Three Orders Three Orders Drei Befehle

The world, known as the "Searing Expanse", is a medieval European-esque setting twisted by an ancient catastrophe. Many centuries ago, the "Dead Sun" cast a malevolent eclipse upon the land, unleashing legions of undead and corrupted creatures. This cataclysm lasted for years, leaving behind scorched wastelands, blighted forests, and a reality in constant decay. The undead still roam the world, and every sunset threatens a new incursion. The people who survived this catastrophe eventually banded together into kingdoms, but it wasn't long before they returned to their old feuds. This is a world where knights fight not only monsters but also each other, and kings plot their intrigues while the eternal darkness prowls beyond their castle walls. A sense of despair hangs in the air, but a few still cling to hope and fight not for a crown, but for the salvation of their souls.

1. The Order of the Flaming Heart Crusaders The Order of the Flaming Heart Crusaders is a classic martial order, born in the crucible of war against the undead. Its members, known as "Flamehearts", believe that only cleansing fire can purge the world of the Dead Sun's corruption. They follow strict knightly ideals, protecting the weak and fighting against the darkness. Their hierarchy—knafs, brothers, sergeants, marshals, constables, and the grand master—is built on military lines, reflecting their primary purpose: to wage war. General ability: Each member of the order can project fire—their "Flaming Heart," an internal source of flame they use both in combat and for purification rituals. Special abilities: Some knights with a particular aptitude develop true pyromantic abilities, becoming "Ignis Sciens" (Knowers of Flame). These individuals can do more than just project fire; they can shape it, creating walls of flame, projectiles, or even temporarily hardening their blades with fire. Their insignia—a flame tongue—symbolizes their unique gift and heightened responsibility in the fight against darkness.

2. The Order of the Golden Sun Swordsmen This order was initially a spiritual organization founded by monks who believed that salvation lay in the return of light. Over time, they took up arms to defend their faith and their flock. Their structure reflects their religious roots, based on the cycles of the day: novices, brothers, hierophants (teachers). The upper leadership has a hidden hierarchy, reminiscent of Masonic degrees, with three main ranks: The Sixth Hour, or Dusk (the standard-bearer), The Ninth Hour, or Dawn (the combat abbot), and The Twelfth Hour, or Noon (the grand master). They believe that with every dawn, the world gets a chance at rebirth. General ability: All members of the order can summon blazing sunlight, concentrating it into beams or flashes that damage the undead and dark weaken spells. Special abilities: The most gifted "Aurorae Clamor" (Call of the Dawn) can not only control light but also possess purification magic, healing wounds and lifting curses. Some are even able to manipulate time briefly, slowing down enemies or speeding themselves up. Their symbol—a sundial—represents their connection to time and light, as well as their belief in the inevitable dawn.

3. The Order of the Black Bone Scourges This is an order that inspires fear and revulsion, yet it is a powerful weapon in the fight against the undead. It was created as a last resort when a group of necromancers and alchemists managed to "purify" a part of the undead, giving them a selection of will and a new purpose. These "forgiven" warriors received resilient, tireless bodies, immune to pain and poisons. They are impervious to the sacred symbols and spells that usually deter the undead, but their weakness is the phylactery, which resides in their chest instead of a heart. Its destruction leads to final death. Their hierarchy—private, reitmar, lieutenant, captain, major, general—reflects their military origin. General ability: Their bodies are their main weapon. Tireless, resistant to damage, and without fear, they can fight until their phylactery is destroyed. Special abilities: Some of them, who have become "Sepulturae Fossor" (Gravediggers), have retained a connection to dark forces and can use necromancy to temporarily control other undead or summon shadows. These members are feared even by their allies. Their symbol—a skull and crossbones—serves as a reminder of who they were and who they have become: undead fighting against their own nature.

