Lambent Stronghold

At the far end of the Higher Lambent Flats resides Lambent Stronghold.

House Facts

Plane: Higher Lambent Flats

Guild: Noctemira Recondite

Seneschal: None

Rulers: Black-Lotus, Kayasisis

Guardians: Ezhar

Initiates: Magnilia

House Art: Peace Aura

Investigations

- [Scrying to Locate Nugget - NR-MBS-2025123-BL](https://forums.underlight.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=11118)
- [Acropolis Rift - NR-PC-20241126-BL](https://forums.underlight.com/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=11083)

Mission Statement

Noctemira Recondite, the Investigation Bureau of Underlight, was founded to unravel the mysteries of the Dreamstate, document and verify knowledges for the citizens of Thornhaven, and expand knowledge of other planes of existence. This organization operates with a focus on understanding the myriad dream entities, spirits, nightmares, and other unknown forces that dwell within and beyond the Dreamstate. Through careful study and discovery, it aims to provide knowledge and insight that can prevent corruption, mitigate threats from the void, and safeguard the boundaries of this Dream branch from encroaching dangers. By shedding light on the unknown, Noctemira Recondite seeks to ensure the continued security and enlightenment of Thornhaven's dreamers.

Structure and Ranks

The Custodian and the Inquisitor:
At the pinnacle of Noctemira Recondite sits the Custodian and the Inquisitor, the most experienced and spiritually attuned members of the organization. They serve as the most reliable analysts of the Dreamstate and the stewards of driving the Noctemira Recondite's interests forward. They are entrusted with the guidance of the bureau, ensuring that its members act with integrity, wisdom, and precision. The Custodian and the Inquisitor make final decisions regarding dream investigations, alliances, and the direction of the bureau’s growth.

By taking their solemn oath, the Custodian and the Inquisitor pledge to uncover and preserve the knowledge of the Dreamstate for both present and future generations. They are the eternal watch, guarding the Dream’s mysteries and ensuring its knowledge endures through the efforts of Noctemira Recondite.

Oath of the Custodian and the Inquisitor:
"I, [Name], Custodian/Inquisitor of the Noctemira Recondite, solemnly swear to uphold my station with steadfast dedication and unwavering integrity. I pledge to seek and reveal the knowledge of Underlight for the enlightenment of this generation and the preservation of those to come. I vow to delve into the mysteries of the Dreamstate, to test the resolve of both dreamer and nightmare, and to share unflinchingly what is uncovered, regardless of its nature. I will remain resolute, allowing neither corruption nor deceit to taint the words I speak or the knowledges I record. In the face of void, temptation, and shadow, I will remain vigilant, for mine is the path of the eternal watch. Through my service, the Dream shall endure, and its knowledge shall prevail."

Duskwatch:
The Duskwatch is the officer rank within Noctemira Recondite. They are the enforcers of the bureau’s procedures, leading and assisting in investigations, as well as ensuring the safe passage of dreamers that seek Sanctuary through the Lambent planes. Each Duskwatch is responsible for overseeing a small contingent of informants in the Dream City. Collection and delivery of this information is vital to ensure that all investigations have the most up to date information and/or that preparations can be made for new inquiries. They are the backbone of Noctemira Recondite’s investigative and protective efforts, ensuring that all threats, be they mundane or supernatural, are dealt with swiftly.

Oath of the Duskwatch:
"I, [Name], as Duskwatch of Noctemira Recondite, swear to uphold the bureau’s procedures and ensure the protection of dreamers seeking Sanctuary through the Lambent planes. I will lead investigations with honor, gathering and delivering vital information with diligence. I vow to oversee those under my watch with integrity. Whether mundane or supernatural, nothing shall prevent the knowledge from being found and preserved by my hand."

Borderview:
The Borderviewers are new recruits and aspiring investigators, often tasked with basic investigative duties and learning the delicate intricacies of the Dreamstate. Borderviewers must prove their understanding of dream energies, spiritual sensitivity, and investigative prowess before advancing to the rank of Noctemira Recondite. They often assist in observing dream phenomena, cataloging entities, and providing reports to their Duskwatch superiors. Their primary focus is learning how to navigate the dangerous elements of the Dreamstate, including the chaotic voids that threaten Thornhaven. Though they also act as informants, they have sworn oaths to place Noctemira Recondite, and its principals, above self. Borderviewers are encouraged to develop their own title for them to be referenced by.

