The Hounds of John

[6xdestroyer 1610]

The Holy Order of the Hounds of John of Carnatia

 

“He himself will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forget you. Don’t be afraid and don’t worry.”

– Father Gotthold, High Pontiff St. Sixtus IV of Felsen

 

 

 

He laid soft steps upon the muddy ground, his feet were weary from days of travel as the cacophony of crickets ushered in the evening moon. The traveler sighed, too long had he been on the roads, with the scars and still fresh wounds to prove that they were no place for one to travel alone. 

 

It was a life of solace, the traveler thought to himself as he continued down the moonlit road, but it was not so bad. There were friends, however fleeting, periodic moments of hope inspired by charismatic priests, or perhaps that was just his nostalgia. 

 

Then he heard it, it was an all too familiar noise, the clink of chain and squish of heavy leather boots. The trio of darkly clad men stepped out from behind the trees as they called for him to stop. The traveler knew the drill, his possessions for his life. He gripped the gold painted cross beneath his tabard tightly. 

 

He was tired of it though, and he was out of valuables. He did not wish to lose a digit, or a limb for that matter. He had spent too much time working, too much time just to stock his now empty pockets with meager rations for his journey to the mountains. He took his chance, a more than likely foolish one, as he turned into the dark and thick woods.

 

The snap of twigs betrayed his escape, as the trio chased him, a bolt whizzed by his ear, slicing it as he yelped. He slid down the ravine, hiding beneath a large chestnut tree as he whispered a prayer from his childhood to GOD, though more likely to himself:

 

You are always there,

For your love reaches everywhere.

Above the clouds, beneath the sea,

I know your hand will cover me.

Through the darkened starry night,

Again at dawn when all is bright.

Upon the heavens, or over bridges,

Deepest valleys, rocky ridges.

You beside me, o so close,

Knowing when I need you most.

 

Through different lands of war or peace,

Where suffering stirs or riches twist,

I choose to walk the path you tread,

And carry your wisdom where I'm led.

I’ll bring your peace with every step,

And bless each place I rest my head.

You keep me safe, watch over me,

I choose to put my trust in thee.

 

The traveler’s breath began to steady after the third repetition, the harsh sound of his impending death fading deeper into the forest in pursuit. He waited before deciding to trust God once more and take an uncharted path in the forest. He rose from the nook in the tree and began to meander forwards, guided only by the stars and moon.

 

His hope faltered as he continued in the dark. He began imagining his savage death to those that camp within the forest’s lawless territory, wolves or boars, or even worse, man. His mind failed him, or did it? The soft glow of the candle light could not be real, or if it was, what men did light it.  

 

The traveler approached it cautiously, staying within the tree cover. He smelled food, again he thought his mind failed him. He sighed, wondering why God would play such evil tricks upon his humble servant, a trial to prove his strength, he concluded. 

 

Finally the candle came into view. The candle rested upon a small altar, upon which also rested a loaf of bread and pitcher. He blinked. Then he blinked again. For the first time since he set off from the Southern coast he smiled. God was with him. 

 

He walked up to the shrine, the light revealing not only refuge, but a path along the forest. He quickly wolfed down the bread and chugged the water from the pitcher. The traveler lowered himself to the ground and leaned on the shrine, for he knew by the looks it was well cared for.

 

As he gripped his cross once more, the priest knew God had not forsaken him. He knew that His message was important. He knew that God’s servants were not only in the books but upon this very earthly realm. And with these thoughts the priest shut his eyes and slept, dreaming of meeting those very servants the next morning. 

 

---

 

John of Carnatia

 

Jan Varonic Kovachev (Canonized John Kovachev) was born to the then King Varon of Akovia and Anne Ruthern as the Akovian king's eldest and only son. His father, known for his cruel hobbies, was well hated among the noble body, which stemmed into dislike for Jan himself at an early age. Jan quickly developed a tough skin, but was careful not to speak back to his father. 

 

At the age of 16, Jan set off to take up arms as a soldier in the Duchy of Savoy. During his tenure as a levyman, he would eventually be raised to the title of Captain in the Savoyard army; a rank he kept till the end of the War of the Ducal Coalition. 

