The faction leadership is delegated and empowered by the Six Flames, veteran Twiceborn from the faction's reformation; who elect a mortal representative that hold many key attributes to lead their fellows into the Shroudlands. This mortal holds the will, determination, and bravery to step on the path and push through the darkness without a Twiceborn body, a rare find in the aftermath of the Cataclysm. Recognized by the Six Flames, they are known as The First Lantern. Serving as the foundation, glue, and hope for the future to come.
Current First Lantern
Kayln Dagna, an Umbran woman
The Six Flames
The six individuals that now preside over the lodges are known as The Six Flames. Each one a Twiceborn from the time of the reforming of the faction. They are the six of the surviving Twiceborn founders of the restructured faction. Originally seven, they now honor their fallen comrade by passing on their title of First Lantern to their elected leader. Each of the Six Flames took on adepts in the early days (both Twiceborn and mortal), a century later... each is respected as Grandmaster of their Lodges. They continue teaching their individual principles, which has in time held much recognition/symbolism for the faction. Each Lodge may function differently from one another, but they still hold true to their comrade's wishes of bringing hope where others fear to tread.
Grandmasters of the Lodges
The Grandmasters of each Lodge oversees the training and studies of their prospective Adepts. Making sure that each potential new Strider has the willpower and determination to overcome mental strain of facing the darkness of an apocalypse. Through their leadership and lessons, Adepts will proceed through tests and trials to determine if they can weather the onslaught. Twiceborn Adepts are given a particular path, first proving themselves in the Lodge of Cunning to become a Wayfarer, where they can then choose to specialize in another Lodges teachings between Convergences. Below you will find the known recorded information of the Six Flame Grandmasters of the Lodges.
Lodge of Ruin (Dragon): Tallulah "Cleaver" (Cinderkin)
Lodge of the Cunning (Fox): Marik "Mark" Valstaff, "Wayfinder" of Liminalis (Human)
Lodge of the Unbroken (Hedgehog): Egon "Varn" (Ogrul)
Lodge of the Sign (Owl): Gabriella "Trace" (Umbran)
Lodge of Rekindling (Phoenix): "Em" (Stellari)
Lodge of the Adapted (Raccoon): Albert "Patch" (Burrowfolk)
Your Lodge sub-faction as a Twiceborn Lanternward Strider does not have any mechanical benefit or impose any restrictions to your actions or abilities. These are purely for RP and to provide your character some thematic archetypes and motivations to build out your character and future story. Obtaining recognition from a Lodge will require time and effort. All new Adepts of the faction will begin training in the Lodge of Cunning, under Grandmaster Valstaff. For more information on the Lodges proceed to the Lodges and Archetypes tab.
Master Strider
Those that strive to perfect the craft of their lodges become known throughout the faction, earning this esteemed title. These individuals are found in Enclaves, Shroudlands and the Lodges. Always on the move, always on a path. Many stick close to populated areas, or their Lodges in case they are called on or needed quickly. Always working on a task, these folk are determined individuals who will stay out in the Shroudlands for extended periods of time until they have the results they are searching for. These wise and well-versed Striders are often tasked by their Grandmasters to take on an Adept as a Wayfarer; to train and prepare them for the horrors they will face in the coming months/years.
Emberkeeper
There are a few titled individuals to each Lodge that tend to the Ashward flame: Emberkeeper. These individuals ensure that the flame is constantly lit with the right ritual and ingredients to sustain it. Usually only needing proper maintenance once a month. Under dire circumstances, the loss of a Lodge or Rebuilding of one, an Emberkeeper of another Lodge is needed to relight the flame when required. These unique individuals are keenly aware of how powerful the light of the flame can be for both mortals who look on in hope, and bloodless who cower from it in the Shroudlands. As such most Emberkeepers tend to master the arcane magical element of fire, noticing their flames take on a blue hue compared to other flame casters. Some of the most renowned keepers come from the Phoenix Lodge, spreading flame and fire against their Bloodless foes.
Strider
Those who complete their training, prove their mettle/skill, and collect their own Ashward Flame, find themselves capable of surviving the Shroudlands on their own and named a Strider. Capable and adaptable, these individuals are soon after given the choice in a Path of teaching to pursue. Their choice is important, for it determines how they shape themselves to face the darkness. Do they choose to wield mighty weapons or the arcane? The Lodge they choose will help them master themselves.
This titled rank is where many mortal Striders will reside but are not restricted too. Through their hard work and due diligence, they continue the upkeep of The Waystations across the various Enclaves still standing. These Striders coordinate with Enclave-folk to ensure the readiness of convoys as well as scouting the surrounding land, ensuring it's safety. If anything looks too dire, the Waystations immediately alert the factions within the Enclave as well as Liminalis itself.
Wayfarer
Those who knowingly continue to choose to venture into the dark, to bear the light, knows the risks that comes with venturing into the darkness. An Adept who displays the spark of a Strider attains this rank quickly. They may be able to follow a Master Warden into the wilds and train under them for months or years until they have proven their resolve, to be able to face the path of uncertainty in front of you and keep your sanity.
Adept
A newly inducted member of the faction. This is the first step you take on the path to becoming a Lanternward Strider. You'll be facing the darkness, monsters and difficult times with your fellow Adepts. Many in the faction believe this first step filters out those who cannot weather the darkness and therefore cannot take on the burden to carry the hope of others. To walk the dark path requires a balance of bravery, willpower, hope, and possibly a pinch of insanity; allowing an Adept to quickly ascertain if this faction is for them.
