THE BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL: CULTURE, TRADITIONS AND HISTORY

[louislxix 3096]

THE BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL

CULTURE, TRADITIONS AND HISTORY

 

As under the tenure of Lord Marshal Ailred Ruthern

With too, the prior aid of the Late Marshal Friedrich Barclay

 

“Look at each other. Now, as brothers in arms - niet men merely carrying steel alongside another.” - Lord Marshal Ailred Ruthern to his recently bestowed Oathedmen, 378 E.S.

BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL HISTORY

 

THE FOUNDING

 

Following a defeat at the Battle of the Three Hill, His Majesty Sigmar I of Haense and his Lord Marshal Rhys var Ruthern met at the peak of Krepost; that current in time Haeseni palace. Such a decisive defeat brought with it humility, a lesson to be learned. At the urging of the Lord Marshal, King Sigmar sanctioned the creation of a central military for his Kingdom. This was not to be no Royal Army, nor a simple levy formed by the King. Instead born from the ashes of defeat came a Brotherhood bound by oath and dedication to Saint Karl himself.

 

The first of its members were from the personal company and levy of Lord Rhys. Quickly following the Ruthern came House Vanir, who too pledged its men to the new Brotherhood. Throughout the next few years, Lord Marshal Rhys would have to convince each individual Lord to provide their own levy as to join the Brotherhood. This finally established a centralized military as the houses of Stafyr, Enthelor and Baruch all ultimately joined.

 

WAR AGAINST THE VAEYL ORDER

 

Under the tenure of Lord Marshal Rhys, the Brotherhood would face quite possibly the greatest threat that Haense had ever seen. Perhaps even the greatest on Atlas as a whole. The Vaeyl Order; the forgotten army of Horen himself. They had turned against the descendants. Haense lay just within their reach and the Brotherhood was soon forced to clash Haeseni steel against Horen steel. Blood was to be spilled for the following decades to come.

 

Then in 1681, through several prior skirmishes against the Vaeyl, the first major battle occurred. On the 14th of the Grand Harvest, 1681, Brotherhood forces under the command of the Lord Marshal engaged a garrison of Vaeyl Knights at the Castle of Nekristadt. They soon took the castle and established a garrison under the command of a Lieutenant; Don.

 

On the 10th of the Sun’s Smile, after reports of Vaeyl movement, a host of Brothers arrived again with the Lord Marshal to lead a defense. As the castle was repaired, a band of Imperial Knights came from their patrol to offer their aid. Together the host made camp and offered a prayer to Saint Karl for their coming battle. It was a silent night of prayer and faith gained.

 

Early that morning, alone came the Vaeyl who approached the gate offering terms for the Brotherhood to lay down their arms and turn the castle over to them. In exchange, their imminent attack on Markev would be halted. Lord Marshal Rhys denied the terms and volleys were vigorously traded. Minutes after, the Vaeyl forces swarmed the outnumbered defenders. Time and time again they crashed against the defenses only to eventually break. Several hours passed, the gate was breached but with the blessing of Saint Karl the rallied Brotherhood decisively drove out the Vaeyl.

 

Word soon spread that a host was marching Markev and so the Brotherhood, too, matched their march and quickly strode off to the north. Swiftly-gained reinforcements of Heartlander ilk came along before they as a unit cut off the Vaeyl host. The backs of the Vaeyl order poised the lake, they had nowhere to flee, or fight properly. With this, came the slaughter of the Vaeyl and what few of them remained retreated into the frozen wastes of the North.

 

Now, at the Vaeyl’s failed attempts to invade the Kingdom, the Brotherhood spearheaded a campaign to strike the Vaeyl’s fortress, the Last Hope; their last hope. Leading a combined host from all of Atlas, Marshal Rhys set up a siege camp from outside of the walls of the ancient fortress. The alliance composed of the Brotherhood; Imperial Legion; and a small host of Elves. Together they laid siege and using their engines of war, they broke through the defences of the Vaeyl. Fierce melee ensued within the confines of the walls, death after death came, the only sound for miles was the bitter clash of breaking steel. After those hours of bloody close-quarter combat the halls of Last Hope fell silent. While the Last Hope itself was destroyed in the fighting, the Vaeyl were driven from the back and scattered. 

 

This conflict dragged on until the end of Atlas, however the Brotherhood remained the defender of Haense, Saint Karl watched over them until they were disbanded on the date of 1706.

