The Society of the Steadfast (or rarely Steadfast Society or The Steadfast) are a philanthropic fellowship that provides humanitarian aid to people who have suffered in disasters and wars, such as the Three Banners War. Founded by Lord Bacaro Volorus, the society consists of healers, caregivers, and a small contingent of knights that send teams loaded with supplies from one location to the next as the need arises. The Society establishes healing pavilions for the wounded, distributes food and water to the hungry, and provides whatever other aid they can.
While not a religious organization, the Society does take inspiration from the teachings of Stendarr. Between their healing centers and food distribution tents, they work to show compassion and mercy to those touched by the war, soldiers and commoners alike. A relatively small organization, they mostly work near the battlefields of Cyrodiil. Lord Bacaro turned his estate on High Isle into a healing center, and personally paid to transport the most egregiously wounded to the compound for treatment and recuperation.
Ships constantly sailed from Gonfalon Bay, flying the Steadfast flag, carrying rations and supplies across the sea as aid for those impacted by the war. Whether Pact, Covenant, or Dominion, the color of a warrior's tunic had no impact on the Society's charter, as they provide help to any in need.[1][2]
The Society employs knights, as their pavilions and caravans, full of food, medicine, and other supplies, are tempting targets for bandits and wandering monsters. Their knights are few, but the ones in service were described as being well-trained and brave to a fault.[2] The Society is often called upon to protect places of sanctuary, and their knights are equipped with the Society's own gear. Off-white tabards over tunics of slate-gray serve as the Society's uniform. They want to be recognized wherever they go, so that warriors caught up in the chaos of battle can't possibly mistake the Steadfast for their enemies. Much like the healers who serve in the temples of the Eight Divines, the Society of the Steadfast are called to minister to those who suffer in war. As a sign of this commitment, the Steadfast wear priestly hoods dyed in the colors of their order.[3]
The Society also employs advocates that provide legal counsel to the poor and unfortunate. They were involved in a long-term effort to improve conditions on the prison island of Amenos.[4] To offset the suffering caused by the Three Banners War, some members of the Society host gatherings to raise funds for their healing centers. Each event sees the biggest donor receiving a mask embellished with an Imperial red diamond.[5] Healers at Steadfast Manor make use of a sweet-smelling salve called "Steadfast Woundwash", which they swear by.[6] "Steadfast Chardonnay" is a type of sipping wine developed for one of Lord Bacaro's charitable galas by the vineyards of Steadfast Manor, which became so popular that multiple barrels were shipped to inns across the archipelago. It's known for achieving an astonishingly balanced taste and a rich golden hue without any silt or residue.[7]
The Steadfast Society's symbol evokes that of Stendarr's, with three chalices in the colors of the Three Alliances being poured.
HistoryEdit
The philanthropist Lord Bacaro Volorus started the Society of the Steadfast to provide relief to those caught up in the suffering caused by the Three Banners War. With families displaced, children made orphans, soldiers wounded, and famine sweeping in behind the front as the three alliances clash, The Society did its best to provide aid and comfort to those so afflicted by the conflict.
During the earlier Colovian Revolt that resulted in the end of the Longhouse Emperors, local community leaders stepped forward to act as champions for the war refugees streaming away from Imperial City as Varen Aquilarios's forces marched on the capital. Straw beds were made, shelters hastily constructed, and stew pots set to cooking. Banners were sewn from blood-spattered tunics and ragged bedclothes to signal safe harbor and succor for all those who needed it. This informal assembly of goodwill and aid may have been nothing more than a footnote in history if not for Lord Bacaro Volorus. The sprawling Volorus family was impacted deeply by the war against Emperor Leovic, with Bacaro himself losing his partner and children to the fighting. In his grief, the noble threw his vast fortune into an assortment of charities. And when the Three Banners War commenced, he founded the Society of the Steadfast to assure that aid would be available to those most in need.[1]
During 2E 582, The Society arranged a peace talks conference between the leaders of the Three Alliances. Although the peace talks were initially a trap set by Lord Bacaro, who was secretly the Ascendant Lord, the Steadfast Society were kept in the dark about his plans. Even with Lord Bacaro gone, they continued his original vision of helping those suffering from war and disaster As Lord Bacaro had set up a trust many years ago, the society was self-sufficient, and they continued to sponsor the peace talks and take care of all the expenses.[8]
Alternative FateEdit
The Psijic Order had the means to scry secrets from fate lines beyond the bounds of Tamriel. Among these secrets were tomes that spoke of alternative timelines and realities, where certain key events transpired differently.[9] In one of these alternate realities, Bacaro defeated his other enemies and ruled over Tamriel from atop his Ivy Throne in Mount Firesong in a new druidic reign. With his victory, Tamriel was engulfed in firestorms targeting "false kings and queens", and those displaced by them were assisted by the Ascendant Order, Society of the Steadfast, and reformed Druids of Galen. Dark and cold days filled with turmoil were the norm during this transition, as volcanoes continued to "belch forth their retribution" covering the skies, but according to Bacaro's subordinates, the hardships would pass and the Ascendant Lord would uplift Tamriel's citizens.[10]
GalleryEdit
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Lord Bacaro Volorus
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Captain Marguerite, second-in-command of the Society.
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Steadfast Society Style
See AlsoEdit
- For game-specific information, see the Elder Scrolls Online article.
BooksEdit
- A Helpful, Steadfast Hand by Adandora, Chronicler-at-Large — A collection of testimonies regarding the Society of the Steadfast
- Crafting Motif 113: Steadfast Society Style by Lord Bacaro Volorus — A guide to crafting armor and weapons in the Steadfast Society style
- The Society of the Steadfast by Phrastus of Elinhir — An overview of the origins a philanthropic organization
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b The Society of the Steadfast — Phrastus of Elinhir
- ^ a b A Helpful, Steadfast Hand — Adandora, Chronicler-at-Large
- ^ Crafting Motif 113: Steadfast Society Style — Lord Bacaro Volorus
- ^ Advocate Inwaldawin's dialogue in ESO: High Isle.
- ^ Steadfast Society Ball Domino's description in ESO
- ^ Steadfast Woundwash
- ^ Wines of the Systres — Melynie Agnan
- ^ Captain Marguerite's dialogue in ESO: High Isle.
- ^ Tracker of Temporal Tomes achievement description in ESO
- ^ Coral Aerie Temporal Tome — Varallion