Introduction
This is the recruitment and chapter formation documents I wrote for the Lantern Bearers, a guild I intended to create and seed throughout the game world in Chronicles of Elyria, on the NA-West server. While the state of the CoE project now has a shaky future, this was written in late 2019 with the hope that the project would be in full development until release. I had spent a lot of time learning the game’s lore and getting to know the royalty and landowners at that point, so this was all crafted to line up with in-game lore–particularly that are no gods of history so it is up to the people of the land to make and preserve such records–in an area that had already been established as friendly to the cause. It is a lot to read, and there is some intentional repetition between the letter of introduction, the letter from the cache, the details of the original Lantern Bearers from the First Age, and the thirty page member handbook of the originating Quillen-Braudarach chapter in the Fourth Age.
A Curious Package
A package recently arrived at town hall, addressed “To the leaders, academics, cartographers, and adventurers, from the Lantern Bearers.” It raised some curiosity, and wasn’t opened immediately. Cautiously, a traveling cartographer and an elder among the local academics chose to open the carved wooden box, revealing the contents: three sealed letters bound together with twine, and a small hardcover book detailing the rules of the founding chapter of the Lantern Bearers in the productive nearby town of Quillen-Braudarach. They read the contents once, then again at a gathering of interested parties within their town, which you’ve chosen to attend.
Introduction to the Lantern Bearers of the Fourth Age
My dear friends, your leaders, your academics, your cartographers, and your adventures, take heed of these words and understand a duty exclusive to Mannkind. I have been willed an ancient cache of familial documents, describing an organization of widespread historians and distributors or records known as the Lantern Bearers. Beyond my words, I’ve provided two documents that further the reformation of this organization, along with a handbook containing information about the first chapter rededicated to the Lantern Bearers. All of this is to be shared after reading it.
In times past, the history of Mannkind was fragmented, and newly-discovered knowledge would be found and lost with little chance to be recovered. The documents I was given reveal that the Lantern Bearers formed to counter this, becoming a widespread association of local and traveling historians, supported by scholars, cartographers, explorers, and communities who accepted them. They would range the lands, mapping their journeys through well-traveled paths and the new paths that they made, gathering contextual historical information from all people in an area, and meeting together regularly to combine everyone’s records into a master record that would be distributed to lords and leaders near and abroad. They would also provide services to help inform and train locals, and lend a hand with local activities and survival, often interfacing directly with local leadership to be an integral part of the communities where they operate.
Unfortunately, they too were lost, as powerful organizations who thrived on disinformation found the Lantern Bearers a threat to operations. These syndicates used every last resource to bring down and destroy the Lantern Bearers, which ushered in a dark age where the world was no longer connected under a common light. This seems to have happened near the end of the First Age or the beginning of the Second Age.
It would be difficult to re-establish such an organization as this without a great amount of effort and participation from others. I see the value in being connected, radiating our records out as if it were a light for all to see, and I am dedicating my resources to establishing a new chapter of the Lantern Bearers along the river in east Papalias-Gardania where my family has lived for a long time among the modern-day towns of Quillen and Braudarach.
Participation in the Lantern Bearers never required anyone to shed their faith or culture in order to participate. Everyone, everywhere, across lands known and unknown, were encouraged to participate in the organization, and many did. The only exclusion is that participation must not be on a market-driven basis, and information gathered as a Lantern Bearer is shared freely and openly with the rest of Mannkind to the greatest extent possible.
I lay no claim of ownership to the Lantern Bearers, as nobody truly can. I cannot rebuild it alone, and will only be able to create one chapter of the returning Lantern Bearers in my own home region. From what I gather, it was somewhat of a leaderless organization, where those in charge are merely the appointed executors of the policies agreed upon by the chapter and across chapters. In the past the chapters were often embedded in local governments, guilds, academies, and structures of faiths, and I am hoping this will be the case again here in the Fourth Age.
The chapter I’m forming will be dedicated to information processing, skill training, accepting offers to investigate points of interest, as well as to gather up and prepare for a journey with comrades. Local shops and lodgings will be sufficient to support visiting groups, so we will likely have a very limited commissary that pertains only to training-related resources, as well as limited lodgings for those who don’t operate and manage the chapter house.
Information processing is vital for us. Maps and journals will be accepted, consolidated as required, and duplicated for distribution to other chapters and each kingdom’s capital every four years. While we will allow anyone to read and copy from our maps, which must be as accurate and true as we can design them, taking a map would require a fee for materials and labor, and possibly the downtime for duplication if a spare is no longer ready.
In order to be more effective at tasks related to recording our journeys and what they reveal, we will be offering training in a variety of skills related to our information processing methods, as well as staying sharp while ranging out in the open, or when delving into an ancient dungeon. Hopefully the facilities to train all of these skills will be possible without limiting other activities at the chapter house, but plans are still being drawn up for the structure and where it will be placed. These services will be affordable, but not free aside from just asking questions, with the exception of open classes offered to the community every once in a while.
