The Golden Order

Miquella

May the Sovereign guide you unto the Golden Sea

 — Kayneth Vergo reciting the Order's incantation

## Overview

The Golden Order is the official (and only) Orthodox Religion on the Western Continent and was founded in the 2nd Epoch by Miquella and Malenia

This organization is in control over the Heaven, Star, Ruler, Empyrean and Rot Pathways and is the strongest amongst its Sister Organization: the Cult of Kosmos and Church of Heaven. The Golden Order has totally seeped into everyday life on the Western Continent and is seen as the religious equivalent of the Sun: constantly present, never questioned, and the pillar of life. In general terms, the Golden Order is led by 9 individuals, 7 of which are more or less equal. Miquella and Malenia hold the most power within the Order and, in fact, Miquella alone is in charge: everyone else is simply a placeholder or figurehead for "Him" and "His" sister. The 9 leaders are each at a different Sequence in the Empyrean Pathway (except Malenia, who is of the Rot Pathway)

The Golden Order has many forces under them: the Erdtree Sentinels serve as the general enforcers of the Order while each of the 8 Empyreans have their own armies to command. These armies work independently of each other and tend to be in conflict: if their commanders are at odds then so are they. At the top of the command chain are the Crucible Knights, which serve Miquella directly. Slightly below them are the Cleanrot Knights, Malenia's Guard and Enforcers. The Cleanrot's rank lower than the Crucible Knights but are more feared throughout the Western Continents. Due to owning the entire Western Continent, the Golden Order has a totalitarian monopoly on all Sealed Artefacts and Beyonder Characteristics.

While not official members or holding any proper roles, the Order has its members pray to Gilgamesh, Trinia and Paragon. Miquella created spots for "Them" within the Doctrine of the Order and had "Them" deified amongst the people. As such, the 3 King of Angels rank higher than 7 of the 9 leaders and equal to Miquella and Malenia "Themselves". Additionally, the Golden Order makes up 90% of "Their" believers in the world and "Their" primary Anchors.

## History

When Trinia, Gilgamesh and Paragon landed in the Eastern Continent and served under various Gods before uniting under the Ancient Sun God, Miquella and Malenia were trapped in the Western Continent. The twins King of Angels decided to take advantage of the lack of central authority on the Western Continent to take control. As such, the Golden Order was founded.

Miquella used the Crucible to regurgitate the souls of "HIs" siblings, which "He" kept encased by the Sefiroth. After reviving them in the Western Continent, Miquella grave them all an Empyrean Characteristic and a position of leader amongst the Order's ranks. Each of "His" siblings also built an army for themselves and divided the Western Continent between themselves. Miquella then forcefully assumed control over the various Sefiroths sealed by Celestial Worthy and grafted them to the Crucible, allowing "Him" access to their Authorities.

As the centuries passed, the Golden Order became commonplace and the form of ultimate authority in the Western Continent. As Miquella's Acting Method dictated, the Golden Order assumed and exerted absolute control over the populace. The land developed in a fashion parallel to the City of Silver: full of Beyonder warriors, stale culture and intense zealotry towards their God. Practically every citizen in the Western Continent lives y the principles of the Golden Order.

When Gilgamesh founded the Cult of Kosmos, Miquella sent the souls of several of "His" blessed through the Crucible. Once outside the Western Continent, the Blessed reformed their bodies and served within the Veins of Kosmos.

After the Western Continent was unleashed, the Golden Order marshalled their armies and forces and invaded the rest of the world. They pillaged and conquered 50% of the worlds landmasses within 6 months and would have taken over the entire planet seamlessly if the Fool and Ancient Sun God had not awoken. This forced the Golden Order back to the Western Continent, as multiple of their leaders were killed by the 2 Pillars.

When Lazarus Asmodeus was formed, the Golden Order ceased their conflict and entered negotiations with the outside world at the behest of their newly reformed leader. Ultimately, the Golden Order was dissolved, with its members either spreading throughout the world or joining Lazarus Asmodeus in fleeing deeper in the Cosmos from the Void.

