Divine Order of Christ's Blood

Overview

The Divine Order of Christ's Blood (Ordo Dīvīnē Sanguis Christi in Latin) or The Order for short, is a Christian Extremist paramilitary group, founded by a secretive crime lord and extremist ex-Catholic priest Hector Van Reyes AKA "Padre". The group considers itself as a successor of medieval monastic orders, destined to revive militant Christianity and usher it to a new age of prosperity and domination.

History

Origins (1990)

The exact date of when The Order was founded is not clearly known, but it is believed that it was first declared sometime during the beginning of 90's when Van Reyes gathered 24 extremist Christian priests of various denominations. A lengthy theological debate was held in his own Alcantara castle in Spain, during which it was agreed that most aspects of Christianity are not compatible with some values of modern world and it will die off in 21 Century due to passiveness and growing complete secularism among most countries. To prevent this, the Convent of Christ's Blood was formed, which soon was reformed into the current Order.

Growth (1990-2015)

The newly founded monastic organization had few members, but had a great wealth, mainly from Padre's criminal establishments and other legal businesses. Using this wealth, Order started to schmooze and influence clergy in mainland Europe. A fair number of catholic, orthodox and a few protestant priests joined Order and started to recruit people from their local parishes. No hostile actions or bold moves were made from 1990 to 1997, which ensured that the growing organization was left alone by religious and state authorities.

By year 1997, the Order already had a solid supporter base, numbering in thousands in Europe. It was the time when Vatican noticed a steady rise in defecting clergy, and launched an investigation to find out more about this obscure group, calling itself "Divine Order of Christ's Blood". Soon enough, Vatican realized the danger it posed to their authority, as the number of Order's members grew much faster than they could counter it. An informational war soon began, in which Vatican hoped to extinguish Order's ability to recruit more people and remain the sole figure of religious authority among Catholics. Orthodox church in Eastern Europe and Russia remained inactive, largely ignoring Order's activities.

For a long time, confrontation between Vatican and Order was tame and little known about among people in Europe. This seemed a good thing for Holy See, as Order did not get full coverage and remained pretty much secretive. However, a sudden rise in far-right movements of Europe 2000's turned things around. Many nationalist parties had Order's members in it, and as a result Order became more ambitious in its goal to gain more support. A notable event was Order's involvement in assassination of a prominent Polish bishop with anti-Order and leftist views. The bishop was killed by ultra-nationalist thugs, but it was Order's agents who planned and recruited them to carry out the assassination. Vatican finally published a message, describing Order's goals and pointing out its dangers, as well as blaming them for killing of bishop. Yet, this message was ignored by governments, believing that Order was simply a small-time extremist faction.

Ignorance of European governments proved that they severely underestimate Order's growing power. And so in 2006, the whole organization mysteriously gone silent. Vatican thought it was dissolved, but in reality, Padre started to arm and train Order's monastic members in warfare, while maintaining low profile to avoid attention by European governments. From 2006 to 2015, the entire monastic organization was turned into an exceptionally trained and disciplined paramilitary faction, driven by pure zeal and hardened with modern western military training.

The return and the First Crusade (2016 - 2018)

Order suddenly returned in year 2016. A concordate was signed with ERR the same year, allowing Order to test out its military abilities first in Bosnia, and then in war against Turkey. The assault on Islamic nation and drive towards historical Christian city - Constantinople, won the Order lots of attention, and in turn provided more recruits.

After extensive and brutal fighting, the city fell to ERR-Order forces. Hagia Sophia was captured by Order monks, who demolished the minarets, raised a cross in the place of crescent and removed all the Islamic imagery, then proudly spreading the news to the rest of the world. Many radical Christians rejoiced at news of successful crusade and went on to join the Order in droves.

As war dragged on, more soldiers were sent to support Eurasian Pact forces. It was around the time of Battle of Bursa when large Inquisition presence was noticed. Almost 1500 of massacred POW's, civilians and other soldiers allied to Turkey were ruthlessly killed by Inquisition death squads. Those especially unlucky were impaled by the direct order of Blood Cardinal.

