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The Golden Alliance Members-only Benevolent Society The Golden Alliance is a benevolent group dedicated to enlightenment and perfection. Monastic and psionic training for self-improvement is at the center of its philosophy. The Golden Alliance is restricted to Kraanicher membership, and was originally founded by the Mietrsohn family in LY 2064 by Mietr and Alexandre Johannesohn with help from the Pine Bluff Abbott, Father Ulrich. The order includes training in psionics, martial arts, athletics, philosophy, and business principles. Psions and monks are common among the membership, while the more martial path of the psychic warrior and mindwalker knight (at higher levels) is also supported. Schools are informal, and operate as private gymnasiums, often attached to members' homes or estates. While the gymnasiums are open to anyone with refined manners and a bit of money to pay the upkeep fees, the true membership is restricted to Kraanichers who are not members of the Brotherhood of Thought. In fact, the Golden Alliance was formed as a counter to both the Church of Pure Flame and the Brotherhood of Thought. While fervently upholding the idea of the superiority of the Kraanicher race, and agreeing with the need to continually strive for perfection, the Golden Alliance rejects the spiritually dead foundations of both "mainstream" Kraanicher organizations. The discovery of devils in the shadows of the Brotherhood strengthened the resolve of the Alliance members and increased their credibility with other Kraanichers. The members of the Golden Alliance follow a traditional Kraanicher philosophy that seeks the accumulation of perfections. In light of the low value placed on material wealth, it may appear strange that nearly all members of the Golden Alliance are wealthy merchants and landowners. The order believes that perfect efficiency in amassing wealth is necessary to leave as much time as possible for more enlightening pursuits. Many members appoint highly skilled and very well paid experts to manage their enterprises in routine matters, according to their instructions. Members of the Alliance have had their share of successes, but prefer to keep them quiet and respectable. For example, Lizelle Kagaard, the Lebensbrüke Minister of Finance, is the daughter of Orvis Kagaard, a very respected leader of the Alliance. Orvis is not only a very wealthy merchant on the Council in Voyreem, but is also an accomplished telepath and monk. Lizelle's general lack of discipline led her on a different path than her siblings, but no less successful, due to luck and her acquaintance with Lady DuKott. Excess wealth is disposable. Donations from the Golden Alliance support a number of charities and schools around Northeastern Lebensbrüke. The order also supports self-defense training, disciplined training of regular troops, and a fund of low-interest loans for businesses. Race is not an issue for any of these activities. The Golden Alliance has also supported the cause of half-elves by providing training, employment, and funding for racially integrated schools. Last updated
03-Nov-2001 |