Oath of the Borderview:
"I, [Name], as Borderview of Noctemira Recondite, pledge to watch, learn, and preserve the sanctity of Underlight. I will approach the unknown with respect and discernment, understanding that the safety of Thornhaven relies on those who seek to see beyond the veil. I commit to gathering knowledge without greed, to sharing insights with wisdom, and to guiding others so that the Dream remains resilient and secure. Through observation and teaching, I shall contribute to the safeguarding of our Dreamstate with integrity and purpose."

Core Values

Reverence for the Living Dream and Truth:
Each mission or investigation is undertaken with the understanding that the knowledge is paramount, regardless of who or what may be uncovered and involved.

Exploration of the Unknown:
The Dreamstate holds many mysteries, from forgotten histories to untapped energies and unknown entities. Noctemira Recondite exists to explore these mysteries, uncovering the knowledges hidden within the dream's layers. Whether investigating past events or prophesying future occurrences, members of Noctemira Recondite approach the unknown with a balance of curiosity and caution.

Protection of Underlight and Thornhaven:
The Noctemira Recondite exists to protect Underlight through the preservation of knowledge. We seek to pursue accuracy about the details of what we have uncovered, avoiding reckless actions potentially damaging to the dreamstate and spurious sources of information detrimental to the true nature of dreams. By uncovering the deep knowledges within Underlight, the Thornhaven branch, and the dreamers who inhabit this place, we seek to preserve the history and lore of our world. With this knowledge, we ensure that a remnant of the Dream population may survive, not only through this generation, but into the next.

Spiritual Fulfillment:
Noctemira Recondite, as an organization, believes that the Dreamstate offers more than mere knowledge or power; it provides spiritual enlightenment and personal growth. Members are encouraged to seek fulfillment not only in their duties but in their deeper connection to Underlight, Thornhaven, and the Living Dream. The balance between action and reflection is central to the organization’s philosophy.

Goals and Objectives

Solving Mysteries of the Dreamstate:
The Noctemira Recondite is devoted to unraveling the mysteries of the Dreamstate, tackling everything from peculiar occurrences within the city to the profound metaphysical knowledges of the dream world. Their work includes investigating unusual dream phenomena, deciphering ancient dream symbols, and interpreting prophecies that span both spatial and temporal dimensions of reality. These endeavors are vital for preserving order and fostering a deeper understanding of Thornhaven's intricate dreamscape.

Maintaining the Veil:
One of Noctemira Recondite’s most crucial duties is ensuring the stability of the borderland veil that protects Thornhaven from the chaotic void. Members constantly monitor the thin boundaries of the Dreamstate for breaches, as these allow chaotic energies and entities to seep into the ordered dream world. The bureau’s vigilance is the first line of defense against void overtaking the Dream City.

Spiritual Guidance:
Noctemira Recondite understands that navigating the Dreamstate can be a deeply spiritual journey for some dreamers. Its members provide spiritual guidance to citizens who seek answers to personal questions or who are unsure of their path in Thornhaven. Whether it be through prophecy, visions, or meditative techniques, Noctemira Recondite strives to help dreamers find inner peace and fulfillment while dreaming.

Securing Thornhaven’s Future:
As dreamers grow and evolve, so too does the Dreamstate since it is composed of living elements. Noctemira Recondite recognizes that their actions shape the future of Thornhaven and its inhabitants. The bureau actively works toward ensuring that the Lambents remain a sanctuary of safety, order, and enlightenment so that future generations will always have a place to grow and learn of the gift that has been given to all who take part in this shared experience.

Iconography

The Unbound Eclipse: The crest of Noctemira Recondite, sometimes referred to as the “Unbound Eclipse” represents the balance between the known and the unknown within the Dreamstate and that we are always in a state of learning new aspects of living dreams.

- The large hollow circle at the center symbolizes the veil—a boundary between the ordered realm of Thornhaven and the void ocean of chaos beyond.
- The three filled spheres represent the pillars of the organization: exploration of mysteries (top left), protection of the knowledge (top right), and binding of oneself to the Dream (bottom center).
- The purple backdrop represents the night, within which Noctemira Recondite operates, shedding light on the hidden knowledge of the Thornhaven.

Prime Artifact

Eclipse Convergence Prism: The core of the Eclipse Convergence Prism is a large, violet-hued gem suspended within a complex framework of silver and obsidian. This gem allows any agent gazing into it to witness multiple layers of the Dreamstate’s realities at once—each layer separated yet visible in perfect harmony, offering unparalleled insight into the Dream’s hidden knowledge. When infused with energy, the gem shimmers, projecting faint reflections of dream worlds, past, present, and possible futures.

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