The Knights of Astora

The Knights of Astora is a monastic order from the remnants of the defeated Kingdom of Astora
History:
The history of the Knights of Astora begins when the kingdoms of north Paledia were free from the Theridian Empire. The Kingdom of Astoria was one of the largest of these nations. An unusually theocratic state, it built dozens of fortress monasteries that trained its army, The Knights of Astora. Using their highly trained crusaders Astora was able to exert a high level of influence in northern Paledia. This came to an end when Therid I began his War of Conquest, where Astora was one of its many targets to unite the continent. In the aftermath of this war Astora was defeated; it's King-Bishop executed and the majority of his Knights killed. The remaining Knights hid in their monasteries, rebuilding their order.
	Today the Order remains quiet. It contains hundreds knights that guard their temples. Although they have never actively rebelled against the Empire the Knights disapprove of the occupation of other kingdoms and races.
Beliefs:
The citizens of Astoria worship Cynderyah, Lord of the Light. They worship him two time's day, during sunrise and sunset. Believers of Cynderyah deny the divinity of the emperors, bringing them into conflict with the Imperial Cult.