Since First Crusade has provided Order with lots of new recruits and allies, a new opportunity has presented itself and after a series of successful negotiations and meetings, Tsardom of Volhynia became a new ally of Order. Following it's obligations, Order dispatched a team of highly trained assassins to eliminate main leaders of protests that were plaguing capital city of Volhynia, as well numerous preachers tasked to convert as many rural Volhynians as possible. As soon as civil unrest was vanquished, Order joined Volhynia in their war for Ukraine, claiming it came to rescue Ukraine's faithful from widespread corruption and poverty caused from previous wars in the region.

The war for Turkey was finally over on January 31st, 2018, ending with EP victory. Order has since been actively aiding ERR to solidify their rule of the conquered regions, while also spreading their faith - forcefully or not.

The New Christian realms (2018- ...)

WIP

Ideology

The Order has its own ideology and holy book - the New Millennium Bible, which is basically a rewritten original Bible. Most of its contents are same as in the original book, but some chapters are altered to better fit Order's ideology. There is also a new book included inside, called Genesis of New Millennium, whose contents are more comparable to a political manifesto rather than a religious text.

The ideology itself is a far more militant form of mainstream Christianity. It does not consider its denominations (such as Orthodox or Protestantism) as false, since the first members of the Convent of Christ's Blood were priest of various denominations. Enlightenment period is described as catastrophic event in history of Christian world, as it gave birth to secularism, which, as Hector Van Reyes believes, "took the flame from Christianity, defanged it and made it unable to resist fluctuations of modern age". The Order calls its followers to take up arms against "cowards and heretics" and bring it back to glory of times before Enlightenment.

The Order does not seek to establish theocracy, but to bring back conservative religious mindset to all Christian peoples. One of the aspects of their ideology, is that "Only the worldly leaders of Christ's nations can revive The Holy Faith, thus those leaders who accept the Order's word may be blessed by God and can lead their domains solemnly by themselves, with little guidance from clergy".

To sum up, these are the most important Order's tenets:

Christianity must be defended at all costs both from the outside enemies and heretics inside the church.
It doesn't matter how someone worships God - be it in Catholic way or any other denomination's way. The only condition is not to cross line between established christian culture and heresy.
Nations can be secular, as long as it doesn't endanger classical christian values and beliefs. Extreme liberalism is not tolerated by Order's followers.
Order's soldiers and employed people have divine right to punish Order's enemies in the name of God, be it imprisonment or death.
Recreational drugs are completely banned with no exceptions. Man's body is temple of the Holy Spirit - using drugs for pleasure is pagan and sinner practice.

Organization and structure

Means of Expansion

Order's main course of action is to establish their Chapters in various Christian states and aid them in wars against their enemies, especially if the war is fought against the Order's ideological enemies. To achieve this, they offer their aid and if the state accepts, it "invites" the Order to its land and becomes a "host state". All such states are declared Divine, and their leaders Saints, making religious citizens who follow Order's ideology more loyal to their leaders and states.

Titles

Order's supreme military commander is called Hochmeister. Currently, this title is held by Augustin Holub - a retired Czech army Sergeant Major and a veteran member of The Order.

The leader of Inquisition is called Grand Inquisitor and this title is held by the enigmatic Blood Cardinal.

Arch Pontiff is the ideological leader of clergy is taken by Van Reyes himself.

The title of Lord Commander is bestowed upon most distinguished officers in Militant and Monk military wings.

Abbot commander refers to leaders of chapter monasteries, who are always of supreme rank to other monks.

Divisions

Order's military forces

The armed wing of Order. Commanded by Hochmeister Augustin Holub. Consists of 2 primary wings - Order's militants and Monk soldiers.