 

When the Dukes' War reached its introduction at Hugh's ultimatum to King Olivier I of Oren, Jan Kovachev took sides of the royalist faction. A favorite of Guy for his hardened but honest conduct, Marquis of Drusco, Jan held commands upon the Vieren to intercept Northern reinforcements to the Adrian front and defended Northern Savoy from Adrian incursion. He would join Guy and Prince Leufroy in the Siege of Barrowyk, which he commanded the reserves under the watch of Marshal Augustus de Sola. When Brelus fell in 1521, Jan was given a small contingent to continue to advance upon the still rebellious northern lords. Majority of the royal army at that time disbanded.

 

Jan's most accredited feat during his time under the Ashford Regime was the Capitulation of Valwyk, which he, commanding a small force of five hundred soldiers, captured the last hold then manned by mercenaries and bandits in rebellion to the Crown. In reward for his service, Jan was given the title Baron of Valwyk, and later Count of Kvasz. Jan quickly set about making his territories a haven for refugees of the war, eager to not make the same mistakes of his father. He welcomed all who needed his support and housed them in Valwyk free of charge, asking only that they attend services and help tend to the land. 

 

Jan Kovachev would be one of the first supporters of John Frederick after the assassination of Guy de Bar and the Horen Restoration, as well as one of his key generals in the Eighteen Years' War. John Frederick and Jan quickly grew close, the two both being relentless in their passions.

 

When Otto Sarkozic was raised to title Duke of Carnatia, Jan would become his vassal. Jan together with Otto Sarkozic and his knight, Ser Osgod of Valwyk, established the The Order Of The Black Sepulchres. Following his ascension to the Ducal title, Otto gifted three hunting hounds to Jan. Jan took an immediate liking to the hounds, naming them Sergei, Clement, and Kovac.

 

On the eleventh of the Grand Harvest in the one-thousand four hundred seventh Year Since the Creation of Horen the Father, His Holiness, Everard II, blessed each of the three Knights of the Sepulchre with ancient relics. Duke Otto was given the Ashen Urn of Leon of Amaury, Osgod the Ashen Urn of Marius Baruch, and Jan the Ashen Urn of Damon the Squire. Jan served the order loyally, helping to spread the word of God and protect the pious. It is reported that it was during his service in Sepulchres that Jan gained a deep devotion to the Holy Canon. 

 

It would only be a few years into his service to the holy group that Jan would be sent as Duke Otto II's representative for the ducal army in the Eighteen Years' War. Once at the front lines, Jan quickly noted the lack of cavalry in the field, and sent instructions home to Carnatia to set about the training of skilled horsemen; these horsemen would later prove devastating to his Courlandic neighbor in the Riga war.

 

During the Eighteen Year’s War Jan remained close to the Emperor John, saving his life a reported eight times from enemy assassins. Jan’s military prowess quickly impressed the southern Imperials and he was rapidly promoted, being High Admiral and then Lord Marshal eventually commanding the Imperial forces in numerous battles with his soft voice. During his time on the field, he grew a certain attachment for the man-at-arms Lerald Vyronov. 

 

When, during the war, Duke Stephen of Carnatia (Jan's grandson through his daughter Milena) died at the young age of 17 in 1546, the succession of the duchy was in crisis. Stephen had three other brothers: Waldemar, Francis, and Lothar, yet neither three were able to inherit (Waldemar was serving in Aeldin and unable to be contacted in a timely fashion, Francis had refused outright, and Lothar was in training for priesthood), and with those three unable to inherit, the Duchy of Carnatia faced a succession crisis. The majority of the nobles and men eventually rallied behind Stephen's grandsire: Jan Kovachev, the Count of Kvasz. At the field of Marnadal, Jan Kovachev would be investitured as Duke of Carnatia by John I, and he would later return to the duchy in 1549 after nearly fifteen years of absence while serving on the field.

 

On his return from Marnadel, Jan invested his war spoils to construct numerous wayshrines on his path home. Jan paid handsome sums of dwarven gold to nearby residents to ensure the shrines always had food and water for the weary. On the shrines he ordered the images of his favorite Saints and put directions to the nearest churches as well as the route north, to his territories.  

