The Order of The Watchers

Ranks

Initiate

New recruits in training, learning the ways of The Order and the threat of extraplanar beings. They have yet to prove themselves in battle or in defending the realm.  

Watcher Acolyte

Fully inducted members of the Order, Watcher Acolytes are tasked with assisting higher-ranked members and performing minor duties like reconnaissance or maintaining outposts. They are often assigned to more senior knights or paladins for mentoring.  

Sentinel

Trained paladins and knights who have proven themselves capable in combat and service. Sentinels act as field agents and are responsible for patrolling the borders of the realm, watching for signs of extraplanar intrusion.  

Vigilant

Experienced defenders who have faced extraplanar threats directly. Vigilants are field commanders and trusted warriors tasked with leading groups of Sentinels into battle. They also serve as strategists for small engagements.  

Warden

High-ranking knights and paladins who oversee entire regions or outposts of the Order. Wardens are experts in both combat and the study of extraplanar entities, guiding the Vigilants and Sentinels under their command.  

Keeper of the Veil

Senior members of the Order who specialize in the magical or spiritual aspects of defending the realm. Keepers maintain the knowledge of ancient rites, seals, and wards used to banish or repel extraplanar beings. They serve as advisors to the military branches.  

Guardian of Realms

The second-highest rank, Guardians are charged with overseeing major military campaigns and long-term defense strategies. They often work with political leaders and magical institutions to ensure the safety of the entire realm.  

The High Watcher

The leader of The Order of The Watchers, responsible for all operations, strategy, and the maintenance of the Order's mission. The High Watcher possesses unparalleled knowledge of extraplanar threats and is the final authority on all matters within the Order. They make decisions that affect the entire realm’s security.

Tenets of Faith

Duty and Sacrifice

The core belief of The Order is that their purpose transcends personal desires. Members are taught from the beginning that they are protectors of the realm, often placing the safety of the world above their own lives. The concept of self-sacrifice is deeply honored, and fallen members are remembered in rituals as martyrs who gave their lives to preserve the natural order.  

Spiritual Vigilance

Because their primary role involves dealing with extraplanar entities, there is a strong spiritual or mystical dimension to their culture. Members regularly participate in rituals, prayers, or meditative practices aimed at fortifying their minds and spirits against the corruptive influences of extraplanar beings.   Many members study ancient texts, sacred oaths, and sigils that are believed to grant protection or insight into the motives of creatures from other planes. This scholarly aspect combines with their martial duties, creating a dual focus on strength of both body and mind.  

Secrecy and Isolation

The Order operates with the utmost secrecy. They are not to share information with outside organizations unless explicitly approved, and must forego their old ways of life by joining the ranks of The Watchers. The watcher's vow is one that you take for life, it is not something that you can come back from.   This culture of secrecy extends even within the Order, where only higher ranks like the Wardens and Guardians of Realms know the full extent of extraplanar incursions and the metaphysical risks to the world. Lower-ranking members learn only what they need to perform their roles.  

Hierarchy and Discipline

The culture of The Order is highly hierarchical, with strict adherence to rank and command. This is not only a military necessity but also a spiritual structure, where it is believed that the wisdom of the higher ranks carries a divine or cosmic authority.   Rituals and ceremonies are conducted to recognize promotions, celebrate victories, or honor those who fall in battle. The process of ascending through the ranks is slow and requires both martial prowess and spiritual growth, symbolizing the Order’s belief in balance.  

Martial Brotherhood

Despite their serious mission, members of the Order share a deep sense of camaraderie. Having faced horrific extraplanar threats together, they develop bonds that go beyond simple friendship; they view each other as brothers and sisters in arms.   Loyalty to one another is paramount, and this is reinforced by their collective knowledge that betrayal or weakness could allow dangerous entities into their realm. They frequently train together, share meals in communal dining halls, and engage in joint rituals to foster unity.  

Caution and Preparedness

The Order’s experience with extraplanar threats makes them cautious to the point of paranoia. Members are trained to expect the unexpected, and they often carry protective charms, weapons enchanted against specific entities, or knowledge of obscure wards.   This culture of constant vigilance permeates all aspects of their lives. Even in times of peace, members are always on guard, and their fortresses or temples are designed with defenses against not just physical threats but magical and spiritual ones as well.  

Rites and Symbols

The Vigil’s Flame: A sacred fire kept burning in the main citadel, symbolizing the unending watch. Initiates must swear their oaths before this flame.   The Shielding Sigil: Every member carries a personal sigil, unique to their spirit and rank, that wards off the influence of extraplanar entities. Creating a personal sigil is a rite of passage upon becoming a full Sentinel.   The Hour of Contemplation: Daily, every member spends one hour in silence, reflecting on their role in the cosmic order. This practice helps members maintain focus and humility in the face of their daunting task.   Judgment and Mercy While the Order’s mission is to defend against extraplanar threats, they also serve as judges in cases where individuals have been corrupted or influenced by extraplanar entities. This adds a judicial aspect to their culture, where members must weigh mercy against the risk of allowing a dangerous influence to fester.   They have tribunals for those who are accused of treason or of aiding extraplanar beings, with Keepers of the Veil acting as advisors on whether an individual’s soul has been tainted beyond redemption.