## Sacred Emblem

The Sacred Emblem is a circles made of golden fog with wisps twirling around the circumference. The Emblem bares similarities to the Empyrean and Sovereign Symbol, of which it takes inspiration from.

The Prayer Gesture is to forms two fists and cross your arms in front of your chest. You then bow.

## Characteristics

The Golden Order promotes equality, justice and harmony. They appear as the perfect beacon of faith and goodness. All life is viewed as sacred and discrimination based on gender, race or physical appearance is heavily frowned upon. Within the Golden Order, anyone can rise through the ranks if they are faithful and committed enough. Abuse of power within the Order is heavily punished and offenders are usually jailed and publicly disgraced. Those who do not actively partake in the Order are frowned at, but not supressed or discriminated against. They might face some judgemental looks or whispers in their community, but sectarian violence is sparse and rare enough.

The exception to the aforementioned lack of discrimination is the **Golden Order Traditionalists,** who are radical hardliners that actively persecute others and advocate for complete enslavement and purging of non-believers. They operate on the fringes of the Golden order's domain.

## Religious Views

The Golden Order worships the Sovereign as the True Supreme Deity that governs all of existence. However, there is several differences and divided on *how* to worship the Sovereign. The Golden Order is thus divided into 3 categories:

* Fundamentalists: Golden Order members that believe the Sovereign is the ***successor*** to the Original Creator and the new leader of the Universe. They are the peaceful and loving members, who practise the tenants of the Order mentioned above. They make up the majority of members (60%) and have the simplest practises and ways to show faith. They follow the Scriptures and Doctrines, but also take a step back to look at them subjectively. They will criticise the article if it projects hypocrisy and may not follow the rules to the letter.

* Traditionalists: Golden Order members that believe the Sovereign ***is the reincarnation*** of the Original Creator and leader of the Universe. They are the radical hardliners that call for the subjugation of non-humans and believers. They see other races, such as Beast-kin and Elves, as inferior and lesser beings. They want a supremacist reality where Human Beyonders rule over everyone else and they strictly adhere to the Scriptures and Doctrine of the Order, to the point of following only them and rejecting everything else. They are a minority within the Golden Order (20%) but have enough followers to be a thorn in the side of the Fundamentalists.

* Liberationists: Golden Order members that have grown disillusioned and distant from the Scriptures and Doctrine of the organization. Liberationists believe that the current Order is wrong and that the ways should be changed. Members believe that no one being can properly comprehend the teachings and methods to portray faith, and each person should find their own way to express piety. As the Liberationists are effectively denying the existence of the Golden order itself, they are the most despised, and even hunted, by the people of the Western Continent. In turn, the Liberationists have formed their own paramilitary forces to defend themselves.

The main practises of the Golden Order are built upon 6 "symbols of faith" in the Western Continent:

* The Sovereign: The All-Divine and universal God of the Golden Order, all 3 factions pray to the Sovereign. "He" represents Authority, Might and Divinity.

* The Erdtree: The symbol of faith for **Traditionalists,** the Erdtree is seen as the physical manifestation of the Sovereign's grace and proof of their superiority above other races. The Erdtree is purely golden and was created by the Crucible itself, though Miquella keeps it materialised. The Erdtree represents **infallibility and purity**

* The Haligtree: The symbol of faith for the **Fundamentalists**, the Haligtree was created by Miquella and Malenia as a safe haven for other races and minorities persecuted or exiled. As such, the Haligtree is seen as a symbol of **equality and pureness,** as opposed to the Erdtree. Malenia is deified by Fundamentalists as they believe "She" to be the human embodiment of the Haligtree.

* The Cosmos: The symbol of faith for the **Liberationists**, the Cosmos is portrayed as endless, boundless and unfathomable just like the Sovereign "Himself". As one becomes corrupted by studying too much into the Cosmos, so do the Liberationists believe delving deep into the mysteries of the Sovereign only brings peril. **For them, the Cosmos represents the birth place of the Sovereign and the best representation of "His" might.**

* Empyreans: Empyreans are held in the highest regard as the direct kin to the Sovereign. Those of the Pathway all hold important and high positions within the Order and, while they officially hold as much influence as a non-Empyrean counterpart, are usually more influential. Empyreans such as Queen Marika are also revered, despite being dethroned and slandered in the history books by Miquella.

