Lorebook: The Second Order
The Second Order:
An Overview
LORE
Overview and Purpose
The Second Order is a splinter faction born from the ashes of the Imperium, founded in 40 S.O. by High Inquisitor Veral and a cohort of devout adherents who refused to accept the Imperium’s declaration that magic had been eradicated from Atheria. This militant and theocratic organization sees itself as the true inheritor of the Four Fates’ divine mandate, carrying on the Imperium’s mission to purge magic and impose sacred order. Headquartered in Nyskar Hold on the isolated Isle of Atrixos, the Second Order wields its authority with fervor, positioning itself as the ultimate arbiter of faith and justice. Their founding purpose was clear: to eradicate the arcane and maintain divine order through whatever means necessary.
Over its early years, the Second Order consolidated its power, rallying followers who shared its vision. Through judicial decrees, military campaigns, and religious outreach, it expanded its influence across Atheria, often clashing with kingdoms wary of its harsh measures. At the heart of its doctrine lies the belief that magic is an unholy abomination, a corruption that must be eradicated to ensure the realm’s sanctity and survival.
The Second Order operates as both a spiritual and martial force, wielding fear, devotion, and iron discipline to further its cause. It is a sectarian power that claims to answer only to the Four Fates, enforcing its vision of purity and faith with unwavering fervor. Through its actions, the Second Order has left an indelible mark on Atheria, both feared and revered as the ultimate guardians of divine order.
Structure and Hierarchy
The Second Order is a highly structured and deeply hierarchical organization, reflecting its roots in the faith and martial disciplines of Atheria. Following the dissolution of the Imperium, the Second Order maintains and exerts its influence through three central branches: The Ordinate, The Covenant of Light, and The Legion Eternal.
At the pinnacle of the Second Order's structure is the Council of the Supreme, a body of elders responsible for establishing doctrine and guiding the Order’s mission. The Prefect, elected from among the Council, serves as the supreme leader, wielding executive authority over all branches and operations. This leader is tasked with maintaining the delicate balance between the Order's theological, judicial, and martial pursuits.
Each branch, purpose, and structure is summarized in the next section, and a high-level visual overview of this hierarchy can be seen in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Hierarchy of the Second Order.
Prefect and Branch Leadership
The Second Order’s power is vested within the Prefect whose work is carried out among three distinct branches, each reflecting a vital aspect of its mission: justice, faith, and war. These distinct branches ultimately work in tandem to fulfill the Order’s divine mandate across Atheria:
The Ordinate
The Ordinate serves as the Second Order’s judicial and investigatory wing, a bastion of order dedicated to rooting out heresy and ensuring adherence to the faith. At its head is the Maleficar, who oversees both the judicial and investigatory operations.
The judicial branch is led by the Imperators, who craft and enforce the Order’s legal doctrines, shaping the laws that govern both the faithful and their own ranks. Beneath them are the Justicars, who operate as enforcers of these laws, traveling to distant realms to ensure rulers uphold the mandates of the faith. These field arbiters often walk the line between reverence and fear, bringing with them the weight of the Second Order’s judgment.
Meanwhile, the investigatory branch operates under the direction of the Inquisitors, who take a more direct approach in their battle against heresy. Tasked with uncovering hidden threats and executing swift justice, they command the efforts of the Seekers, a group that operates in the shadows. Seekers, known for their keen minds and sharp tongues, often serve as diplomats and spies, locating suspected heretics and monitoring foreign lands. Together, these two branches ensure that neither law nor heresy escapes the gaze of the Ordinate.
The Covenant of Light
The Covenant of Light (often referred to as the Covenant) embodies the spiritual core of the Second Order, its mission rooted in preserving and spreading the faith of the Four Fates. It is led by the Diviner, a figure of immense theological authority, who guides both the scholarship and the outreach efforts of the Order.
Within the sanctity of the Hold, the Keepers act as guardians of sacred knowledge. These scholars and archivists work tirelessly to preserve the doctrines of the faith, delving into ancient texts and safeguarding the Order’s spiritual legacy. They rarely venture beyond the Hold, their lives devoted to study and contemplation.
By contrast, the Redemptors serve as the faith’s emissaries to the wider world. These clergy members are sent to towns, kingdoms, and isolated regions to act as spiritual guides and symbols of the Second Order’s devotion. Their sermons and presence carry the weight of the Covenant’s authority, ensuring that the Fates’ will reaches even the most distant corners of Atheria.
The Legion Eternal
The martial arm of the Second Order, the Legion Eternal (often referred to as the Legion) ensures that the Order’s decrees are upheld by force when necessary. It is led by the High Warden, whose role is to command the Order’s armies and oversee its logistical and naval operations.
The High Warden relies on a trio of masters to manage the Legion’s diverse needs. The Master of Arms oversees the armories, ensuring the soldiers are well-equipped and supplied for any campaign. The Master of Ships commands the Order’s naval forces, safeguarding critical waterways and enabling swift movement across Atheria’s coasts. Finally, the Master of Men is responsible for recruitment and training, shaping the soldiers who form the backbone of the Legion Eternal.
Together, the Legion Eternal serves as both sword and shield, protecting the Order’s interests and advancing its divine mission wherever resistance arises.