Post by Steinerman on Mar 21, 2010 20:22:18 GMT -5
Guild Name: Order of the Blade
Members:
Gillian Arvestus: Current Grandmaster
Alyssa Lightshield: Knight-Commander, head of the Templar Subdivision.
Michael Saint: Knight-Commander, head of the Hospitaler Subdivision.
Nicole Riley: Soldier of the Blade
Headquarters: When First formed, the Order’s Guildhall was located in Kallagulia. A simple square construction near the Imperial Library, built of stone and steel, worked with mahogany and oak for the interior. It has the appearance of a regal and beautiful building, built more for aesthetic beauty than true functionality.
To enter the Guildhall, one must head through a pair of large wooden doors, which lead into a central open-air courtyard in the center of the building. This courtyard is dominated by a fountain shaped in the likeness of a kneeling soldier holding a Greatsword above his head, the water flows from the tip of the greatsword down the Statue’s arms and over his body, finally ending in an intricate waterway that meanders its way through small canals crisscrossing the courtyard. The grounds are well-kept, and always reminds one of a cool morning in the shade, filled with beautiful trees and flowers, surrounded by columns of stone and wood. This somber beauty gives pause to visitors, who generally take a moment to enjoy the solemn serenity and peace that the large courtyard grants.
Opposite the Entrance, on the far end of the Courtyard, is the Grandmaster’s chamber and living quarters. They are spacious, but decorated sparingly, mostly with wrought-iron sculptures of a military nature.
The rest of the space in the building is given over to small offices and workrooms. If a visitor were to enter the building through the main entrance, they would hear the sounds of combat training coming from their left. Where the Order’s Training room is situated, taking up the entirety of that section of the building stretching from corner to corner. It can hold two hundred humans comfortably, and is fitted with the latest training and physical fitness equipment possible.
To a visitor’s right are the storerooms and workshops of the order, providing the military arms and armor for its soldiery. Each workshop has a simple wooden door leading out to the courtyard, so the craftsmen and women can take a momentary respite and enjoy the cool air outside.
Off-site bunking, (generally in a smaller stone construction adjacent to the Guildhall) housed the bulk of the Order. However, with the change in guild leadership, and mindful of its fateful history, the Guildhall and Barracks are only lightly staffed, and while the Grandmaster may work there, it is not the heart of the Order any longer.
for Security reasons, the Order currently has no stationary Headquarters, instead it opts for heavily armed and armored convoys, each of which are comprised of eight military-grade Humvees (with multiple load-outs, standard being .50 caliber automatic weapons) And two large armored semi-trucks, each containing communications gear, sleeping quarters, and small armories.
While this structure makes it difficult to bring a large number of Order members to bear on any one target, it allows them to stay highly mobile, and ensures that if one convoy falls to ill-fate or enemies, the Order itself remains functional.
Recruitment: The Order of the Blade looks for morally strong characters, those with a strong sense of right and wrong, and those who are willing to die to protect others. Though this is what the Order looks for, it gives all recruits a fair chance to enter as long as they show a willingness to follow the Order rules, and to protect the Order from all threats.
However, it is not a something that a hopeful recruit would try to join on a flight of fancy, it accepts no written applications (Unless the application comes as a transfer request from the Stamarian Military, of which the Order has strong ties too.)
To Apply, a recruit would have to present themselves to one of the many outposts positioned in large cities, or to a passing Order Convoy. They must then pass a test of arms, as all Order members (even medical personnel) must be proficient in the use of weapons. If they pass this test, they will be admitted with a probationary status to the order, and placed with a squad of Soldiers, under the purview of a Sergeant.
here they receive hands-on training in the Martial arts, and other areas as well, depending on their skill-set. If all goes well, the commanding officer will forward a recommendation to the either one of the Outpost leaders, or to a Knight of the Blade.
The Knight will interview the candidate, and if found capable and adequate, the recruit will be promoted to a Soldier, and will have become a member of the Order.