* The Blessed Ones: The Golden Order promotes Gilgamesh, Paragon and Trinia as Blessed Ones and subordinate Gods to the Sovereign. However, the different Factions have different views of the 3. The **Fundamentalists** believe them to be Gods in "Their" own right that serve the Sovereign as aids and advisors. The **Traditionalists** portray "Them" as kin or descendants of the Sovereign, yet "They" are not Gods as the Sovereign is the only True God. Finally, the **Liberationists** believe the Blessed Ones are signs of a new era and will gradually replace the Sovereign and diversify "His" teachings and prayers. As such, "They" are seen as heralds of a new era for the Golden Order

Apart from the 6 Symbols of Faith, the Golden Order pushes **3 Incantations** that define the meaning of the Universe itself. They are:

* **Law of Regression**: Regression is the pull of meaning; that all things yearn eternally to converge. All things will eventually return to the Sovereign as they must. As all things are destined to be recalled, nothing can truly be destroyed and will exist in some shape of form. This is the Golden Order equivalent for **Beyonder Convergence and Indestructibility.**

* **Law of Causality**: Causality is the pull between meanings; it is the connections that form the relationships of all things and make them stable. It is what makes us closer to the Sovereign; by following "His" footsteps, we can become closer to "Him" and display more of "HIs" grace. Counter wise, going against "His" trodden path will lead to destruction and death. This is the Golden Order equivalent for the reason behind **Acting Methods and Rituals.**

* **Law of Absolution:** Absolution the the fact that all things must and should return to the Sovereign. However, there will always be those that reject and defile the proper way of being for their own selfish needs. This Law is different from the other 2, as it states that all those who do not follow the worship the Sovereign are defiled and should be exterminated. This Law only came into being once the Traditionalists and Liberationists split from the common Order and fractured the Code.

## Enforcement

The Golden Order has many armies and forces at its beck and call. Furthermore, the majority of citizens on the Western Continent are Beyonders who are ready to fight and die for the Order. As such, there is an entire Continent of fanatical warriors waiting to be unleashed on the heathens. The armies of the Golden Order are divided into Ranks, like this:

* Stormveil Army: The personal army of Godrick the Grafted, the Stormveil Army is the weakest of the Order's forces as openly mocked as the "runt of the litter". Most members are drop-outs unfit for the other Armies or weaklings with no greater inspirations. Either way, the strongest soldiers are only Sequence 7.

* Glintstone Sorcerers: The Army of Lunar Princess Ranni, the Glintstone Sorcerers are a group of Beyonders that are well versed in Mysticism and Magic. The majority of members are of the Hermit Pathway, but there are several Lunar Royalty from the Empyrean Pathway mixed in too. The Beyonders are relatively average and the Glintstone Sorcerers are used as a standard force within the Order.

* Serpent Kissed: The Army of Praetor Rykard, the Blasphemer. The Serpent Kissed are a group of bloodthirsty and often vicious individuals that is more of a collective than an Army. The members move independently or in small groups and there is no clear hierarchy either. The Serpent Kissed are the smallest Army, but its members are all capable assassins and hunters who specialise in killing powerful Beyonders. No surprise, most Beyonders are from the Abyss, War, Demoness and there are several Blasphemers from the Empyrean Pathway.

* Blood Fiends: The Army of Mohg, the Lord of Blood. The Blood Fiends are like a more depraved version of the Serpent Kissed and it shows. The Blood Fiends are all psychopathic, depraved lunatics fascinated with spilling the blood of others and destroying all semblance of purity. They are a blight, a disgusting plight upon the Order and go against everything Miquella teaches. But they are led by "His" brother, so the young King of Angels can only sit back and let the Blood Fiends run wild. Beyonders are of the Abyss, Chained and Hanged Man Pathways primarily.