A well-furnished lobby awaits the Lantern Bearers and their friends, as well as a place where locals can post anything from rumors to personally-confirmed points of interest in the nearby area, or commissions from outsiders to investigate interests beyond our local area with enough supplies to cover both the journey and investigation.
What a Lantern Bearer does has already been defined, and to be something else is to not be a Lantern Bearer. I will leave those details to the additional documents I’ve included. After that, the formal details of the new chapter I’ll be forming are stated to clear up any ambiguity.
It is time we lift the veil of darkness around and between us, and bask in the light of our shared knowledge. If you share this goal, send me a message, the address is listed on the delivered parcel. It is time for the return of the Lantern Bearers.
Join me in the light,
Lumifir Illuminaire
Account of the Discovery of the Lantern Bearers
Below is a copy of the letter left in a cache that my father prepared, to be seen when he passed. I believe it is important for you to see it, though it does repeat a bit of what I’ve already stated. He could have shown it to me in life, though he had some interesting quirks, and I suppose waiting until his passing to reveal this was just the result of one of them.
My dearest child Lumi,
This is a culmination of my life’s work, which I kept in secrecy for fear of repercussions of an old feud. What started as a curious question led me on a many-years adventure to unravel the riddle of our family’s past. We’ve always been known as academic explorers, our crest is well-known among those who have worked with us across the centuries, and many of our cousins and relatives have been engaged in similar activities across the land of Elyria, but I never knew the seemingly lost origin of our association with these things until I went out and found it.
I started by first reviewing our familial records and libraries, which unfortunately had a blind spot due to records lost during warring in our former homelands that deposed our nearby kinfolk. I traveled to those lands seeking our ousted kin and their copies of the records, which led me to track down an ancestral cache in a fireproof tree stump, with a box of documents and maps written in a deep cipher. Locating the cache was not immediate, of course, and the stories I used to tell you as a young child were only slight exaggerations of those adventures. You know the stories well now, and you may come across the characters and places in your own journeys. My journal has detailed notes on all of this, to help you on your way should you visit those areas and people.
The cipher took some amount of consulting Kypiq and Neran researchers and elders to decipher, as it turned out to be an archaic language that was being used exclusively in the cartography and encyclopedias of historical data of a previous time. It is thought that most of these documents have been lost, many destroyed in an inquisition of sorts, which is hinted at briefly in a document placed at the top of the cache before it was sealed. Much of the documents were prototypes of a sort of guidebook or manual for explorers, from a group called the Lantern Bearers.
The Lantern Bearers, of whom our ancestors and kin were deeply involved, were local, regional, and distant-traveling academics who focused heavily on recording the history and interactions of Mannkind, and wore symbols of their dedication openly so as to not obfuscate their presence in an area. Our names, our talents, our crest, all originate from dedication to the Lantern Bearers, even taking on much of their symbology. The prevailing mythos of our family also came from them, which is that the gods of Mann are responsible for many things, but none are responsible for the history and records of Elyria and it’s people. While this was meant to motivate, to remind us that we’re responsible for our own fate, it was seen as a slight against the gods by a loud minority with a great deal of influence.
Those offended held much power, which they saw slipping to the newfound purpose and independence of the Lantern Bearers, and they spent their resources of their empires scheming to permeate the minds of Mann with poisonous ideas that would cause them to reject their own history and control of their own fate. And thus, the Lanterns were extinguished through an assault of ignorance, as there was no secrecy to hide behind when hostile forces came for them. Fortunately, in my old age, I managed to do some additional research, and their oppressors have long been extinguished as well, swept away in the wars of the dark age they made. I kept this all in secret just in case, but it turns out that wasn’t necessary at all. Now it is kept a secret because I trust you most to do right with it, so it was only right for your eyes to see it first upon return from your journeys.
Below is a call to action by the founders that headlined the guidebook, which appeared the same way in every version, as if it was the only thing agreed upon to consensus and codified for use. I maintained the formatting of it, but rewrote the document in a more readily-readable language.
I kept you close in your youth to teach you of our ways, and encouraged you to set off from the comfort of our home and familiar lands to travel the open road without me once you were ready. You did well, you’ve continued to do well, and I used your vacancy to complete and gather this body of work. I leave this cache to you to learn, to study, and act on how you see fit, but I encourage you to raise the Lantern and shed light upon Mannkind for a new generation.
Stay in the Light,
Your loving father, Radovarigan Illuminaire
Below is the document my father Radovarigan was referring to. This is the call to action, this was at the front of every Lantern Bearer’s guidebook. Just as I’ve shared my father’s final letter to me, I wish for you to read the work of his deciphering, which was committed to what I believe now to be a memorial to the lost organization. I am using this as the basis for the formation of the chapter at Quillen and Braudarach.
From my father’s journal, the city of Amberlight, and the region of Greenmoon Dusk, existed approximately at the corner of where the modern day Duchy of Ignis in the Kingdom of Ashland meets with Calador and Prismatia in the Kingdom of Valyria.
Once you’ve read this, you’ll understand the motivation, the reason why this parcel of documents was sent in the first place. Please read it with an open mind, consider what it means for our future, and distribute this information to others so they can choose for themselves as well.