A slight addendum must be added however, now that the Order has come back into the public spotlight (albeit in a slightly tarnished fashion), many young nobles and people of high birth have attempted to join the Order. While they must go through the same recruitment process, they are almost always accepted, as it keeps the Order in good standing with the Empire.
The Ranks:
Grand Master: The Grand Master is the leader of the order. As such it is very likely that whomever holds the rank is an adept warrior and savvy politician. The Grand Master’s duties include the daily administration of the Order, as well as keeping in contact with many potential allies and enemies.
He or she has the power to appoint Knight Commanders and Knights, allocate Order funds, and in general, run the Order. If by some evil chance the Grand Master should fall (be it due to bloodshed or natural causes), a new Grand Master is chosen from among the Knight Commanders, who vote on the matter.
Knight-Commander: These are the seconds of the Order, sometimes called Masters of the Blade. They are proficient commanders, and in a true military would most likely be Generals. They command the separate subdivisions of the Order, as well as the Order Outposts located in major cities. Besides their military duties, they are also well-learned. And travel in powerful circles, making alliances and making sure the Order is well-known in the world.
Knight: These are the field commanders and champions of the order. All Knights are excellent warriors and capable leaders.
It is within their power to promote those below them, and manage their units with full autonomy, (unless some grievous breach of protocol is noticed, at that point a Knight Commander is obligated to intervene.) They are generally found leading convoys, or special task forces. Otherwise, the bulk of their numbers are found in the Templar Division.
Specialist: Most oftentimes this rank is reserved for members of the Order who are exceptionally skilled in a particular area. Technically they are one step below the Knights, but their ranks are filled with the doctors, the clerks, and the day-to-day operators of the Order who oversee everything from keeping the pantries stocked to making weapons.
Sergeant: Mid-level soldiers. Generally promoted by a Knight to oversee a Squad of soldiers if the Knight is not available or in command of a large number of troops. Most Sergeants have a basic knowledge of commanding groups of soldiers and can be counted upon to lead their men competently.
Sergeants are tasked with the care of squads of soldiers and specialists, they also act as mobile recruiters, and have been granted the privilege of appointing recruits to probationary status in the order, pending the approval of a Knight.
Soldier: The average ground-pounder, highly trained and well-equipped soldiers. These make up the majority of the order. They have no specific duties besides keeping their equipment in fighting shape. Generally led by a Knight or Sergeant of the Blade. (And in rare cases, if no Knight or Sergeant is available, a Specialist is appointed to lead them.)
Recruit: Prospective recruits to the order. Given a probationary period with a squad of Soldiers. Recruits are trained and tested daily, though never abused or bullied, no recruit is turned away without being given a chance to enter the Order. They have no privileges in the Order, and must follow the instructions of all Order members.
Perks: High-quality weapons and armor. Access to Order Convoys, (which generally act as safe havens, considering their medium-heavy defense capabilities.)
Guild History: Founded just after the birth of the Stamarian Empire by Thomas Arvestus, the Order of the Blade is traditionally something of a Special Operations task force. But one with an extremely rigid moral code. It was formed on the principles that Thomas Arvestus thought the Holy Empire embodied at that time, Honor, protection of innocents. Unifying the peoples of the world under one banner for the greater good of all. Obviously an idealist, it was an odd fit for Thomas to be the head of a military force (Technically The Order is attached to the Stamarian Military. In truth it is a completely separate entity.)
For several years the Order’s mandate was broad, and it numbered at a little over a thousand men and women, mostly from the rich and powerful families of the Empire. They aided police forces in particularly dangerous situations, were used as elite shock troops and armed infiltration units. And even aided in the defense of the Emperor on certain occasions, supplementing the Royal Guard with their own soldiers.
