The Dome of Truth

The large chamber before you is bustling with activity and the air is thick with the smell of lamp oil. Fluted marble columns frame the arched entrance, the heavily armored sentries flanking either side almost indiscernible in their stillness. Gray slate-paneled walls rise to form flying buttresses that support the domed ceiling above. Mounted lanterns spaced at even intervals cast faint shadows that dance recklessly across the flagstone floor, polished smooth by centuries of wear. A handful of sturdy oaken tables, their round tops polished and oiled, form a semicircle around a raised dais in the center of the room. Upon the dais is a massive table of stone, far larger than the others, masterly carved and inlaid with bronze. Stone chairs of like craftsmanship surround the heavy structure, each identical in appearance save one. An enormous throne of gray flagstone sits at the northern end, commanding the scene before it. A shaft of light descends from an oculus in the dome above, illuminating a carved and inlaid portion at the table's center. The chamber is large enough not to be crowded by the several groups that have gathered here. Each is a mixture of officers, advisors, scribes and servants, concertedly working to determine strategy and manage affairs on the various fronts of the Empire.
(Blue Aura) An enormous table of stone dominates the center of the chamber

Look South
The great stone arch at the entrance to the chamber frames the heavy oaken doors through which you entered. Heavily armed sentries flank the support columns, ever vigilant in their watch over the people and happenings within. Their flowing cloaks of snow-colored silk conceal the plate and chain armor beneath, causing them to blend in with the white marble columns at their backs. The silver steel of their halberds contrasts sharply against their pristine garb. To the left of the entrance, wood and iron racks bare row after row of arms and armor, always kept at the ready should the call to battle be sounded. To the right of the entrance, deep shelves extending from floor to ceiling have been set into the stone wall, containing countless documents and contracts. All of the Legion's records are stored here, dating from its inception to the present. A large ink-stained desk sits in the corner, covered in bare stacks of rolled parchment, each bound by a seal of wax baring the standard of the Legion. Beside the desk, a large sheet of parchment entitled "LAWS and RULES of the Legion" hangs from the wall. The smell of fresh ink speaks of new recruits recently enlisted.

Look North
An enormous sheet of white opal rising several spans has been masterfully inlaid into the north wall, accented by cascading banners of ivory silk that descend from the ionic capitals above. Each banner has been masterfully embroidered with the standards of the Legion. Several craftsman labor with hammer and chisel, meticulously carving into the pristine surface. Names. Hundreds of names. Thousands of names. Each with its place appointed and preserved throughout the ages. A dedication has been written into the stone cornice above.

"Live for yourself and die in obscurity. Die for the Legion and live forever."

The scene provides a backdrop that frames the dais and stone council table in the room's center. The throne at the table's head is the only seat whose back faces the memorial.

Look East
An arcade of flagstone and marble runs parallel to the eastern wall, vaulted arches forming a canopy that spans the gallery beneath. The polished stone tiles faintly reflect the painted ceiling above, washing the causeway in a range of colors. Numerous pieces of art and artifacts are on display here. Oil paintings and hand-woven tapestries hang purposefully in the spans between the columns and bits of sculpture have been set into the recessed alcoves that run from the gallery to the southern end of the chamber. Six porcelain statues, astonishing in their realism, stand eternally frozen in all their magnificence atop raised pedestals gilded in gold. A gold plaque has been fastened to base of each, giving name to these giants among men. A seventh statue stands beside the rest, it's once pristine surface burned and scarred. The head is missing, leaving only the jagged stump of a neck behind. The gold plaque at its pedestal's base has long since been removed, replaced by a simple panel of rusted iron.

Above, clerestory windows grace the eastern wall, stone tracery carved with immaculate detail. The light that pours in shatters against the grand marble columns, casting sweeping shadows across the chamber floor. At the northern end of the gallery, three narrow steps descend from the causeway to form a small landing where a simple wooden door pierces the eastern wall.

Look West
Three wide steps ascending into a low, broad platform dominate the western wall. Two enormous columns of white marble, one at each end, rise several spans to support the masterfully constructed and carved entablature above. A large frieze spans its breadth, depicting scenes of the great battles of history in all their glory and splendor. Beneath, a large tapestry hangs, dominating the wall's center. Gilded stand-lamps placed at either side cast a warm light upon it, revealing its piecemeal construction. A small crowd of venerated officers have gathered before it, engaged in focused conversation.

