Solana
History records the blessed pilgrims who came from a distant land, drawn to Rathe by the will of Sol. Upon sacred ground, they built the shining city-state of Solana, a realm that would stand eternal against the Shadow. Solana has stood tall for centuries, thriving under the guidance of devout scholars and followers of Light. Knights and templars patrol the walls and defend the inhabitants from those who would trespass against the city’s divine purpose. Solanians believe that, one day, the light of Sol will radiate throughout the land, and bring its blessings to all of humanity. The proud citizens of Solana honor Sol in every aspect of their lives and seek to spread the teachings. From the young to the old, scholars to farmers, all rejoice under Sol’s infinite wisdom. They carry the glory of Sol within their hearts and, as Sol’s divine emissaries, act with courage and honor.
THE GOLDEN CITY
In the center of Rathe stands an extraordinary city built to exemplify the divine majesty of Sol, imbued with divine wards to protect all who call Solana home. The elegance and symmetry is apparent to all who pass through any of the eight imposing gates. Within lies eight city sectors, each specializing in a necessity of Solanian existence. After their Awakening Ceremony, each citizen moves to the octant in which they are destined to work and reside for life. Cheerful citizens stroll the eight grand walkways of well-kept homes, vaulted rooftops, and colorful banners sway in the breeze. The pathways converge at the Amphitheater, and nestled in a series of towers lies the magnificent Solarium, jewel to Solana’s crown.
Even the towering outer wall encircling Solana shines. Sunlight reflects on surrounding golden fields of wheat. Beyond the city, villages lie tucked among the fertile plains, safe under the watchful gaze of their great protector, where knights clad in silver and gold patrol the borders.
CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT
All who accept Sol into their hearts receive Sol’s blessings. However, only those who have fully eradicated the darkness within can become Children of the Light. These are the true Solanians, citizens who live within the city walls. Many are descendants of the original founders of Solana. Villages and towns beyond the city of Solana are home to those who began life without Sol’s guidance, but later welcomed Sol’s light into their hearts. Over time, these people may achieve true illumination, and the city will accept their children and give them homes inside Solana’s walls.
ORDER OF THE LIGHT
The Light is the lifeblood of Solana: a radiant energy born of Sol. The Light guided Solana’s founders to the shores of Rathe, showed them where to build their homes, and protected them from the Shadow. The Light is knowledge, wisdom, and integrity. It is valor and loyalty.
Established to watch over Solana by their ancestors, the Order of the Light comprises noble men and women who seek to spread Sol’s blessings. Devotees fall into two distinct disciplines: the Light and the Hand. Those who join the Light of Sol are scholars, individuals born with a connection to light arcanity. They study rituals and enchantments beneficial to all. Those who join the Hand of Sol are warriors, dedicated to protecting their people on the fields of battle. At the highest level sits The Grand Magister and the eight Magisters, leading figures of Solana and important members of Solana’s Grand Council. They are the Order’s champions, overseeing both the Light and the Hand, chosen to execute the will of Sol.
Through the splendor of Sol, the Order of the Light is a shining example for all of Rathe to follow.
GRAND MAGISTERS
The Grand Magister is an extraordinary individual chosen by Sol to lead the Grand Council. They serve as an exemplar for Solana as the living embodiment of Sol. Tasked with ensuring the well-being of the realm through Sol’s blessings, they guide their people along the path to illumination and a brighter future. The Grand Magister acts as the outstretched hands of Sol, a custodian of Solana in the name of the Light. They are not only a leader to their people, but caretaker and mentor.
There have been five Grand Magisters since Solana’s founding. Each received a title aligned with their vision for the people. The first Grand Magister, the Devout, established the Grand Council, and grew the Light of Sol. Then came the second, the Adamant, who defended Solana from vile invaders. The third, the Radiant, ushered in growth and prosperity. The fourth, the Beloved, was revered for kindness and compassion. Finally, the fifth and current Grand Magister, the Steadfast, is wise and firm. Five magnificent statues now stand within the Library of Illumination, each depicting a Grand Magister.
