[Recruiting] Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn

[_Stigwig 1510]

Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn

The Banners of the Ashford Sun

 

 

History

 

“The long night of civil strife and insurrection,

of arduous struggle and toilsome fight,

of brother fighting against brother has passed;

for this day, the Ashen Dawn is upon us.”

 

Words of Guy de Bar following his ascension to the throne of Oren.

 

The Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn, a military order functioning as a banner-force to the House Ashford de Bar, is a nascent band that bears its lineage from the renowned and now defunct Order of Saint Amyas. Following the ascension of their last Grand Master, Guy de Bar, to the throne of Oren it was decided that the group rebrand and reform into a group that pulled away from its origins fighting for the Junavosi holy land and instead serving their liege lord directly.

 

Successors to the group that successfully repulsed schismatics, dwed, and insurgencies alike- an Order known for its role in the unification of Humanity, all while being the largest force in Oren for multiple years besides-  the soldiers of the Ashen Dawn hold their heritage in high regard and many still harbour a lust for zealotry and their original purpose. Their patron no longer the Saint of healing, the warband now serves the house that led them to great glory.

 

The Vindicators served for the duration of King Guy’s reign, a paltry three years, as the palace guards and bannerforce that the Kingdom relied upon most - present even in his final hours as guards that struck down his assassins when wroth overtook them. Maintaining the banner of Ashford they fought beneath their commander, Denis de Bar, during his days as Duke and then as the heir to Drusco; disbanded by Imperial decree soon after the coronation of John Horen.

 

The force coalesced into the Esheveurd Regiment of the newly formed Imperial Army, still underneath their commander, for several years before the eventual abolition of that force due to the incompetency of and bureaucratic strain placed upon the higher echelons of extreme command. Their hearts stilled filled with a reverence for their former King, Guy, and other leaders of Ashford blood whom had commanded their predecessor order and the decision was made to reform. Once more would these war-hardened men take up the banner of Ashford  - for the glory of the House Ashford de Bar.

 

Currently housed in the Druscan region surrounding Geldern Keep, the achievements and historical significance synonymous with the Order’s new name is attributed to the house it serves - calling not only upon the prestige of the Knights Lorraine but also the Band of Esheveurd, the predecessors of Ashford with lives worthy of legend, and the prestige gathered by the commanders of the previous order.

 

Ranks

 

All armigers of the Ashen Dawn are beholden to the commander above them, none more so than those of Ashen Command.  They owe complete loyalty to the Grand Vindicator and are sworn to obey his every command with ardor and efficiency.

 

(ASHEN COMMAND)

 

Grand Vindicator

 

The Grand Vindicator, often a nobleman of the House Ashford de Bar, is the autocratic archon of the Vindicators who demands the complete loyalty and respect of his soldiers. Typically serving a lifelong tenure in the position they determine the direction of the Vindicators and oversee all aspects of life for the men, their authority graced by the divine right of the King himself. The position is currently filled by Denis de Bar, the first Grand Vindicator of the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn.

 

Arbiter

 

The Arbiter of the Vindicators is the most experienced scribe and expert on political matters within the force, his expertise lying in diplomatic, economic acumen alongside matters of courtly intrigue. He is often tasked with maintaining records and archives, engaging in politics alongside the Grand Vindicator, maintaining the coffers of the Vindicators and aiding the Knight-Captains in counselling the force’s superlative leader.

 

Knight-Captain

 

The Knight-Captains, exemplary and fearless soldiers brought up from the ranks of the Knight-Sergeants, are chosen personally by the Grand Vindicator to serve the Vindicators as prestigious commanders.. Skilled commanders and shrewd tacticians with a familiarity for combat and a warrior’s inborn skill, they are entrusted with power over specific vestiges of the Ashen Dawn at the Grand Vindicator’s discretion and work in tandem with the Arbiter to counsel the Grand Vindicator on matters of the banner force.

 

(HIGH COMMAND)

 

Knight-Sergeant

 

Knight-Sergeants are steely men who have spent much of their lives in single service to the cause of the Vindicators with great and incomparable vigor. Born leaders and veterans of conflicts both internal and external, they are chosen from soldiers demonstrating great courage and aptitude as vanguards, thereafter serving as staunch examples of the ideal soldier.  From this collection of puissant and capable commanders, the Knight-Captains are chosen.

