From the Encyclopedia Royalis Iurraka (edition of 975)
On the Order of the Darwish
The Order of the Darwish is a monastic fraternity devoted to the One God, whose origins lie in the exodus of ascetics and mystics from the Caliphate of Ruhm. Persecuted for their belief that divine unity is found through duty, love and service rather than conquest, they fled across Aqaba and Hrazdan before eventually finding refuge in Iurrak.
In the reign of King Hugo I (19658–19705 AC), the fraternity was granted lands near Erythrae and recognised as a religious order under royal protection. In return, the Darwish vowed lifelong service to the Crown, providing its most trusted guardian who are sworn to defend the lives of members or House de Seyssel with their lives.
Their discipline combines prayer, austerity, and bladecraft in a practice they call the Path of the Sword and the Soul. Though few in number, they are revered throughout Iurrak for their piety and skill. Members serve as bodyguards, embodying the principle that selfless duty is an expression of their faith.
Today, their leader bears the title of Most Penitent Servant, they play no part in court, but any child born to the de Seyssel line is a assigned a body guard from their ranks who serves as long as he is physically able and is replaced if by the order if necessary. The Order remains withdrawn from worldly affairs, but its members are a familiar sight at Seyssel Hall.