 

In a trip to Felsen following the end of the war, Jan befriended the young Barbovic Petyr who was leading a guard force there. The two grew a rather inseparable bond, both being pious, headstrong and brotherly. Jan invited Petyr to Carnatia, and together the two formed the Gold Corps, founded on humility, bravery and brotherhood. 

 

Jan would continue to fight against heathenry, injustice after the Duchy of Courland illegally stole Krakens Watch from the House Vanir. Allies of the heathen Rurikid of Norland, who burned and hung people from a great pagan tree, Courland proved itself no better, executing men, women and children alike. Jan scored numerous victories against the scourge, most notably in leading the charge of the Carnatian cavalry in the Battle of Curon Forest, where a small force of only 800 cavalry bested the Courlandic cavalry numbering around 2,000. 

 

Jan did not let the fog of war cloud his piety, and was careful to always attend the services of the charismatic Father Benegar Gotthold. When Father Gotthold came to the Duke Jan with the request of golden paint so that he could paint the humble chapel’s cross, Jan gave him enough dwarven gold to forge not only a cross purely of the valuable substance, but a large church bell as well. Father Gotthol’s gold cross and big bell were renowned across the Northern Territories and attracted numerous pilgrims to his already packed services. 

 

When, later in the year, High Pontiff Theodosius’s guards were slaughtered and he was stolen by bandits, Jan helped immediately launch an audacious rescue, saving the Pontiff and killing his captors. 

Following the Coalition’s victory against Courland and their pagan allies, Jan began focussing his attention on his son, Sergei (named for his beloved hunting companion), and the future of his territories. Sergei, famed for his jousting prowess and charisma, did not wish to inherit the large Duchy, and favored giving the titles to Petyr Barbanov. After contracting a serious illness, Jan now in his 70s and viewing the younger Petyr as his other son, granted the Duchy of Carnatia to Petyr Barbanov. 

 

While he recovered from the illness, he upheld Petyrs claim, and retreated to family life. Jan continued to be interested with dogs, treating the descendents of Otto’s gift as family. On his deathbed a few years later, he requested a bishop to be present. Instead, The High Pontiff Theodosius, the same man he’d helped save, attended his call. Jan would then die in a tower of St. Karlsburg, surrounded by his family, friends, dogs, and holy delegation, hoping he’d left the realm a better place than he’d come into it. 

 

---

 

PARA VILIS

It is we who stand as guardians of God and his messengers.

It is we who shall protect the Creator's faithful from evil, whenever possible.

It is we who hunt all worshippers of evil and practitioners of darkness.

It is we who keep watch in the lands of GOD, and uphold peace and order.

It is we who shall be the Vanguard of any Holy Crusades.

It is we who shall train the citizen militia in times of need.

It is we who share, with tolerance and understanding, the word of the Lord.

It is we who maintain a powerful and unwavering faith in the Creator and His word.

It is we who shall seek to embody Horen's Virtue and Owyn's Spirit.

It is we who strive to deliver upon the faithful the embodiments of Godfrey's Gospel and Siegmund's Auspices.

It is we who shall embrace our fellow Guardsmen as Brothers, and treat them as such.

It is we who shall be as John to protect and guide the weary traveler.

 

If I should falter in my course, send me never to the skies above.

If I should succeed, bestow unto me His blessings, forevermore.

For, now I march into a valley through which there is no path.

And the stones cascade behind me, to seal my retreat.

Though in this valley, I find my Brothers;

Now I am named Guardian of His Flock.

Should I falter, my shield shall turn to ash;

But I shall not falter.

 

---

 

Ranks

THE GRANDMASTERS - The voices of the Hounds of John, they act as a triumvirate (currently a duumvirate) to make important leadership decisions and represent the Order on the political level.

          SERGEI’S SEAT- Sergei was the beloved hunting dog of Jan that, after saving his life against a boar, he later named his firstborn son after. Sergei’s seat is charged with the overall protection and management of the order. 

