Dawntreaders

The **Dawntreaders** are a quasi-religious organization of adventurers tied to the Church of the Dawnfather in Dharranel. The membership consists primarily of Pelor-worshiping adventurers, though this is not *always* the case. Their purpose is to assist the church in its goals, carrying out tasks and missions assigned to them. These missions can include things as benign as escorting or assisting in guard duties, to delving into ruins or even carrying out small-scale attacks on the church's enemies.

This particular article is technically about the organization as a whole, but focuses on the branch located at the **Restwell Haven monastery** in **Nordendell, Alfine**.

### **Basic Information**

* **Type:** Religious
* **Leader:** Bishop Irina Ray (Alfine)
* **Alignment:** Neutral Good
* **Headquarters:** Restwell Haven Monastery (Alfine)
* **Goals:** Protection, Gathering Relics or Information, Exploration
* **Scope:** Continental
* **Structure:** Affiliated members directed by Brightseekers.
* **Members:** Like-minded academics, adventurers, and explorers.

## Overview

The Dawntreaders are relatively new, created by Bishop Irina Ray twenty years ago in the wake of the Northern Incursion and the Undead Plague; the Knights of Dawn were nearly overrun, but the aid from adventurers and mercenaries and brave citizens alike caused the Bishop to see an opportunity to expand their ranks and influence without conscripting the priesthood. Thus was the Order of the Dawntreaders created to assist the church in carrying out its will and securing the land against the forces of darkness.

Unlike the Knights of Dawn, the Dawntreaders are not truly affiliated with the church; members are not ordaned and have no authority within the church. They function more as the church's personal group of in-house adventurers. Due to this, they rarely hire out to the Adventurers' Guild or freelance groups anymore, given that they can simply assign a batch of Dawntreaders to perform the same task.

The Order is based from the town of Nordendell, in north-eastern Alfine, in the province of Gladdendell. While they are not members of the priesthood, their affiliation and the work they do for the church does get them several benefits. When in the area, Dawntreaders are given board and quarter at no charge; they may dine for free in the monastery's dining hall and are given rooms in the monastery's dormitories along with the monastery's long-term residents (Dawntreaders are usually given rooms on the ground level or, otherwise, whatever is free on the topmost level).

Another benefit is that the Order is able to use the training facilities at the Knights' Hall, including their lounge and library. They also have free access to the Monastery's Grand Library, and may requisition supplies from the Quartermaster at a discount (though they are required to fill out extensive paperwork to do so). Additionally, the church pays for the funerals and transportion of the body, should a member die in the line of servive.

### Ranks

The Order is more or less an Adventurer's Guild, though a little more narrowed in its scops and purpose. Members of the Dawntreaders have different ranks and distinctions depending on how long they have served, how many successful missions they have carried out, and the like. These ranks are not like those in the military, but function more like titles that signify some aspect of the member's capability and reliability. A brief description of these ranks is found below:

#### **Watcher (Rank 1)**

This rank is given to new members of the Order. Watchers are still in a position of earning the trust of those in the church. Initiates are usually given the jobs that are at the bottom of the barrell. They are often assigned missions like maintaining or organizing the armory, sending messages between higher-ranking members, assisting the Pale Guard in watch duty, or serving as sparring partners for the Knights of Dawn. They will also be handed missions that other groups either don't have time for, or jobs that are not deemed as urgent or vital by the Prior but still need to be done.

#### **Peacemaker** **(Rank 2; Reputation 5)**

The Peacemakers make up the brunt of the Order's members. They are the rank and file, made up of those who have earned a reputation for reliability, skill, and integrity among the church's body. They are often assigned missions like important escorts, retrieving an important item from a ruin, driving off monsters or bandits, or the like. Their missions are considering important to the church, but their operations tend to be regional in scope.

#### **Guardian (Rank 3; Reputation 13)**

Guardians are the truly experienced members of the Order, having carried out many missions for the church. They have earned reputations among their peers and are trusted with higher-priority missions of intermediate urgency. Their missions are otherwise still like those undertaken by Peacemakers, but they are more often sent beyond the borders of their home region.

#### **Warden (Rank 4; Reputation 21)**

The Wardens are among the most experienced members of the Order. There are few members who achieve this rank, so their reputations are among the most well known. They are skilled in their field, and have undertaken countless missions on behalf of the church. Wardens are not ordained in the priesthood, but their word often holds as much sway (or even more in some cases) as members of the clergy. Their missions take them across the continent, and they are entrusted with some of the most important and urgent missions that the Order can handle.

