THE 4TH BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL

[Buffsanta 960]

The 4th Reform of

THE BROTHERHOOD OF SAINT KARL

KRUSAE ZWY KONGZEM

 

Issued by the

LORD MARSHAL

On this 3rd day of WZUVAR AG BYVCA of 441 E.S.

 

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“I offer neither pay, quarters, nor food. I offer only hunger, thirst, forced marches, battles, and death. Let they who love their country with their heart, and not merely their lips, follow me. Soldier, patriot, and the backbone of the Kongzem of Haense!”

 

Lord Marshal Johann Barclay, the Stone Fox

___________ ______________

On this day, Lord Marshal Hieran Melphestaus, under the patronage of his Majesty King Karl III of Haense, issues this fourth official reformation of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl as the armed forces of the Kongzem of Haense. Throughout the life of the 3rd Brotherhood of Saint Karl, the men and women of Haense have bled through savage wars in the defence of their homeland, their honour, and their King, from the bitter fires of the Sinners’ War to the bloodied wheatfields of the Successors’ War. 

 

Originally, the Brotherhood of Karl was formed in 231 E.S. - over two hundred years ago - by Lord Marshal Rhys var Ruthern at the behest of King Sigmar I in the Red City of Markev to replace the Haeseni Royal Army. This new armed force - which founded itself on the principles of comradery and kinship - was christened after Saint Karl, patron saint and founder of Haense, was born as the bastard son of Emperor Aleksandr Carrion before the fall of his Empire. In the Second Siege of Hiebenhall, during the Third Human-Dwarf War on the lost continent of Athera, Saint Karl proved his valour and cunning when he infiltrated the unbreakable Dwarven fort and led humanity to victory. In recognition of his feat, King Andrik Vydra bestowed upon Karl the Duchy of Haense, and he took the ducal name of ‘Barbanov’, after his distant ancestor, King Barbov ‘the Black’ of ancient Ruska. 

 

From its formation, the Brotherhood of Saint Karl has aspired to model itself after the honour and courage of their namesake Saint -- not as a mere military, but as a true brotherhood.

 

Now, centuries later, Haense and her Brotherhood find themselves in unprecedented times. Having endured the trials of the last fifty years and emerged as the bastion of mankind, the Brotherhood must reform into a more delegated army to meet the challenges of this new era, and kindle the flames of fellowship between the brothers and sisters of his Majesty’s army. These reforms shall rise above the tide of stagnancy, and offer responsibility and opportunities to commoners and highborn alike through the introduction of optional and specialised ranks.

 

With mankind shattered like never before, the Kongzem of Haense stands as a beacon of strength and stability. As the sun shines upon us, we shall serve our King and our Kongzem until it sets, and long into the night thereafter.

 

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THE OATHAMAN OATH

VE LENS EA DZIEN MEAS BORSA; VA VE WICACZ EA DZIEN VE AKOV

__________________________

 

All men must abide by a code.

 

Whether this is the virtues of the Canonist Church, the tenets of chivalry, or a man’s own beliefs, honour and righteousness is gleaned through adherence to a code. For the men and women of the Brotherhood of Saint Karl, this comes in the form of the Oathaman Oath, an ancient doctrine dating back to the 1st Brotherhood in the Red City of Markev over two-hundred years ago. Once a soldier completes their training as a new soldier and succeeds on their Oath Hunt, they kneel before the icon of Saint Karl, and utter this Oath to bind them as a true and accepted soldier of his Majesty’s Brotherhood: 

 

To my left I see my fellow Brothers; to my right I see the same | Va lens ea dzien mea Borsa; va ve wicacz ea dzien ve akov

For all in the world, we fight for the peace of this land | Dlum ohn iv ve miirine, asere fitsk dlum ve hauzna i zwy lund

Through Godan, we are stewards of this realm | Statry Godan, asere omarv styuard i zwy birodal

Through stewardship, we gained diligence and prudence | Dzeb styuardin, asere bazoir kasokar ag previtz