As time passed, the Order remained the same rigid force it had for many years. The position of Grandmaster changed hands, (though the last three Grandmasters have all carried the last name Arvestus.) And the Order served Stamaria well, basking in glory. But then leadership of the Order passed to Alya and Martin Arvestus, who over time had grown disillusioned of the dream that the Order had once embodied.
They saw Aurinar Stamarin’s warlike tendencies early on. And were saddened to see Stamaria go to war with other nations, sometimes even calling upon the Order, which answered dutifully. Growing hateful of the Emperor and his war, they secretly began selling information to the rebel Korin, even going so far as to sacrifice some of their own soldiers (those they thought more loyal to the Emperor than to themselves) in an attempt to kill a weakened Stamarian regiment.
It was then that the Empire realized the current leaders of the Order were traitors, and they acted quickly to quell the threat the Old and proud Order posed. Stamarian soldiers stormed the Headquarters, capturing Alya and Martin, and crippling any chance of resistance by taking the heart of the Order.
In a quick trial, the traitors were found guilty of treason and executed, along with most of the Knight Commanders and Knights of the Blade. The Order was then determined to be at the end of it’s usefulness, the loyalty of it’s soldiery was suspect. And in all honesty, there weren’t many Order members left alive after the assault on the Headquarters.
But the Viceroy in charge of the situation realized that the Order could possibly be salvaged. The Arvestus line did not end with Alya and Martin. They had a daughter, Gillian, a darling of the Imperial courts. He impressed upon Gillian, (a scared teenager at the time) the importance that the Order held to the Empire. Not just as a Military organization of specialists and commandos, but as a symbol of Honor and respect, of loyalty to the Emperor.
Gillian was forced to publically denounce her parents, and herself was branded the daughter of traitors, instantly turning the court darling into a pariah among the high social class. But, hand-in-hand with the life of social outcast, came the responsibility of Grandmaster of the Order. At Eighteen years of age, Gillian Arvestus became the fifth Grandmaster of a now-decimated Military Order, sworn to the Empire.
It is because of her parents’ death that Gillian instituted the convoy system for the severely weakened order. Wishing to never again have the Order be crippled by one deft strike. She instituted new policies as well, vetting each and every candidate for the order herself in a time-consuming process. Picking recruits who (while they are of course expected to show loyalty to the Empire) also show a great deal of loyalty to the Order itself.
And for the last six years she has lead the Order of the Blade, serving as called upon by the Empire. Knowing full well that if she ever makes the smallest mistake, the Empire could just as easily brand her a traitor and execute her for the sole crime of being her parents’ daughter.
As has been previously alluded too, the Order has separate subdivisions within itself, each with a specific purpose. Below is a short description of each division and it’s area of operation.
The Templar Subdivision: This division is the most militant arm of the Order, comprised entirely of Knights (each with combat skills rivaling Knight Commanders or in rare cases, the Grandmaster), this division serves as the shock-troops of the order, heavily armored, heavily armed, their sole purpose is to deal death on a massive scale.
To distinguish them from a normal order group of warriors, they not only wear the order symbol on their right shoulder, but an emblem with a screaming eagle upon their left.
The Hospitaler Subdivision: This division is tasked with the guarding of the convoys and care for the wounded, it is comprised of the more medically inclined members of the order, though it has it’s share of Soldiers as well.
Members of this division wear the standard order symbol, as well as a symbol of a palm leaf upon their opposite shoulder.
The Sphinx Subdivision: This division is the most secretive of the Order’s divisions. Being charged with information gathering and covert operations. Quick and stealthy members fill it’s ranks, also those who are adept with technology.
Members of this division wear no symbols to distinguish themselves from regular members of the Order, though if questioned by a Knight, they give a password indicating that they belong to the Sphinx.
These Subdivisions are each led by a single Knight Commander, (though other Knight Commanders may be requested for particular missions, if the need arises). They only allow the best and most trusted members of the Order to enter their ranks. All order members who are not a part of the subdivisions are simply grouped together in the main body of the Order, it is here that the Bulk of the Order’s membership is found.