1. The Kingdom of Crossed Swords (Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth analogue) The Kingdom of Crossed Swords is a vast, fragmented state where the monarch's power is largely nominal. The country is ruled by powerful magnates, the Great Houses, who own enormous estates, field their own armies, and often disregard the king's decrees. These lands suffer from constant undead raids due to their extensive and poorly defended borders, as well as from internal feuds. The szlachta (minor nobility) enjoy great privileges and often form alliances with the magnates, creating a tangled web of loyalties and betrayals. Despite the chaos, the knights of this kingdom are known for their fearless, though often reckless, bravery.
2. The Holy Conciliar Union (German analogue) The Union is a conglomerate of dozens of city-states, free duchies, and independent abbeys. While they are formally subject to a King-Emperor, the actual power lies with the City Councils, as well as influential merchant guilds and religious orders. The architecture of the Union's cities is a testament to massive yet beautiful fortresses, with countless spires, cathedrals, and high walls, making them some of the safest places in the world. However, constant competition between the cities and a hidden struggle for influence within the Council weaken their unity in the face of external threats.

3. The New Frankish State (French analogue) The New Frankish State is the last of the great centralized kingdoms. Its power is maintained by a strict hierarchy: the king, dukes, barons, and knights, all of whom have sworn an oath of fealty. Unlike others, this kingdom possesses the most disciplined and well-equipped army. However, its stability is an illusion. The nobility, especially the powerful Dukes of the Ruined Castles, constantly test the king's authority, striving for greater autonomy. Intrigue thrives within the kingdom, and its borders are slowly crumbling under the onslaught of dark forces.
4. The Bone Counties (Original kingdom) The Bone Counties are not so much a kingdom as a unified alliance of fragmented feudal holdings that border the most blighted lands. Their rulers, the Bone Counts, are grim and pragmatic warriors who have survived by adapting to life alongside the undead. In these lands, necromancy and alchemy are not forbidden but are used as tools to fight evil. The Counts often make pacts with creatures considered monsters elsewhere to defend their lands. It is a bleak and dangerous place where the concepts of good and evil are blurred, and survival is the only true virtue.

• Whispering Woods: This was once a magnificent forest, but after the undead invasion, the trees began to speak. Each whisper is not the rustling of leaves but the murmur of the dead seeking rest. Traveling here is dangerous, as one can go mad or fall into a trap created by nature itself, consumed by darkness.
• Labyrinth of Forgotten Souls: Ancient underground catacombs beneath the capital of the Holy Conciliar Union, where thousands of people are buried. Over centuries, they have turned into a complex maze. It is believed that untold riches can be found here, but the restless undead who guard these treasures also lure the living to join their ranks.
• The Blood Marsh: A swampy area in the New Frankish State where the water has a gruesome red hue. The reason for this is an ancient battle in which tens of thousands of people perished. Their blood and flesh soaked into the ground, and now it is home to monsters that not only hunt but are also part of the very land.
• Stone Heart Mountains: An inaccessible mountain range where, according to legends, the Bone Heart Dragon resides. It is said that he was one of the first dragons raised by the Dead Sun. His lair, the Cave of Despair, is not just a place but a true kingdom of pain and suffering. The dragon does not eat people but instead revels in their fear and anguish.
• The Three Sisters Tavern: A popular roadside tavern on the border of the New Frankish State and the Bone Counties. Here, you can find knights from the Order of the Flaming Heart as well as reitmars from the Order of the Black Bones. The place is known for its rumors, intrigues, and the possibility of striking a questionable deal. The brothel attached to the tavern is famous throughout the region.

• Bridge of Fallen Knights: An ancient, ruined bridge over a turbulent mountain stream. Every night, the ghost of a knight appears on the bridge, trying to protect it from anyone who wishes to cross.
• The Silent Library: An abandoned library in the Kingdom of Crossed Swords, where, according to rumors, ancient knowledge is stored. However, it is located in the very heart of the blighted forests. The librarian, long since a ghost, guards it from unwanted guests who might uncover the secret of the Dead Sun.
• The Altar of the Cursed Healer: The ruins of an abbey in the Holy Conciliar Union where a famous healer once lived. He attempted to create a panacea for all diseases but eventually went mad. Now, the undead dwell here, and his notes, scattered throughout the abbey, may contain both valuable knowledge and deadly traps.
• The Hanging City: An abandoned city built on a mountain slope. Many houses are in ruins, and the bridges that connect them could collapse at any moment. Beneath the city lies an extensive network of mines where, according to rumors, something ancient and very dangerous resides.
• The Black Monastery: Located in the Bone Counties, this monastery is home to a small order that cooperates with the Black Bone Scourges. Here, necromancy and purification magic work hand-in-hand. The monastery houses an ancient altar that can both heal and curse.