Monk soldiers

The hardened core of Order's military force. These men have dedicated their lives to Christ and in addition to usual monastic routines such as prayer, contemplation and labor, Order's monks train extensively to be ready for war. Rigorous training, excellent discipline and pure zeal turns these warriors into formidable unflinching force, capable of fighting in various environments. Urban terrain is especially favored by monks, where they make excellent shock troopers due to emphasis on close quarters combat during training. This role of Order's troops was very apparent in Turkey war, where monks managed to successfully storm and neutralize many Turkish strong-points. While not fighting, Order's monks live in their closed off monasteries-military bases. The usual day of average monk consists of hours of labor, prayer and training. Due to their life-commitment to religion, monks do not indulge in usual vices (drinking, smoking) that outsiders enjoy, though it is not prohibited. This makes the holy men of Order very hard, if not impossible, to corrupt and make them stray from their ascetic lifestyle.

Though all monk soldiers are trained to become elite fighters, specialized sub-units also exist, such as air cavalry unit and planned biochemical warfare unit. Only particular chapters train these types of soldiers.

Commoner Militants

The Backbone of Order's military. Ordinary christian men with diverse backgrounds, military experience and faithfulness. Even though they are generally not comparable to monks in combat prowess, their training is regarded as comparable to most western militaries. This ensures that Order as whole remains an effective fighting force.

Similar to Inquisitors, Commoner militants are paid wages for their service. Every soldier is tested to determine if he is proper christian and adheres Christianity as expected by Order. Even if fanaticism varies by soldier, there will always be a battle chaplain or Inquisitor in their formation for morale and "encouragement" purposes.

Inquisition

Order's very own secret police and intelligence unit. Inquisitors mingle with common populace in many countries, seeking new recruits for their organization, spying on governments and church, and keeping contact with Order's cells. Other than that, they are rarely seen outside of Order's facilities. True to their name, some Inquisitors work as assassins, interrogators, torturers and executioners for Order's enemies.

Differently from monks, most Inquisitors do not practice monastic lifestyle and are usual people who express radical christian ideas and due to that were hired by Order. Many Inquisitors are violent, extremely radical and sadistic - these traits are required for many Inquisition tasks. Inquisitors usually work in shadows, utilizing clandestine "cloak and dagger" tactics.

Inquisition cells are spread throughout the world, particularly in areas the Order is most concerned about. Every major European city is guaranteed to have large (starting from 500 inquisitors) cells.

Abolitor death unit

An unit within Inquisition famously known as Abolitor ("destroyer" in Latin) is currently active in Order. This particular unit is different from other inquisition units due to conventional warfare training and equipment they receive, as well as their gruesome sadism and fierce attitude. Rumors are that Abolitor unit was founded and commanded by a certain survivor of AWA attack in Platine Commonwealth, whose pursuit of revenge has inspired him to gather a small company of most violent inquisitors and go on terror rampages throughout Muslim territories and elsewhere where required during Order's holy wars. An abolitor will never turn down an opportunity to fight Order's enemies, especially if there's a chance to inflict great pain and suffering to them...

Abolitor inquisitors favor guerrilla warfare over direct engagements, though are well suited for conventional combat as well. Abolitor cells are able to stealthily infiltrate enemy lines and disrupt logistics, ambush the enemy and sabotage targets of high importance.

Clergy

Priests of various rank, starting from lowly deacons all the way to powerful bishops and the supreme Arch Pontiff himself.

Priests are well educated and carefully trained to ensure full loyalty, ability to manipulate people and spread the faith successfully. It's not rare for priests to be skilled in eloquence and psychology which they use to control masses of Order's followers and attract more believers.

Battle priests

Members of Order's clergy who have been trained in skills of war and go to battle together with their brothers of faith. These men are noted for extreme zeal and ability to muster and rally Order's troops under any circumstances. Though very skilled soldiers in combat, they are usually observed reciting holy scriptures and encouraging soldiers to fight for their faith. Battle priests are opponents that should be reckoned with - every priest will fight to the last breath and will ensure others will do so too. While not in battle, they can be found preaching, blessing their comrades or doing any other religious work that is required on site.