Through diligence, we may conquer all without fault | Dzeb kasokar, asere monn conquna ohn ticzik fazna

And should I falter in my duty, send me never to the Skies | Ag zwyc ea mzider iv mea caezkas, vsric eam niedy va ve Skiz

If I should succeed, bestow unto me His blessings forevermore | Iz ea zwyc bocsaz, veann eam lapaes lenddya aestrimir

For now I march into a valley through which there is no path | Dlum ij ea gromon halvin dzeb tieg tamort oe nie sech

And the stones cascade behind me to seal my retreat | Ag ve stonz trehmse zater eam va dresc mea ornk

Though in this valley, I find my Brothers | Est iv zwy gromon, ea occna mea Borsa

Now I am named Guardian of my Homeland | Ij ea omar nim lauzta i mea harste

Should I falter, my shield shall turn to ash | Zwyc Should ea mzider, duyvi szal skrehedren va azsh

But I shall not falter | Denn ea szalmar ter mzider

 

COMMAND STRUCTURE

DLUM OHN IV VE MIIRINE, ASERE FITSK DLUM VE HAUZNA I ZWY LUND

__________________________

 

As a structured military, the Brotherhood comprises an autocratic framework of ranks.

 

THE GRAND HETMAN

As the highest military authority in the Kongzem, the title of Grand Hetman is one of the royal titles held by the Crown of Haense since its inception. As the Brotherhood foremost serves the Crown, the title of Grand Hetman is symbolic of the regnant King or Queen’s office of commander-and-chief of their armed forces. While the Crown often rides with their soldiers into battle beneath the banner of Lady Haense, the Grand Hetman title is ceremonial, and active governance of the army is left to the Lord Marshal.

 

THE LORD MARSHAL

The highest attainable military rank and the person invested with royal authority to lead the Brotherhood is the Lord Marshal. Consequently, the Marshal oversees all aspects of the Brotherhood, from its management, to command in battle. It is the Marshal who selects the Division leaders; it is they who dictate strategy; it is they who ensure the Brotherhood functions like oiled clockwork; and it is they who carry the Iron Bulava as they lead the armies of Haense into war.

 

THE FIELD COMMANDER

A special rank created only during war, the Field Commander temporarily ranks second to the Lord Marshal as an experienced strategist and battle commander. Though still below the Lord Marshal, the Field Commander may exercise full authority over the Brotherhood’s fighting forces in order to respond to the chaos of war and sudden attacks. Typically, this special rank is held by veteran Haeseni soldiers no longer in active service prior to the outbreak of war.

 

DIVISION CAPTAINS

Appointed by the Marshal to oversee the various Divisions, the Captains are delegated command of regiments of soldiers that they train and lead for various purposes. These officers are the most important part of the Brotherhood’s upkeep, as they act not only as the Marshal’s second-in-command, but also manage the delegations of soldiers that make up the Brotherhood’s Divisions. They are also responsible for appointing the only other officer rank of Lieutenant. 

 

LIEUTENANTS

These officers serve as the right-hands of the Captains in their specialised Division. As the next link in the chain of command, these soldiers are responsible for the training and wellbeing of the soldiers beneath them. Lieutenants are appointed by the Captain of their given Division, subject only to them, the Marshal, and the Crown.

 

SERGEANTS

Sergeants are extra specialist officers within a Division, promoted for their field of expertise which they train junior soldiers in, such as naval warfare, combat medicine, or cavalry. No specific soldiers are placed under the command of the Sergeants, they are tasked with hosting specialised training and events based on their specialisation. 

 

SENIOR ARMSMEN

Senior Armsmen are soldiers who prove themselves efficient in their position while awaiting promotion to a Sergeant Major. Generally held by newer NCO’s, Senior Armsmen are expected to demonstrate great dedication to the BSK in order to be seen worthy of a Sergeant Major position.

