The Order of Skodanov

The Order of Skodanov, also known as Tetnaziwyn's Disciples, is a cult founded by Tetnaziwyn Gonzo in attempt to counter an uprising within the House of Gonzo. Using the Lassar Grottoes as his lair, Tetnaziwyn travelled across the land of Gielinor to find individuals who he saw needed salvation and "saved" them. He trained each of his apprentices individually, his first and favorite being Evelyn, until the point where they all became powerful enough to be worthy of induction to the House of Gonzo. After each member became a Gonzo, all members had relocated to the Lassar Grottoes, also known as the Cave of Darkness, and continued their learning from there.

Based on the idea that channeling one's rage into their combat would greatly enhance their performance, members of the order use this ideology in training and in practice on the field. After the beginning of the Second Gonzo Civil War, which led to the creation of the orders counterpart, the Order of Altus, a divide was also created in the Aztarwynian religion. The Skodanov and Altus have different views on Aztarwynianism and both are usually found in conflict with each other.

While Tetnaziwyn assumes the role of Dark Haerus of Skodanov, controlling his puppets, Evelyn Gonzo is also considered a leader as she maintains the order while he is away.

Skodanov Ranks
The Skodanov are divided among ranks for future members aside from the original eight. Each rank also brings a new level of respect and power each member is allowed to have.

Each member is recognized by the title of their rank and their name, such as Disciple Marek or Dux Hekzian. As well, members have an option to change their name for a new Skodanovian name to abandon their past and embrace their new selves.

Skodanov Underling
A Skodanov Underling is the lowest of the food chain and is where most would be cut off from the order. These are the discoveries of the Dux, those who show great potential however do not capitalize on it. They are often either convinced or forced to go under the apprenticeship of a Dux.

An Underling is usually removed of any unwanted clothing that is deemed unfit by their master, thus leaving them bare naked in most occasions. However, if the master feels generous, they may be awarded some piece of clothing. Underlings will need to prove that they are worthy of the order, by displaying a high skill or potential in magic or sometimes melee. If an Underling does not make the cut, the most merciful banishment would be amputation of a limb. As the Dux may see them as a waste of space, they normally would take to killing them to conserve the air they breath.

Members of the order who currently hold this rank:
 * Kyrandres
 * Jadeveon
 * Deverin
 * DeAndre

Skodanov Disciple
The Disciples are the next step from Underling, those who have been awarded the honor of apprenticeship in the order. From here, they will learn the ways of the Skodanov, memorize all their teachings and improve their power. They will only take orders from their master, and if need be, the Dark Haerus himself.

Disciples are respected to varying degrees. They earn some due to making it past Underling, showing off their power and being deemed worthy of the order, however they are still treated differently as they are lower than the Dux. However, Disciples who are close to achieving the next rank are often respected more than others.

If a Disciple shows next to no improvement after their promotion of sorts, their master has the right to get rid of them. The most merciful punishment is to be treated as an Underling until you improve, however none shall want to fall so far.

Members of the Skodanov who currently hold this rank,
 * Vesturiel
 * Marek
 * Taurus

Skodanov Dux
The highest honor aside from Dark Haerus, the Dux is the final step for a member of the Skodanov. Once they are named Dux, they are inducted into the House of Gonzo and from here they continue their learnings through the Dark Haerus himself. They are awarded black robes to signify their rank of Dux, and they are also allowed to have one Disciple or Underling for an apprentice.

Skodanov Dux are normally moderated in power by the Dark Haerus, in attempt to counter any sort of coup within the order.

Members of the order who currently hold this rank:
 * Evelyn
 * Christopher
 * Revanous
 * Gregor
 * Tyvage
 * Barius
 * Hekzian

Dark Haerus of Skodanov
The Dark Haerus of Skodanov is the highest rank within the order, only achieved by those who surpass all and lay down their command among all the other Dux. To achieve such an honor, one must be cunning, powerful, and extremely witted as one would need to extremely harm or kill the Haerus already in power. A system implanted in the order to continue to flush out those who are weak enough to fall to those who have seen through their flaws. Due to this system, it is very well possible that a Disciple or even Underling who are not watched as much as others could ascend to such a rank and skip the honor of Dux.

The Dark Haerus is the overseeing master of all members of the order, including Dux. Dux are considered as a higher level Disciple in this case, as they are the apprentice of the Dark Haerus, as well as being the master of all other Disciples and Underlings and has the ability to intervene in one's training in this stage of their ascension to Dux. Due to this, there can only be one in place, with the system in place to replace any who are deemed unfit by the order.

Although that there is normally one Dark Haerus, currently being Tetnaziwyn, Dux Evelyn is also cosidered as Dark Haerus of Skodanov as she is very heavily favored above all and is trusted to instruct the order in the absence of Tetnaziwyn. However, she has yet to attempt to take this role for herself only.

Skodanov Uniform
The Skodanov do not have a complex wardrobe, however each rank wears something different.

Trivia

 * The order had been originally loosely based off of the Sith from Star Wars, connecting with the idea of using powerful emotions to enhance one’s power.
 * Skodanov is a very powerful race in the lore of Aztarwyn’s novelizations, much like Mahjarrat, who were created by Skodna to wreak havoc on Frixion.
 * Dux Christopher is a reference/tribute to Sir Christopher Lee, who had passed on the day of Aztarwyn’s IRL high school graduation.
 * The order can also be considered somewhat of a reference to Death Eaters from the Harry Potter series, with Tetnaziwyn playing the role of Voldemort. However, this is not intentional.
 * The symbol of the order is the pentagram from the Seal of Gonzo, kept red to signify the rule of Tetnaziwyn.