The Children of the Abandoned
The Children of the Abandoned are a secretive and enigmatic group bound by a strict code of conduct and a deeply rooted philosophy of anonymity and solidarity. Their name stems from a foundational belief: that they, like many of society’s forgotten, have been forsaken by the world but have found unity and purpose within their fellowship.
The group began centuries ago, in the year 555, in Laugstrond (City), the capital city of The Principality of Laugstrond within the Ilmarian Imperium (Nation). Amid the widespread war and social upheaval of the time, a knight named Eryndor the Forlorn, returning from battle, discovered a group of abandoned children struggling to survive in the ruins of a once-prosperous city. Struck by their plight and disillusioned by the horrors of war, Eryndor vowed to protect these children and offer them a new way of life. Over time, these children grew into a tightly knit community, adopting Eryndor’s values of discipline, unity, and self-reliance. From this humble beginning, the Children of the Abandoned emerged as a structured and enduring fellowship.
A defining characteristic of the Children is their helmets. Each member wears a sealed helmet that completely hides their face from view, an unbroken symbol of their shared identity and their renunciation of individual distinction in service to the collective. The helmet is kept on at all times and is only removed for food, sleep, or in complete solitude. Should a member’s face be seen by another, it is considered a deep dishonour, one that severs their connection to the group permanently.
The practice of wearing helmets symbolizes the rejection of ego and personal vanity, creating equality among members regardless of origin or status. To the Children of the Abandoned, no face carries greater significance than another, and every action taken while wearing the helmet reflects on the group as a whole.
One of the group’s unique practices is the adoption of orphans and children living on the streets into their fold. This serves not only to sustain their numbers but also to offer a sense of belonging to those who have been cast aside by society. These children are raised with the group’s teachings and traditions, learning the value of anonymity, solidarity, and discipline. They are given a helmet of their own when they come of age, marking their full initiation into the fellowship.
Outsiders often view the Children of the Abandoned with suspicion or fear, largely due to their secrecy and unconventional ways. Rumours abound of strange rituals and hidden motives, though few have ever truly understood their philosophy. To the Children, such misconceptions are irrelevant; their loyalty lies within their own ranks and to the mission they serve, whatever form it may take.
Despite their mystique, the Children of the Abandoned are known for their resilience and the disciplined cohesion of their members. While their true numbers and full intentions remain uncertain, their acts, whether mercenary work, charity, or vengeance, speak to a group unified by unshakable conviction.