MISSIVE OF SUMMONS: TO THE KNIGHTS ROYAL

ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, FREDERICK I 

10th OF Horen’s Calling, 1877

Upon the eve of our Court, three months prior, our Government was made aware of a threat on our northernmost territory. In Acre, Upper Petra, does it lay; beneath flora and fauna. We, therefore, call the loyal Lord Acre, Sir Gustaf Vilain, and the sers Valentin Mareno, Easworth, and Iomharach, amongst their associated squires and volunteers, to promulgate our Royal directive postehaste.

It is our desire to vest upon Lord Acre the charge of navigating this crisis - to rally a retinue of support and herald a report to Count Susa, our Knight Paramount, upon the aversion of this current course.

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Vienne, Helena, Novellen, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

HIS EXCELLENCY, Conrad de Falstaff, Lord Chancellor to the Kingdom of Oren, Baron of Guise

On this 8th of Harren’s Folly

ANNO REGIO 1876

Acting on the power vested in me I do hereby see fit to recognize the following Knights as having proven beyond any reasonable doubt not only their loyalty to Orenia, but that their honor is un-besmirched and their initiative and drive proven. As a result of such, by this writ are these individuals granted the ranking of Knight Royal of the Red Eagle. It shall be their duty to carry out the duties assigned to them, in honor and defense of the Crown and the Order.

As of this Writ of Appointment, the following Knights are assigned to the following stations until assigned otherwise by the King or Knight Paramount. They are to serve and prevent dissemination of any threats deemed necessary by their vassal lords.

Sir Gustaf “The Stallion”

Of House

Vilain 

-=- Knight Commander -=-

Sir Edmond “The Swift”

Of House

Rouen

-=- Kings Guard-=-

Sir Ezekiel

Of House

Moores

-=- Barony of Pompourelia-=-

Dame Primrose

Of House

Gendik

-=- City of Vienne-=-

Sir Solomon

Of House

Obedia

-=- March of Grodno & Barony of Corwinsburg-=-

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Vienne, Helena, Novellen, Sunholdt, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Stassion Castle,  Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

HIS EXCELLENCY, Aleksander Basrid, Knight Paramount of the Order of the Red Eagle, The Grand Knight, Count of Susa

❁ As revised on the 7th of  Horen’s Calling, 1872,  by Noble Sir Anastasios Basrid, and scribed by Sir Aleksander Basrid. ❁

Above all else a Knight must always remain loyal to those they serve and to the institution and camaraderie of the Order. To set aside personal desires of compelling obligations for that to which an Oath is pledged.

A Knight must possess the aptitude for dignity in the face of adversity, to present oneself and by extension represent those they serve as well as the Order in the proper form.

A Knight must strive to always do the right thing, to hold oneself accountable and to always act in good faith even when none are around to witness it. They must also abstain from dishonesty to the best of their ability.

A Knight must be willing to extend goodwill and mercy to all, even an enemy. To never compromise the tenets of the Order nor one's principles. To accept any and all challenges or duels leveled against them by worthy foes.

A Knight must always act courageously and seek to redirect harm away from the innocent. To overcome obstacles of fear, pain, or even death in the completion of their quest or lawful order.

A Knight must always remain humble, to offer aid to those in need, and to seek to undo the suffering of others. They must also maintain an open mind and a free ear to challenging ideas.

Herein lie the records of the Knights of The Red Eagle and all their deeds, both great and terrible. Penned and recorded by Orenian historians uncountable, compiled by Sir Aleksander Basrid, 10th of Horen’s Calling, 1876.

Sir Anastasios Basrid

Knighted Sir Anasastios Basrid by Emperor Philip III, Last Orenian Emperor. Noted for his undying Loyalty to the Orenian Crown. He was known to be a capable commander, leading Orenian Forces during the Tripartite Coalition War. He alongside Darius of Vienne and Sir Lucien, led Orenian forces at the Battle of Providence.  He would later go on to form the Order of the Red Eagle. Shortly thereafter, he would disappear overnight. 

His fate is currently unknown. 

Sir Ezekiel Moores

Knighted Sir Ezkeiel Moores by King Frederick I of Oren. Noted for his loyal and unrelenting service during the Sedan Rebellion and the Tenth Nordling War. He was righteously awarded the first Imperial Arkent Commendation Medal upon the war's conclusion for his relentless bravery during the campaigns he took part in. Becoming a renowned jouster during times of peace, Ezekiel was inducted into the Fourth Cohort. He would become a well-regarded monster slayer, having spent some time in the ruins of Ando Alur and lost an arm to one of the many horrors that dwell within.

He is currently still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.