 

Sergeant

 

Sergeants are grizzled ensigns and disciplinarians of the Ashford Sun that have risen up the ranks to be true authoritarians, forming the backbone of the auxiliary  fighting force and the greatest motivators to the ordinary enlisted. Stern, and yet imbued with a gruff charisma, the Sergeants oversee standard training whilst also helping new unoathed acclimatise to their role in the Vindicators.

 

(LOW COMMAND)

 

Banneret

 

Bannerets are junior officers, ranking beneath Sergeant and often in training to become one. Not yet possessing the keen finesse of higher rankers, the bannerets of the Ashford Sun lead patrols, reconnaissance missions and smaller-scale training. They are often tasked with small commands such as scouting in battles, and are fresh-faced commanders who have hitherto not been recognized as valuable leaders.

 

Vanguard

 

The elite warfighters of the Vindicators, the vanguard are the valiant warriors that have dedicated their lives to upholding the name of de Bar and serving it completely.  Once a soldier has proven his prowess in battle, he will be ordained such a rank and graced with the prominence accompanying it. Although they wield little authority in way of command, the vanguard are widely respected for their  formidable worth with a blade.

 

(IMMUNES)

 

Physician

 

The physicians, more colloquially known as field surgeons, are soldiers of the Vindicators that have shown a greater affinity for medicine and wound treatment as opposed to their militant comrades. They are tasked with both tending to injuries within their garrison whilst also accompanying fighting forces as field medics - able to operate in even the most stressful environments.

 

Steward

 

Stewards are a group of administrators, headed by the Steward Paramount, who aid the Arbiter in administering and tending for areas directly under the Vindicators’ possession. When not engaged in diplomatic missions or administration they are found travelling the roads searching for likely recruits to the force, inculcated with the beguiling allure necessary to draw in unoathed initiates.

 

Chaplain

 

Acting as a liaison between the Vindicators and the Church of the Canon,  a separate cadre of chaplains, monks and priests offer both spiritual advice and aid upon long missions or pilgrimages for the men of the Ashen Dawn. In times of peace they administer sermons to men, reminiscent to the days spent under the guidance of their past Order’s virtues.

 

Sentinel

 

Sentinels are soldiers who excel in their knowledge of the environment and awareness - making excellent watchmen and trackers. Acting as watchmen loosely affiliated with the Vindicators, they are often positioned at locations guarding key areas of influence, barring entry to those that would cause harm and defending the local populace from dissenters.

 

(ENLISTED)

 

Man-At-Arms

 

Men-At-Arms are the most solid and loyal of all men, their numbers comprised mainly of both loyal and experienced men that form a central core of the Vindicators’ auxiliary. Skilled with formations and in combat, speed and conviction is expected from them when completing any commands given - the loyalty of each man unquestionable.

 

Bannerman

 

Comprised of the unoathed that have proven their worth with obedience and loyalty, the bannermen have been doled out their tabards and sworn their oaths after several grueling tests and skirmishes. These armigers will tend to undergo tough labor and other general tests to further improve their general skill as proven soldiers and servants of the Vindicators, strengthening them both physically and in their conviction to House de Bar.

 

Unoathed

 

The unoathed are the newest additions to the Vindicators, untested and unproven  youths seeking adventure or employ. Observed by higher ranks in how they adjust to the new lifestyle of soldiering, all of the unoathed are expected to undergo multiple laborious trials, training sessions and real combat experience before advancing in the ranks and swearing their oaths.

 

Tenets

 

 

Whereas the Knights Lorraine possessed a spoken code of morals and virtues to live by, the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn hold to their hearts a stricter and lengthier amount of tenets and rules that strictly govern their daily lives and conduct in the presence of others:

 

Maintain a chivalric presence, uphold the weak and be benevolent.

Be always pious, worship and follow the virtues.

Obey your superiors no matter the command, for the Vindicators flourish with duty.

Do not harm another Vindicator, nor steal nor lie to them.

Falter not in the face of opposition for righteous fury guides your blade.

Remain vigilant always, the life of your brothers is at stake when discretion is cast aside.

Allow no heretic or heathen to live while he defies the word of God.

If a man strikes you then you shall strike him back, unless he is your superior.

Do not dishonour the house of Ashford.

 

Purpose

 

The Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn, oft known as the Banners of the Ashford Sun for the famous words uttered by Guy de Bar, functions as a military order akin to a heraldic banner force that serves the Grand Vindicator of the Ashen Dawn and, on a larger scale, the Orenian state as an entirety. Their professed goal is to maintain a military force beholden only to the House de Bar and ensure the strength of Humanity.

