The Divine Order

The Divine Order (TDO) is an unaligned, non-denominational order based on a single principle: the opposition to the study and practice of Arcane Magic. TDO believes that the magic Wizards and their kind study is inherently Evil in nature. They often compare it to Divine magic, pointing out that Arcana involves such horrors as demons and undead, whereas Divinity offers healing and protection.

TDO has attracted strong supporters from many backgrounds, including clerics and paladins of Erathis, Kord, Melora and Pelor. The order welcomes the worship of any god and preaches peaceful co-existence and cooperation between individual temples.

The Divine Order was founded by legendary paladin Lord Krogar Shadowsting upon his return as the sole survivor – apart from Branur the Elven Bard who lost his mind and is now in the care of his people – from a battle against the undead army of an insane necromancer. So strongly committed to his new crusade was Krogar, that he convinced the eight clerics who saved his life to follow him and form The Divine Order. So the legend goes.

Day to day business of the order is overseen by a group of eight clerics. Supposedly, they answer to Krogar directly, though no one has actually seen the paladin in a long time. After his ordeal over fifty years ago, he became a recluse, and while some believe that he must have passed on from old age, others say he has a secret temple from where he continues to fight his crusade and rule his order.

In recent years, TDO has greatly expanded its influence. Particularly in the outer regions of civilization, where small towns and villages are vulnerable to the dangers of the wilderness. Here, the local populations have been quick to subscribe to the idea that Arcana is a likely candidate for anything bad, from outbreaks of sickness and failed crops to roaming bands of outlaws and the creatures that lurk in the dark.

TDO has also established temples in all the major cities of the Civilized Lands. These are not always grand cathedrals, for TDO does not collect tithing or other dues from its followers but relies instead on donations only. Though some suggest that they must have other sources of income as well, to finance their rapid growth.

As a symbol of Evil, TDO has pointed to the Wizard Council; a centuries old organization of mages sworn to protect and nurture the Civilized Lands. TDO claim this to be nothing but a front, and that the wizards’ true goal is to control the rightful rulers of the world through domination and manipulation. Some nobles see the Wizard Council and TDO as opposing players fighting for influence and clout with those who control the armies and the land itself.