History of the Knights of the Wave
Age of Strife
Those who would become the Knights of the Wave were a people truly menaced by the storm. Oral history claims that their ancestors had a great mastery of technology, but that their information was wholly stored through ancient means - bound up in electricity, and magnetism; transported through the air and by light. These records and technology were lost when great and unending storms tore society apart. People struggled against floods and wildfires while twisted air took the form of great beasts and descended with intent to devour. The meaning of the old world was lost, left to the crude interpretation of those who would later try to piece old knowledge back together.
People huddled in ruins learned to survive by harnessing potentia and using it to communicate. They shared warnings and learned how to direct resources, scavenged when the storms abated and rescued those who would otherwise be lost. Those who practiced this skill could raise information to the air as was once done with old technology. Beacons and relays were created that could extend and improve the normal function of Bonds to communicate over greater distances, and additional tools were created to receive messages without necessarily weaving a Bond. These pioneers of mystical radio dubbed themselves the Knights of the Wave, and dedicated their practice to the safeguarding of humanity and the unification of their scattered peoples.
The Knights dedicated themselves through three roles. Seekers who would perform reconnaissance and field rescue operations, Keepers who would use Shaping to fortify locations and support communications, and Oracles who would organize greater efforts and act as central mouthpieces for the organization. The Oracles select one of their own to act in an honorific position known as ‘The Source’. This individual rescinds their individuality in service of the order, offering up their personal identity as a sacrifice to sustain the Knight’s Bond. In turn, they are the final arbiter in times of disagreement between Oracles. Many others have survived as civilians leaning on the Knights for support, and providing resources in turn.
In the history of the Knights, there was an Oracle who lead others against the community and towards his own ends. His followers prioritized their own survival over that of others, and hoarded resources despite the needs of the hungry and homeless. Seekers under the charge of this Oracle came to despise him, and worked to undermine his messages. They spoke to the people of every misdeed, and disregarded those orders they knew to be wrong. The Oracle was enraged, and lashed out against the “traitors” of his Bond. They felt his will crackle and sear in their minds, and in their dreams saw him with eyes that flashed like lightning. All knew him then to be The Great Deceiver, and his support waned. The Deceiver was not apprehended, and faded into obscurity.
The idea that an Oracle could be turned against the good of the people created a deep suspicion that lasted long after The Great Deceiver. To this day, Knights of the Wave emphasize transparency in all things, and consider humility to be a great virtue - Keepers work to exalt this trait in their service to public utility and defense. The duties of a Seeker naturally demand charisma, and finding balance between these qualities is essential for an aspiring knight. A would-be Oracle is expected to spend time as a Seeker and as a Keeper in order to learn each of these traits, and this practice helps Seekers and Keepers to respect the office of Oracle. An Oracle’s duties demand that they act as mediator and broadcaster, and this social balancing act sometimes gives way to eccentric personalities and some measure of celebrity
Age of Discovery
It is contended that the Knights found the Wayfarers, rather than the other way around. The truth is likely that scouting parties from each encountered the other. The Age of Discovery is a dizzying implication for the Knights, and constitutes a great inflation of the scope of their duty. The Knights are increasingly spread thin as they seek to communicate their message and their ideals to new corners of humanity, while simultaneously seeking to learn of new cultures and findings.
Some Wayfarers have welcomed the capabilities of the Knights, and offer a tithe to the organization in exchange for hosting a Keeper within their outposts. This allows the citizens of Wayfarer outposts to tune in to “The Wave”, a name given to the Oracles’ regular broadcasts. Not all consider a better informed populace to be a good thing, and knights have been rebuffed or chased out of societies that would prefer to control the information their people receive. These groups are eyed warily, but aggressive action is typically outside of the purview of the Knight’s mission.
Garb varies by role to a degree within the Knights. All prize preparation and tend to carry emergency supplies, but this means something different for a Seeker who works with people than it does for a Keeper who will often work with materials and devices. A knight is liable to be scolded if they fail to carry some sort of writing material or recording device, regardless of rank. With a long history of scavenging, Knights tend to prize equipment and work carefully to maintain it. A kit may be composed of mismatched pieces, but is often well-worn and well cared for. Tools and weapons are sometimes passed down as matter of ceremony, and knights often record the history of objects or the special occasions when they are rewarded. This practice reflects their journalistic tendencies, and Keepers especially tend to be meticulous in recording. A Seeker who is seen to enjoy books more than people is likely to be transitioned into a role as a Keeper, and this is not uncommon.