 

The successors to the Order of Saint Amyas, and by extension orders such as the Order of the Griffon, the Knights of the Eventide and the Sons of Owyn, the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn hold worship often and remain a highly zealous order. Although no longer required, many officers still wear the golden lorraine cross given to them upon their ordainment to a position of authority.

 

The coat of arms of the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn is a flaming golden disc spinning upon a black backdrop, an imitation of both the heraldry of the House Ashford and the personal seal used by Velwyn Ashford, later known as Lucien I. Worn by all except the Unoathed, it signifies the brotherhood of men that makes up the Band.

 

Allegiance

 

The Vindicators of the Aseen Dawn, unlike their predecessors, have only one allegiance: to the House Ashford de Bar. They serve their Grand Vindicator with undying and absolute loyalty and by extension both the patriarch of the house and the King, although they maintain a fierce piety within their hearts no longer are they a holy order.

 

The former Order of Saint Amyas has been beholden to four Ashford grandmasters during its span of acclaim: Gwenael, Richard, Adrian, and Guy de Bar. The names of their famed predecessors have garnered an extreme reverence from the men of the Ashen Dawn, further cementing the Vindicators’ loyalty to their liege house.

 

 

Customs

 

Unlike the Order they claim descent from, the Vindicators seek to employ the use of medals and honorifics in the style of groups such as the White Rose. Honours awarded only to the loyalest and bravest of men, they cut a distinction between the average Vindicator that serves the Banners and those whom are truly great men. Based off heroes, houses and events of the past they provide a connection to history itself.

 

Taking their inspiration from the Order of St. Amyas beneath the governance of Gwenael de Bar the Vindicators discharge all of the rank Knight-Sergeant or above (Ashen Command) with land when they finally grow old and seek discharge. These estates, located around wherever the Vindicators find themselves based, are often used to help grow families, or even colonies, whose descendants go on to rejoin and once again serve the Ashford Sun.

 

As part of their heritage from serving in the Order of St. Amyas many men hold pilgrimages as important ceremonies to undertake - the vast majority of the Vindicators having undergone one, if not more. It is often that these religious journeys yield great returns in fervour, activity and belief that inspire the men going on them to great deeds.

 

The rank of Vanguard is one carried over from the previous Order, as is the ceremony - one steeped in meaning and significance. First kneeling, the to-be Vanguard is struck by the Grand Vindicator on the cheek, told that that will be the last blow he ever leaves unanswered. True to such, no Vanguard has ever not fought back after being inducted into the elite cadre.

 

All armigers of a rank greater than Unoathed have sworn themselves to the service of the Ashen Dawn in a special ceremony - drawing its inspiration from the previous oaths sworn. They kneel before the Grand Vindicator and swear to uphold the tenets, reaffirming their allegiance to the house they serve and God, before rising and finally being granted the opportunity to wear the tabard.

 

Albeit there exists an official rank for physicians, the vast majority of the Vindicators possess a rudimentary knowledge and vague experience of medical work from their service in the Order of St. Amyas -  named after a patron of healing. These skills rarely extend beyond basic surgery work, yet the existence of this organisation-wide knowledge aids greatly.

 

Recruitment

 

 

Men whom wish to enlist and serve the Vindicators of Ashen Dawn may follow a number of routes:

 

1) Send a bird to the Grand Vindicator (stigwig) or visit the fortress of the Vindicators at Drusco, expressing your desire to join.

 

2) Post a reply to any of the notices found throughout the Kingdom:

 

OOC:

Minecraft Name:

Skype Name:

Do you use TS?:

 

IC:

Name:

Race:

Past Experience:

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?:

Edited November 9, 2015 by Stigwig.

[_Stigwig 1510]

Reserved.

[Nolan_ 4219]

Allard allows an elated bearing to spread over his youthful countenance. Clasping his hands behind his back as he inspects the newly adorned panoply and tabard; his uniform free of creases.

"What a glorious day." The stripling announces, ambling off with the simper plastered on his features.

[Cleggmire_ 130]

The renamed Corvo, Cale de Valoria would stand before Guy, as he would announce the orders reform, and he would look down as his corroded gauntlets, a single tear from his eye as everything he knew was changing before his eyes, before he'd stand. "I shall serve the same as I had done so long ago. My loyalty is unfailing for as long as there is breath in my body."