Sir Solomon Obedia

Knighted Sir Solomon Obedia by King Frederick I of Oren. Noted for his service in the Swint’s Guard, wherein he became the Vice Commander for a short time. Solomon also had a long and storied service within the Imperial State Army, ascending to the rank of Lieutenant. He is also noted for squiring the first Lord Commander of the Petran Legion, Anton Draskovic. A dangerous and precise swordsman, Solomon has proven his salt on the battlefield many times over by slaying the Kingdom’s enemies.

He is currently still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.

Sir Lucien de Savoie “the Bold”

Knighted Sir Lucien Ashford de Savoie ‘the Bold’ by King Frederick I of Oren. Noted for his incredibly brave nature. Previously known as Prince Lucien I of Savoy, he was knighted during the conflict known as the Brothers War. Where he alongside his brother-in-law King Frederick I led valiantly at the Battle of Providence where the Pretender Peter IV was captured and later executed ending the four month conflict. Lucien was a revered fighter, being regarded as one of the strongest swordsmen in Almaris. He is the only man to have been knighted in three canonist realms, Oren, Haenseti-Ruska, and the later defunct Savoy. He was known to be the Champion of King Frederick, and his beloved Wife Queen Vivienne, Lucien’s sister.

He is currently still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.


Sir Aleksander Basrid

Knighted Sir Aleksander Basrid by King Frederick I of Oren. As a squire he was crucial in aiding his old brother, Anastasios Basrid, in developing and founding what would come to be known as the Royal Order of the Red Eagle. Shortly after the foundation of the Order his brother disappeared, and after a brief period of a leadership void the station of Knight Paramount fell to him. Though just a boy during the Brothers War, he has found himself on the frontline against many raids on the Kingdom by bandits and other evildoers since King Frederick’s ascension, risking life and limb to ensure peace within Orenia. 

He is currently still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.


Sir Gustaf de Vilain “the Stallion”

Knighted Sir Gustaf de Vilain ‘the Stallion’ by King Frederick I of Oren. Served in the Aurelian Brotherhood alongside the Orenian King, having fought in both the Tripartite War and the Brothers’ War. Known for his incredible charisma and chivalrous tendencies, as well as being one of the king’s voices of mercy. When presented initially with the opportunity to serve as a knight by King Frederick I, Gustaf had refused - citing that he had yet to deserve the honourable station just yet. He was nineteen years old then, a squire for Sir Ezekiel.

Having fought in the battle Reutov which led to the capture of the Emperor-Pretender, Peter IV, and the battle of Providence where shortly after the Pretender was executed in Aster Hall. He was knighted on the floor just moments afterward. He had then begun serving alongside the legion, before being commanded to the King’s Guard by Frederick I. In addition to his duties, he served as a watchful shepherd over the lands he raised in the name of his father, the Barony of Acre, gathering various aliases such as ‘farmer knight’, or something similar.

He is currently still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.


Sir Enzo Cooper 

Knighted Sir Enzo Cooper by King Frederick I of Oren. Served in the Imperial State Army for many years, before joining King Frederick at Mardon. He alongside Sir Anton played a crucial role in the development of the Petran Legion. Having fought in the Nordling War, Tripartite War, and lastly the Brothers’ War where he was made a knight of the realm following the execution of the pretender. 

Enzo would spend the rest of his days in retirement, his fate unknown.


Sir Anton Draskovic

Knighted Sir Anton Draskovic, Lord Commander of the Petran Legion by King Frederick I of Oren. He commanded the forces of Oren during the Conflict known as the Brothers’ War, Sir Anton led a royalist detachment to the Viscount of Vuillermoz where they were met with Imperialist Opposition, this engagement was later to be known as the, Battle of Vuillermoz with its aftermath resulting in the capture and later execution of the Duke of Reutov. 

Sir Anton would later go on to help form the Petran Legion, acting as its first ever Lord Commander. Having served in the Imperial State Army for years, and the later Imperial Legion. His structure and drill manual is still in use today. He would go on to oversee  its development until his untimely death. Died of Consumption.


Sir Louis Staunton

Knighted Sir Louis Staunton by King Frederick I of Oren. Fought in the Conflict known as the Brothers’ War. Was a revered fighter, having fought in every engagement during the war. He, alongside a royalist detachment led by Darius of Vienne infiltrated Castle Reutov, where they captured the Pretender. Later on he alongside Sir Anton, Sir Edmond, and Sir Andrezj led a detachment during the battle of Providence, defeating the Imperialist forces in a resounding four day campaign. After the War Sir Louis became a peer of the realm, founding the Barony of Whitewater on the river Petra. Though shortly thereafter he would disappear, his fate unknown.