• Sister Elara - A young novice from the Order of the Golden Sun Swordsmen. She travels the world, collecting stories of those who fought evil to preserve them for future generations. She is naive, but her faith in good is unwavering. However, she has a secret: she possesses the rare "Aurorae Clamor" ability but hides it, fearing her gift will be used for political purposes in the church's schism.
• Marshal Cain - A veteran knight from the Order of the Flaming Heart Crusaders, tempered in hundreds of battles. He is stern and laconic, but his knightly honor is impeccable. He is searching for an artifact that is rumored to be able to permanently destroy a source of undead in one of the most dangerous regions. He is distrustful of the Black Bone Scourges but is forced to cooperate with them.
• Reitmar Vex - A warrior from the Order of the Black Bone Scourges. He was once a knight, but after his death, he was raised as an undead. He is cynical and disillusioned with the world, but his phylactery contains not only his soul but also memories of his family. He does the dirty work for his order, but deep down, he hopes to find a way to finally rest in peace.
• Queen Leonora - The wise and cunning ruler of the New Frankish State. She is trying to preserve the unity of her kingdom, which is being torn apart by internal intrigues and external threats. She trusts none of the three Archons and is secretly looking for a way to gain the support of one of the orders to strengthen her power.
• Alchemist Sid - An old and eccentric scholar living in the Holy Conciliar Union. He is a supporter of the reformist movement and believes that scientific knowledge is the best path to salvation. He is looking for rare ingredients to create an elixir that he believes can permanently stop the decay process caused by the Dead Sun.

• "Count" Graven - One of the cruelest and most pragmatic Bone Counts. He has made pacts with the darkest creatures to protect his lands. He is a necromancer, but he uses his abilities to defend his lands from even more dangerous undead. He offers rewards to heroes that seem generous but always come with a hidden price.
• The Ghost of the Librarian - The ethereal guardian of the Silent Library. He was once a man who collected knowledge about the Dead Sun. Now he eternally guards his books, looking for those who can complete his work, but his mind is too fragmented to explain it. He can be both an ally and a dangerous opponent.
• Madame Lily - The owner of the brothel at the "Three Sisters" tavern. She is smart, perceptive, and has connections in all the kingdoms and orders. She knows all the rumors, gossip, and secrets circulating in this world. She can be a valuable source of information, but her services are expensive, and she never gives anything away for free.
• Rin the Bounty Hunter - A solitary, grim mercenary specializing in tracking and destroying the undead. He belongs to no order, but his skills in fighting monsters are unmatched. He pursues his own goal: revenge for his family, who were killed by the undead. He can be hired but will never work for free.
• The Nameless Wanderer - A mysterious character who appears and disappears without a trace. He wears an old, tattered cloak and is always silent. Some say he is the ghost of one of the first heroes who fought the Dead Sun. He doesn't speak, but he can point out hidden paths or dangers without directly interfering.

• The Scavenger's Alliance – An informal union of bandits, deserters, and outcasts who survive by scavenging in ruined cities and battlefields. They are not so much villains as desperate people who will do anything to survive. They have no centralized leader, and their groups are constantly forming and disbanding. A player might stumble upon their camps, make a deal, or become their target.
• The Children of the Crypt – This is a cult that worships the undead and believes that the Dead Sun is true salvation. They aim to turn all living beings into undead, believing it is the only way to achieve eternal bliss. They operate in secret, infiltrating cities and villages to recruit new members and perform hidden rituals that turn the living into mindless corpses.
• The Phantom Merchant's Guild – A clandestine guild specializing in trading forbidden artifacts, magical ingredients, and information. They are not tied to any kingdom or order, and their agents are everywhere. They might sell the player a rare artifact, but their price is always high, and often it needs to be paid not with gold but with a service.
• The Keepers of the Forgotten Spring – A small, isolated order living in the mountains and guarding an ancient, otherworldly source of magic. They do not interfere in politics or wars, but they believe their duty is to prevent this power from falling into the hands of the undead or other evil forces. They can be allies or enemies, depending on the player's goals.
• The Witches of the Mist Fens – A clan of powerful witches who live in the heart of the Blood Marsh. They use dark magic, but not for the worship of evil, but to protect their clan. They can help a player with powerful potions or spells, but their demands are always strange and dangerous, and they never trust outsiders.

