MAP room

• Healing wards

• Dorms and permanent rooms

• Libraries

• Amphitheatres

• Gyms and pools

• Small farms

• Cafeterias

• Prisons/dungeons

Training areas are usually the main area for sorcerers to practise their spells and hone their skills against other sorcerers. The areas are quite large and enclosed by stone or wood. There are training dummies, targets and the like.

Healing wards are small hospitals that specialise in healing sorcerers, either from mortal wounds and spell stress.

Novice and adept sorcerers generally have their own small dorm rooms on Order grounds to themselves, usually around 3mx3m with a bed, wardrobe, table, access to charging ports, internet. They may have more furniture if they wish. Master sorcerers may move around Sanctuaries and choose where to live but they generally stay in one place to fulfill duties. They have access to bigger rooms ranging from 5mx5m. Heads of the Order have their own private spacious rooms. It’s assumed that sorcerers keep their own spaces clean and tidy.

The main Sanctuaries have large libraries, consisting of everything between sorcerer biographies, magical literature and non-fiction books. The librarians generally take care of the place and check out books to sorcerers, often keeping track of who may borrow what book. A sorcerer may be prohibited from certain books until they are trusted or possess a certain level of understanding and ability.

The amphitheatre can showcase magical performances, entertainment and sports. After all, the sorcerers aren’t always all work and no play. Like the rest of society, they need down time to keep morale.

• More detail to be added on sports and magical recreation.

Each main Sanctuary has a gym complete with equipment and a heated pool.

There are small farms for cultivating magical plants.

• Gold tulip for making gold water tonics

• More to be added

There is a main cafeteria for sorcerers to eat at any point of the day. There are rotating menus and only Master sorcerers can make special requests. Usually adept and master artifice sorcerers are responsible for cooking.

Underneath the sanctums are the dungeons. The Order isn’t known for keeping prisoners alive for long and bodies are usually dropped into a deep pit. The dungeons are equipped with shackles and chains and torture equipment. It’s best not to be on the bad side of The Order.

The Magical Article Projector, or MAP for short, is a magical construction within major sanctuaries that are used to detect magical anomalies in particular regions, usually spanning several countries. It will project a 3D surface view of the area. The MAP can detect particularly powerful sources of magic and anything considered greater than an expert spell can show up as a glowing dot for as long as the spell or source exists.

The MAP has a sensitivity range. Usually the closer the source of magic is to the MAP, the clearer and more precise the dot.

The MAP is made from a large solid bronze base with a glass hemisphere on top lined with gems. Magic is projected upwards.

There is at least one master Inquiry sorcerer supervising the MAP at all times. The MAP allows sorcerers to act on magical disturbances quickly.

Sorcerers in The Order are generally always on-the-clock and their work depends on their sector.

Artifice sorcerers are always working to keep the Sanctuaries hygienic and maintained, as well as keeping their fellow sorcerers fed, healthy and clean. They also assist the other sectors and regularly supplement their ranks if needed.

Inquiry sorcerers are always working, just like their artifice siblings. They monitor potential threats, conduct interviews and keep tabs on persons of interest, such as sorcerers that have left The Order. They work closely with Defense and may take part in Defense missions.

Teaching sorcerers are in classes or in the training grounds teaching the newest generation of sorcerers just like teachers in a regular school. Classes tend to rotate on a schedule but modifications are made when newer sorcerers join since recruiting is all year round! Teachers will usually teach 2-3 classes every week with practical demonstrations, history, and magical concepts. But teachers aren’t limited to working those days. Much like normal school teachers, they will spend every other day scheduling classes and examinations, providing private lessons and evaluating students.

Defense sorcerers are the most varied in terms of workload and work hours. Defense sorcerers are expected to be ready at a moment's notice, including in the middle of the night (As the Head of Defense, Shadow is always woken up if a major threat arises while he is sleeping). Otherwise they are working if sent on an active mission or cooperating with Inquiry sorcerers.

Defense and Inquiry sorcerers usually have interchangeable work.

All sorcerers are allowed to take breaks at their leisure, given they aren’t in the middle of teaching a class or currently in the middle of a mission. Consistently slacking off for long periods of time is not permitted.

Benefits

Sorcerers are well-cared for for their work. Novice and adept sorcerers are generally given a small allowance to spend as they please. Master sorcerers generally have a salary but it isn’t a lot approx. $50k. Salaries and allowances can be given via cash or via bank transfers. 

It’s best not to ask where The Order gets its money from…

Sorcerers are given moderate health care on Order grounds. For more specific healthcare needs like dentistry or surgery, The Order will send patients to ‘normal’ practices and hospitals, and The Order will generally cover the expenses.

Sorcerers are allowed several weeks leave (parental leave or loss of family etc). Master sorcerers are allowed longer leave.

The Order has been around for a long time and hearing related damage is a common injury or occurrence in the line of duty. Many ears have been blasted out by the use of violent magic.

So the Order has adapted sign language to encompass terms of sorcery, everything from names for magical beasts, to dimensions of sorcery, to magical theories have been translated into sign for sorcerers to learn. Even sorcerers that aren't hard of hearing might endeavour to learn these signs to communicate without speaking. And why not? Sorcerers already create gestures and learn symbols to cast spells, so for many learning sign is not a stretch.

Sorcerer characters may freely add sign language to their training and specialisations.

There is no equivalent for B.C. and A.D. in this world (yet). It is used to denote years as normal (no Jesus/Christ equivalent in this universe).

The two factions tend to work together when needed, otherwise they will keep to themselves. Members of The Order tend to look down on The Guild.

The Order have been around for at least a millenia. They have solid traditions, rules and procedures in place, whereas the Guild has only been around for only over a  decade and are yet to prove themselves worthy in the eyes of The Order. That being said, they tolerate The Guild’s presence well since they deal with issues that The Order doesn’t want to deal with themselves.

The Order has a higher sense of importance and ego in comparison to the much younger Guild. 

The Order always has priority over The Guild.

The Order seldom takes prisoners unless they need information from an uncooperative individual. Coercion and torture are the most common techniques, from using crude weapons or violent spells to force what they need, sorcerers are generally cruel to prisoners. They do not let prisoners eat or drink, unless they need the prisoner alive for long periods, and they aren’t given a cell to stay in. They are simply restrained to the dungeon floor or wall if kept.

Prisoners do not see the light of day again.

For ‘normal’ prisoners, they may only be superficially restrained.

For magically inclined individuals like other sorcerers, they are generally restrained in something akin to a straitjacket to keep them from using their hands or feet. Sorcery can’t be ‘stopped’ in a traditional sense. There’s no easy way to stop a person from accessing magic, other than to restrict movement of their exit nodes. 

Hands are often restrained to the prisoner’s body with their palms facing toward them, and the soles of the feet are tied flat to each other. Thus, if the prisoner tries and succeeds to cast a spell, their spell will be directed at themselves, no matter if the spell is common, violent or otherwise.