Current Chapters

Capitulum Primor - the first original Chapter of The Order, located in Villalpando castle, Spain. Right now it serves as the seat of Order's leadership, including Hector Van Reyes himself.

Capitulum Romanus - the very first foreign Chapter established. Mainly operates in ERR annexed territories, where its forces are Christianizing local non-christian populations, suppressing resistance and aiding ERR to spread their ideals. Main base of operations - Valchedram castle in southwestern ERR.

Capitulum Baltia - established near famous Hill of Crosses, not far from GDS capital city of Šiauliai.

Capitulum Volhynia - a chapter in Volhynian Tsardom, established at the request of Tsar of the state. Operates in Avdonin mansion, located at the outskirts of Lviv. The head representative - Vicar Anton Lazarov is a well known figure in Volhynia and has good relations with Volhynian government.

Equipment and vehicles (WIP)

Vehicles:

Land

Iveco LMV - 350

Ural-4320 - 170

M109A6 Paladin - 25 (purchased from GDS)

M113 - 135 (modernized version, purchased from GDS)

BTR-80 - 30 (gifted by ERR)

Air

Bell UH-1 Iroquois - 35

Sikorsky UH-60 - 10

Faction relations

ERR - Allied +

ERR was the first sovereign state which signed contract with The Order. August 18th Concordate was signed by ERR's Caesar Titus Scipio and Order's founder Hector Van Reyes in New Constantinople. Both factions have agreed to aid each other in war and fight their ideological enemies together. The Order gained right to spread its ideology in ERR's annexed territories and ensured that ERR's conquests will spread Christianity, which would be gradually replaced into Order's own Christian ideology.

ERR's own ideology and concept of Romanization is very compatible with The Order's views, which ensures good relations and understanding between two factions.

Following the ATO summit of 2018, ERR and Order have completely solidified their alliance, as Order's christian sect is now the official religion of ERR.

Grand Duchy of Samogitia - Allied

Concordate signed during sometime between February and March of 2017. The concordate recognized Order's legitimacy in GDS as a religion and allowed Order's high ranking clergy to participate in Eldership council of GDS.

Tsardom of Volhynia - Allied +

Chapter was established in early summer of 2017. Since then Order's Inquisition was involved in quelling ongoing civil unrest in Lviv by assassinating an important Tsar's political opponent and preaching pro-Order and pro-Tsar views in Volhynian countryside. A large number of Volhynians joined Order since chapter's establishment, providing Order another location for good recruits.

Following the ATO summit of 2018, Volhynia and Order have completely solidified their alliance, as Order's christian sect is now the official religion of Volhynia.

UPA - Hostile (as of 2018/02/01 UPA was dissolved as it rejoined Argentine)

Due to UPA's involvevent in EP-Turkey war on Turkey's side and massive material assistance, Order has deemed UPA heretic state and now pursues a conflict against them. Many aspects of UPA, such as rampart liberalism are utterly despised by Order's followers and as such the conflict between both factions is likely to continue for a very long time.

Gecko - Despised

Order despises Gecko for their aid to Turks during war. It's unlikely for relations to change for better since Order has adopted anti PMC stance during the war.

Anointed Warriors of Allah - Hostile +

Islam is utterly hated by Order and as a result AWA is the primary enemy of Order. Due to brutal attack aimed at ERR's senate, Order has declared total war against AWA and Islam. Their influence on ERR and other Pact nations is very likely to start a continent wide genocide of Muslims and launch merciless attacks on them abroad. No peace can even be considered as both factions will fight each other to the end.

Kergikstan - Good terms

Order and Kergikstan are both members of ATO which puts both factions close. Though no chapter has been established in the country yet, Order has sworn to assist Kergikstan in future conflicts if needed.

Bavaria - Good terms

Both factions are members of ATO, ensuring close and good relations. No chapter is established yet.