 

ARMSMEN

As the highest rank of non-officer soldiers, Armsmen make up the bulk of the Brotherhood, and all soldiers with this rank are expected to be proficient soldiers. As oathed members of the Brotherhood, Armsmen either constitute dedicated soldiers who do not wish to take an officer rank, or energetic aspiring officers who do seek to climb in the ranks. Under the tutelage and training of the Sergeants, these soldiers exhibit the natural qualities of a honed soldier.

 

FOOTMEN

Footmen are the first oathed rank of the Brotherhood, and young men and women who hold it are considered the most junior true soldiers sworn into service. They undergo vigorous training during their initial months after oathing, after which they are expected to progress to the rank of Armsmen. Any soldier should be proud to hold this rank, but none should be content to remain here.

 

ASPIRANTS

The most basic and junior rank of the entire Brotherhood, Aspirants are rookies who have enlisted to serve but have yet to swear the Othaman Oath to join the Brotherhood proper. They undergo some basic training and combat assessments before embarking on their Oath Hunt, staining their hands in blood, and kneeling before the icon of Saint Karl to swear the Oath. 

 

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STRUCTURE OF THE BROTHERHOOD

STATRY GODAN, ASERE OMARV STYUARD I ZWY BIRODAL

__________________________

 

The Brotherhood of Saint Karl is divided into two Divisions, each of which contains several Corps.

 

These Divisions are led by the Captains, assisted by their chosen Lieutenant, while the Corps are more-specialised disciplines trained under a Sergeant. The Divisions consist of the Infantry Division, which forms the backbone of the Brotherhood, and the Operations Division for specialised field duties.

 

THE INFANTRY DIVISION

Forming the bulk and spine of the Brotherhood, the Infantry Division trains soldiers in the basic elements required in the field, war, and battle. All new Aspirants are assigned to the Infantry Division for training prior to embarking on their Oath Hunt, and while some will remain after becoming an oathed soldier, others may elect to join the Operations Division. Within the Infantry Division, there are two specialised Corps led by NCOs: the Logistics Corp, and the Hussar Unit.

 

The Logistics Corp

The brothers and sisters of the Logistics Corp have two main duties: the upkeep of the Brotherhood armoury, and expert knowledge of the geography of Haense and any other terrain of military importance. Each of these duties are fulfilled by the Quartermaster, who oversees the arsenal of the Brotherhood, and the Rangers, who are learned navigators and scouts.

 

The Royal Hussar Unit

The Hussars form the premier frontline soldiers, deftly equipped in battle formations and armed combat. As the elites of the Brotherhood, these warriors train the army in field combat, though are not restricted to their Division. Hussars exhibit proficiency in all disciplines of combat, from cavalry, to infantry, to archery. 

 

THE OPERATIONS  DIVISION

In contrast with the general duties of the Infantry Division, the Operations Division focuses on expertise in particular fields. This Division takes on any soldier of the rank of Armsman and above, and holds these soldiers to an elite level within their chosen discipline, given the highly-specialised nature of the Operations Division’s Corps. Like the Infantry Division, it comprises two expert Corps led by NCOs: the Naval Corp, and the Commando Unit.

 

The Royal Naval Corp

Since the colossal loss of the entire Haeseni fleet in the Scyfling Invasion, the Brotherhood has learned the need to maintain a fleet of ships manned by capable soldiers for naval combat. Thus, the soldiers of the Naval Corp are equipped to handle combat on the seas, from the helming and maintenance of ships, to boarding and the operation of ship cannons and other weapons. 

 

The Northern Commando Unit

The Northern Commando Unit - or NCU - is a group of special operations soldiers led by a ‘Sotnik’. They are the counterpart to the Hussars, and tend to use more unorthodox methods. 

Much like the Hussars, these soldiers are the finest soldiers in the Operations Division. This unit is privy to government intel in return for supplying it. It is also noted the commandos are expected to be a decent rally force for the Brotherhood.

 

SPECIALIST RANKS

DZEB STYUARDIN, ASERE BAZOIR KASOKAR AG PREVITZ

__________________________

 

In acknowledging its roots and many iterations throughout history, the Brotherhood hosts a number of specialist ranks.