The Faith of the True Light The Faith of the True Light is the dominant religion in the Searing Expanse, centered on the worship of the Light as the only force capable of opposing darkness and the undead. Its teachings promise the salvation of the soul and eternal life in a world purged of corruption. The religion has a strict, hierarchical structure, reminiscent of the Catholic Church, with an archon at its head. Centers of Influence and the Schism

• The Main Archdiocese in the Bone Counties:
• Capital: The Shards of Covenant. A fortress city built around an ancient temple that, according to legend, was the first place to receive light after the cataclysm. The Archon, who now rules from the Shards of Covenant, represents the old, orthodox branch of the church, which believes that darkness can be fought by any means, even those considered heretical elsewhere in the world (which explains the acceptance of necromancy and alchemy in the Bone Counties).
• The Anti-Archon in the New Frankish State:
• Capital: Luminia. This city is the embodiment of order and grandeur, with its pristine cathedrals and streets. The Anti-Archon from Luminia leads a reformist movement that advocates for the purity of faith and rejects compromises with dark forces. He condemns the Archon from the Shards of Covenant for his tolerance of necromancy and labels him a heretic.
• The Contra-Anti-Archon in the Kingdom of Crossed Swords:
• Capital: Light's End. This city, located on the edge of the wild wastelands, is the center of a third branch. The Contra-Anti-Archon emerged from the szlachta and magnates' desire for greater independence. He proclaimed himself the true heir of the Light, arguing that both other leaders are too mired in politics. His church is more populist and promises salvation through personal faith rather than through a strict church hierarchy.

• The Contra-Anti-Archon in the Kingdom of Crossed Swords:
• Capital: Light's End. This city, located on the edge of the wild wastelands, is the center of a third branch. The Contra-Anti-Archon emerged from the szlachta and magnates' desire for greater independence. He proclaimed himself the true heir of the Light, arguing that both other leaders are too mired in politics. His church is more populist and promises salvation through personal faith rather than through a strict church hierarchy.
• The Reformist Movement in the Holy Conciliar Union:
• In the city-states of the Union, where the power of guilds and merchants is strong, the Reformist Movement has gained traction. Its followers reject the very idea of archons and a centralized church, arguing that every person can reach the Light through personal prayers and good deeds. This movement has no single leader and is split into many small communities, each with its own interpretation of the sacred texts.

• Laess – The Helm of the Forgotten Kings: A helm forged before the cataclysm that warped the world. The wearer of this helm can see through illusions and disguises. Wearing the helm can also give the owner visions of the past before the world's decline, which could lead to madness. The helm is located in the ruins of an ancient fortress in the Stone Heart Mountains.
• Aegis – The Shield of Dawn: A massive steel shield that radiates light capable of blinding the undead and healing allies. It is said that the shield was forged by the first followers of the Faith of the True Light and tempered in the sun's rays. It is located in the Silent Library, guarded by a ghost who was once one of the first followers of the Faith of the True Light.
• Dragon's Blood – The Necromancer's Sword: A curved sword forged from the bone of an ancient dragon killed during the cataclysm. The sword does no direct harm, but it absorbs the life force of enemies, turning it into necrotic energy that can be used to heal oneself or raise the undead. The sword is hidden in the Labyrinth of Forgotten Souls, where it can be found in the tomb of an ancient necromancer.

• Grimoire of the Dawn Hours: An old folio written on parchment made from undead skin. It contains spells that allow for the manipulation of time and light. The book is not just a collection of spells, but a living entity that can speak to its owner. The grimoire was written by the first grand master of the Order of the Golden Sun Swordsmen and is kept by the Children of the Crypt, who are trying to understand its secrets.
• Heart of the Sun – The Amulet of Cleansing: A small golden amulet worn by members of the Order of the Flaming Heart Crusaders. With its help, one can focus and amplify the flame of their heart, turning it into a powerful beam that can instantly incinerate the undead. However, if used too often, it can absorb all of the owner's life force. One of these amulets can be found in The Blood March.
• Wrath of Death – The Bone Scourge: A flail made from the spine and ribs of the undead. It does not just inflict physical damage, but also "severes" the connection between the soul and the body, which can lead to instant death. It is used by the Black Bone Scourges as their symbol. The most powerful Bone Scourge of all is kept in the Black Monastery.