 

ENGAGEMENTS OF THE FIRST BSK

 

First Brotherhood (1676-1704)

 

Vaeyl Wars

Battle of Castle of Nekristadt (1681)

Siege of Last Hope (1692)

 

Third Atlas Coalition War

Siege of Nordengrad (1690)

Siege of San'Kala (1690)

Siege of Arberrang (1691)
Siege of Kal'Tarak (1692)

 

THE SECOND BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL

 

In 1721, the Empire of Renatus and the Kingdom of Haense signed the Treaty of Reza, bringing an end to the War of Two Emperors. However, several Haeseni defeats over the course of the war had shattered the Royal Army and scattered them into small bands of personal levies. King Andrik III sought to restore Haeseni military power, and with the help of Otto Kortrevich, Otto Sigmar Alimar, and Wilheim Barclay, united the levies and reestablished the Brotherhood of Saint Karl.

 

Sir Wilheim Barclay - a Marian knight and newly landed baron - was chosen to serve as the first Marshal of the reestablished Brotherhood. Under his leadership, the Brotherhood’s ranks quickly swelled, and by 1725, Haeseni military numbers were greater than they had been before the war. The new Brotherhood was first bloodied later that year during the Three-Month’s War, a brief conflict between the Holy Orenian Empire and the Kingdom of Urguan. Although no major battles were fought, Sir Wilheim led the Brotherhood on a few successful raids against Urguan’s forces. 

 

The Brotherhood saw its next major conflict during the Lorrainian Revolt a few years later. In 1727, the Imperial administration granted the Duchy of Lorraine to Leufroy d’Amaury. However, tensions quickly rose between the Duchy of Lorraine and the neighboring Duchy of Adria. Both parties accused the other of hiring bandits to harass the other, and men on both sides quickly came to blows. At the same time, tensions between the kingdoms of Haense and Kaedrin also began to rise due to reports that Kaedreni men were harassing Haeseni civilians. As these conflicts were brewing, King Andrik III’s sister married Duke Adrian Sarkozic, cementing an alliance between Haense and Adria.

 

By 1729, tensions finally boiled over into open conflict. A Lotharingian soldier had reportedly assaulted an Adrian farmer, and in response, Duke Adrian called upon his Haeseni allies for assistance. The Brotherhood marched to join their Adrian allies, and after tense negotiations with the Lotharingians, managed to avoid battle. However, later that month, Kaedreni men assaulted two Haeseni lords in Rubern, but both men managed to flee back to the Haeseni capital of Reza. They reported the attack to King Andrik III who promptly rallied the Brotherhood as well as his Adrian and Ruberni allies. The allied force marched toward the city of Ves and met with a Kaedreni delegation. The allies discovered that Kaedreni separatists had been attempting to pressure the Kaedreni king into joining the conflict on the side of Lorraine. The offending parties were promptly arrested and executed, restoring order to Kaedrin. 

 

Later, an Imperial decree exiled the remaining Lotharingians, and Leufroy d’Amaury was called to stand trial for treason. The Lotharingians fled to the fort of Guise and were besieged by the Brotherhood and Ruberni forces. Eventually, the remaining Lotharingians either fled or surrendered, thus bringing an end to the revolt.

 

The Brotherhood of Saint Karl saw its next conflict in 1732 when war broke out between the Holy Orenian Empire and the Federation of Mokh-Uruk. The Brotherhood joined Imperial forces as they marched to the Orcish capital of San’Strohk and crushed the Orcs in a decisive victory.

 

A few years later, a group of Haeseni soldiers deserted to join the Royaume of Auvergne. King Andrik ordered the deserters be brought to justice, so a small Haeseni force set out to capture them. The Haeseni force brought the deserters along with the self-proclaimed King of Auvergne back to Rubern, but before they could reach Reza, they were ambushed by a warband from Rubern and Morsgrad that sought to free their Auvergnian allies. Duke Godric of Morsgrad then marched on the gates of Reza and demanded that King Andrik hand over the officers responsible for the raid. Andrik refused, and after further attempts at negotiation broke down, the Rubern War broke out.

 

The early stages of the Rubern War saw Morsgrad and its allies (the Alliance of Independent States or AIS) win several victories over Haeseni and Imperial armies. The AIS forces even managed to push all the way to Reza, but retreated after their siege ended in a bloody stalemate. The rest of the war saw no more major battles, and eventually, both parties made peace.