Carrying the Light,
It is the light that allows us to know more of our surroundings than what we can feel within our reach. To see in the light is to have confidence in where we stride and what we observe. To live in the light is to learn how we are all connected, and to observe history as it is made before our eyes. To become the light is to shine a faithful glow that guides Mannkind through this world.
Tasked With Our Own Divinity,
For those who wish to heed the call of a greater deed, to serve a higher purpose for Mannkind, the Lanterns Bearers call upon you. There are many things which concern the gods who watch over this world, but that which does not concern the gods are what we observe, where we go, and what we’ve done that isn’t in their respective names.
It is our duty to take on where the gods leave off, to shed a divine light upon the history, events, and pathways of the inhabitants of Elyria. The records we make and preserve of the events observed around us, the records of the past which we discover through investigating relics and ruins of old, the gathering and researching of records from others, all helps us work towards creating a more complete understanding of Mannkind’s current state and possible future.
It is necessary that we form chapters across a wide area to organize our efforts. One such chapter exists in the city of Amberlight in the region of Greenmoon Dusk, and we invite anyone to visit it to learn better how to set up a chapter in their own area, as well as how to make it best serve the local area and its citizens.
To Remember Where The Light has Been,
The records we create are not private to Lantern Bearers, and are to be shared and distributed freely. To do this, we must spread out across the known world, and collaborate with the informed academics of the world to weave every thread and fabric of knowledge together in such a way that we can understand the known world without having the opportunity to see it all for ourselves, as if to cast a light that lets us see the changing state of the entire world in a single glance.
Our goal is to understand what events shape the world, why kingdoms and cities rose and fell over the ages, how people came to be where they are in the world, and what decisions have driven the people of each region to conduct themselves in a certain manner in both their own words and the words of those who have observed them. Our intent is not to represent an alternative to the narrative of history presented by differing groups, but instead to acknowledge each group’s interpretation and record them as such.
And Reminisce Upon Those Memories
Records are made in a way that can be duplicated, or remade with better accuracy by comparing them with previous records. Everything is to be recorded from every available social perspective, especially when concerning current and previous names of landmarks, or local terms for locations and creatures that differ from official or regional terminology. Names, places, history, and intentions, to the best of what Lantern Bearers discover, contribute to the whole of the light shed upon the land through our understanding of Elyria and its inhabitants.
In The Company Of Our Peers,
The Lantern Harmonization is the single most important event for the Lantern Bearers, as it is the only time and place where we meet as a whole to update our timelines, maps, and records of events across the land. These gatherings happen once every 16 years, and are attended by all who can participate or send representatives–those who cannot are expected to send a courier with any records they wish to submit. Once these have been completed, a new copy of all records are distributed to all of the kingdoms, so that they may be duplicated by scribes and distributed throughout the lands.
And That of All Mannkind–
The Lantern Harmonization also gives us an opportunity to get Writs of Passage in preparation for journeys to areas we’ve yet to travel. Diplomats and dignitaries of places near and far would attend, with an attempt to sway the Lantern Bearers to investigate and research their areas, complete with Writs of Passage for those lands. These are formal documents used to prove identity and proof of safe passage. They may be written up with any group that can enforce it, whether a regional government, a town, a caravan, or a group of disenfranchised people out in the wild.
Acceptance, rejection, and destruction of writs should always be recorded separately, so it can be communicated to others that a group may be hostile to the light and prefer to remain in the darkness. A copy of the writ should be carried, another left with the leadership of the group that authorizes safe passage in an area, and the original is stored at the chapter house.
While each chapter supports local activities and history pertaining to the area, we must often go beyond to seek more information, or pursue requests from others, so the ability to travel to and through areas of interest safely is of the utmost importance, and gathering Writs of Passage to facilitate this is essential.
Who We Amicably Approach,
The open road should be a ready friend, as should academies and archives containing local knowledge of wherever you may be. The tools to get through tough terrain and weather are just as important and the tools to cast light and record observations within it, as there’s no way to cast a light further into the darkness if one cannot step deeper into it with their lantern in hand. It is wise to check in with chapters along the way to a different region, to be sure you are properly equipped for what is ahead, or to at least get a better understanding of supplies that may be needed.
With The Embrace of a Lantern’s Glow.
There is no temple, no trial, no initiation into the Lantern Bearers, as we all have a right to cast our light upon this world. There are important tools for these tasks, however, which must be acquired, maintained, and respected, in order to demonstrate your dedication for all to see. And above all, you must respect the Three Primary Principles.
The First Primary Principle is that the Lantern Bearer is always observing, always recording, always learning. If a Lantern Bearer declines an opportunity to learn, it is because they are focused on a greater observation, which may be shared freely with whomever offered to teach them.
The Second Primary Principle is that the Lantern Bearer is always ready to offer what they know, providing everything except their own original and singular copies of records. While it is understood that a Lantern Bearer may not have answers for everything, nor have the time to provide everything if they are pursuing a time-sensitive observation, one who deals in light should have no reservations in sharing it with others.