Members:
Gillian Arvestus: Current Grandmaster
Alyssa Lightshield: Knight-Commander, head of the Templar Subdivision.
Michael Saint: Knight-Commander, head of the Hospitaler Subdivision.
Nicole Riley: Soldier of the Blade
Headquarters: When First formed, the Order’s Guildhall was located in Kallagulia. A simple square construction near the Imperial Library, built of stone and steel, worked with mahogany and oak for the interior. It has the appearance of a regal and beautiful building, built more for aesthetic beauty than true functionality.
To enter the Guildhall, one must head through a pair of large wooden doors, which lead into a central open-air courtyard in the center of the building. This courtyard is dominated by a fountain shaped in the likeness of a kneeling soldier holding a Greatsword above his head, the water flows from the tip of the greatsword down the Statue’s arms and over his body, finally ending in an intricate waterway that meanders its way through small canals crisscrossing the courtyard. The grounds are well-kept, and always reminds one of a cool morning in the shade, filled with beautiful trees and flowers, surrounded by columns of stone and wood. This somber beauty gives pause to visitors, who generally take a moment to enjoy the solemn serenity and peace that the large courtyard grants.
Opposite the Entrance, on the far end of the Courtyard, is the Grandmaster’s chamber and living quarters. They are spacious, but decorated sparingly, mostly with wrought-iron sculptures of a military nature.
The rest of the space in the building is given over to small offices and workrooms. If a visitor were to enter the building through the main entrance, they would hear the sounds of combat training coming from their left. Where the Order’s Training room is situated, taking up the entirety of that section of the building stretching from corner to corner. It can hold two hundred humans comfortably, and is fitted with the latest training and physical fitness equipment possible.
To a visitor’s right are the storerooms and workshops of the order, providing the military arms and armor for its soldiery. Each workshop has a simple wooden door leading out to the courtyard, so the craftsmen and women can take a momentary respite and enjoy the cool air outside.
Off-site bunking, (generally in a smaller stone construction adjacent to the Guildhall) housed the bulk of the Order. However, with the change in guild leadership, and mindful of its fateful history, the Guildhall and Barracks are only lightly staffed, and while the Grandmaster may work there, it is not the heart of the Order any longer.
for Security reasons, the Order currently has no stationary Headquarters, instead it opts for heavily armed and armored convoys, each of which are comprised of eight military-grade Humvees (with multiple load-outs, standard being .50 caliber automatic weapons) And two large armored semi-trucks, each containing communications gear, sleeping quarters, and small armories.
While this structure makes it difficult to bring a large number of Order members to bear on any one target, it allows them to stay highly mobile, and ensures that if one convoy falls to ill-fate or enemies, the Order itself remains functional.
Recruitment: The Order of the Blade looks for morally strong characters, those with a strong sense of right and wrong, and those who are willing to die to protect others. Though this is what the Order looks for, it gives all recruits a fair chance to enter as long as they show a willingness to follow the Order rules, and to protect the Order from all threats.
However, it is not a something that a hopeful recruit would try to join on a flight of fancy, it accepts no written applications (Unless the application comes as a transfer request from the Stamarian Military, of which the Order has strong ties too.)
To Apply, a recruit would have to present themselves to one of the many outposts positioned in large cities, or to a passing Order Convoy. They must then pass a test of arms, as all Order members (even medical personnel) must be proficient in the use of weapons. If they pass this test, they will be admitted with a probationary status to the order, and placed with a squad of Soldiers, under the purview of a Sergeant.
here they receive hands-on training in the Martial arts, and other areas as well, depending on their skill-set. If all goes well, the commanding officer will forward a recommendation to the either one of the Outpost leaders, or to a Knight of the Blade.
The Knight will interview the candidate, and if found capable and adequate, the recruit will be promoted to a Soldier, and will have become a member of the Order.
