![[Followers of the Fallen.png|300]] > [!quote] Motto > When the crown is restored, the light will return. ### Overview The **Followers of the Fallen** are a devout and militant order dedicated to the worship of the **Old Gods**, deities they believe were unjustly cast down from their rightful places in the Divine Order. Their ideology centers on reverence for the displaced gods and hostility toward the current pantheon, whom they view as usurpers. ### Beliefs and Ideology - The Followers revere the Old Gods, particularly **Ilmater**, the Crying God and patron of the oppressed. They believe Ilmater, along with other displaced deities, was unfairly overthrown. - The current gods are seen as **false divinities**, lacking the righteousness, wisdom, and purpose of their predecessors. The Followers claim these new gods attained divinity without the burden of true divine responsibility. - They argue that the current gods’ actions have emboldened so-called “monstrous” races, further destabilizing the mortal world and oppressing the “goodly” folk of the realm. - Many within the order hold a deep resentment toward these empowered creatures, fostering a strong divide between the Followers and those seen as “unclean” or unnatural. ### Symbolism and Attire - Members of the Followers of the Fallen commonly wear **white garments**, such as robes, cloaks, or tabards, signifying purity and mourning for the lost divinities. - Their emblem is a **jeweled crown of gold and platinum**, symbolizing divine sovereignty. The crown is deliberately depicted **upside down**, representing the unjust downfall of the Old Gods. - Behind the inverted crown lies a **faded sun**, a reminder of the light of true divinity that was extinguished when the Old Gods fell. ### Structure and Leadership The Followers of the Fallen operate under a strict hierarchy that emphasizes spiritual purity, devotion, and militant discipline. Each rank reflects a distinct role within the order, and advancement often requires both religious dedication and acts that further the cause of restoring the Old Gods. ##### The Crowned (Leadership) - The highest rank within the order, occupied by a singular figure known as The Crowned Voice. This leader is believed to speak on behalf of the displaced Old Gods and wields ultimate authority over the order’s doctrine, strategy, and major decisions. - Supported by the Crown’s Guard, a council of elder priests and militant commanders who serve as advisors and enforcers. ##### Crownbearers (Regional Leaders) - Senior figures who govern entire regions, overseeing Congregations and ensuring strict adherence to the order’s tenets. - Each Crownbearer is assigned a Fallen Reliquary, an artifact believed to hold remnants of the Old Gods' power. These relics are symbolic of their authority and are fiercely protected. ##### Sunfallen (Commanders and Evangelists) - Respected figures who act as both military leaders and spiritual guides. The Sunfallen often lead campaigns against temples of the "False Gods" or guide zealous followers in their teachings. - They are known for wearing half-shrouded sun pendants, symbolizing the extinguished divine light they vow to restore. ##### Thorned (Elite Enforcers) - A specialized rank tasked with covert missions, sabotage, and the elimination of enemies deemed corrupted by the False Gods. - Known for their darkened, thorn-etched cloaks and ruthless tactics, the Thorned operate from the shadows to weaken perceived threats to the order. ##### Crownless (Rank-and-File Members) - Devoted soldiers, missionaries, and common followers who make up the bulk of the order. The Crownless are often tasked with menial duties but are expected to demonstrate unwavering faith and discipline. - They wear the inverted crown symbol as a patch or badge, signifying their role as the common faithful. ##### Ashen (Initiates and Atoners) - New recruits and those seeking redemption within the order. The Ashen are expected to endure a period of hardship, fasting, and labor as part of their spiritual purification. - Their name reflects the belief that from the ashes of the fallen gods, true light may rise again. #### **Path to Advancement** - Advancement within the order is highly ritualistic, often requiring acts of zealotry, recovery of Old God relics, or successful missions that weaken the influence of the False Gods. - The transition from **Ashen** to **Crownless** is marked by a ceremonial burning of one’s old life symbolized through the destruction of their former clothing. - Only the most devoted and accomplished rise to the rank of **Sunfallen** or beyond, as leadership demands both spiritual conviction and martial prowess. This structured hierarchy reflects the order’s rigid devotion to their cause, fostering an environment of loyalty, obedience, and relentless pursuit of the Old Gods’ restoration. ### Relations with Other Factions - The **House of the Weave** and other arcane groups often find themselves at odds with the Followers, who view arcane magic as a disruptive influence that played a role in the Old Gods’ downfall. - The **Fists of the Quiver** have occasionally found themselves confronting radical Followers, particularly when their actions turn violent. - The Followers are known to harbor disdain for monstrous races, often blaming them for furthering the influence of the so-called false gods.