 

By the end of the Rubern War, Sigismund II had become King of Haense. At this point, the Brotherhood had fought in many wars and had become an experienced force under the leadership of Sir Wilheim and his successor, Erwin Barclay. Sigismund believed that the name “Brotherhood of Saint Karl” no longer accurately represented what the institution was - a professional army. Thus, Sigismund reformed the Brotherhood into the Third Royal Army of Haense.

 

INITIATION

 

BASIC WEAPON TRAINING

 

Knowing the most basic ins and outs of a weapon and how to handle one is entirely integral to becoming oathed and one with the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. One must understand and be able to use the three initiate-taught stances; the highguard, midguard and lowguard. After such, initiates are to use their newly gained knowledge against a fellow initiate or another oathed member of the Brotherhood. Initiates wishing to learn the ropes of another weapon extending from poleaxes to halberds, et cetera, may do so. They need only to inform an appropriate officer to hold the weapons training for their desired arm. Once informed, like all other things in the BSK, a training will be arranged for the initiate at their beck and call.

 

THE STORY OF SAINT KARL

 

To become attuned with the values, morals and overall feelings of the Brotherhood - the most renowned and vital story regarding the BSK is to be taught to any initiate wanting to become oathed. This serves also as an introduction to Hanseti-Ruska itself, lectured on the man himself - the one who glues the Brotherhood together; Saint Karl. Initiates in the class or session are educated on who Saint Karl was; why he is taught about; why he is or should be the role model of every Brotherhood of Saint Karl member and why culture is vital to not only the military itself, but the nation as a whole.

 

THE BAPTISATION OF AN INITIATE

 

Canonism serves as a crucial piece of the culture and identity of Hanseti-Ruska. Thus, a larger role is to be played in the Brotherhood of Saint Karl revolving our religion - to give back - and to remember that the eyes of Godani are always watching. All initiates who are not already baptised by a member of the clergy at one point must be baptised themselves by a chaplain, or at the very least educated by a member of the clergy. Bear in mind, the Chaplain may always see to either the education or baptism of one; not being necessary, but expected. Canonism is impactful to Hanseti-Ruska as previously mentioned, and it is to be respected in every regard. Even if one does not follow the religion per se, respect to the faith is a duty of every man or woman in the BSK. If not baptised, a wanting-to-be officer of the Brotherhood is required to undergo the ceremony of baptisation. Rare exceptions may be granted to those who prove themselves worthy of such, while not desiring to be baptised - likely due to them being of another faith.

 

While not necessary, those recently travelled to the continent, or looking to fully embrace their new Haeseni home might be baptised under their clergy with a culturally appropriate new name. For example, from George to Georg - Henry to Heinrik - et cetera. 

 

THE OATH HUNT

 

An initiate who has completed all of their required training and tests of character, are deemed to have proven themselves of a promotion. To become one with the Brotherhood alas; an oathedman. Before they are oathed however, alongside the other deemed initiates of the BSK, they must venture out and complete their Oath Hunt. This is from where they shall fully prove themselves outside of secure training and out into the fray, to slay a mighty beast. Proving themselves to be competent soldiers - brothers - or as individuals able to work as a team-orientated force of nature. Should the group of initiates be successful, promptly and upon their return with proof of their slain beast - the Lord Marshal himself shall greet the company and swear them in, being presented with a weapon of their choice, for they truly deserve it.

 

THE OATHING OF AN INITIATE

 

After all of their hard and laborious training, the oathing of a brother in arms might prove to be a special moment to them. Tis a moment from where one goes from an initiate to a brother or sister in arms - inducted into the overarching family of the military. Some find comfort, while others find prestige and esteem. Hereby follows the oath:

 

To my left I see my fellow brothers, to the right I see the same.

For all in the world, we fight for the peace of this land.

Through God, he gave us stewardship of the realm.

Through stewardship, we gained the knowledge of diligence and prudence.

Through diligence, we may conquer all without fault.

And 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 My Homeland.

Should I falter, my shield shall turn to ash;

But I shall not falter.

UPHOLDING OF THE OTHAMANIC DOCTRINE

 

Of paramount vitality, is the doctrine and glare that seals the Brotherhood together. Being the Othamanic Doctrine, whether oathedmen or not. This doctrine has stood and proved itself to be time-tested, holding values of impeccable lesson and lifestyle - of duty. Thus, the doctrine itself shall be carried over in this reformation as the code of conduct to be followed, hand in hand with the sworn oath previously elucidated upon. To break any tenant of the doctrine is to break one’s oath. Below, reads the doctrine:

 

I: You shall hold no other allegiance, and be pure to your oath. Be not corruptible. 