A slight addendum must be added however, now that the Order has come back into the public spotlight (albeit in a slightly tarnished fashion), many young nobles and people of high birth have attempted to join the Order. While they must go through the same recruitment process, they are almost always accepted, as it keeps the Order in good standing with the Empire.
The Ranks:
Grand Master: The Grand Master is the leader of the order. As such it is very likely that whomever holds the rank is an adept warrior and savvy politician. The Grand Master’s duties include the daily administration of the Order, as well as keeping in contact with many potential allies and enemies.
He or she has the power to appoint Knight Commanders and Knights, allocate Order funds, and in general, run the Order. If by some evil chance the Grand Master should fall (be it due to bloodshed or natural causes), a new Grand Master is chosen from among the Knight Commanders, who vote on the matter.
Knight-Commander: These are the seconds of the Order, sometimes called Masters of the Blade. They are proficient commanders, and in a true military would most likely be Generals. They command the separate subdivisions of the Order, as well as the Order Outposts located in major cities. Besides their military duties, they are also well-learned. And travel in powerful circles, making alliances and making sure the Order is well-known in the world.
Knight: These are the field commanders and champions of the order. All Knights are excellent warriors and capable leaders.
It is within their power to promote those below them, and manage their units with full autonomy, (unless some grievous breach of protocol is noticed, at that point a Knight Commander is obligated to intervene.) They are generally found leading convoys, or special task forces. Otherwise, the bulk of their numbers are found in the Templar Division.
Specialist: Most oftentimes this rank is reserved for members of the Order who are exceptionally skilled in a particular area. Technically they are one step below the Knights, but their ranks are filled with the doctors, the clerks, and the day-to-day operators of the Order who oversee everything from keeping the pantries stocked to making weapons.
Sergeant: Mid-level soldiers. Generally promoted by a Knight to oversee a Squad of soldiers if the Knight is not available or in command of a large number of troops. Most Sergeants have a basic knowledge of commanding groups of soldiers and can be counted upon to lead their men competently.
Sergeants are tasked with the care of squads of soldiers and specialists, they also act as mobile recruiters, and have been granted the privilege of appointing recruits to probationary status in the order, pending the approval of a Knight.
Soldier: The average ground-pounder, highly trained and well-equipped soldiers. These make up the majority of the order. They have no specific duties besides keeping their equipment in fighting shape. Generally led by a Knight or Sergeant of the Blade. (And in rare cases, if no Knight or Sergeant is available, a Specialist is appointed to lead them.)
Recruit: Prospective recruits to the order. Given a probationary period with a squad of Soldiers. Recruits are trained and tested daily, though never abused or bullied, no recruit is turned away without being given a chance to enter the Order. They have no privileges in the Order, and must follow the instructions of all Order members.
Perks: High-quality weapons and armor. Access to Order Convoys, (which generally act as safe havens, considering their medium-heavy defense capabilities.)
Guild History: Founded just after the birth of the Stamarian Empire by Thomas Arvestus, the Order of the Blade is traditionally something of a Special Operations task force. But one with an extremely rigid moral code. It was formed on the principles that Thomas Arvestus thought the Holy Empire embodied at that time, Honor, protection of innocents. Unifying the peoples of the world under one banner for the greater good of all. Obviously an idealist, it was an odd fit for Thomas to be the head of a military force (Technically The Order is attached to the Stamarian Military. In truth it is a completely separate entity.)
For several years the Order’s mandate was broad, and it numbered at a little over a thousand men and women, mostly from the rich and powerful families of the Empire. They aided police forces in particularly dangerous situations, were used as elite shock troops and armed infiltration units. And even aided in the defense of the Emperor on certain occasions, supplementing the Royal Guard with their own soldiers.
As time passed, the Order remained the same rigid force it had for many years. The position of Grandmaster changed hands, (though the last three Grandmasters have all carried the last name Arvestus.) And the Order served Stamaria well, basking in glory. But then leadership of the Order passed to Alya and Martin Arvestus, who over time had grown disillusioned of the dream that the Order had once embodied.