He is presumably still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.


Dame Primrose Gendik

Knighted Dame Primrose Gendik “The Healer” by King Frederick I of Oren. Having served in the Orenian Armed Forces for over fifty years, seeing conflict in the Nordling War, The Tripartite War, and finally the Brothers’ War. Primrose was known for her medical prowess, having served as a field medic for the entirety of her service. She founded the Hospice of St. Amyas in the City of Vienne, becoming itss main physician. She is noted for her valiantry at the Battle of Vuillermoz, which led to the eventual capture of the Duke of Reutov and later his execution. Primrose Gendik has been seen as one of the greatest Orenian Physicians, for her service to its practices is widely known. Primrose Gendik holds the honor of being the first ever Female Knight of the Red Eagle. 

She is currently still alive, and her deeds are still being recorded. 

Sir Andronikos Mareno

Knighted Sir Andronikos Mareno by King Frederick I of Oren. Having served in the Savoyard Military for years, and later the Myrinan Guard. He was the trusted lieutenant of Prince Lucien I of Savoy, and alongside him fought for King Frederick during the engagement known as the Brothers’ War. During the Battle of Reutov, alongside Sir Edmond captured the Emperor-Pretender. For his service, he was knighted following the Battle of Reutov. Shortly thereafter after he retired, for years his whereabouts were unknown, until one night during a ferryman raid, they had captured Princess Maxima. It was discovered there after that he was a member of the notorious Mercenary group. He was stripped of all honors and titles. His whereabouts are unknown.

He is supposedly still alive, his knighthood blacked.


Sir Andrezj Ivanovich “the Black”

Knighted Sir Andrezj Ivanovich “The Black” by King Frederick I of Oren. Bastard son of the Duke of Reutov, cousin to the Orenian King. He was a ward under King Frederick while he was Count of Mardon. Andrezj was known to be an expert swordsman and commander, leading Royalist forces during the Brothers’ War. It was at one moment, per his leadership, a raid be carried out on Castle Reutov which resulted in the Capture of the Emperor-Pretender. Andrezj was known as the King’s executioner, a position held by most Ivanovichs. After all, it was with his arm that the execution of his own father, the Duke of Reutov, was carried out. This event alone served to cement his undying loyalty to the Orenian Monarch. 

It was Andrezj who later executed the Emperor-Pretender, caving his head in with the Mace of Kraja, the same weapon which ended the Johannian Empire, and their rule over the Empire. Shortly after the War, Sir Andrezj fought in the defense of a few dwarves who were causing trouble in the streets of Vienne. Because of this, the Ivanovich Lord was banished and his titles and privileges revoked. He was last seen in the northern territories of Grenz.

His whereabouts are unknown, his knighthood blacked.
 

Sir Edmond de Rouen “the Swift”

Knighted Sir Edmond de Rouen ‘the Swift’ by King Frederick I of Oren. Noted for his athleticism in his escape dubbed “the flee of San Luciano.” Sir Edmond was renowned for his martial capability throughout the life of King Frederick. It was him who instilled the basics of warfare in the young princeling, and valiantly led battles throughout the Tripartite coalition war for the Orenian front. It was during his service in the Brothers’ War which valiantly led to the capture of Prince Peter, and his leadership which aided the fledgling Petran Legion in defending their homeland from brigands. He alongside Darius of Vienne led a valiant rescue of Princess Maxima during the aftermath of a ferryman raid.

He is currently still alive, and his deeds are still being recorded.


❁ The next page is barren, with hopes of future stories to be told ❁

The Order of the Red Eagle acts as the main Knightly Order to the Kingdom of Oren and the Crownlands. Consisting of every Knight sanctioned by the King, the Order of the Red Eagle seeks to uphold the etiquette and prestige of the Knights within the realm as it honors tradition and strength above all else.

It is required, by decree of his Royal Majesty, that all Knights seeking recognition within Orenia are to enlist within the Order of the Red Eagle. Despite mandatory service, however, the Order does not act as a levy force where other traditional knightly orders would. Rather, the Order serves as an overarching organization to produce accurate and updated Knightly census as well as to provide martial assistance to the fiefdoms and vassals of the Kingdom on a much more personally tailored level. As such, it has no uniform and enables Knights within the organization to enlist within other Knightly Circles or take up political positions within Royal territory. It is important to note that enlistment with other Knightly Circles is not mandatory, but is oftentimes discouraged should the Knight wish to rise above the degree of Knight Errant. 