The Third Primary Principle is that the Lantern Bearer will cast light freely on all who will accept it, and will never cast a shadow on those who seek light. Those who seek the light must be recorded in it, and those who wish to remain in the shadows must have details of their rejection recorded as well.
Mannkind did not awaken with the knowledge of light, of records, of the technologies and events that have brought us to where we are today. The creation and refinement of the tools used to spread the light effectively, and the development of methods used to accurately record what has been revealed, have helped guide the design of a Light Bearer’s objects of ritual participation.
Tools for writing and a medium to record them upon must be light and reliable enough to use on the road, yet durable enough to resist accidental alteration. Additional tools for making measurements are preferred for tasks which require them, but any record is better than having none at all. Whenever possible, duplicates of recent records should be sent to a safe repository, so that the loss of original copies does not contribute to a loss of the light we’ve already cast.
A reliable source of light is important to see the way ahead, and to let those behind you follow safely in your presence. Lanterns which keep hands free are ideal to allow recording or other interactions while traveling, however they can be expensive or conditions may be too dangerous, so anything source of light that can be acquired is acceptable. Use the light to aid your records, and to let others find you from the shadows as you cast a light their way.
Don a yellow or golden sash, and matching cuffs or wristbands, and wear them for all to see. A matching ribbon may be pinned or tied to a cloak or bag that obscures sight of the sash, for better identification from behind. In places where yellow or golden colors are forbidden or dangerous, brighter-colored lattice on a dark ground may be used, and should resemble the shape of the side of a lantern. For anyone who knows of the light, this attire will identify your purpose, but in doing so you reveal that you abide by the Three Primary Principles.
Your Collection of Writs is one of the most important tools for safety, and is mandatory to bring in all travels. The collection is an oiled leather satchel containing every document authorizing your safe access to a region, along with blank Writ of Passage documents which may be filled in by leadership in areas which lack such a form among their own written documents. When visiting a new region, it is always best to get a Writ of Passage completed, or the equivalent official document from leadership in that region.
Forming or joining a chapter helps establish a place where records can be kept, duplicated, and consolidated. Though participation is open to all, it is advised to become a member of a chapter where possible, or to form a new one if none exists nearby. As formation can be fairly resource intensive, more limited, makeshift establishments, such as a house or wagon, can be enough to suffice. Paperwork should be kept to record permanent members, and they should be provided a way to demonstrate their membership to that chapter, such as a written letter or an embroidered piece of attire.
Participating with the local community is of the utmost importance. While we have an extremely important task, we cannot ignore the important tasks that keep us all fed, clothed, housed, protected, educated, and able to pass our knowledge on to future generations. Some housing may be available at a chapter for staff and a few traveling members, but it should be expected that members planning for long term participation in an area become residents or citizens.
With purpose in mind, tools in hand, and courage in your heart, may you go forth and cast a divine light upon this world.
Stay in the light,
Luuthifir & Magdiyl Illuminaire
Standard Handbook of the Lantern Bearers of Quillen-Braudarach
Below the three letters which came with this book, and with an empty roster written at the end, is the member’s handbook. It contains multiple sections about the history and rules of the Quillen-Braudarach chapter of the Lantern Bearers, and an empty roster at the end.
1) History of the Formation of the Lantern Bearers of the Fourth Age
In accepting that nobody above us is dedicated to the archival or dissemination of the history and records of what goes on across Elyria, the scholars and leadership of the past believed that it was up to the inhabitants of Elyria to take this on as our own divine duty. This led to the formation of the Lantern Bearers, which was dedicated to recording, consolidating, and distributing maps and records of that which Mannkind had discovered.
The Lantern Bearers started early in the First Age, and lasted until near the end of the First Age or beginning of the Second Age, where they were mostly wiped out by powerful entities who could not operate to their fullest expansionist power without having the ability to spread disinformation by getting rid of historical records and their keepers.
A cache containing information about the Lantern Bearers had been discovered in the area formerly known as Greenmoon Dusk, which existed near the intersection of the modern-day duchies of Ignis, Calador, and Prismatia, in the kingdoms of Ashland and Valyria. Accounts of the cache, left by Luuthifir & Magdiyl Illuminaire, were discovered at the end of the Third Age by Radovarigan Illuminaire.
In what we now know to be the Fourth Age, Lumifir Illuminaire has reestablished the Lantern Bearers in the regions of Quillen and Braudarach, and the Quillen-Braudarach chapter is the first of the Fourth Age. This handbook you now hold is based on those documents, as is Introduction to the Lantern Bearers of the Fourth Age. Those historical documents are Account of the Discovery of the Lantern Bearers by Radovarigan Illuminaire, and Excerpt of the Guidebook of the Lantern Bearers of the First Age by Luuthifir & Magdiyl Illuminaire, which are available to review at the chapter house.
2) Membership
The Lantern Bearers exist to be as inclusive and all-encompassing as possible, but it is important to prioritize access to services and resources to those who are in direct connection to the Quillen-Braudarach chapter and the local community.
