The Societas Amicorum Azarana

Post by Societas Amicorum Azarana on Feb 10, 2022 14:24:28 GMT -5

Societas Amicorum Azarana

The Society of the Friends of Azaran



Overview

    The Societas Amicorum Azarana, often referred to as just the Amicorum Azarana or simply The Azarana, is a borderless, stateless society/pseudo-civilization composed of a multitude of primarily nomadic individuals. The Azarana do not come from a unified culture, nor do they have a defined hierarchy, but are rather united simply in the teachings and philosophy of Azaran the Wanderer.

Generally, those who are part of the Azarana will travel across the islands, and along their travels they will stop to help anyone they see who needs it, asking for nothing in return besides perhaps a warm meal, a few supplies, and that the stranger simply pass on the favor and ask the next person to do the same.

Philosophy

    The Amicorum Azarana follow the idea that the best way to help the world is by being a part of it, and by helping on the ground with anything they can. The only stipulations on this are that the Azarana cannot kill someone, nor can they assist in the killing of another individual. Likewise, they are discouraged from taking any political office in any civilization. The Azarana philosophy views politics as an obstruction to their help, rather than an assistant, as the massive amounts of bureaucracy and ease of corruption could prevent them from helping those who need it when they need it. For similar reasons, it is looked down upon to help someone reach a politically important office.

Territory

    As stated above, the Azarana have no real defined territory. However, in order to assist travellers in between hubs of civilization, both those who are among the Amicorum Azarana and those who are not, it is not uncommon for them to set up rest encampments or similar locations nearby to well travelled routes. In order to upkeep them, certain members will often forgo the usual nomadic lifestyle for extended periods in order to take care of them. Here, they will often have places for people to rest and eat during their travels, and visiting Azarana will often discuss philosophy or train together in combat in order to keep their skill sharp. Similarly, in larger cities one is often able to find an “Azarana House,” an otherwise unassuming building which acts as a hub for Azarana visiting the city, where they stay for their visit and where they will often invite those who are in need of help or a place to stay. If someone within the city shows interest in learning about the Azarana, a member will often bring them to the city’s Azarana House to show them what the Azarana do and what it all entails.

Political Structure

    As described above, the Societas Amicorum Azarana has no unified political structure, and in fact looks poorly upon those that exist. Debatably, Azaran could be considered a quasi-leader of sorts(although that is something you will never hear him claim himself, nor will he otherwise confirm any such claim), but seeing as there is no hierarchy that dictates orders to the members, all other members are considered more or less equal, with membership seniority being the only other indicator of any type structure to any branch.

Membership

    There is no process to becoming a member. Instead, the only real process required is hearing about the Azarana and listening to their philosophy, be it from Azaran himself or any other member, and deciding to join the lifestyle yourself. While there is no true uniform or symbol denoting that one is a part of it, many members will often adorn either an article of clothing or a piece of weaponry/armor with a symbol resembling the artifact Deshimóh(see the symbol in black above) in order to let others know at a glance that they are part of the Amicorum Azarana. Often, during membership, one will be taught not only the philosophy of the Azarana, but also a fighting style derived from Azaran’s own, focusing on redirecting enemy attacks rather than attacking head on.

Notable Members

    While there is no internal hierarchy, some members still reach more notoriety among the populous than others. Listed below are some of such notable members(player characters that are part of the Azarana):