II: Be calm, strong, polite, and resolute. Show valor in the field, and chivalry at home.

III: Never surrender yourself nor your brothers; bring your honor, or death. 

IV: Triumph through discipline. Submit to this law; First my orders, then myself. 

V: Grasp the purpose of each duty, so you may one day take up the torch of leadership. 

VI: Against an honorable foe, fight with chivalry, but to the dishonorable, extend no quarter. 

VII: Keep true to your people. Offer your life in place of theirs. 

VIII: Be strong, true, and loyal to his Majesty and the Brotherhood of Saint Karl.

ANNUAL MEETINGS

 

As to remain in the know of their own military. It is expected that once this reformation has been implemented, that the Lord Marshal and Officers in tow, continually strive to work upon and ameliorate on anything unsatisfactory - or on ideas of new. These meetings are to be held yearly in the mess hall of the barracks, typically held by either the Lord Marshal, or if not available, the next highest ranking officer present. The meeting is used to officially promote soldiers of the Brotherhood, who have demonstrated their worth. Medals might also be presented to those again, deserving of them. Following the meeting, the floor will be open to each and every brother and sister present, as to make personal announcements. For example; the birth of a child; the bringing of unknown information to light; suggestions of note.

 

BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS

 

Strength, as told by time, comes from not only the bulk or skill of an army - but the trust bestowed, and granted between its members. The bond of it. It is not uncommon for those in the Brotherhood to call each other by the name of brother or sister, for most come without family. So they ought to find one within those who draw arms, and fight alongside them. Some might call the brotherhood their second home, strengthening the feeling of the term of brothers and sisters in arms, this aspect of the reformation is seen as a zenith point and value.
 

CARRION COCKTAILS

 

Cocktails derived from the Haeseni classic brew of Carrion has proven to be an integral part of not only Haeseni culture, but the forces' culture. The intuitive bomblike weapon has been used countless times for decades, from where did they become popularized? At the Battle of Valwyck during the Scyfling War, in which a small detachment of soldiers burned a great portion of the Scyfling armada. Now it is seen as second nature for every soldier to be equipped with at least one of the cocktails. Either for it to be used as a blazing weapon of glory, or as a drink when times turn rough. Typically after every use (throwing and ignition) of the weapon, the soldier chants the phrases “Jove’s vatragen” or “Jove’s vatragen tizim eam” (Common: God’s fire, God’s fire within me).

THE THIRD BSK’S FIRST CHAPLAIN

 

In the first years of the BSK’S reformation came the first Chaplain; Father Anders. While not the highest ranking member of clergy, or near to it, the devout man swore himself to the Brotherhood - as to make sure Godani prevailed and watched over them. The figure was strikingly humble and selfless. Outwardly, his goal was to only provide his service and Godani’s will for the morale of the Brotherhood. Here reads the letter;

 

To the Esteemed Lord Marshal,

I hope that this letter finds vy dobry and in good health. Yam under ve impression that vy intend to rework ve Haense Royal Army into ve Brotherhood of Saint Karl. Ea think that putting a higher emphasis on Godan ag ve Saints is important to remind that niet only do ve soldiers fight for ve kingdom but they also fight for ve faith. Therefore, it is important that ve faithful are ve main demographic of ve army. After all, for what good are our soldiers if they do niet comprise of those whom they are sworn to protect? Ea think it would be a good idea for eam to offer mea priestly services as a chaplain of ve BSK, where ea will assist ve soldiers with spiritual care, prayer, ag baptisms. Spasiba for vyr consideration.

 

With Godan in my Prayers,

Father Anders of the Jorenus Patriarchate

4th of Tov ag Yermey, 379 E.S.

 

PRAYERS

 

As by past tradition, before every battle a chaplain or present clergy would say a prayer. Now, at the crack of battle, or minutes before - instead God shall now provide vigour and faith to the weapons and soldiers of the assembled BSK. All soldiers of the faith must kneel before the clergy or chaplain and nestle the point of their weapon to the ground, or dirt underfoot. Depending on certain circumstances, will affect what prayer will be uttered from the soldier’s prayer book; 

 

https://www.lordofthecraft.net/forums/topic/197644-the-soldiers-prayer-book

 

Examples are within Section II as for Thoughts for Soldiers. Section VI prayers are used at Sea. Section VII are prayers for various uses. 