Anyone can become a member of the Lantern Bearers. A thorough and demonstrable understanding of the goals and principles of the Lantern Bearers, along with a genuine desire to participate in advancing those goals and enacting the principles. An individual participating member is a Lantern Bearer. Members of this chapter are expected to live in or near either Quillen or Braudarach, and we will provide an opportunity to meet with local leadership to request residency in the area.
Chapter Executives are members who are responsible for gathering the input of members of all levels, local leadership, and the local community, for how best to direct services and operations. Executives are the directors and aggregators on consensus, rather than members granted unilateral power over the Lantern Bearers. A small hierarchy of executives is used to split duties or cover absences.
Active Members are expected to contribute at least once yearly to remain active. This is a contribution of work, materials, payment, or a combination of these, which aids in the operations and activities of the Lantern Bearers. This is not a massive deed, but bits of help and assistance throughout the year is important to maintaining and advancing operations.
Operating Members are active members who manage, direct, handle, and take on the bulk of the Lantern Bearers’ responsibilities of the Quillen-Braudarach chapter. Administrative and operational staff, instructors, groundskeepers, supply commissioners, exploration teams, and members associated with the compilation and maintenance of journals and maps, make up this group of members. These members have the highest priority in terms of access to resources and services. In times of need, these members are often requested to assist the local community with tasks such as farming, hunting, defense, diplomacy, and investigation.
Inactive Members participate with the Lantern Bearers, but do so infrequently, and do not meet the minimum participation thresholds set for the given time. While they may receive services at a higher priority than some others, they will be limited from services that Active Members and Operating Members can access. Inactive Members are still expected to uphold the goals and principles of the Lantern Bearers, even if they are not trying to actively participate with operations in any way.
Distant General Members are all active and inactive members from outside the area of Quillen and Braudarach. While they are respected as members, a proper vetting is required before access to guest services is granted, and may be supervised as they work to reduce the risk of theft or destruction.
Disgraced Members are individuals who had previously participated or represented themselves as Lantern Bearers, but committed singular or multiple actions egregious enough to warrant removal. Being disgraced is a matter not taken lightly, as word is spread to every Duchy across the known world of the disgrace that occurred, along with confirmation of removal from the Lantern Bearers. Except in matters of life-or-death, disgraced members are to be offered no services, aside from any individual’s personal assistance in helping correct the disgraced behavior.
3) Councils of Peers
A Council of Peers exists to allow a smaller portion of members to help facilitate decision-making of the organization, through presentation of correct and forthcoming data, rather than using incorrect or incomplete information to target a specific result. Leadership among the Lantern Bearers has a duty to be fair, unbiased, and objective, acting to gather opinion and consensus to make fair and informed decisions that can be backed with the confidence of the entire organization.
Decisions on operations, rules, services, guidelines, and defining anything which remains ambiguous, is facilitated by the Council of Peers. Requests, inquiries, and proposals should be prioritized based on immediacy, and then on the general priority order, but should all be addressed at the end of the year or sooner. When a request, inquiry, or proposal is presented, it is disseminated to members to discuss, and provide input on whether it seems acceptable or not, providing as much detail as they see fit. Sometimes the local citizenry or leadership may also need to be asked for input. The council then gathers the input and attempts to find one or more avenues to address the request, inquiry, or proposal, which is voted on among active members. Further input and modification may be requested during the voting phase, and will continue until votes are cast with consensus and no more additional input. For a contentious subject, presence may be required to hold multiple rounds of voting and input without delays.
Gathering and reviewing input from members and the local community can be assisted by members of all levels, or even local leadership and their resources when available and necessary. This must still be carried out without bias, to achieve an agreeable result.
Elections are conducted every sixteen years, when a council member resigns, or is otherwise removed from their post. This should include the number of council members to have, if there is any specific task or focus a particular council member should have, and finally deciding which members are elected for the Council of Peers. Appointment of Emergency Council members should also be done during the election, and these members will fill the roles of unavailable or removed council members.
Removal of a member from the Council of Peers is handled through a proposal, so that it can be properly assessed and voted on by active members. Other levels of members may also be included in the vote if they were active during any part of that council member’s term. This is to be handled as a high priority issue, and addressed before yearly voting is handled.
If a member of the council has been inactive for one year, or is traveling abroad during part of their term, an Emergency Council member will fill their role. If more members are gone than there are members of the Emergency Council, the Emergency Council will represent only as many votes as there are members, and will not represent more than one Council of Peers member vote per Emergency Council member.
4) Goals and Principles
The Lantern Bearers were first formed to be the heralds of history and understanding for the world of Elyria and its inhabitants, and we exist now to reignite the light of knowledge and its preservation. As in the past, we see that none of the gods of this world concern themselves with preserving the history and interactions of Mannkind, and so we are tasked with a deed most divine in preserving our own records and history. This does not mean one must shed their culture or faith to participate, but instead to include all perspectives for a more complete view of the state of various people, places, and events.
We are focused on observing, researching, investigating, recording, consolidating, and distributing information in the form of maps, journals, research presentations, and limited encyclopedias. Wherever possible, information should be gathered from many sources to get a broader idea of a subject, especially if there are discrepancies between local or cultural and official information. Whenever possible, records should be submitted to the chapter house, so they can be processed for archival and distribution. This is essential to maintaining active membership, and is how active members contribute most to the Lantern Bearers, who can then spread the information to points of distribution, archival, and academic or diplomatic use.