Wardens have additional responsibilities as well: they are often tasked with training groups of new members and many Watchers and Peacekeepers see them as their immediate superiors. Wardens do have a level of authority over lower-ranking members. Only a handful of Wardens serve in a given region.

#### **Radiant (Rank 5; Reputation 30+)**

The Radiant are the highest-ranking members of the Order. They are the elite; the paragons of what the Order stands for and what members should strive for. They are veterans of many missions and many battles, and are seen as the absolute best of the best. Less than a half-dozen Radiants even exist. The most well-known is **Kordella Charon**, a member of the Knights of Dawn who is also seen as the de-factor leader of the Dawntreaders.

### Missions

The types of missions carried out by the Dawntreaders varies; what mission a Dawntreader will be assigned to is usually a mix of what the church's current needs are and the relative experience of the members. The urgency of the request can also make a difference here. No matter the relationship between the member and the church, the ultimate goal is ostensibly to carry out the will of Pelor, or else to protect the needy from the darkness.

## Members

Those who serve with the Dawntreaders, regardless of origin or faith, are united by a common goal: a desire to make the world a better place; more than anything, they believe that the world can be saved and things can be made better. While they are technically glorified mercenaries, and they do work for payment (unlike the Knights of Dawn), for the Dawntreaders their work is more than just a payday. They *believe in what they're doing*.

The Order of Dawntreaders is willing to accept members of all backgrounds, creeds, and religious beliefs. All applicants must have worked with or for the church before in some capacity, or otherwise be nominated by a current member of the Dawntreaders, the Knights of Dawn, or the Church of Pelor. Training is overseen by the Wardens at Restwell Haven. Training is largely physical conditioning and sparring, but members can also pursue academic and magical training.

Members may act independently or within cohorts. A cohort consists of several members who work well together and wish to work as a group. There is no real "process" for making a cohort, aside from talking to the Warden Commander. Independent members are contacted and assigned partners (usually other independent members) that are selected by the Warden Commander or the Prior depending on the mission. Members are not required to interact but are forbidden to harm one another.

In their downtime, most members stay at Restwell Haven, either training or volunteering until they are contacted for missions. Depending on their rank, days or even weeks can pass between missions. Members are allowed to hold a regular job, or even take other adventuring tasks in the meantime (though if they do this, it is advised they inform the Warden Commander).

### Notable Members (Nordendell Branch)

Despite its relatively young age, the Order of Dawntreaders has an impressive roster of heroes, mercenaries, and adventurers who have worked for them over the years. Below are some of the more notable faces one might see around the monastery.

### Watchers

#### **Adaelheid Steininger**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 17
* **Class:** Paladin 3

Adaelheid was raised in the church, abandoned at a temple as a baby. She is utterly devoted to the Dawnfather and to the church, striving to become Pelor's sword and the people's shield. She is honest and hard working, and she always tries to see the best in others--to the extent of being somewhat naive. She's very young and idealistic, but that passion can be a breath of fresh air to the more older and jaded members.

#### Alfred Hill

* **Race:** Half-Elf
* **Age:** 26
* **Class:** Rogue 3

Alfred was raised in the boonies, the product of a trist between a hermit woman and an elf warrior from the Pearlbow Clan. He was raised isolated int he forest with only his mother. He was found by the Dawntreaders when they came upon him while hunting a band of orcs. Alfred was also hunting them to avenge his poor mother, who they killed in an attack. After teaming up, Alfred agreed to return to Nordendell and has been working with the Dawntreaders ever since. He's not terribly intelligent and he's awkward and bad with people, but great with animals. He is quiet and quick on his feet, and is pretty good at picking locks and hitting his foes in the weak spot when they least expect it. Tends to stare.

#### Duardariel

* **Race:** High Elf
* **Age:** 77
* **Class:** Cleric of the Archeart 3

A peaceful and observant elf who has come to Nordendell from the Illan Expanse. He is a servant of the Archeart, the patron of the elven people, and often faces adversity with a quiet serenity. He comes across as aloof and somewhat mysterious, and is here because he feels that his deity has led him there to "assist their divine brother". He has been on a few low-staked jobs, but has yet to ascend to the rank Peacemaker.

