Order of Exorcists

Order of Exorcists
Purpose	Maintaining order and peace through killing demons
Members	Bezemal (creator) Fang Wu

The Order of Exorcists is a cult-like community dedicated to maintaining order and peace through killing demons as well as performing other public services such as exorcism, blessings, and cult investigations. While the Order is separate from local and state government, they are often called to act as experts in certain cases.

History and Structure

The Order was created by Bezemal, who gave them specialized weapons, runes, and a protection mark (which appears as a circular sigil with an lattice-like pattern inside). The exact date of its creation is unknown, though several generations have passed through.

The Order of Exorcists has 3 ranks by which members can enter. Lower ranking or common members are traditional Exorcists, who perform basic services to the community and take orders from higher members. They are identified by the white cord on their uniform robes, which holds their weapons. Higher ranking members, such as Masters who teach trainees, wear red cords to signal their status. The Order is lead by The Grand Exorcist, who is denoted by having his protection mark placed on his chest (rather than hand, as most members have it) as a symbol that he was chosen specifically by Bezemal to lead. The traditional ranking and denotation system is broken for Fang Wu, whose status as Mizar is symbolized through her golden cord and protection mark hidden on her back.

Their primary base is called the Sanctum. It houses their meeting rooms, library, training spaces, storage facility, and san sacra. The Sacra Privata serves as the office for The Grand Exorcist as well as the ceremony space for initiations, and can only be accessed by members of the Order.

Core Beliefs

The Order of Exorcists were given 5 Sacred Duties by Bezemal:

1. Protect and value human life above all else.
2. Act with honor and integrity.
3. Restore order to the world.
4. Continue and teach the tradition.
5. Reject evil in all of its forms.

The Order follows these duties to a fault. Many Exorcists have children specifically with the intention of following the 4th duty. They reject the practice of summoning demons (even for scientific or training purposes) and refuse to kill humans for any reason, except in cases of treason within their ranks.

Training and Initiation

Most members of the Order were born into the tradition, often attending a short weekend school as children to familiarize themselves with the community. Many begin their training at age 12, when they learn the basics of exorcism, study sacred texts, and learn to identify demons. At age 15, trainees begin physical training which focus on speed, endurance, and fighting skills. Before their initiation, a trainee will spend 1 year as an apprentice to an older, and more skilled Exorcist during which time they wear a gray robe. When they turn 18, all trainees are given a test, chosen by the Grand Exorcist. It is usually a grueling task meant to break them down, and some trainees have died.

If they pass, the trainee is given an initiation ceremony, overseen by the Grand Exorcist and witnessed by members. It is kept a secret from trainees. In this ceremony, the initiate's robe is removed and they are washed with anointed water. Members of the Order then gather around and pray for Bezemal to come and bless the initiate. During this time, Bezemal possesses the body of the initiate and burns a mark of possession (what the Order believes to be a protection mark) into their skin with a mantra:

With this mark, I protect you. With this mark, I burn through you. With this mark, you shall be my hands in the war against the demonic. With this mark, I welcome you into my glorious order.

With the ceremony complete, the initiate is dressed in their new robes and congratulated by the members.

Culture

Exorcists give their children violent names, such as after weapons, believing it will scare off or threaten demons.

Exorcists reject displays of weakness, including refusal to fight in battle or trainings as well as being ill or injured. Members of the Order are expected to perform their duties regardless of physical or emotional health, and for this reason also reject medication.

Exorcists also do not value traditional education or schooling. While children attend school until age 18, as it is a requirement of the law, they are discouraged from focusing on schoolwork or attending universities. This is a tactic to prevent members from being independent from the Order.