* Redmane Lions: The Army of General Radahn, the Scourge of the Stars. The Redmanes are a proper and official Army, who run a tight ship and are greatly respected by the people of the Western Continent. For many, the Redmanes represent what it means to be a Knight: honourable, strong, just and unfaltering. There are great warriors and can defeat any of the previously mentioned Armies with ease. All 4 of the Armies, including their leaders, would need to join forces to defeat the Redmanes and Radahn. This is because the Redmanes have a fair few Demigods amongst their ranks. The Demigods are usually of the Tyrant, War and Twilight Pathway, but there are a few Death and Paragon Demigods too.

* Leyndell Royal Army: The Army of Morgott the Grace-Given, also knows as the Omen King. The Royal Army is the last stop for the vast majority of Beyonders. The Royal Army is tasked with defending the Capital of the Western Continent: Leyndell. As such, it is prepped with the best of the best. The majority of members are Sequence 5 or higher. The Army has 4 Angels (Sequence 2) serving within it too and Morgott himself beat Radahn in 1-on-1 combat and drove back the Redmanes in the past.

* Erdtree Sentinels: The Army of Godwyn the Eternal, first-born of Queen Marika the Eternal. The Erdtree Sentinels are picked from the elite of the Leyndell Royal Army and each member is Sequence 3. There are around 300 members and are from all manner of Pathways. However, the majority are Ruler Beyonders and make use of weapons made from Unalloyed Gold to inflict devastating damage. The Erdtree Sentinels are mobile enforcers that wander the Western Continent and keep the peace. They are the pinnacle of achievement for all Order members and what idols are made of. If they and the Royal Army were to clash, they would be victorious but would suffer large losses. As such, the Erdtree Sentinels are not meant for open warfare but as an elite strike force that is meant to deal as much damage as possible in a short timeframe.

* Cleanrot Knights: The Army of Malenia the Severed, sister to Miquella and a King of Angels. The Cleanrots are feared, despised, shunned and serve as the Boogeymen of the Order. If the Erdtree Sentinels are the elite of the Royal Army, the Cleanrots are the elitist of the entire Western Continent. They are all Rot Beyonders hand-picked and personally trained by Malenia, each one a blade that exists purely to slaughter their foes and defend their Lady. The Cleanrots are all zealously loyal and will initiate suicide charges at a single word. They know they are dying, and their fate is to rot away in agony, but they choose to follow their Lady anyway and die with a smile on their face. Indeed, it is the acceptance of their fate that makes them fight the hardest of all. Apart from Malenia, the Commanders are Millicent (Sequence 2) and O'Neill (Sequence 3)

* Crucible Knights: The Army of Miquella the Unalloyed Gold and a King of Angels. The Crucible Knights are those blessed by the Crucible itself and and bare its power for usage. Crucible Knights are the personal Guard of Miquella and there are only a hundred members of the Army, all of which are Sequence 2 of the Star, Heaven, Ruler or Empyrean Pathway. They are the Trump Card of the Western Continent and are always kept in reserve in the Crucible itself. The Crucible Knights are superior to both the Erdtree Sentinels and the Cleanrots but the difference is not overwhelming. The Crucible Knights are led by Loretta, a Beyonder ***not*** from the Empyrean Pathway.

## Leaders/Archons

* Godrick the Grafted: A Sequence 9 Beyonder, Godrick is mocked as the "runt of the litter" and is a distant descendant of Godwyn. Naturally, this has made him bitter and insecure, often lashing out at others and seeking to raise his reputation. Godrick is part of the **Traditionalists**

* Morgott the Grace-Given: Also known as the Omen King, Morgott is a Sequence 8. Despite his low Sequence, Morgott is incredibly powerful due to his Omen lineage. Omens are people blessed by the Crucible and infused with its essence. As such, Morgott can fight and defend Demigods with ease and was given the title "King of Leyndell" by Miquella as a reward for his loyalty and strength. Morgott is part of the **Traditionalists**

* Lunar Princess Ranni: The Witch of the North, Ranni is a Sequence 7. Similar to Morgott, Ranni can use strength beyond her Sequence. However, Ranni gains her strength from the Moon and the Stars. Ranni also uses wit and cunning to make up for brute force, and is at the centre of many plots throughout the Western Continent. Ranni is also reclusive and rarely makes an appearance, cementing her reputation as scary and suspicious. She is part of the **Liberationists.**

* Praetor Rykard: Scorned as the Blasphemer, Rykard is the embodiment of Sloth, Gluttony and Decadence. He is a monster in human skin, driven by his bloodlust and hedonist desires. Rykard also desires control and power and has made moves to subvert Miquella in the past. In search of immortality without becoming an Angel, Rykard fed himself to a snake mutated by the Crucible, merging with it and gaining his treasured immortality. Unfortunately, Rykard went totally insane and can never regain human form. As his title suggests, Rykard is Sequence 6. He is part of the **Liberationists,** but only because he does not desire to serve any God.