A man of some rank stands relaxed upon the platform, displaying a large piece of parchment to the master weaver beside him. Looking on, the old man dictates to his young apprentice, awing the boy with his ability to take visual measurements of the great tapestry before them.

Look Up
The great dome above you is an architectural wonder. Incredibly, it appears to have been carved from a single piece of stone, placed with utter precision as a crown upon the chamber. Slender curves weave downward from the oculus, transitioning into flowing arches that eventually descend in marble columns. White-feathered birds wheel and weave their way between the colonnades, playfully dancing in and out of the shadows. A shaft of light, nearly blinding in its brilliance, pierces the dome's center and illuminates a portion of the stone table beneath.

Truly, this place is a masterpiece of artistry and engineering.

Look Down
The flagstone floor has been polished smooth by centuries of scuffing boots, giving its surface an unnatural sheen. Each stone has been precisely laid in place by some master of the craft, leaving not a single gap to be found. The only floor covering is a long carpet of wool, cut short and dyed red, that runs the length of the gallery along the eastern wall. A tiled mosaic occupies a large space between the chamber's arched entrance and the raised dais in the center of the room.

Look Table Altar
This enormous stone table stands as the predominate feature in the room. A circle of bronze inlay surrounds the centermost portion, brilliantly illuminated by the shaft of light descending upon it from above. An inscription has been carved circularly into its center, matching the inlay's angle. Its words flare in the sunlight, clear and unmistakable. Additional inlay radiates out from the table's center, straight lines dividing its surface into perfectly equal sections and forming the sunburst that is the Standard of the Legion. Large chairs carved from matching gray stone surround the table, each with its appointed station. Portions of its surface have been worn smooth over the ages by the gauntleted hands of those worthy enough to have sat here. An enormous throne of stone rises at the table's northern end

Look Inscription
"Freedom in Service. Courage in Battle. Glory in Death."

Look Throne
Carved from an enormous block of gray flagstone, this massive throne commands the scene before it. Too large to seat an average man comfortably, it dwarfs the chairs assembled in a semicircle around the round council table at the room's center. Hard and angular, it contrasts with the sweeping arches and subtle curves of the chamber. Heavy armrests connect to the tall tapering back which is angled at the crown. It has no legs, being supported instead by the heavy square base that grounds its incredible weight. There is no padding; no scrollwork; no decoration or ornamentation. Unchallenged, it sits at the table's head, solemn and cold.

Look Memorial Opal
The names of those who paid the ultimate price for the Legion have been masterfully carved into the surface of this pristine memorial, preserved throughout the ages. Everyone must taste death. When your time comes, how will the world remember you?

Look Mosaic
Bits of earth tone glass in a range of muted colors have been cleverly pieced together to form this mosaic. The scene depicts Awhanil, Paladin and Champion to the Fallen God Farin, engaged in a ferocious battle with a host of the Black Conclave of Nashite. The corpses of slain foes blanket the ground at his feet.

Look Tapestry
The enormous tapestry before you depicts a map of the known world. Each territory is represented by an individual piece of colored cloth, all woven together with deft precision to form the scene before you. Two pieces have recently been removed, soon to be replaced by new ones reflecting some shift in the border of an unknown kingdom. Their present absence has left open holes that allow the bare stone behind to show through.

Look Statue Plaque
The six porcelain statues on their raised pedestals and accompanying plaques can be viewed with "look statue1", "look plaque2", etc.