          CLEMENT’S SEAT- Clement was Jan’s war-hound, guarding his tent in the field and occasionally accompanying him into battle. Clement’s seat is charged with the maintenance and training of order members, they are           expected to be fearless.  

          KOVAC’S SEAT- Kovac was the most curious and clever of Jan’s pups, venturing out in the vast Carnatian mountains only to return with a lost traveler. Kovac’s seat is charged with ensuring the order upholds scripture and charity.  

 

 THE SENESCHAL - The commander of logistics and second to the Grandmasters, it is he who manages the stores and maintains the Order through its day-to-day trials.

 

          THE STANDARD-BEARER - Holder of the banner of the Hounds of John, it is he who commands and stewards the order men into battle.

 

          THE SCHOLAR - The scholar is tasked with keeping records for the order, to ensure nothing is forgotten, and to act as pious guides when no man of the cloth is present.

 

THE MASTER OF THE CAMP - Leader of the war camp, commander of the enlisted. It is he who manages the new and old armsmen who serve as the bulk of the Order of the Hounds of John.

 

          THE ARMIGERS - The officers of foot, it is the Armiger who leads in and out of battle, the final stop of all enlisted.

 

                    THE ARMIGER OF THE BANNER - The Armiger of the Holy Banner is the honorary armiger who is given the Infantry Banner, a high honor within the Order of the Hounds of John.

 

          THE SERJEANTS - The veterans of foot, or the hounds, it is the Serjeants who are the prime of the Order, the ones who have proven themselves a crucial part within the Order of the Hounds of John.

 

                    THE ARMSMEN -  The armsmen, or mutts, those who have been newly inducted and oathed under the Para Virilis.

 

                              THE INITIATES - The recruits, or strays, are new members who have yet to prove themselves in battle or in faith.

 

---

 

 

THE ENLISTMENT

To serve in the Hounds of John, one must be of at least twelve years, a male, and a faithful member of the Church of the Canon. Those between twelve and sixteen will serve as an apprentice to an order member, behind the line of battle. 

 

TO BE CONSIDERED

 

Any faithful man above the age of twelve may actively apply to the Consideration Pool. If their application is accepted, they shall be given room and board and tested to be an initiate. During their time in the Consideration Pool, they are considered men of the Hounds of John, yet not full members. They shall be expected to attend to whatever duties are assigned to them by any order member as well as attending regular drills, competitions, and sermons.

 

 

[[RP]]

Given Name:

Years of Age:

Province of Origin:

Prior Occupation:

Battlefield Experience:

Reason for Interest:

[[OOC]]

Username:

Discord:

 

((Credit to @yopplwasupxxx for the inspiration for para vilis, ranks, and recruitment form))

[shortchangehero 4217]

[[RP]]

Given Name: Reynault

Family of Origin: N/A

Years of Age: N/A

Province of Origin: N/A

Prior Occupation: Mercenary

Battlefield Experience: A lot..

Reason for Interest: Seems interesting!

[[OOC]]

Username: ggteixeira

Discord: N/A

[_Jandy_ 3519]

[[RP]]

Given Name: Lothar

Family of Origin: Conradin

Years of Age: 20

Province of Origin: Helena

Prior Occupation: Tailor and Marksman

Battlefield Experience: Minimal, though sufficiently trained with a bow

Reason for Interest: Searching to begin monastic life

[[OOC]]

Username: _Jandy_

Discord: you have it

[CareotCake 3]

Given Name: Daniel

Family of Origin: Bournee, William and Eva

Years of Age: 24

Province of Origin: New Reza

Prior Occupation: Merchant

Battlefield Experience: Some, Bandit Fighting

Reason for Interest: Want to be a part of something greater

[[OOC]]

Username: CareotCake

Discord: Brando#4958

[Chronics 482]

Given Name: Solebron Dakach

Family of Origin: N/A

Years of Age: 74

Province of Origin: N/A

Prior Occupation: Mercenary

Battlefield Experience: a bit

Reason for Interest: was told by a friend you are cool guys!

