Brotherhood of Demitrius Culture

Founded at the end of the Second Age, the Brotherhood of Demitrius was charged with the preservation of knowledge. Many in the Brotherhood became great teachers and educated the nobility of Paorr.

At the end of the Third Age, the Brotherhood created the Library of Demitrius. In the Library, the Brotherhood begins to collect knowledge.

During the Fourth Age, the Brotherhood began to grow fearful of the nobility they had once taught. During the more than 300 years of constant war, the Brotherhood gathered all knowledge and went into hiding.

During the Sixth Age, possessing knowledge of scientific principles was seen as evil. Over the course of 500 years, the Brotherhood was tracked down and executed. Only a few members would survive this ordeal and continue their traditions. Because of the loss of the majority of the Brotherhood. The location of the Library was lost.

At the start of the Eighth Age, education began to become more important, and scientific questioning lost its stigma. Though small, the Brotherhood began to grow in size. They were, however, reluctant to come into the open again. It was not until 1658, when the Library of Demitrius was rediscovered in the mountains of Clarusia, that the Brotherhood made itself known, once again.

With the re-opening of the Library, scientific learning dramatically increased. This led to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the 1790s.

The Brotherhood began to accept new members. However, they were extremely strict in their acceptance policy, and eventually stopped accepting new members, in 1832, in favor of recruiting its members.

The Brotherhood is also the subject of many conspiracy theories. Many believe that the Brotherhood is hoarding knowledge and preventing scientific progress for their own agenda. They are even accused of making scientific revolutionaries disappear and starting wars. While none of the conspiracies have been confirmed, the general public does not pay much attention to them, since there is little effect on everyday life. Further, the Brotherhood has shown itself to be concerned with the education of the masses and has established schools in many countries. Some people, including many historians, see them as a force for good, mainly for their alleged attempts at diverting conflicts, or causing smaller conflicts in order to avoid larger ones later.

Orders

The modern Brotherhood is separated into several sections or Orders. Originally the Brotherhood consisted of two Orders. During the eighth age, two more were added.

The first Order is the Order of Acolytes. These are one of two Orders original to the Brotherhood. They are the holders of knowledge and charged with the maintenance of the Library as well as teaching. One must dedicate their life in order to join the Acolytes. Very often, they begin service in the Order of Postulants.

The second Order is the Order of Prelates. These are the high ranking members of the Brotherhood. They have their hands in industry and government, and use (or misuse) their influences to direct the paths they take. Members are selected from other orders, with the exception of the Acolytes. It is impossible to request membership.

The third Order is the Order of Postulants. Also original to the Brotherhood, these are the seekers of knowledge. This Order has the largest membership and generally consists of low ranking individuals. Members are generally mid to high ranking in society and have exceptional knowledge in at least one area of study. They are recruited by other members of the Brotherhood. While each Order is privy to certain information, the Postulants are generally kept in the dark when it comes to the more serious dealings of the Brotherhood.

There is also a sub-order known as the Arbiters. These are the soldiers of the Brotherhood. They are sent out to capture knowledge and technology or to investigate and deal with, individuals who may cause events to go away from the Brotherhood’s design. They act above the law, but solely on the orders of their superiors. Members are recruited from many fields and other Orders. It is impossible to request membership. It is not uncommon for members of one of the three Orders to also be an Arbiter, though it is rare that an Acolyte would also be and Arbiter.

The Brotherhood is governed by a council comprised of three members of the Acolytes, two members of the Prelates, and two members of the Postulants.