They saw Aurinar Stamarin’s warlike tendencies early on. And were saddened to see Stamaria go to war with other nations, sometimes even calling upon the Order, which answered dutifully. Growing hateful of the Emperor and his war, they secretly began selling information to the rebel Korin, even going so far as to sacrifice some of their own soldiers (those they thought more loyal to the Emperor than to themselves) in an attempt to kill a weakened Stamarian regiment.
It was then that the Empire realized the current leaders of the Order were traitors, and they acted quickly to quell the threat the Old and proud Order posed. Stamarian soldiers stormed the Headquarters, capturing Alya and Martin, and crippling any chance of resistance by taking the heart of the Order.
In a quick trial, the traitors were found guilty of treason and executed, along with most of the Knight Commanders and Knights of the Blade. The Order was then determined to be at the end of it’s usefulness, the loyalty of it’s soldiery was suspect. And in all honesty, there weren’t many Order members left alive after the assault on the Headquarters.
But the Viceroy in charge of the situation realized that the Order could possibly be salvaged. The Arvestus line did not end with Alya and Martin. They had a daughter, Gillian, a darling of the Imperial courts. He impressed upon Gillian, (a scared teenager at the time) the importance that the Order held to the Empire. Not just as a Military organization of specialists and commandos, but as a symbol of Honor and respect, of loyalty to the Emperor.
Gillian was forced to publically denounce her parents, and herself was branded the daughter of traitors, instantly turning the court darling into a pariah among the high social class. But, hand-in-hand with the life of social outcast, came the responsibility of Grandmaster of the Order. At Eighteen years of age, Gillian Arvestus became the fifth Grandmaster of a now-decimated Military Order, sworn to the Empire.
It is because of her parents’ death that Gillian instituted the convoy system for the severely weakened order. Wishing to never again have the Order be crippled by one deft strike. She instituted new policies as well, vetting each and every candidate for the order herself in a time-consuming process. Picking recruits who (while they are of course expected to show loyalty to the Empire) also show a great deal of loyalty to the Order itself.
And for the last six years she has lead the Order of the Blade, serving as called upon by the Empire. Knowing full well that if she ever makes the smallest mistake, the Empire could just as easily brand her a traitor and execute her for the sole crime of being her parents’ daughter.
As has been previously alluded too, the Order has separate subdivisions within itself, each with a specific purpose. Below is a short description of each division and it’s area of operation.
The Templar Subdivision: This division is the most militant arm of the Order, comprised entirely of Knights (each with combat skills rivaling Knight Commanders or in rare cases, the Grandmaster), this division serves as the shock-troops of the order, heavily armored, heavily armed, their sole purpose is to deal death on a massive scale.
To distinguish them from a normal order group of warriors, they not only wear the order symbol on their right shoulder, but an emblem with a screaming eagle upon their left.
The Hospitaler Subdivision: This division is tasked with the guarding of the convoys and care for the wounded, it is comprised of the more medically inclined members of the order, though it has it’s share of Soldiers as well.
Members of this division wear the standard order symbol, as well as a symbol of a palm leaf upon their opposite shoulder.
The Sphinx Subdivision: This division is the most secretive of the Order’s divisions. Being charged with information gathering and covert operations. Quick and stealthy members fill it’s ranks, also those who are adept with technology.
Members of this division wear no symbols to distinguish themselves from regular members of the Order, though if questioned by a Knight, they give a password indicating that they belong to the Sphinx.
These Subdivisions are each led by a single Knight Commander, (though other Knight Commanders may be requested for particular missions, if the need arises). They only allow the best and most trusted members of the Order to enter their ranks. All order members who are not a part of the subdivisions are simply grouped together in the main body of the Order, it is here that the Bulk of the Order’s membership is found.
