Mokteshaf Al-Nour

The Mokteshaf Al-Nour ("Collectors of Light") were an organization of Artisans centered around the Middle East.

Overview

A sort of Middle Eastern parallel to the Order of Reason (like the Eastern Dalou'laoshi), the Mokteshaf Al-Nour were a collection of guilds and scholars who believed that a greater understanding of the world will lead to a much deeper spiritual understanding of Allah. It was their duty to help bring peace and order to the world under the banner of Islam.

History

Originally, the Mokteshaf Al-Nour were part of the Web of Faith and enjoyed cordial relations with the Ahl-i-Batini and other aligned groups, like the Arabian Choristers or Dreamspeakers. After the Mongols had sacked Baghdad, one of the major centers of the group, the Mokteshaf Al-Nour claimed that the plan of the Batini had failed, since it could not protect the true believers from the depredations of infidels. They severed ties with the other members of the Web of Faith and relocated to Anatolia, where they put their support behind the growing power of the Ottomans. Contacts with the Order of Reason were established, but relations were cool, as both the Order of Reason and the Mokteshaf Al Nour sought to "convert" their errant brethren to the true religion.

Due to this division, the Mokteshaf Al-Nour were snubbed during the reorganization of the Order of Reason into the Technocratic Union. A large part of the Collectors were among several elements collected into the Mübarek Maharet Meclisi (the "Court of Sacred Sciences") at some point before the turn of the 20th century.

The Collectors had become increasingly secularized and enjoyed prosperous relations with allied Technocrats, particularly from Germany and similar allied states. When the Ottoman Empire collapsed into itself, the Mokteshaf Al-Nour put their support behind Kemal Atatürk and the formation of the Turkish Republic, together with the Technocracy.

Afterwards, many of the Collectors of Light formally joined the Union, although a small group of religious hard-liners defected, going into hiding. Their current allegiance is unknown.

In recent times, there seems to have been an attempt by hypertech-wielding individuals invoking the symbolism of the group to rekindle relations with the Taftani and Batini. The Watchers are aware of their activities, but are reluctant to approach any parties involved.

Sects

• The Hands of Mercy, who specialize in medicine
• The Observers of Fate, who specialize in astronomy and astrology
• The Seekers of Truth, who specialize in mathematics, alchemy and engineering
• The Riders of the Wind, who specialize in trade, travel and navigation
• The Keepers of Law, who specialize in politics, law and philosophy

References

• MTAs: Guide to the Traditions, p. 101-102