Knowledge of the world does not come to us, and the world does not come to us regarding knowledge. Visiting nearby or distant areas, receiving requests to investigate points of interest, creating maps and journal entries about areas yet unrecorded, and taking time to understand more about the various tribes and cultures of the world, is how we obtain more information about the people, places, and events of Elyria.
Lantern Bearers are expected to improve themselves as well, to take the time to learn that which is new to them, to take on new skills, take the time to train and prepare for journeys outside the safety of the chapter house. Whether heeding the call to assist in investigations, assisting in the stability or survival of the Quillen-Braudarach area, or to fill a vacancy within chapter operations in times of emergency, preparedness is what lets us make the most of opportunity, and shine brightly in times of need.
Our goals are accompanied by a few guiding principles, from which the rules of membership and participation are derived:
Recording and reporting information to the chapter house is the most critical aspect of active membership.
Carrying recording tools and a means to illuminate the area around you are important to taking notes and capturing details in your travels, which can later be used for creating and updating maps and journals. When available, these should be freely provided to members, and in large supply for investigations at a point of interest.
Every year, whether in-person or through a delivered package, members are expected to provide any information they’ve gathered to the chapter house, aside from private and personal information that has been asked not to be shared or is inappropriate to share, and aside from information that has been asked to remain private by the leadership of the area where it was acquired. This is then received by Operating Members to be duplicated, processed, archived, and distributed.
Every sixteen years, members should gather to revise and consolidate our collective knowledge, especially in the presence of other chapters when possible.
While this formality is needed, sharing information may be done more freely in-person with anyone met along the way. It is encouraged to share information with anyone who recognizes a Lantern Bearer and is in need of guidance. Record these encounters, whether they be with people known or unknown, friendly or not.
Representing yourself as a Lantern Bearer is an important principle of active participation, and includes both appearance and civility in all interactions.
It is important to wear attire to demonstrate membership and participation. Don a yellow or golden sash, and matching cuffs or wristbands, and wear them for all to see. A matching ribbon may be pinned or tied to a cloak or bag that obscures sight of the sash, for better identification from behind. In places where yellow or golden colors are forbidden or dangerous, brighter-colored lattice on a dark ground may be used, and should resemble the shape of the side of a lantern. Between items held in stock, and being able to order from local craftspersons, the chapter house should be able to assist with obtaining this attire.
Civility and decency is expected of Lantern Bearers at all times. Being polite, courteous, empathetic, and forthcoming, is important to sow trust and good will among those one will meet. This is important to improve the ability to gather information, as well as presenting the Lantern Bearers as a respectable organization, to ensure the safety and quality of future interactions. While attempting to intimidate threatening entities to avoid confrontation is acceptable, any incivility that occurs in the process should still be addressed and remedied afterwards, if doing so is reasonably safe and possible.
The Lantern Bearers have a duty to aid all of Mannkind, and priority radiates outward from the chapter house, to the local community, county, duchy, kingdom, continent, and finally the rest of the world.
Duty to the local community is mandatory for this chapter to exist, as the Lantern Bearers do not operate as a profiteering and expansionist enterprise, and rely on the community in which they operate to remain in residence. In turn, Lantern Bearers do their part to contribute to the general well-being of the area, including food security and assisting with local emergencies, and providing discounted services. Should we one day be forced to move the chapter to wagons or ships and become mobile, we will revisit this section.
It is not just by the graces of generations of mayors of what are now Quillen and Braudarach, but as well by that of leadership in what the Duchy of Sanctiphandri and the Kingdom of Ashland, that we are able to exist and operate as we do. In return, we act as academic collaborators, partners in sharing maps and historical details, and investigators of reported points of interest and oddity. This does not mean that we are to shut out any outsiders, but to recognize that we have a priority based on where we are located.
Membership is open to all, but it is through demonstration of participation and adherence to the Lantern Bearers that one can first be recognized as an active member.
Taking steps to demonstrate participation is the first step. Visit the chapter house, register your intent to participate, and you’ll receive an orientation by member or by manual. Membership to this chapter requires residence or long-term lodgings in Quillen or Braudarach, which you will need to be able to demonstrate during registration. The Lantern Bearers will aid in legitimate requests for residency for anyone who demonstrates participation but is not a resident or staying at long-term lodgings in the area.
5) Acts of Disgrace and Remediation
An act of disgrace is anything so egregious that it harms the operations or reputation of the Lantern Bearers. After an internal investigation led by Council of Peers members has been completed–which may include local assistance if authorities are needed–an offending member shall be labeled as disgraced, and stripped of their access to the chapter house. Claims of disgrace may happen outside the local area, as participation in the Lantern Bearers does not end at the edge of the Quillen-Braudarach area.
