the Witch-knights

Order of militant Firmamentists that emerged in the so-called heathen lands E of the Korachani empire in the wake of various crusades against Firmamentists and their allies. Most notably the Scourge of Witches. Based in the city of Mahserth in Ahrishen, the order spans many nations and ethnicities, and is most active in Ahrishen, Baatan, Saua, Tamar, Temuja, and Virahan, though members can be found in Khamid, Malan, and Tzallrach.

Originally, they worked to weaken the influence of the Korachani Empire in the free lands to its east, though after its Sundering in 3705 RM their efforts were divided between the High- and Low-empires, as well as other influential regions, such as Venthir.

They act as defenders to those in need and travel the free lands to the E of the Inner Sea, with a focus on lands bordering the Sea of Propontis, where most crusades against Firmamentists took place, explaining their ubiquitous sightings in Ahrishen, where most settlements are under the aegis of at least one witch-knight, who studies martial and mystic techniques to help defend against possible attack. They educate people on the realities of life around the Inner Sea, and dispel myths and fallacies to better-equip people against imperial propaganda.

Their name is intentional, and they have taken the Korachani slur against Firmamentists and made it their own. Some people in the free lands decry their efforts, claiming that they invite further attention and enmity from the Korachani empire, though most support them in their work, welcoming them when they arrive in their settlements.

Witch-knights revel in their individuality and no-two are alike, with differing Firmamental abilities, martial styles drawn from the histories and cultures of their member-nations.

One can only become a Witch-knight by apprenticing under an existing Witch-knight, and travelling into lands of the high- or Low-empires, actively fighting against forces and sentients that oppose Firmamentism. Only upon successfully returning to the Citadel of the Light-aegis in Mahserth is the prospect knighted and granted membership into the order, upon presentation of a unique aluminium sigil.