As previously mentioned The Order has no required uniform, however Knights may wear a standardized set of platemail and the tabard of the order as provided by the Orders quartermaster. It is commonplace that knights wear their own personal suit of armor and tabard when engaging in knightly duties, and not wear the uniforms of any other garrison or organization. Squires are expected to wear whatever clothing is requested of them by the knight they serve, typically simple tunics staying in line with the color scheme of the knight's house. 

The Order does not forbid military service, so long as it is within the Kingdom of Oren. In fact, members of the Order, squires of age included, are encouraged to join the Petran Legion as at least a reservist. 

"I swear to be true to the King and the realm, stalwart and outspoken against any evils that threaten harm. I swear to work tirelessly to the betterment of the Kingdom and the Orenian people that comprise it. I swear also not to associate with traitors nor enemies of the state, and to always defend the honor of those I serve. This I swear upon my life by the Holy Scrolls. Ave Orenia."

Knightly honors are not just rewards for great deeds but are also a titular recognition of one's outstanding discipline and character. All Knights are expected to adhere to the Code of Chivalry at all costs in every facet of their lives, both on and off the battlefield.

Above all else a Knight must always remain loyal to those they serve and to the institution and camaraderie of the Order. To set aside personal desires of compelling obligations for that to which an Oath is pledged.

A Knight must possess the aptitude for dignity in the face of adversity, to present oneself and by extension represent those they serve as well as the Order in the proper form.

A Knight must strive to always do the right thing, to hold oneself accountable and to always act in good faith even when none are around to witness it. They must also abstain from dishonesty to the best of their ability.

A Knight must be willing to extend goodwill and mercy to all, even an enemy. To never compromise the tenets of the Order nor one's principles. To accept any and all challenges or duels leveled against them by worthy foes.

A Knight must always act courageously and seek to redirect harm away from the innocent. To overcome obstacles of fear, pain, or even death in the completion of their quest or lawful order.

A Knight must always remain humble, to offer aid to those in need, and to seek to undo the suffering of others. They must also maintain an open mind and a free ear to challenging ideas.

The tradition of errantry as a way of proving one’s abilities as a Knight is an aspect of chivalry that has been lost to history in many ways. Though informally conducted by various knights out of passion for the denizens of the Kingdom, the art of chivalric questing has gone neglected for many years. With the reintroduction of the Order of the Red Eagle it has been deemed necessary for knights to embark upon a period of errantry where the Knight Errant shall take upon quests in the service of the Kingdom in order to earn one’s Knightly epithet and place in the Order besides the King as a Knight Royal. A Knight Errant, in general, should not refuse any quest given to them during this time.

It is customary for Knights to be awarded a Knightly Epithet based on what trait, value, or virtue they most exemplify by their time as a Knight Errant. These epithets are determined in conjunction with the completion of the Knightly Quest that they have taken on. Epithets are given to the Knight for life and no other living Knight may possess the same Epithet as another. An epithet may only be changed if the King deems a new characteristic worthy of the Knight that  outshines the original epithet. A Knight stripped of their Knighthood immediately relinquishes their epithet to be bestowed upon someone actually worthy of the title.

Once a Knight is recognized for their distinction and leal service to the Crown they may be given a serjeanty to govern over alongside their Spurs of Knighthood. The king alone decides whether a Knight is worthy of being given a Serjeanty. A serjeanty will often consist of a small estate with some farmland. Should the Knight be assigned to assist a lord, their serjeanty will be within or just outside of that lord's lands. Should the Knight be assigned duties within the Kings Court the serjeanty will be immediately outside of the city of Vienne. A knight must carry out the functions of their duty in order to maintain their serjeanty, otherwise they shall be honorably stripped of the privilege. The Knight Paramount alone  shall be issued the honor of holding the Grand Serjeanty of Erneburgh in the Order’s name.  A serjeanty is exempt from taxation by the crown, however a Knight is not exempt from taxes being levied on any other properties they may own nor is the serjeanty hereditary.

Knights of the Order of the Red Eagle are expected to act respectfully and within the guidelines of the Order. However, from time to time, some Knights will choose to ignore such regulations put in place to keep them in the grace of GOD and his Kingdom. Misconduct is a bad omen to one’s peers and becomes a disastrous precedent when left unchecked. Hence, the implementation of Blackmarking.

Knights of the Order of the Red Eagle who have been blackmarked have been found committing a grievance beyond repair in the eyes of the King and Knight Paramount, the latter of whom suggests the punishment. Blackmarked Knights are stripped of their regalia and forced to undertake a Quest of Restitution in the grace of the Kingdom. Such actions may only be undertaken ONCE in a lifetime, and the quest itself is decided upon by the King himself.