Damaging, mistreating, destroying, stealing, selling without authorization, or intentionally losing singular original data sources, rare equipment, or property belonging to the Lantern Bearers, will be assessed for disgrace. Anything that can be easily mended or replaced is not to be assessed. Replacing the value of what was lost, or completing a sufficient investigation to replace the lost data, is required to rejoin.
Sabotaging existing relationships with communities, governments, organizations, or individuals of significance, will be assessed for disgrace. Depending on the member’s involvement, the severity or the damage caused to the relationship, and the amount by which it may impact Lantern Bearer operations, the member will need to be called upon for a task that will allow them an opportunity to redeem themselves.
Openly attacking other people is strictly forbidden, and only in times of defense or danger should striking first ever be considered. Stealing or needlessly damaging the property of others is strictly forbidden. Needlessly slaying domesticated animals is strictly forbidden. As reports of these activities by members come up, they will be investigated, and may lead to both disgrace, and being turned over to authorities for any crimes committed. Those who have been attacked, or whose property has been damaged, are to be asked what remediation they would require before the disgraced member should be allowed to rejoin.
6) Services and Priorities
There are a variety of services and resources provided by Lantern Bearers to its members, local citizens, visiting members, and everyone else. Depending on priority, both gaining access to these services and the cost to utilize these services vary, and the variance is dependent on the form of service being provided. At any time, local leadership may impose itself at any level of priority, though anything less than an emergency may not necessarily be immediately addressed.
The order of priority relates to both time-sensitive matters, and matters of conserving or expending resources. Below is the order of priority provided to everyone:
Local Regional Emergencies
Local Operating Members
Local Active Members
Local Inactive Members
Distant Operating and Active Members
Local Town Citizens
Distant General Members
Duchy Citizens
Kingdom Citizens
Citizens of Other Kingdoms
Disgraced Members
Other Disgraced Individuals
Local Regional Emergencies are situations where immediate assistance is required, such as harvesting crops before an early change in the season, or coming to the defense of the area to repel a large force of raiders. All members at all levels are expected to take this on, even visiting and inactive members, up to the amount of members needed to handle the emergency. Lantern Bearer resources should be expended as frugally as possible for these such occasions, unless compensation for expenses and participation are offered.
Local Operating Members are critical to the operation of the Lantern Bearers, so the ability to receive top priority service allows them to resume uninterrupted duties as soon as possible. Operational materials and access to training are provided diligently and without hesitation. Access to tools and resources for tasks, such as expeditions or investigations, is provided at the same priority as Local Active Members.
Local Active Members receive high priority, and are expected to act upon whatever they use their priority to access in order to advance the Lantern Bearers. Tools, materials, and resources can be obtained at the minimum compensation cost from the commissary, provided that they are for a task such as an expedition or investigation. In cases where a larger group is needed, more resources may be allocated to assist the group’s success. Training should be provided for the cost of instruction materials only, and provided to as many members as possible at a given time.
Local Inactive Members are not expected to be as active, and are not expected to be using a great deal of their time pursuing tasks and activities for the Lantern Bearers. These members should be expected to provide slight compensation beyond the usual cost of training, and possibly requiring extra compensation for access to less common items from the commissary in limited supply. If an inactive member is given a direct request from leadership for a complicated task, they are to be provided with any applicable training and resources similar to what a Local Active Member would receive.
Distant Operating or Active Members are to be treated similar to Local Inactive Members. If lodgings are available, they may be provided freely or for a small compensation, though in the case of a member who is bringing maps and journals, or providing special training in areas where the chapter lacks instructors, lodgings may be provided freely as part of compensation for what they’ve provided. Members visiting from a newly-established chapter must provide sufficient documents and materials to demonstrate the establishment, goals, and the location of the new chapter house. Aside from emergencies, these members are not called upon for active tasks or duties.
Local Town Citizens are to be given moderate discounts and priority over other non-members, as we have a duty to aid the local community. Access to maps, training, and details of our activities should be available to them, though more common supplies they can get elsewhere in the nearby area should be acquired elsewhere. Reports from citizens are important in discovering possible points of interest to investigate in the areas surrounding Quillen and Braudarach, and these should be taken with as much detail as possible. Proof of citizenship should be provided, but a citizen known to members as a local may bypass such formalities.
Distant General Members are members from other chapters who have not been disgraced, but are not operating or active members. Wearing their chapter’s attire, and carrying a guidebook from their chapter, is the minimum required to prove membership to a distant chapter. While their needs may be addressed at a lower priority than Local Town Citizens, Distant General Members may be invited to share their maps, records, and journal entries, which should be treated at a higher priority similar to that of an active member.
Duchy Citizens have a lower priority than Local Town Citizens, and receive only a slight discount to goods and services. While we are focused on supporting the local community, that community itself relies on the greater community of the duchy for important services like defense and emergency assistance. Reports about points of interest are still of importance, and will take a higher priority if possible. Proof of citizenship is required to receive this level of priority.
Kingdom Citizens have a slightly lower priority than Duchy Citizens, and receive no discounts to goods and services. Citizens of the kingdom are still treated with the same respect and civility as any others, as they share our struggle to survive and thrive within the kingdom, however traveling to the chapterhouse for anything beyond reporting a point of interest will be met with the most basic level of priority. Proof of citizenship is required to receive this level of priority.