[[OOC]]

Username: Chronicsss

Discord: Chronics#7490

[Cheezzy_Garlik 540]

 

Given Name: Forrest Cooke

Family of Origin: Cooke’s

Years of Age: 29

Province of Origin: N/A

Prior Occupation: Butcher

Battlefield Experience: N/A

Reason for Interest: N/A

[[OOC]]

Username: Cheezzy_Garlik

Discord: Cheezzy_Garlik#4920

[StokedOff 456]

Given Name: Stanimir Barrow

Years of Age: 40

Province of Origin: Haense

Prior Occupation: Mercenary 

Battlefield Experience: Lots

Reason for Interest: Jan was tight

Username: Morghuul

[ComradeQuebec 7]

[[RP]]

Given Name: Mérovée Long-Arms

Years of Age: 35

Province of Origin: [ REDACTED ]

Prior Occupation: Field Doctor

Battlefield Experience: Some

Reason for Interest: Everyone needs a doctor / Tries to get out of his depression

[[OOC]]

Username: ComradeQuebec

Discord: ComradeQuebec#8296

[jaubc 8]

Given Name:Ellir’Civir

Years of Age:127

Province of Origin:n/a

Prior Occupation:fisherman

Battlefield Experience:lil bit

Reason for Interest:im in it already lmao

[6xdestroyer 1610]

19 hours ago, Ggt said:

[[RP]]

Given Name: Reynault

Family of Origin: N/A

Years of Age: N/A

Province of Origin: N/A

Prior Occupation: Mercenary

Battlefield Experience: A lot..

Reason for Interest: Seems interesting!

[[OOC]]

Username: ggteixeira

Discord: N/A

 

16 hours ago, jaubc said:

Given Name:Ellir’Civir

Years of Age:127

Province of Origin:n/a

Prior Occupation:fisherman

Battlefield Experience:lil bit

Reason for Interest:im in it already lmao

 

18 hours ago, ComradeQuebec said:

[[RP]]

Given Name: Mérovée Long-Arms

Years of Age: 35

Province of Origin: [ REDACTED ]

Prior Occupation: Field Doctor

Battlefield Experience: Some

Reason for Interest: Everyone needs a doctor / Tries to get out of his depression

[[OOC]]

Username: ComradeQuebec

Discord: ComradeQuebec#8296

 

18 hours ago, StokedOff said:

Given Name: Stanimir Barrow

Years of Age: 40

Province of Origin: Haense

Prior Occupation: Mercenary 

Battlefield Experience: Lots

Reason for Interest: Jan was tight

Username: Morghuul

 

19 hours ago, Cheezzy_Garlik said:

 

Given Name: Forrest Cooke

Family of Origin: Cooke’s

Years of Age: 29

Province of Origin: N/A

Prior Occupation: Butcher

Battlefield Experience: N/A

Reason for Interest: N/A

[[OOC]]

Username: Cheezzy_Garlik

Discord: Cheezzy_Garlik#4920

 

19 hours ago, _Jandy_ said:

[[RP]]

Given Name: Lothar

Family of Origin: Conradin

Years of Age: 20

Province of Origin: Helena

Prior Occupation: Tailor and Marksman

Battlefield Experience: Minimal, though sufficiently trained with a bow

Reason for Interest: Searching to begin monastic life

[[OOC]]

Username: _Jandy_

Discord: you have it

 

19 hours ago, Chronics said:

Given Name: Solebron Dakach

Family of Origin: N/A

Years of Age: 74

Province of Origin: N/A

Prior Occupation: Mercenary

Battlefield Experience: a bit

Reason for Interest: was told by a friend you are cool guys!

[[OOC]]

Username: Chronicsss

Discord: Chronics#7490

 

19 hours ago, CareotCake said:

Given Name: Daniel

Family of Origin: Bournee, William and Eva

Years of Age: 24

Province of Origin: New Reza

Prior Occupation: Merchant

Battlefield Experience: Some, Bandit Fighting

Reason for Interest: Want to be a part of something greater

[[OOC]]

Username: CareotCake

Discord: Brando#4958

 

ACCEPTED. REPORT TO THE KENNEL TO BEGIN INITIATION.