User:Izh/Order of the Empty Sky

= Founding Philosophy =

The Order of the Empty sky is a now-defunct order of Paladins with an esoteric philosophy regarding the Light. While most (if not all) adherents to the Holy Light believe that the power of the Light comes from external and sentient sources, the Order of the Empty Sky believes it is entirely internal. The logic goes something like this:


 * The traditional metaphor of Light and Shadow, while having an unsupportable connection to the real manifestation of these powers, suggest that Shadow and Light are connected in the same way that light and shadow in the physical world are connected. Adherents to this metaphor mean to imply that one cannot exist without the other.


 * The Order of the Empty Sky believes that the metaphor is correct but the interpretation is incorrect and, in fact, far too tolerant.


 * First, darkness (Shadow) is an absence of light and not an entity unto itself.


 * Second, shadow is caused by an entity blocking the light and is not an entity unto itself.


 * Third, light is an entity unto itself with everything in opposition to it is defined by its absence or obstruction.


 * Therefore, as light (and by extention Light) is entirely self-sufficient: it is that it is and requires no particular source.

The Order of the Empty Sky teaches, therefore, that the power of the Light is inherent in every individual and requires no external sources. In fact wielding forces of Shadow is an explicit obstruction to the effective use of Light and a danger to personal autonomy by calling upon external forces to assist in its obstruction. Only the Light truly heals without causing harm elsewhere and only the Light inflicts harm with perfect intent and deliberation on the part of the wielder. All other powers are an abrogation of will to another entity and are therefore violations of ones own autonomy. Only wielders of the Light act with their own exclusive intent. Everyone else is controlled by the whims of others, whether humans, demons, or dragons.

As an expression of committment to the Order, paladins are expected to take one or more Vows of Denial which they select. Traditionally these might be a vow of celibacy, poverty, silence, or (in extreme cases) abstainance from drink, but ordained paladins are free to choose any vow of denial that they prefer.

= History =

The order of the Empty Sky was established by Teraph Allastair before Lady Katrana's rule.

In recent years the Order of the Empty Sky was banned by Lady Katrana Prestor as being subversive. Her dictum abolishing the Order is vague and probably illegal, but the Order has nonetheless disbanded. Those wearing the insignia are, by law, to be imprisoned, but to date no guard has enforced this law and most of the Order continue to wear the insignia though they no longer meet and they no longer teach their philosophy to others. There are, therefore, no new Paladins ordained under the Empty Sky.

= Insignia =

The insignia of the Order of the Empty sky is a blue-black enamelled copper disk embedded in a steel setting. It is usually about an inch in diameter.

= Ranks =

The Order of the Empty Sky used no ranks beyond Teacher and Student. Anyone ordained was considered fit to teach, an organizational choice designed to reflect the essential philosophy of autonomy. That is, if all holy power derives internally, then anyone equipped to wield the power armed with the basics of the Empty Sky philosophy is also equipped to teach it. There can be no higher rank than one who teaches, therefore, and no lower rank still within the order other than one who seeks to learn.

= Members =

Known ordained members of the Order of the Empty Sky include:


 * Izhashalious Orstock

= Rumours =

(please feel free to add your own knowledge or experience regarding the Order of the Empty Sky here)