The Order of the Darwish is a monastic fraternity originating from the old Caliphate of Ruhm. After a religions schism, persecution forced them from their homeland, The Darwish state they are from the ‘Old Caliphate’, which refers to the realm as it was before the schism, when power shifted to followers of the One God with an expansionist, xenophobic and fundamentalist philosophy.
The Darwish settled in Iurrak during the reign of King Hugo I (19658–19705 AC) in 19685 AC, when they were granted lands and a special status. It return for this, they pledged to protect members of House de Seyssel as long as the family hold sovereignty over Iurrak. Their tradition combines devotion, discipline, and mastery of the sword.
Members of the Order serve as Royal Bodyguards, providing sworn protectors to all members of the royal family. Their monastery at Erythrae remains the spiritual and administrative centre of the Order. Though few in number, Darwish bodyguards are known for their loyalty, self-control, and absolute obedience to their charges and House de Seyssel. Their continued service stands as a symbol of Iurrak’s long history of religious tolerance and royal pragmatism.
Though bodyguards are almost always male, members of the order may marry and the order has its own segregated community around its monastery. Men and women of the order are free to enter Erythrae proper, but rarely do so. The Darwish practive their own martial art, largely centred around their curved blades and they specifically train to excel at their duty as bodyguards.