Golden Lotus

**The Golden Lotus**, also called the Gold Lotus, is an organization dedicated to the preservation and distribution of knowledge to the public. Their goal is to make the knowledge of Eoloth accessible. They are also a religious order, dedicated to Ioun, Ley'Runa, and Iwe. The archives of the Golden Lotus are also used as a stronghold to safeguard certain forms of knowledge from those that would abuse it.

## Description

The Golden Lotus consists of a variety of members, ranging from clerics and priests to scholars and mages. Most of the members consist of everyday researchers, teachers, historians, and librarians.

### Ranks

* **High Curator:** The highest rank within the Golden Lotus, they are the leader of the entire organization. There is only one High Curator, and they function across each of the Archives.
* **Curator:** A Curator is directly in charge of an Archive. They answer only to the High Curator. They handle the general operation of the archives.
* **Grand Sage:** The religious leaders of the Golden Lotus. There is one Grand Sage for every god worshipped by the Golden Lotus, for a total of three. The Grand Sages only answer to the High Curator.
* **Expositor:** The Expositors are also referred to as the Seekers. They are often found around the world, searching for knowledge to bring back to the archives. When most people think of the Golden Lotus, they are thinking of the Expositors.
* **Archivist:** The lore keepers of the Archives. Their time is spent transcribing, cataloging, teaching, and studying.
* **Sage:** The religious practitioners within the Archives. They work in the Archives, much like the archivist, but focus primarily on their religious doctrine.
* **Initiate:** A new recruit within the Golden Lotus. All other members start out as an Initiate before rising through the ranks to other positions.

## Locations

The Golden Lotus operates several archives across the globe. Each Archive is governed by the laws of the land where they reside, but are ultimately neutral in the political affairs of the region.

### The Grand Central Archives of the Golden Lotus

As the main headquarters for the Golden Lotus, the Grand Central Archive is the largest archive. It is located in the city of Athenaeum, and acts as the governing body for the city-state. A large, castle-like, stronghold that houses the majority of the Golden Lotus. It is generally open to the public, though certain permissions are required to proceed beyond the library section.

##### Known Members

* High Curator Kaneli Kuro - The leader of the Golden Lotus. He has a large office within the Grand Central Archive, though often visits each of the other Archives.
* Curator Gallius - The Curator of the Grand Central Archives. He is ambitious and wishes to some day become the High Curator.
* Vivian Chestmore, the Grand Sage of Ioun
* Teon Bramblehorn, the Grand Sage of Ley'Runa
* Four Leaf Clover, the Grand Sage of Iwe

### The Seven Winds Archive

The Seven Winds Archive is located in New Kaedolis. In the year 5436 PS, there was major damage to the exterior of the building due to the Dark Crystal Conclave's attack on the city. However, the archives beneath remained untouched and the archive has since been rebuilt.

##### Known Members

* Curator Koryn Dorviir
* Grand Sage Miora Ethash - the former Grand Sage of Iwe. They were killed during the attack on New Kaedolis.
* Archivist Fiddle P. Skiddle

### The Silverlight Archive

The Silverlight Archive is located in the city of Syrébezzo. Due to their relationship with the theocratic nation of Syrébezzo, they have an amiable relationship with the goddess Eilistraee. However, they do not venerate her.

### The Mithril Vault Conservatory

The Mithril Vault Conservatory, also known as simply the "Mithril Vault" or "the Conservatory", is a Golden Lotus Archive located in the city of Alonia. The Grand Sage of Ley'Runa often uses this Archive as a base of operations due to Alonia's connection with Ley'Runa.

## Trivia

* The Golden Lotus is heavily inspired by the Cobalt Soul, from the world of Critical Role.[1]