These Orders are sometimes wrongly linked with mercenary troops, particularly the numerous Fighting Orders, but this denigrates the standards and recognition which belong to Orders. Responsible
Orders range from long-standing organizations hired as guards to free-ranging Paladins affiliated only by their commitment to the same vows. They tend, with a few significant exceptions, to be
less prestigious than the Honourary Orders and less well known, but much more common. Missing the social element which the Honourary Orders can boast, and usually offering fewer rewards, Responsible
Orders are the "working character's" second home. Responsible Orders also offer training and access to certain Class "Kits" which are otherwise unavailable (i.e. the only way to
become a Medician Paladin is to belong to the Order of the Red Robe).
Magical Orders are usually little known, and rarest of the Responsible Orders due to the fact that a group of mages alone is ill-suited to most guarding or patrolling duties. However, active low-level mages do infrequently gather for mutual gain (usually self-sponsored groups) or more commonly find a sponsor who seeks the unique aspects of a group made up exclusively of mages. Sometimes confused with magical guilds or colleges, Magical Orders are not focused primarily on teaching, nor do they necessarily seek new members or students on a regular basis.
Warders of the Seal - an Order with a most profound and important duty, members are charged with finding and sealing conduits and links to the evil outer planes. After the Elemental Wars and the Yetdark it became obvious that uncontrolled links or standing portals to the outer planes were very dangerous, and to the realms of evil lands were doubly so. Founded in 3030 in Angalore, this Order is little changed since then, but virtually unknown to anyone other than high-level Mages or those who travel the planes. Membership is by invitation of the majority of current members only, and the Order considers itself above any notions of government or even church. Duties are for life, and frequently life threatening (other Mages don't like their outer plane portals closed without being asked). Benefits, other than access to many powerful and unique spells, are very few indeed. Effectively there is no sponsor, although an ancient L.G. lich is rumoured to hold a position of some seniority and the Order's pockets are very deep. Exact membership is unknown, but rumoured to be less than 10 Mages.
Order of the Arcane - a junior version of the Arcanium, members of this Order seek to eventually join the ranks of world-renown Mages. Sponsored by the College of Arcane Arts as a recognition program and incentive for their students, membership is limited to those of 5th level or less who have shown commitment to the College (i.e. have paid all dues fully and are registered for another year) and have shown excellence in their studies (i.e. have Int. of 16 or greater). Duties of membership include assisting Professors with teaching or research work and some assigned tasks (filing, library clean-up, etc.). Benefits include easy access to all Professors, a blank but high quality traveling spell book upon admittance, and a +5% chance to learn spells due to enhanced training. There are chapters of the Order in every College of the Arcane Arts, overseen by the Dean or the senior Mage in Residence.
The Alchemial Association - the only well known magical Order.
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