THE GRAND COUNCIL
The Grand Council is a divine assembly representing the pinnacle of Solanian existence. Led by the Grand Magister, the Grand Council comprises the eight Magisters, and a selection of esteemed archons and templars. The members of the Grand Council lead Solana and inspire the Children of the Light in their journey toward illumination by strengthening their relationship with Sol. Gathering in the inner sanctum that floats above the Amphitheater, the Grand Council decides on all matters of state and spirit which pass into their hands. Paragons of virtue, they embody Solana’s divine purpose to elevate humanity above the reach of the Shadow, ensuring the happiness and well-being of all Solana.
THE AWAKENING CEREMONY
When a child of Solana approaches eight years old, they attend their Awakening ceremony. An archon leads them to a sacred room within the Solarium filled with items representing every trade and profession offered within the city; ancient tomes, swords, shields, smith hammers, aprons, looms, and more. During the ceremony, one item will glow with Sol’s light, thus revealing the child’s destiny.
SEEKERS AND ACOLYTES
Devotees begin their training as a seeker, one chosen by Sol to fulfill a divine purpose. Those born with an affinity may learn to wield the power of Light, an incredible gift and the very essence of Sol’s blessings. A seeker’s foundational education covers a broad curriculum of academia but focuses on the history of Solana. Then they progress to field explorations undertaken within the city, the Golden Fields, and the frontiers of the realm.
After completing eight years of training, seekers graduate to become acolytes and work in the Library of Illumination. Alongside clerical duties, acolytes study the interplay of light and aether. Here begins the delicate development and honing of arcane abilities. During this period, acolytes accompany knights on expeditions, providing both learned and arcane support. It can take up to twenty years for an acolyte to become a scholar, depending entirely on their talent and dedication.
THE LIGHT OF SOL
There are thousands of scholars in the Light of Sol. Trained in the arcane traditions of Light, they study aether and the doctrine of Sol so as to spread their deity’s blessings. Scholars are instrumental to the realm, providing many services to their people.
Many scholars work within the Library of Illumination. It is a great honor to work there, preserving the collective knowledge of Solana. Scholars may author new volumes, contributing and expanding a vast collection of original manuscripts. Other scholars journey beyond the city where they work alongside knights from the Hand of Sol, joining their expeditions and patrols. Scholars also maintain sigils and protective wards around the city, while others are healers, aiding the sick and injured. Or they may teach, instructing both seekers and acolytes within the Light of Sol, and trainees in the Hand of Sol. Acolytes often assume the mantle of teacher, whether academic or training trade and craft professions.
The Light of Sol also includes chancellors and archons, active spokespeople representing each sector. While all members of the Light of Sol are beloved, archons command the utmost respect and love. Solanians know their archon as a civil and spiritual leader who watches over and guides them every day. If an archon becomes a Magister, the celebrations in their sector last for days.
THE HAND OF SOL
The Hand of Sol is Solana’s order of warriors. The order comprises five ranks: trainee, squire, knight, lieutenant, and templar. Their primary task is defending the city, but they also patrol outside the city boundary, scouting for threats, collecting information, and watching over the settlements.
When the order leaves the city, they commonly bear standards, proudly displaying their connection to Solana. Their parties range from eight, up to the largest war brigades with sixty-four members. Typically, most parties travel with between ten and fourteen members. Each party is led by a templar and lieutenant, and accompanied by a scholar from the Light of Sol. Squires, during their training, will join the smaller parties of eight to ten and patrol the golden fields and outlying villages.
Most knights in the Hand of Sol choose to wear a mixture of plate armor and chain mail, providing them solid protection while allowing mobility. While knights’ suits of armor are often plain in design, templars and lieutenants have ornate designs, with engraving and gold embellishments to show their dedication to Sol. All knights in the Hand of Sol take great pride in their role, dedicated in service of their people, their city, and the glory of Sol.
