The Templar Order
Saying/Motto: "Order, Strength and Purity"
Type: Faction/State
Population: About 250,000 total in the State, 125,000 of which are listed Templars (with a rank).
Founded: 2-0517 (Precise date unclear) , by Alain Brightsword
Precursors: The Arcane Divinity, The Order Veracious
The Dwarven Templars of Tala Rane are among the most feared mortals in all of Amalur. Not all Dwarves within the city are Templars - many make their livings with more mundane work - but all military, magical, research and experimental work must go through The Order. The Templars are thousands strong, a diverse force made up of traditional soldiers, magic wielders and even engineers that build and maintain their technology.
The capital of the land controlled by the Templar Order is Tala Rane itself, with their only other city being Cloudwell to the south.
Tala Rane - and by extension The Order - is currently in a state of upheaval, as the election of the Prefect Maximus is once again upon the city. Like all Templar elections, this one promises to be fraught with conflict and blood.
Ranks
Prefect Maximus
The leader of the Templar Order, voted on once every 50 years. The current Prefect Maximus is Barren Lightbearer, who has held the role for over 200 years. However, he has recently announced he does not intend to run for the position in the upcoming election, leaving the door option for two heirs apparent: Tredigar Hackshield and Katwyn Irongull.
Prefect
A well respected member of the Order, the 5 Prefects control the 5 branches of the Order (Engineering, Magic, War, Culture and Economics). The current prefects are, respectively : Fiora Darkbane, Tredidar Hackshield, Guladin Shortblade, Katwyn Irongull and Wolvar Evermead. Of these, Tredigar and Katwyn have put their names forward to run in the election for Prefect Maximus, although neither has yet named a Second (the Templar that will succeed them in their Prefect role). Elections for Prefects are held every 50 years, out of phase of those for Prefect Maximus (i.e. 25 years between the two).
Octienne
A senior Templar, usually in a position of power over lesser Templars (eg leading a military group, a research team etc). Notable Octiennes of the recent past include Thoradin Clearsight, Mara Smithe and (former Octienne) Samuel Truestone.
Appointment
There are ceremonies held several times a year to promote all of the Templar's to be promoted. It is presided over by a Prefect.
Benefits
The pay is substantial compared with the lower Templar ranks
Evocatus
A seasoned Templar, Evocati are sometimes sent on solo missions outside of Tala Rane, and as such need to be trustworthy, battle-tested and independent. Recent Evocati of notice include Valmet Blessedborn.
Auxillary
Any Templar who isn't one of the higher ranks. Here one finds the foot soldiers, researches, engineers, merchants and artists that are the lifeblood of Dwarven society.