Look Statue1 Plaque1
Kalten, Lord of the Ivory Rose

Look Statue2 Plaque2
Awhanil, Warrior of Virtue. Paladin of Light

Look Statue3 Plaque3
Einskaldir, Honorable Priest of the Dragonlord

Look Statue4 Plaque4
Ozymandius, Warmaster of House Veladorn

Look Statue5 Plaque5
Erond, the Three Fold Paladin

Look Statue6 Plaque6
Keller Amberlin D'Augustine, Paladin of Passion

Look Statue7 Plaque7
Dove the Disgraced. Fallen Paladin

Shard Key
(Glowing) a shard of light
Blinding in its radiance, this shard burns with a holy light

Sunburst Standard
(Glowing) a golden sunburst
This golden pin has been cast in the shape of a sunburst; the Legion's Standard

Rules Laws
The large sheet of parchment hanging on the wall before you displays all of the information about the Legion one might require prior to enlistment. This information has been divided into several sections. LOOK SECTION1, LOOK SECTION2, etc. or LOOK CREED, LOOK ENLISTMENT, etc.

Section1 - Creed Section2 - Enlistment Standards Section3 - Terms of Service Section4 - Structure and Operations Section5 - Rank Section6 - Court-Martial Section7 - Dismissal

Section1 Creed
The Legion of Dawn is the terrible hand of justice whose holy mission it is to seek out and punish the wicked. Soldiers of the Legion are true to their creed and just to their people, yielding obedience to the noble laws and principles which afford protection to the weak and honor the righteous. Let not self-interest, favor or prejudice bias your integrity or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action, but let your conduct be uniform and your deportment suitable to the dignity of your noble order.

Practice fortitude and temperance and uphold the virtues of the righteous. Above all, be courageous on the battlefield and merciless in the face of your enemies. Seek them out and those who associate with them and slay them as they would slay you, letting not misguided compassion or reservation weaken your resolve.

The Code of the Legion:

 1. I shall honor the Legion, the Immortals and the laws of the realm
 2. I shall seek out and punish the wicked, ceaselessly opposing and battling evil
 3. I shall retreat not from adversity nor challenge
 4. I shall protect the innocent and defend the weak
 5. I shall give alms and aid to those in need
 6. I shall endeavor to be a champion of the people and worthy of their respect
 7. I shall honor the righteous and strive to be among them

Section2 Enlistment
To be eligible for enlistment in the Legion, one must meet the following criteria:

 1. Be a minimum of effective level 10
 2. Posses a complete set of equipment
 3. Be in good standing with the Authorities of the Mountain of Knowledge
 4. Be of honorable repute or, if not, posses a sincere desire to change
 5. Be willing to slay the wicked, knowing that you may be slain in turn
 6. Be willing to display your rank and allegiance in either your title or description
 7. Posses a willingness to carry out orders without question
 8. Display a willingness to serve something greater than yourself
 9. Be in obedience to all of the realm's laws
 10. Be respectful of Immortal Authority at all times
 11. Be and remain in strict obedience to the laws of character separation

Section3 Terms
Prior to enlistment, Terms of Service must be established. These are variable and negotiable but must be mutually agreed upon by both the individual and the Lord Commander himself or his appointed official/s. Once the conditions are settled, a contract is signed and filed accordingly for the duration of the term. Violating the terms are grounds for COURT-MARTIAL and possible DISMISSAL. At the expiration of the Term, if an individual wishes to continue their service, new Terms must be established and a new contract signed. This may differ from the initial contract and it is an opportunity for both parties to renegotiate. The details of the terms are as follows:

1. Length of the Term served
While some individuals may wish to dedicate their lives entirely to the Legion, the term served need not be permanent. This may be negotiated prior to enlistment. Should you not wish to renew your service at the end of the agreed upon term you will be released without bias. Being released does not prevent you from reenlisting at a later time. Be aware that contract soldiers may not be entitled to the same ranks and privileges as career officers.

2. Free Companions & Mercenaries
An individual who either has an existing allegiance or is not personally invested in the Legion's mission may still be contracted to serve as either a Free Companion or Mercenary. The two are essentially the same. Whether or not these individuals are formally accepted into the following is dependent upon their situation and the agreed upon terms. If an individual that worships another Immortal signs a contract with the Legion, it is their responsibility to insure there is not a conflict of interests. Once the contract is signed, the Legion will expect that it be fulfilled, regardless of what your deity may think about it. Why such an individual may want to be contracted is explained below.