Citizens of Other Kingdoms need no proof of citizenship, though documents that permit their access to the region may be required. They receive the same level of priority as Kingdom Citizens, however any reports taken regarding points of interest outside the kingdom will be taken whenever possible, not necessarily as a high priority. Some data may be restricted from distribution based on the laws of the kingdom.
Disgraced Members are only allowed to participate in a limited context by invitation, after making a formal request to begin remediation. The member’s activities and support will be limited to the context of the remediation itself. Outside of this, or emergency situations, disgraced members are to be treated with civility, but denied any request for goods or services, and have any information they provide met with the highest suspicion.
Other Disgraced Individuals are all other people who have committed acts of disgrace toward the Lantern Bearers. These individuals receive zero priority, though an appeal may be heard once every four years. Except under order by local or regional authorities, these individuals are to receive no priority or access to services.
7) Leave, Travel, and Expanded Relations
Taking Leave (break from duties). Different types of leave are acknowledged differently.
Personal Leave is any leave taken for personal, familial, or religious purposes. Operating and Active Members will retain the priority of an Active Member through the expected period of leave, though anything longer than one year will require yearly check-ins or some other acknowledgement of activity. Operating members may find another member has taken up their role, especially if it is a critical one, and both members should work together to reconcile the ideal choice for the role.
Professional Leave is any leave taken in pursuit of skill development, or taking on self-appointed tasks for the Lantern Bearers that require leaving the area. Operating and Active Members will retain the priority of an Active Member through the expected period of leave, and are expected to check in at intervals they arranged beforehand. This should be no longer than four years, except under extenuating circumstances. Operating members will be expected to relieve any member that is standing in for their role, though the transition may take as long as a year to complete.
Involuntary Leave is any form of leave for which the member has no choice, such as being summoned to meet with royalty, or being incarcerated for a perceived infraction. Should leave be on honorable grounds, Operating and Active members will retain the priority of Active Members, though finding someone to stand in for a vacant operational position will happen immediately, and they will hopefully be relieved quickly as the member returns. Should leave be on objectively dishonorable terms, membership will lapse to an Inactive Member, and the cause for leave will be addressed as potential grounds for disgrace.
Travel provides great opportunities to help the Lantern Bearers gain a new understanding of the areas traversed, and the people visited. Lantern Bearer attire should be worn whenever it is safe, so any who identify it hopefully acknowledge the duties of the wearer. Opportunities to learn from others should not be passed, unless danger is imminent, or resources will start to run thin without an opportunity to replenish them.
Writs of Passage are formal documents which grant travel access through an area. Writs relevant to the journey and destination should always be carried when traveling. Sets of blank triplicate forms for new writs should be carried alongside those needed for a journey in a weather proof bag or case. When a new writ is made, one copy is kept, one copy is archived at the chapter house, and one copy is left in the possession of that authority figure for the region where the writ is made. Filing writs and obtaining triplicates is offered freely for inactive, active, and operational members. Writs of Passage are no longer recognized if a member becomes disgraced.
Expanding Relations is a task that can be assigned or requested based on an actionable plan to establish and foster relationships with communities and organizations both nearby and distant. The kinds of relationships sought include opening travel access to an area for the entire chapter, establishing a supply or information trade partnership, arranging for extended lodgings and services for members to pursue investigation requests outside of the general Quillen-Braudarach area, or helping to establish a new chapter that is attempting to form. Requests to expand relationships should be addressed at a high priority by the Council of Peers, who must assess membership and supplies to allocate if the request is granted.
8) Relations Outside the Chapter
It is important to maintain relationships we’ve established, and continue to honor arrangements we’ve made with them. At least once every sixteen years, these should be revisited and renewed if needed.
Lantern Bearers Chapters are critical to keep in communication and maintain a relationship with, as we are all striving towards the same goals, and should be aware of what the other chapters are doing. Each chapter provides a member roster, along with any relevant updates, at least once every four years, when there has been substantial changes in membership, or at any time when a member has become disgraced. It is possible for chapters to request assistance from other chapters as well, especially in cases of an investigation that will require a larger group of members than the chapter has available.
Local Regional Relationships within the areas of Papallias-Gardania, Sanctiphandri, and throughout Ashland, are important to build and maintain. Establishing rapport with the settlements and citizens in these regions is necessary to build trust and familiarity, which leads to more opportunities to learn about the world around us whenever we’re summoned for an investigation. Good relations will assist us with supply-related trade as well, and being able to get writs of passage and travel access in general.
Distant Regional Relationships with areas outside Ashland are welcome, but not necessarily a priority unless a chapter is going to form there, or it is a regularly-visited area for investigations. Investigation requests are welcome, but due to the distance, it is expected that whomever provides the investigation shall supply and house participating members.
9) Operational Membership Positions & Roster
Chapter Executives
Diplomatic Executive
Operations Executive
Council Executive
Membership Executive
Council of Peers
Operating Members
Active Members
Inactive Members
Disgraced Members