[Pond 1069]

Jon Would enter Peremont, taking a look around and nodding to the other Amyas men inside, he would extend a hand upward and look at the Lorraine Cross planted upon his chest. He would begin to make his way into the barracks of the keep. He would open the chest beside his bunk, reaching forward for the new Order's armor. He would begin unstrapping the Amyas armor off, putting them into the chest. Minutes later he would come out of the barracks, nodding to his new brothers. A new path has formed.

[Endovelicus 610]

Blessed Kristoff would frown slightly from the fifth skie. "I see the Knights of Lorraine are no more...No matter all de Bars have my blessing Grandmaster or Grand Vindicator I care not."

 

***

Jürgen would take arms as a physician in the Order of the Vindicators, he'd smile as he looks down at the brazen sun in his tabard. "A new day, a Savoyard day, as formed."

Edited September 6, 2015 by TheAmazingPheonix

[Hammer4_ 166]

Marcus dons his new surcoat, strapping a steel blade to his belt and riding off to Peremont.  

"A glorious dawn, an Ashen Dawn."

[IngrownToenail 7]

Elric leaves the keep, wearing a black surcoat which bears a golden sun on it.

Edited September 6, 2015 by IngrownToenail

[AGiantPie 3169]

"Felsen Guard 2.0?" asks Constantine.

[FORƎST 1312]

"This is no crusade."

Michael rasps into the night air with a vicious undertone. He removes his spider-eyed helm and casts it off into the rolling waves beneath Saltstone.

Edited September 6, 2015 by LIMƎ

[big narstie 1700]

OOC:

Minecraft Name: yekim7

Skype Name: sindarinyekim

Do you use TS?: yes

Are you willing to PK your character if branded a deserter and executed with sufficient roleplay?: no chance

 

IC:

Name: Rocco Romstun

Race: Human

Past Experience: Romstun Doggers, like 10 wars or something

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: to serve House Ashford de Bar in every way I can!

 

[Odium174 62]

OOC:

Minecraft Name: Sir_Fluffy_

Skype Name: I don't use skype

Do you use TS?: yes

Are you willing to PK your character if branded a deserter and executed with sufficient roleplay?: Yes

 

IC:

Name: Percy Kingsman

Race: Human

Past Experience: None

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: To seek adventure and companionship

[GloriaPreussens 798]

OOC:

Minecraft Name: yekim7

Skype Name: sindarinyekim

Do you use TS?: yes

Are you willing to PK your character if branded a deserter and executed with sufficient roleplay?: no chance

 

IC:

Name: Rocco Romstun

Race: Human

Past Experience: Romstun Doggers, like 10 wars or something

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: to serve House Ashford de Bar in every way I can!

 

OOC:

Minecraft Name: Sir_Fluffy_

Skype Name: I don't use skype

Do you use TS?: yes

Are you willing to PK your character if branded a deserter and executed with sufficient roleplay?: Yes

 

IC:

Name: Percy Kingsman

Race: Human

Past Experience: None

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: To seek adventure and companionship

Letters would reach both individuals.

 

"We have seen to deny you. Good travels."

[heliodoro 2]

OOC:

Minecraft Name: heliodoro

Skype Name: kaziswagboy

Do you use TS?: I could , but not yet.

Are you willing to PK your character if branded a deserter and executed with sufficient roleplay?: If nessecary, yes.

 

IC:

Name: Arnaldur Indridason

Race: Human

Past Experience: Trained by his father to become a soldier or a sellsword, though he's not the best swordfight, he can defend himself properly.

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: Because It'd Always been a dream of mine to work as a soldier, protecting the innocent and serving my race.

[Nolan_ 4219]

OOC:

Minecraft Name: heliodoro

Skype Name: kaziswagboy

Do you use TS?: I could , but not yet.

Are you willing to PK your character if branded a deserter and executed with sufficient roleplay?: If nessecary, yes.

 

IC:

Name: Arnaldur Indridason

Race: Human

Past Experience: Trained by his father to become a soldier or a sellsword, though he's not the best swordfight, he can defend himself properly.

Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: Because It'd Always been a dream of mine to work as a soldier, protecting the innocent and serving my race.

A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope.

"You are hereby accepted into the Order, Unoathed. Report to Peremont immediately. Godspeed!"