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Mission Statement:
Noctemira Recondite, the Investigation Bureau of Underlight, was founded to uncover the mysteries of the Dreamstate, safeguard the future of this dream branch, and ensure that dreamers may explore the deeper spiritual truths the Dreamstate offers. This organization operates with the utmost reverence for the Living Dream, the embodiment of creation and order. It dedicates itself to Her service, ensuring that the dream realm remains safe from void, corruption, and unknown threats encroaching upon the Dream City’s boundaries.
Structure and Ranks:
Custodian and Inquisitor:
At the pinnacle of Noctemira Recondite sits the Custodian and Inquisitor, the most experienced and spiritually attuned members of the organization. They serve as the most reliable analysts of the Dreamstate and the steward of the Living Dream's interests. They are entrusted with the guidance of the bureau, ensuring that its members act with integrity, wisdom, and precision. The Custodian and Inquisitor make final decisions regarding dream investigations, alliances, and the direction of the bureau’s growth.
Oath of the Custodian/Inquisitor:
"I, [Name], the Custodian/Inquisitor of Noctemira Recondite, swear to serve the Living Dream with unwavering loyalty. I vow to protect the citizens of Underlight, uncover the mysteries of the Dreamstate, and ensure the sanctity of its order. In the face of void and temptation, I will hold true, for my path is that of the eternal watch. The Dream shall endure through me."
Duskwatch:
The Duskwatch is the officer rank within Noctemira Recondite. They are the enforcers of the bureau’s procedures, leading and assisting in investigations, as well as ensuring the safe passage of dreamers that seek Sanctuary through the Lambent planes. Each Duskwatch is responsible for overseeing a small contingent of informants in the Dream City. Collection and delivery of this information is vital to ensure that all investigations have the most up to date information and/or that preparations can be made for new inquiries. They are the backbone of Noctemira Recondite’s investigative and protective efforts, ensuring that all threats, be they mundane or supernatural, are dealt with swiftly.
Oath of the Duskwatch:
"I, [Name], as Duskwatch of Noctemira Recondite, swear to uphold the bureau’s procedures and ensure the protection of dreamers seeking Sanctuary through the Lambent planes. I will lead investigations with honor, gathering and delivering vital information with diligence. I vow to oversee those under my watch with integrity. Whether mundane or supernatural, nothing shall prevent the truth from being found and preserved by my hand."
Borderview:
The Borderviewers are new recruits and aspiring investigators, often tasked with basic investigative duties and learning the delicate intricacies of the Dreamstate. Borderviewers must prove their understanding of dream energies, spiritual sensitivity, and investigative prowess before advancing to the rank of Noctemira Recondite. They often assist in observing dream phenomena, cataloging entities, and providing reports to their Duskwatch superiors. Their primary focus is learning how to navigate the dangerous elements of the Dreamstate, including the chaotic voids that threaten Thornhaven. Though they also act as informants, they have sworn oaths to place Noctemira Recondite, and its principals, above self. Borderviewers are encouraged to develop their own title for them to be referenced by.
Oath of the Borderview:
"I, [Name], as Borderview of Noctemira Recondite, pledge to observe, to learn, and to protect the sanctity of Underlight. I will approach the unknown with respect and vigilance, knowing that the safety of Thornhaven depends on the actions of the few who dare to see beyond the veil. I shall seek knowledge without greed and defend our Dream with honor."
Core Values:
Reverence for the Living Dream and Truth:
Noctemira Recondite is founded upon the principles of serving and honoring the Living Dream, the embodiment of the ordered Dreamstate, and bringing the truth to light so that She, and those who share in her bounty, may be better preserved. Though members ideally share the same priorities, some flexibility in interpretation is allowed. Each mission or investigation is undertaken with the understanding that the truth is paramount, regardless of who or what may be uncovered and involved.
Exploration of the Unknown:
The Dreamstate holds many mysteries, from forgotten histories to untapped energies and unknown entities. Noctemira Recondite exists to explore these mysteries, uncovering the truths hidden within the dream's layers. Whether investigating past events or prophesying future occurrences, members of Noctemira Recondite approach the unknown with a balance of curiosity and caution.
Protection of Underlight and Thornhaven:
As dreamers venture deeper into the Dreamstate, they risk encountering chaotic voids, demonic entities, and forces of corruption. Noctemira Recondite’s primary duty is to protect Underlight, the Thornhaven branch/variant, and the dreamers within from these dangers through knowledge. Whether it be through direct intervention or by researching defensive methods, the safety of the Dream is their top priority.
Spiritual Fulfillment:
Noctemira Recondite believes that the Dreamstate offers more than mere knowledge or power; it provides spiritual enlightenment and personal growth. Members are encouraged to seek fulfillment not only in their duties but in their deeper connection to Underlight, Thornhaven, and the Living Dream. The balance between action and reflection is central to the organization’s philosophy.
Goals and Objectives:
Solving Mysteries of the Dreamstate
Noctemira Recondite dedicates itself to solving the enigmas of the Dreamstate, from investigating strange occurrences within the city to uncovering the deeper metaphysical truths of the dream world. This includes examining strange dream phenomena, deciphering ancient dream symbols, and interpreting prophecies encompassed in both space and time axes of reality. The answers to these mysteries are paramount to maintaining order and understanding within Thornhaven.
Maintaining the Veil:
One of Noctemira Recondite’s most crucial duties is ensuring the stability of the borderland veil that protects Thornhaven from the chaotic void. Members constantly monitor the thin boundaries of the Dreamstate for breaches, as these allow chaotic energies and entities to seep into the ordered dream world. The bureau’s vigilance is the first line of defense against void overtaking the Dream City.
Spiritual Guidance:
Noctemira Recondite understands that navigating the Dreamstate can be a deeply spiritual journey for some dreamers. Its members provide spiritual guidance to citizens who seek answers to personal questions or who are unsure of their path in Thornhaven. Whether it be through prophecy, visions, or meditative techniques, Noctemira Recondite strives to help dreamers find inner peace and fulfillment while dreaming.
Securing Thornhaven’s Future:
As dreamers grow and evolve, so too does the Dreamstate since it is composed of living elements. Noctemira Recondite recognizes that their actions shape the future of Thornhaven and its inhabitants. The bureau actively works toward ensuring that the Lambents remain a sanctuary of safety, order, and enlightenment so that future generations will always have a place to grow and learn of the gift that has been given to all who take part in this shared experience.
Iconography
The Unbound Eclipse:
The crest of Noctemira Recondite, sometimes referred to as the “Unbound Eclipse” represents the balance between the known and the unknown within the Dreamstate and that we are always in a state of learning new aspects of living dreams.
- The large hollow circle at the center symbolizes the veil—a boundary between the ordered realm of Thornhaven and the void ocean of chaos beyond.
- The three filled spheres represent the pillars of the organization: exploration of mysteries (top left), protection of the truth (top right), and binding of oneself to the Dream (bottom center).
- The purple backdrop represents the night, within which Noctemira Recondite operates, shedding light on the hidden truths of the Thornhaven.
Artifact:
Eclipse Convergence Prism:
The core of the Eclipse Convergence Prism is a large, violet-hued gem suspended within a complex framework of silver and obsidian. This gem allows any agent gazing into it to witness multiple layers of the Dreamstate’s realities at once—each layer separated yet visible in perfect harmony, offering unparalleled insight into the Dream’s hidden truths. When infused with energy, the gem shimmers, projecting faint reflections of dream worlds, past, present, and possible futures.
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