3. Conditions of the Terms & Negotiation
The conditions of the Terms are limited only by your imagination. While it may not be agreed to, everything and anything will be considered. Depending on the details, the Terms of Service may result in services or reward being bestowed on the individual. In turn, it may require payment or services in some form. Some examples are as follows:

 1. Adventure. An individual wants to (or is needed to) run a zone or participate in a quest. 
 2. Protection. An individual wants to level under the protection of a following but does not necessarily want to join permanently.
 3. Knowledge. Someone wants a piece of knowledge the Legion has or the Legion wants a piece of knowledge that someone else has.
 4. Roll-Playing. A person may wish to serve for roll-playing purposes. The sky is the limit.
 5. Reward. Gold, equipment, experience, payment of debt, restrings. Use your imagination.

Section4 Structure Operations
The Lord Commander has supreme authority over the Legion and all of its affairs. Beneath him is the Council of Officers, who have the duty and responsibility to determine policy, issue orders and govern Legion affairs. The core of the Legion is divided into two divisions: The Companions and the Reserve. The Companions are the heart of the Legion. They stand on the front lines, actively carrying out and executing the Legion's will. The Reserve is comprised of support troops. They stand behind the front lines, handling logistical issues while providing service and supply to the Companions. It will be at the Council's discretion as to whether or not they command the Companions and Reverse themselves or delegate this responsibility to an individual/s.

Council of Officers
The Lord Commander will make appointments to the Council until it is comprised of three members. Once this happens, the powers of selection and induction will shift to the Council itself. If at any time its active numbers fall below three, power will shift back to the Lord Commander. Although the Lord Commander presides over the Council he neither holds a seat nor votes on Council affairs. However, he reserves the right to veto any motion made by the Council and may force a motion into affect without Council approval.

Tribunal
A Tribunal will be formed to evaluate and judge violations, COURT-MARTIAL or otherwise. When and how a Tribunal is ordered will be at the discretion of the Lord Commander and Council of Officers.

Treaties
Treaties may be made with other Immortals, followings or individuals. The details of these treaties will be dependent upon the agreed upon terms. While the Council of Officers may negotiate and draft treaties, none may go into effect without the explicit approval of the Lord Commander.

Crusades
This is the ultimate declaration of war and unrelenting hostility against an enemy. While the Council of Officers may file a motion, only the Lord Commander himself may declare a Crusade.

Section5 Rank
The internal structure of the Legion is based on a hierarchy of Rank. The higher an individual's rank, the more authority he or she has over those beneath them. Responsibilities and duties should be delegated accordingly. Senior Officers will be expected to handle major issues while minor ones should be delegated to Junior Officers. This limits the burden on higher ranking individuals while simultaneously providing training opportunities to those beneath them. An individual's rank is to be displayed in either their title or description unless directed otherwise. The display of rank in one's title is preferred.

Every member of the Legion has the authority to issue orders to other members of lesser rank, though this privilege is typically reserved for officers unless none are present. Refusal to follow orders or excessive argumentation will be considered insubordination and is grounds for disciplinary action and possible COURT-MARTIAL. HOWEVER, members should be "EXTREMELY CAREFUL" about the purpose, nature and type of any orders they issue. The issuance of orders that are unnecessary, self-serving, unjustifiably dangerous, degrading etc. will result in swift punishment being executed upon the issuer. Such punishments may include but are not limited to relief of command, demotion, capital punishment and dismissal from service. In cases of serious offense, a COURT-MARTIAL may be bypassed and punishment executed immediately.

In the event of a crisis, the highest ranking member online will have authority over the situation. This privilege comes with responsibility as they may be held accountable for the outcome depending on their involvement.

Section6 Court-Martial
Breaches of discipline are subject to Court-Martial. A Court-Martial may also be held to try a prisoner of war. Court-Martials will be presided over by a military Tribunal. The Tribunal will determine whether or not the individual in question should be acquitted of the charges against them or face punishment. Sentencing may include, but is not limited to, imprisonment, demotion, capital punishment and banishment.

Section7 Dismissal
Breaches of discipline are subject to Court-Martial. A Court-Martial may also be held to try a prisoner of war. Court-Martials will be presided over by a military Tribunal. The Tribunal will determine whether or not the individual in question should be acquitted of the charges against them or face punishment. Sentencing may include, but is not limited to, imprisonment, demotion, capital punishment and banishment.