Knights of the Order of the Red Eagle who have been blackmarked and completed their quest of restitution, only to be blackmarked once more, are to be forever  stripped of their Knighthood, condemned, and banished from Royal service. Their name will be made public, and his presence in vassal states, while a stain on their good reputation, is only barely tolerable. If said grievances are terrible enough, the former Knight may be banished from the Kingdom entirely, or even executed at the King's discretion.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege to don the title of Sir.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege to display one’s own sigil.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege to be armed amongst the King’s Court.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege to govern lands in the name of the King.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege to levy taxes upon their fiefdom.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege of providing counsel to the the King.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege of the right to trial by combat.

☩ A Knight of the Kingdom shall receive the privilege of being buried within the Arend Crypts.

Often children of gentry and nobility, the squire ( or page if under the age of 14) serves as the right-hand of a Knight in order to learn the Knightly ways, typically  starting their journey at the age of 14. Following their service as a Squire, which conclude after a minimum of 7 years and not before the age of 21, they will assume the rank of Knight Errant. Their time will primarily be spent learning about history, literature and the Code of Chivalry, but they will also learn the fundamentals of armed and unarmed combat. Older squires may even be given important tasks, typically of a scholarly nature,  on behalf of their local liege or Knight Royal, ranging from delivering messages  to keeping accurate documents or minutes of an important meeting. 

Should one not hail from noble lineage the acquisition of Knighthood remains plausible. It is the will of his Royal Majesty that the finest of Humanity are to be Knighted and serve the Kingdom, for oftentimes men of low birth showcase more prowess and devotion to mankind than that of gentry or lords. As such, should one be found worthy of Errantry, his Royal Majesty shall issue an Royal Writ, officiating the knighthood of a lowborn individual. While this Royal Writ does not automatically qualify an individual for peerage such as a Viscount or Duke, it does mean that any offspring of the Knight are of worthy blood and do not need to seek out such a writ should they follow in the footsteps of their forefathers. 

Knights Errant are those who have just gained the rank of Knight, tasked with having to prove themselves honorable in Quests or Battle as a means to earn the coveted Spurs of Knighthood, which would promote them to the Second Degree of Knighthood. Knights Errant are oftentimes inexperienced in combat, and thus their primary focus is to gain experience through action rather than study as a Squire would. Additionally, Knights Errant do not actively serve a lord, even when directly related, as they are preoccupied with achieving personal glory rather than hereditary tasks. Knights Errant are not only allowed, but are expected, to take on Squires that they themselves find, or are given to them by a higher ranking Knight.

Knights Royal are those who have proven their chivalrous nature beyond a reasonable doubt, ready to serve the Kingdom in a more direct manner. Beyond their own Serjeanty, Knights Royal are often assigned to a swathe of land within the Kingdom, tasked with protecting it alongside the occupying Lord. This may take the form of leading the Lords levy, enforcing laws and punishing those who break them, and even slaying monsters and beasts that roam the land. Knights Royal are also expected to act as guards within the Royal Court, ensuring no harm comes to any in attendance, though most importantly the King. Finally, Knights Royal may be tasked to any navigational duty, such as Quartermaster, that the Knight Paramount sees fit.

The Knights Commander are the upper echelon of all knights of the order. Hand picked by the Knight Paramount, or even the King, for showing extreme bravery, competence and devotion to the protection of the kingdom. They are in charge of anything and everything, their word being final within the order except when held up to that of the Knight Paramount or the King himself. 

The Knight Paramount is the head of the Order of the Red Eagle. They are tasked with ensuring all Knights under them are operating in a manner becoming of the order and the King. They assign Knights Royal to their cuties, ensure that Squires are receiving adequate training, and are the sole decision as to who is set to become a Knight Royal. 

Knight Paramount

•Sir Aleksander Basrid

Knights Commander

•N/A

Knights Royal

•Sir Gustaf de Vilain 

•Sir Lucien Ashford de Savoie 

•Sir Edmond de Rouen 

•Sir Ezekiel Moores

•Sir Louis Staunton 

•Dame Primrose Gendik 

Knights Errant

•N/A

Squires

•Kendrick Nightingale

•Otto von Manstein

•George Obedia

•Wolfgang de Vilain Kevin Iomharach

    GOD WITH US,

    HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Frederick I, King of Oren, forever August, King of Renatus, Curon, Kaedrin, Salvus, and Seventis, Grand Duke of Ves, Duke of Helena, Novellen, Sunholdt, Furnestock, Petra, Oltremont, South Arentania, and Lorraine, Count of Mardon, Baron of Renzfeld, Protector of the Heartlanders and Farfolk, etcetera

((Contact Sykotic#1867 to join or for more information.))