TEMPLARS
Among the Hand of Sol, templars are exceptional warriors. Onlookers gawk in awe when a templar strides the city streets or passes through the gates, drawing stares of admiration because they embody the iron will of Sol. Every knight in the Hand of Sol aspires to the rank of templar to make their people proud. Individuals are hand-selected for this honor, chosen by the Magisters to serve a higher purpose. Once anointed, the templar receives a new suit of armor and a unique mask to show their unyielding devotion to the glory of Sol. Templars serve as leaders and as a shining example for all of Solana. They guide the Hand of Sol to glory, watching over the warriors in their charge and protecting their realm. Aside from their duties within the Hand of Sol, older templars often serve the Grand Council, assisting the Grand Magisters in their guidance of the people.
GEMINI
Neither Hand nor Light of Sol, this clandestine branch of devotees is something else entirely. These mysterious individuals, often recruited from outside the city, gather information from around Rathe, traveling undercover and conducting missions in utmost secrecy. This group serves where knights and scholars cannot, aiding Solana in any function necessary, no matter the hardship nor risk.
SOLSTICE OF LAURELS
The Solstice of Laurels is an annual ceremony, during which squires are promoted to knights, and seasoned knights are elevated to higher ranks within the Hand of Sol. The breathtaking celebrations draw people from across Solana and the Golden Fields. The event begins with a grand procession through the city, where knights march resplendent in ceremonial armor, their banners of gold and white fluttering in the breeze. Citizens line the streets, offering wreaths of golden laurel leaves. Squires collect and present the wreaths at the Solarium as a symbol of unity and devotion to Sol.
Knightly Challenges
Before the formal procession, aspiring knights participate in mock battles in Solana’s plazas. Such demonstrations of skill, in melee and mounted combat, allow squires to prove their worth in front of their peers. The spectacle is a crowd favorite, with commoners and farmers from the Golden Fields all cheering on the competitors.
The Parade of Banners
As part of the procession, each knightly order carries a banner stitched with gold thread and intricate designs. Depicting the stories of Solana’s triumphs and the deeds of the knights who came before, these banners elicit awe and reverence from the spectators as the knights bear them aloft through the teeming city streets.
Offering of the Laurels
Citizens contribute wreaths of golden laurel leaves, representing their devotion to Sol and support for the knights. Squires gather the laurels offered during the procession and present them to the Solarium. This symbolic act allows the people a unique and personal connection to the event, fostering unity across Solana and the Golden Fields.
Blessing of the Light
The ceremony includes a sacred moment where the Grand Magister, or High Archon, bestows the Blessing of the Light upon the new knights. A radiant beam of sunlight shines down upon the Solarium during this moment, symbolizing Sol’s approval. Many people flock there, hoping to witness this divine sign.
Song of the Dawn
Renowned bards and singers perform the Song of the Dawn, an ancient ballad recounting the founding of Solana and the Hand of Sol. The music reverberates through the streets, creating an atmosphere of solemn reverence and shared celebration.
Public Feasting
After the ceremony, a feast takes place outdoors in the city plazas. Rows of tables are overladen with food and drink. While the knights and Solana’s leaders dine in the Solarium, the people enjoy their feast in the open air, celebrating the promotion of the new knights and fostering a sense of community.
Illuminated Procession
At dusk, the official ceremony concludes with an illuminated procession back through the city streets. Knights and squires carry lanterns bearing insignia, or crafted into shapes symbolizing the noble orders and houses they belong to. A warm, golden glow is cast over the jostling crowds as the city celebrates well into the night.
FIRST GRAND MAGISTER
The first Grand Magister of Solana, known as the Devout, was instrumental in shaping the foundations of the city. Under their leadership, the construction of the Library of Illumination began, reflecting their belief that knowledge was sacred and central to Sol’s divine will. Scholars traveled across Rathe, instructed to gather ancient tomes and scrolls. Also, during the Devout’s tenure, the Grand Council was established to guide the city’s governance.
However, once dedicated to the Glory of Sol, the Devout began questioning the divine purpose. Their dissenting views sparked tension within the city. Deemed heretical, the Devout fled Solana under the weight of condemnation.
Despite this, Solana’s written records acknowledge the First Grand Magister’s deeds, from the protective walls infused with magical wards to the emphasis on education and governance. Yet, the shadow of their departure lingers in the city’s history, a reminder of the fragile balance between faith and power.