The Knights of Astora

The Knights of Astora are a monastic order from the remnants of the defeated Kingdom of Astora.
==History==
The history of the Knights of Astora begins when the kingdoms of north Paledia were free from the Theridan Empire. The Kingdom of Astora was one of the largest of these nations. An unusually theocratic state, it built dozens of fortress monasteries that trained its army, the Knights of Astora. Using their highly trained crusaders Astora was able to exert a high level of influence in northern Paledia. This came to an end when Therid I began his Wars of Conquest, where Astora was one of many targets to unite the continent. In the aftermath of the war Astora was defeated; it's King-Bishop executed and the majority of his knights killed. The remaining knights hid in their monasteries, rebuilding their order.
Today the Order remains quiet. It contains hundreds knights that guard their temples. Although they have never actively rebelled against the Empire the Knights disapprove of the occupation of other kingdoms.
==Beliefs==
The citizens of Astora worshipped Cynderyah, Lord of the Light. Followers of this belief worship him twice a day, during sunrise and sunset. Believers of Cynderyah deny the divinity of the emperors, bringing them into conflict with the Imperial Cult.
In recent times, the Order has expanded to several cities and regions, such as Umedril, Cerrach, Asirar and Thedrinydd.
==Views==
The Order believes that their region should gain greater autonomy from the Empire. The Order's attitudes towards non-humans is generally negative, as they believe them merely as primitive races whose only use is for servitude. Magic is also viewed as blasphemy in the eyes of the order.
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Category:Orders and Groups
Category:Religion