#### **Gibson Munch**

* **Race:** Skinwalker
* **Age:** 26
* **Class:** Fighter 3

Gibson comes from Gladdenburg with little more than a frying pan and a dream: to open a world famous restaurant. To earn money for this venture, Gibson decided to take up adventuring and quickly found that the church seemed to be a steady stream of revenue. He is bold and fearless, and always experimenting with new recipes and new ingredients that he forages from wherever his missions take him. He does not wield a traditional weapon, instead using a carving knife and his enchanted skillet when he needs to throw down. He isn't particularly religious about anything beside cooking and working out.

#### **Isolde Muller**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 19
* **Class:** Fighter 3

A capable warrior raised in Nordendell, Isolde is handy with a wide assortment of weapons. She isn't quite as strong or as quick as some, but she's extremely clever and uses preparation and forethought to outwit her opponents. She tends to be ready for almost any situation; she carries herbs, special metals and stones, alchemical reagants, and different types of weapons in order to overcome any challenge that arises. She lacks in experience, but she has a bright future ahead of her.

#### **Miro Richenbarrow**

* **Race:** Halfling
* **Age:** 28
* **Class:** Slayer 3

This rough and tumble halfling comes from the rocky and wild Eastern Plains. He grew up with a nomadic lifestyle, following herds of gazelle across the prairies of Brazeg. He has a stoic personality, focusing on his work over anything else. He enjoys smoking and drinking, but never to excess. He is a man of few words, speaking only when necessary. He is a veritable dervish on the battlefield, focusing on mobility, quick strikes, and ambush tactics. He favors fighting with a blade and a boomerang--a thrown weapon that was invented by the halfling people.

#### **Ruhiel "Rue" Gyr'dalsein**

* **Race:** High Elf
* **Age:** 23
* **Class:** Magus

Rue is a wandering mercenary who is trained equally well in both the art of swordplay and arcane magic. She is somewhat distractable and eager, but under that is a killer instinct. She doesn't talk about where she comes from or her life before she came to Alfine, preferring to "focus on the future". She's relatively new, but has a reputation for efficiency.

#### **Zuko Ostee**

* **Race:** Gnome
* **Age:** 14
* **Class:** Fighter 2 | Sorcerer (Martyred Bloodline) 1

A gnome from Zhivago, Zuko is a fair hand with a blade; he's as sharp with a sword as he is with a cutting taunt. He has a reputation for being somewhat reckless, with bravado to spare. While he's not the brightest paint on the easel, he's got a big heart and genuinely seems to want to help. Unlike many gnomes, Zuko is a devout follower of Pelor. His great-grandfather was a servant of the Dawnfather and was martyred by orc while fighting to save a small town in southern Polczek. That sacrifice seems to have brought a blessing upon his family, and that magic has manifested somewhat in Zuko, who uses that magic to give him something of an extra edge on the battlefield.

### Peacemakers

#### **Brancey Flarn**

* **Race:** Halfling
* **Age:** 39
* **Class:** Monk 3

Brancey is a former farmer who left home to explore and expand his own limitations. He spent many years in the Eastern Plains, studying the Fourfold Way under the esteemed Master Theras. He is easy-going and optimistic, dauntless in the face of danger and unfailingly polite (think Canadian). He doesn't like to fight, but he won't hesitate when it becomes necessary.

#### **Elio Russo**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 21
* **Class:** Sorcerer (Possessed Bloodline) 3

Elio likes to say that he was "born under a weird sign". His family has long suffered a curse that he has, in fact, inherited. But he's making do with it; he's nothing if not optimistic, turing the many setbacks he faces into some kind of positive. This curse seems to manifest in some sort of connection with an eldritch entity of unknown origin. He doesn't seem too bothered by it, electing to gamble, drink, and enjoy soft company instead of worrying about it. His work with church seems to be mostly transactional, though those who know him may have seen him skulking around the library at odd hours of the night.

#### **Ethan Howell**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 23
* **Class:** Rogue 3

An enigmatic young man who arrived in Nordendell a few months ago on a caravan. He keeps to himself and is not very talkative about his origins. Some suspect that he is going by an assumed name, but nobody can know for sure. Despite this apparent deceit, Ethan is an acrobatic thief with a heart of gold, and he seems to legitimately believe in Pelor's light---and the Bishop seems to trust him. That fact is good enough for most.