* Mohg, Lord of Blood: Mohg is a Sequence 5 and the twin brother of Morgott yet is the complete opposite. Mohg is similar to Rykard but has more sanity than the Blasphemer. Nonetheless, Mohg pursues carnal satisfaction and commits horrendous sins on a daily basis without breaking a sweat. Mohg is a rapist and a child predator, preferring them young for his "rituals" and acts of debauchery. For these acts, Mohg has been banned from Leyndell and the Haligtree. Similarly, none of the other Archons want anything to do with the crazed Omen. Mohg worships not the Sovereign, but Mother Goddess of Depravity and Mother Tree of Desire instead. Mohg is a **Liberationist** and he wishes to become a God himself.

* General Radahn: Respected as the Scourge of the Stars, Radahn is greatly respected by the Golden Order and viewed favourably by the other Archons. Amongst the rulers of the Golden Order, Radahn is seen as the most competent and level-headed. He has a positive relationship with Miquella, Godwyn and Morgott but is saddened by how Rykard and Mohg have fallen to depravity. He has concern for Ranni and how she refuses to mingle with others and has a rivalry with Malenia for the title of "Strongest Warrior". Radahn is a Sequence 4 and a part of the **Fundamentalists.**

* Godwyn the Golden: The eldest born of Queen Marika the Eternal, Godwyn was meant to inherit the Throne of the Void Lands but was usurped by Miquella instead. Instead of holding a grudge however, Godwyn was elated to be free of the burden and is one of Miquella's greatest supporters. Similar to his younger sibling, Godwyn supports equality is a generally chill dude. Godwyn tamed the Dragons on the Western Continent and had them convert to worshipping the Sovereign, earning him the title "Dragon Prince". Godwyn is Sequence 3 and a member of the **Fundamentalists** and one of its most prominent leaders.

* Malenia the Severed: The only Archon not of the Empyrean Pathway, Malenia is the twin sister of Miquella and a fellow King of Angels. Known as the "Blade of Miquella" throughout the Western Continent, Malenia is the sword and shield of "Her" brother and fights purely for "His" sake. For this, Malenia acts as Miquella's right hand and Vice-Roy in the Western Continent and every order "She" gives must be followed. Malenia leads the Cleanrot Knights into battle every time, despite "Her" position as an important official. Malenia does not worship the Sovereign or even believe in the Golden Order, instead solely revering "Her" brother. However, "Her" acts show a slight incline towards the **Traditionalists.**

* Miquella the Unalloyed: The Head Archon and founder of the Golden Order. Miquella is a complete King of Angels and owner/vessel of the Crucible. "He" is the single highest authority in the Western Continent and is omniscient about its matters. Every facet of life within the Continent and Order is micro-managed by Miquella and "He" rules as God over everyone else.

## Notable Members

### **Archons:**

* Godrick the Grafted-Sequence 9
* Morgott the Grace-Given: Sequence 8
* Lunar Princess Ranni: Sequence 7
* Praetor Rykard: Sequence 6
* Mohg, Lord of Blood: Sequence 5
* General Radahn: Sequence 4
* Godwyn the Golden: Sequence 3
* Malenia the Severed: Rot King of Angels
* Miquella the Unalloyed: King of Angels

### **Cult of Kosmos Members:**

* Kayneth Vergo: Sequence 2
* Sofia Ammond: *Unknown Sequence*
* Jacob Gurren: *Unknown Sequence*
* Fredrich Gurren: *Unknown Sequence*
* Lucilica Abernathy: *Unknown Sequence*
* Nine Scyther: *Unknown Sequence*