Mey Savak

MEY SAVAK (ORDER OF THE MIND'S EYE )

Origin/History

Mey Savak, or the Order of the Mind's Eye, was originally established by an insightful and introspective human scholar named Telos Duanil. Shortly after the scholar's wife perished in an unfortunate accident just outside Candlekeep, a devastated Telos embarked on a long, lonely journey in search of his "heart." Telos' journey took him many places, mostly to those that his wife had always longed to see but didn't, and he eventually ended up in the area now known as Sestra. Telos' grief, and his introspective nature, forced him to search inside himself; it was during one of these times that Telos realized he could see, imagine, and spend time with his dead wife in memory palaces of his own construction. It was not long before Telos was spending the majority of his time within himself, prompting observers to participate in the process of memory recall and manipulation themselves. Telos soon refused to leave his memories--even to drink and eat--and eventually died of starvation. Ironically, Telos' technique was adopted, and the order was born, but he soon became an example of what not to do.

Base(s) of Operation

Sestra monestary

Rituals/Ceremonies of Note

Monks engage daily in intense meditation for the purpose of creating and maintaining memory palaces. Within his memory palace, a monk embarks on an imaginary journey where he is able to visualize even the smallest details. Masters of this practice have thousands of locations in their memory palaces, and the process results in unparalled recollection. In their minds, these masters see themselves walking through a familiar place, sensing all as it was. The Monks of the Mind's Eye call this meditation Ken'Patai.

Mornings, just after sunrise, members of the Order of the Mind's Eye gather and engage in Ken'Ouk, the memory sharing process. One monk is chosen to verbally lead the others through a part of his memory palace, enabling the others to make the memories their own.

The monks of Mey Savak have developed the means to transplant memories from the newly dead into a living vessel as a means to preserve knowledge in a process called Ken'Desah. Personalities are not transferred with this process, only memories; however, it is possible, and common, that the new memories change the recipient due to their seeing events with a different perspective. Though the memory donor can be a living person, to do so would leave them completely and permanently devoid of past memories, as well as introduce the inability to retrain new long term memories.

Several times in their lives, Monks leave the Order to venture among the outside world and gather as much information as possible on a specific topic. This pilgrimage, called Savak Parah, is extremely significant to them. At the end of a successful pilgrimage, the monk receives a unique ring tattoo around their arm. Elder monks have many rings.

Miscellaneous Information

Members of the order follow Oghma, Binder of What is Known, exclusively.
Members believe their purpose in life is to catalog memories and pass them on through the generations.

Mey Savak monks typically have super sensory perception, and are among the most observant in all of Sundren.

Monks from the Order of the Mind's Eye are often called upon to aid in matters when written history has been lost, is insufficiently detailed, or its accuracy is questioned. The monetary cost for this is high, but the results are always well worth it.

Members abhor forgetfulness and those who distort events.

Monks are not pacifists, but prefer to observe matters rather than participate. They would kill to protect the knowledge within themselves. Less senior members are expected to sacrifice themselves for the older, more knowledgeable seniors; to do so is one of their highest honors. Members are very neutral in matters, seeking only to memorize and retain a situation rather than to be involved.

Monks wear long beige robes with green trim. Their heads are shaved, even in the case of females. Rank in the order can be determined by the tattoos on a member's head and face.

Monks train their bodies and minds to be resilient, strong, and flexible. Martial prowess stems from this training, and the need to protect their containers of knowledge.

Typically refuse substances that lessen their perception (alcohol, drugs, etc), unless they are researching the substance.

Known for cultivating an herbal tea mixture that increases sensory perception. Is sold in Sestra to help with the upkeep of their Order.

Romantic relationships and strong friendships are forbidden, as they are believed to distract from the memorization process or add irrelevant memories. Any outside individual discovered to be involved intimately with order members is forced through a lesser version of Ken'Desah, making them forget the object of their affection.

Mortal enemies with Bane's followers. Bane's followers kill their kind, and destroy the bodies to prohibit Ken'Dasah, because they believe the monks will recall the Three, and draw attention to plans in motion...

The order strives to keep its inner workings, memory techniques, and transfer abilities a secret; in fact, the public only knows the order can be turned to for information, and that they sell a sense enhancing herb.