#### **Ivo "Egg" Kintboro**

* **Race:** Gnome
* **Age:** 30
* **Class:** Wizard (Transmuter)

A gnome who comes from the northern reaches of the Ozmit Empire, growing up in the shadow of the Xandir Imperium. He studied at the Academy of Eldritch Arts, was expelled for "controversial" experiments, and has been working on studying and perfecting his art on his own ever since. He has a special knack for potions and is a skilled transmuter, with a brilliant mind that easily grasps the concepts of the "noble sciences". His brilliance feeds into ego, and that all bleeds into an eccentricity that causes him to pursue the strange, the wondrous, and the dangerous. Has little regard for his own safety.

#### **Korgenrog "Korg" Anakalathai**

* **Race:** Goliath
* **Age:** 26
* **Class:** Barbarian 2 | Rogue 1

Korg comes from a tribe of Goliath who live in the Rimecrown Mountains in north Vanar. Korg is known for being rowdy, fearless, and devastating with his two-handed hammer. He has a reputation for dirty fighting, and while some see him as a dishonorable knave, the Bishop obviously sees something in him.

#### **Leonie "Lea" Rieder**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 54
* **Class:** Cleric of the Everlight 3

A cheerful and honest old woman who was born in southern Alfine, but recently came through Alfine following a series of omens. She is optimistic and kind, going out of her way to help those who need it: she cooks, cleans, and sews in addition to offering her services as a healer and mediator. She is a pacifist, forgoing combat ability in an effort to focus more of her protective and healing magics. She is welcome anywhere in monastery and is a friendly face to those in the Nordendell Flats.

#### **Lucan (PC)**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** ?
* **Class:** Gunslinger 3

A newly-appointed Peacemaker, Lucan is a former apprentive to Vasker the Tinkerer. Lucan has a reputation for reliability. He is an expert marksman who has made a name for himself due to his unparralelled skill with his boisterous weapon of choice.

#### **Meryl Goodfellow**

* **Race:** Half-Elf
* **Age:** 24
* **Class:** Fighter 3

Meryl was raised in the thorp of Fallcrest (about two day's north of Nordendell). She lives a straightforward life and is blunt and simple when expressing her thoughts. She is seen as somewhat aloof and cold to others, but she does seem to genuinely care about keeping the common people safe. She is an expert archer and is more than capable of taking care of herself in a jam.

#### **Robyn Flynn**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 22
* **Class:** Bard (Juggler) 2 | Fighter 1

Robyn is an impulsive vagabond, with strong anti-establishment views. She helps the common people without hesitation. She wears whatever she likes, for as long as she likes and cuts her own hair. She's all about the energy of the moment; frustrating and fun at the same time. She is loud, silly, and tends to taunt her enemies. She comes from the Lucain Coast, though little concrete information is known about her history---the story is often different every time she tells it.

#### **"Slippery" Joe Rudd**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 59
* **Class:** Cavalier (Order of the Shield) 3

Slippery Joe has never been knighted, but he has nonetheless lived a life of chivalry and altruism. Born among the poorest families in Nordendell, he grew up idolozing knights and brave heroes, enough to try to become one when he grew up. He is a self-taught warrior, and has stepped up to help defend the town more than once. He has a reputation for honesty, hard work, integrity, and courage in the face of overwhelming odds. While he has slowed down a little in recent years (hence his lower level), he is just as passionate about protecting the people as ever. He earned his nickname from being "too slippery for death to grip on".

He has chosen to never rise in rank. He wants to protect the people of his home region, and feels like the Peacemakers are where he can do that most effectively.

#### **Smoking Mirror "Smoky" Five Timber**

* **Race:** Tabaxi
* **Age:** 22
* **Class:** Swashbuckler 3

A suave and charming swordsman from Ibrido, in the Lucain Coast. He is a wily and cunning fighter, and flamboyant to the point of detriment. He is as flashy as he is deadly. He enjoys spending his downtime in Nordendell, most commonly staying at the Singing Maiden rather than the monastery dormitories. He loves a challenge and a good puzzle, and has gotten involved with the Dawntreaders not for religious reasons, but because he likes the danger.

#### **Ser Tiberius Fairhand**

* **Race:** Half-Orc
* **Age:** 25
* **Class:** Cavalier (Order of the Penitent) 3

Ser Tiberius is a knight trained by the Order of the Penitent, who has sworn his fealty to Bishop Irina. A member of an orc tribe and then a bandit group, he was defeated and captured by the Knights of Dawn. He was spared, however, and brought back to the Monastery. He is a changed man, repentent of his old life. After years of serving the Bishop and training by watching the knights, he was allowed to train with them and recently was inducted into their order by the Bishop herself and changed his name. He has a reputation for being extremely clean-cut and straight-laced, with a stern personality and a devotion to justice and goodness. His honor is of the utmost importance to him and he refuses to surrender if innocents are in danger. He isn't the most popular among his peers, but those in charge have taken notice of his integrity and his skill with a weapon.