AN OATHED MEMBERS PASSAGE TO THE SEVEN SKIES

 

Following the passing of an oathed member of the Brotherhood, whether it be on duty or due to other means, the BSK shall honour their life in the following way; their body shall be laid down onto a white cloth, signifying the purity of the fallen brother or sister in death. Their weapon is pointed to the North, as to tell their service to the Northern Kingdom of Hanseti-Ruska. Hands are to be rested against their midsection, with a silver lorraine clasped within their hands. Fallen BSK members of other faiths are able to follow that faith’s traditions instead as their final rite. Eyes are subsequently closed, and if it is not possible then, their eyes are to be covered with a white cloth also.

 

The body is shown to the family of the fallen brother or sister, or anybody who might be able to confirm their passing and or identity. Following consent from the family, their body will be prepared to be burned at a pyre. Laid to rest on a pile of Northern spruce, the soldier will don their uniform and hold their weapon within their hands. The only exception to this is if it is explicitly put into their will that they want their weapon and or armour to be passed on to later generations of their kin. Any awards, alongside their beret and ceremonial uniform are to be passed onto the family. Ashes are kept in an urn, or spread in the Northern wilds.

 

If the body is recoverable;

The oathed member shall have their body handled in whatever way they wish, if the process was directly written in their will or verbally sounded around the time of death. Otherwise, the body as per procedure shall be put to the pyre and burned in the city square if their life warranted such an honour. If not, their body will be burned within the barracks with the BSK’s chaplain present.

 

If the body is not recoverable;

The body of the oathed member will be buried in the area of the location of their death, alongside their weapon. Once the area is deemed safe, the chaplain shall be escorted to the grave with an oathed member and bless the grave.

 

Regardless of what happens with the body;

Those in the Brotherhood of Saint Karl shall honour the life of the fallen by holding a twenty-one bolt salute at the next biyearly meeting. From where seven oathed members, preferably those close to the deceased shall shoot three crossbow bolts in an orderly manner. In that biyearly meeting, a moment shall be spared for anybody who wishes to say anything about the deceased brother or sister. Finally, the deceased will typically be added to a book of deeds, where their achievements in life are written down - if necessary. 

DEPARTURE FROM THE BROTHERHOOD

 

MILITARY TRIBUNAL

If an oathed member is brought in front of a BSK military tribunal and deemed guilty of breaking their oath, they will be released from their oath and forced to leave the Brotherhood of Saint Karl. A military tribunal is a judgement made by five of one’s brothers and sisters, after an officer of the BSK requests that a tribunal be held to the Marshal - approving the summons.

 

RELEASING OF AN OATH

When a soldier has served their time in the Brotherhood, they may request a retirement and be honourably discharged from their oath at the next biyearly meeting by the Lord Marshal. This is to be done with utmost respect shown to the brother or sister, due to them having served time to the Kingdom and remained stalwart in their service up until said time.

 

THE SAINTS OF THE BSK

 

ST. KARL BARBANOV - 1st DUKE OF HAENSE

+

Patron Saint of Strength, Fortitude, and Prisoners of War

ST. EMMA OF WOLDZMIR – WHITE SWORD

+

Patron Saint of the Schism War, Soldiers, Loyalty, Valour against Odds, and Adrians

ST. ANDRIK VYDRA

+

Patron Saint of Victory, Military Excellence & the Schism War

 

Spoiler

I very much so wanted to thank the following people for carrying the BSK's of past and also helping with this post; fleshing it out with history and flavour, being the following:
@Miniguy15736@Imperium

 

[TreeSmoothie 5049]

Dame Viktoriya glanced up from her desk as a bird delivers the leaflet, a brow poised in intrigue. After a good while of reading it, with a grin, she set it away and continued on with her work.

"This Lord Mashal's pretty cool."

[Imperium 3312]

Rhys Ruthern nods in approval from the seven skies.

[GoodGuyMatt 7072]

Erich scratches his chin as he arches a brow, going to Ailred soon after as he tilted his head "Forgot the second BSK order Ailred"

[louislxix 3096]

16 minutes ago, GoodGuyMatt said:

Erich scratches his chin as he arches a brow, going to Ailred soon after as he tilted his head "Forgot the second BSK order Ailred"

 

Ailred prepared a letter to an ally friend of the BSK. "Always one thing!"

[GhostSHTR 1020]

Ser Bjolfr Nord Smiles from the seven skies

[NLThomas 1066]

Jack Reynolds grins from the Seven Skies, proud to see the Brotherhood return once more.