to the Castle Falkenstein index, or the list of Orders

Stated History of the Order

     The order believes that many of its members are reincarnated pharaohs and high priests of ancient Egypt.

Known History of the Order

     The first "chapter" was constructed in 1806, in Paris; a few other shrines, monuments and "Egyptian" architectural features date back to 1798 in that city. To this day, most of the order's members and temples are in France.

     While the lorebook used by the Temple is clearly old, the order itself is not -- no mention of it exists prior to 1799. The claims of reincarnation would be viewed as implausible, if it were not for the fact that some of the order's members were people who suddenly gained knowledge of Middle Egyptian language and culture.

     The Templars and other groups opposed to the undead have wondered if perhaps the sorcerers of Ra are people possessed by spirits, rather than reincarnated souls. The Egyptian practice of mummification, in the expectation of returning to life, is not something that the Templar Order would approve of.

     Another group which confounds and confronts the Temple of Ra is the antiquities department of the British Museum. The directors and scholars are attempting to convince various governments and organizations of the threat posed by the Temple of Ra.

Goals and Organization

     Public statements from the Temple of Ra are rare -- usually associated with attempts to build a new temple, or denials of involvement in some outrage -- have been vague. "The most powerful technology is that of magic"; "The supernatural is only the natural of which the laws are not yet understood"; "Much of modern scientific progress would be considered sorcery a thousand years ago"; and "Men of science seek proofs -- our ancient order has seen those proofs."

     It's believed by some other magical orders, the British Museum, and some governments, that the Temple of Ra feels their destiny is to rule the universe with magic and science.

     Each local temple is led by a pagarch; the temples within a particular country are commanded by a nomarch. The order is led by the High Priest of Ra; the second-in-command is the vizier.  Note that these terms are not from Middle Egyptian, but from Greek and Arabic ...

     Besides many servants and guards, who are often Copts, the order has recruited scientists and engineers, titled sages. Temples of Ra will have at least one large laboratory. The scientists are full members of the order, but are subordinate to the sorcerers.

     The temples are built in neo-Egyptian style, and contain many traps, secret doors, and hidden spy-holes.

     This order is sometimes called the Mystic Lodge of the Temple of Ra.

Rituals and Rules

     Only men may join this order.

     Focuses tend to be snake-headed staves. The formal, ritual robes of the order incorporate Egyptian symbology.

Lore

    Only one book of Lore is available to all members of this order:  the Libram of Temporal Control.

Spells

      The usual cantrips (Sense Magic, Magelight, Candleflame, Confusion, Simple Illusion, Minor TK, Resistance to Sorcery, and Housewifery) are also available and taught.

     The common magics of Wards and Focuses are regularly cast.