#### **Wojciech Grzeskowiak**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 50
* **Class:** Brawler 3

Wojciech is not a warrior or adventurer by trade. He was a sailor and fisherman for many years, with little interest in exploring ruins or fighting monsters. Even when the goliaths attacked, Wojciech did not take up arms and instead was among the many who offered their boats to the women, children, and infirmed. But, Wojceich has always been a hard drinker and he's found himself in the middle of more than his fair share of bar brawls. He's got a mean left hook and an iron jaw, and he found himself on the church's radar after assisting in fending off a goblin attack several months ago. Having retired from fishing, he's taken up adventuring for the church as a sort of retirement hobby. He's always a laugh around the monastery, though his drinking habits have not been curtailed by his affiliation with the church.

### Guardians

#### **Arturus Nikolaou**

* **Race:** Half-Elf
* **Age:** 30
* **Class:** Wizard (Evoker)

Arturus has gained a reputation as a wizard both wise and powerful. He is a fierce protector of the Material Plane, seeking out and eliminating aberrations and undead where he can. He has gained considerable insight into such abominations and is known among his peers as an authority concerning them. While he can be stoic and serious, he has a lighter side; he likes to smile, enjoy the day by smoking his pipe, and making good conversation. He enjoys dancing and music, and likes to make toys and fireworks in his spare time.

#### **Duncan Lutz**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 38
* **Class:** Barbarian

Duncan hails from northern Vanar. He lost his arm defending a merchant caravan from an ambush set up by ogres. He has a reputation for being tough-as-nails, taciturn, and gruff. His skill with his blade is ummatched, and even with only one arm he is more than a formiddable foe to those who stand against the church.

### Wardens

#### **Baldric Oast the Brightseeker**

* **Race:** Dwarf
* **Age:** 109
* **Class:** Fighter

Baldric was a member of the merchant caste, working in the halls of his home of Kal-Barak. During the Siege of Forehame, he was separated from the others by an explosion, and found himself being pursued by drow. He would be saved when he accidentally stumbled through a weak passage and spilled out onto a sunny mountainside. The drow seemed loathe to follow him, giving him the time he needed to flee to safety. He saw the sky and felt the sun for the first time that day. He immediately left home after that. In time, he would become a mercenary to make do and, eventually, he would find himself in the service of the church. Today, Baldric has undertaken many missions and now serves as the Warden-Commander of Restwell Haven.

Baldric is loud, cheerful, and has a deep love of puns and dad jokes. Despite his jovial nature, he is serious about his job and can be a strict taskmaster to those he is training.

#### **Morgan Attigan**

* **Race:** Fetchling
* **Age:** 37
* **Class:** Wizard (Conjurer)

A wizard hailing from the distant shores of Eleroth. He was a mercenary for some time before meeting Kordella and, eventually, joining the Dawntreaders. He is a powerful wizard with a special knack for teleportation magics. It is Morgan who maintains and guards the Teleportation Circles, and he is the Warden in charge of working with and training spellcasters. He has seen many dangers in his time, and as a travelling companion to Kordella herself, has quite the reputation. He can be irritable, and has a calm and rational demeanor. He is seen as "the mean Warden" by many. He and Baldric rarely see eye to eye.

### The Radiant

#### **Kordella Charon**

* **Race:** Human
* **Age:** 33
* **Class:** Paladin of Pelor

Kordella is a legend; a paladin of unmatched strength of character, divine power, and skill at arms. Also serving as a captain of the Knights of Dawn, Kordella is one of the most influential people at Restwell Haven, below only the Prior and the Bishop herself. Despite being named after Kord the Stormlord due to the circumstances of her birth, she is extremely loyal and a devout believer in both the Dawnfather and the Bishop. Her devotion is unwavering and she is willing to follow the Bishop anywhere she might lead. She is a renowned adventurer and a fierce warrior with the skills to back up her considerable repuation. Many knights and Dawntreaders idolize her. She is down to earth and gets along well with her comrades-at-arms. She despises dirty tricks, but understands that war is often dirty and cruel. She is straightforward and honest, and believes that the best way to get to know someone and understand their real character to to cross swords with them.