Wayfarers
The Wayfarers is a mostly informal designation referring to any Tenders who focus on protecting travelers.
Structure
Because Wayfarers are usually traveling, they can't often write back to their superiors for orders or advice.
Mera temples that happened to be near trade routes provide training and logistical support to Wayfarers and prospective Wayfarers, but Wayfarers are expecting to act as autonomous agents and make appropriate decisions in the field.
Culture
Ship at Sea (public domain) by Edward Moran
The Wayfarers are an informal and individualistic group, so not a lot binds them besides piety towards the goddess Mera and a love of travel. Many have adopted cultural norms of long-term sailors in their superstitions, music, and slang.
Public Agenda
To aid good people in enjoying safe travels in the Mera's name.
Assets
The Wayfarers' members need to be highly mobile, so they don't have a lot of permanent assets. There are no temples outright controlled by the Wayfarers but there are Mera temples where the majority of the clergy are Wayfarer's or Wayfarer sympathizers. Some of these temples help sponsor lighthouses or hospitals.
History
The Wayfarers have existed for hundreds of years in some form or the other. They first formed in the very nautically minded Elven Empire and this remains their main geographic enclave.
Recently, a new offshoot of the Wayfarers as split off the Wayfarers in East Colassia, the Oasis Wayfarers. They still safeguard travelers in Mera's name, but they help desert travelers rather than sailors.
by me with Hero Forge
by me with Hero Forge
Military
The Wayfarers don't have the numbers or the inclination to maintain permanent units of holy warriors, but they are not pacifists and most carry weapons and know at least the basics of self defense.
Foreign Relations
They Wayfarers generally try to stay out of geo-politics. They are not pacifists and will use weapons and offensive magic to fight off monsters and pirates, but they generally try to steer clear of warring nations.
Mythology & Lore
Mera is the goddess of many things, but her Dominion is over Scarterra's water. As the goddess of the benevolent aspects of water, she is often prayed to by sailors and desert travelers alike, for different reasons.
Mera's flame guides, Mera's water nourishes,
Wayfarers Titles (mostly informal)
Thirsty: Perspective member Damp: Fairly new member of the order Wet: Veteran member of the order Drenched: Renown ranking member of the order Example: “The convoy is going to be traveling through an area known to have pirates. We are sending three Wets and seven Damps to provide support. If we make a good impression on the crew we might pick up a few Thirsties.”
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Parent Organization
Subsidiary Organizations
Deities
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