 

These ranks do not carry with them command or authority, but instead are either honorific positions, awarded to leal soldiers to commemorate their service, or with respect to a particular skill-set of a member of the Brotherhood. These ranks are appointed exclusively by the Lord Marshal, and can be held in tandem with other standard ranks without interference. 

 

THE NON COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Replacing the Officer Cadets, the NCOs are introduced as the bulk of the leadership core. Not privy to the same authority as an Officer, the NCOs must prove themselves to the Marshal and his Captains.

This title is held by only the most dedicated of newer members, and the soldiers within the corp rotate regularly. Most events and basic planning are conducted with the help of NCOs.

 

THE CHAPLAIN

This warrior-priest of the Brotherhood is an ordained clergyman of the Church of the Canon. In accordance with the duties of a priest, they bless the soldiers in battle and perform sacraments, namely funerals and last rites for both the vanquished foes of the Brotherhood, and Brotherhood soldiers who fall in battle. 

 

THE BATTLE-BARD

This musically-inclined soldier plies their talent in battle, rousing the morale of the Brotherhood forces. The other aspect of their duty is a sacred one; they commemorate the fallen Brotherhood warriors in song and art, so that they might never be forgotten. 

 

THE STANDARD-BEARER

The Standard-Bearer is a courageous soldier who champions the prestige of the Brotherhood and the Kongzem by carrying the banner of Haense in battle, as a rallying symbol for Lady Haense’s defenders. Only experienced veterans and acclaimed warriors can hold this rank, for if the banner falls, then faith in the battle is sure to follow.

 

THE MEDICS

The medics are all the Brotherhood's highly trained surgeons and anatomy specialists. Skilled soldiers tasked with saving their brothers' lives in the battlefield. Only those especially trained may hold this position - but each does so proudly. As a saviour of soldiers upon the plains of war.

 

CULTURES AND CEREMONIES

DZEB KASOKAR, ASERE MONN CONQUNA OHN TICZIK FAZNA

__________________________

 

As with the Specialist Ranks, the history of the Brotherhood compels adherence to ancient ceremonies.

 

From oaths to funerals, the culture of the Brotherhood has stood firm throughout its long history, even when it went under the name of the Haeseni Royal Army. These rituals act as the cement of comradery within the Brotherhood, and the essence of what ascends it from a mere military force, to a bond of blood between brothers, sisters, and the Crown. 

 

THE OATH HUNT

Most renowned of all ceremonies is the Oath Hunt. Every Aspirant who has completed their basic training and wishes to swear the Othaman Oath to become a full-blooded soldier of the Brotherhood must embark on their Oath Hunt, as a final trial. All graduating Aspirants are sent out as a hunting party to fell a great beast, such as a bear or troll, with no guidance or command from a superior officer. Through bonds of kinship alone, they must work together to tell their mark. Once - and if - they returned to the capital with a trophy of their prey, they kneel bloodied before the icon of Saint Karl, and swear the Oath.

 

THE SHEATHING

For a military as old and bloodied as the Brotherhood, there is no shortage of soldiers who fall in battle. Whether in the countless wars against fellow Descendants, or the greater wars against monsters like the Rimetrolls or the Inferi, each chapter of Haeseni history is wet with blood. In commemorating those who make the ultimate sacrifice, a special funeral rite is held: when the body of a fallen soldier is laid out atop a funeral pyre, their sword is driven ceremoniously through their body before it is burnt, as a final sheathing for a final rest.

 

THE BLOODY CARRION

Since the reign of King Heinrik the Stern, the Kongzem of Haense has seen no shortage of wars, from the Rimetrolls, the Sinners’ War, and the Successors’ War. Yet, for as bloody as these wars are, they are but the surface level of Haense’s military history. Throughout Lady Haense’s countless wars, it is the soldiers of her army that lay down their lives for her honour, and her survival. On the eve of a declaration of war, it is custom that the King of Haense holds a sombre feast for all soldiers of the Brotherhood where he shares with them a drink, as a toast to the turmoil to come. 

 

PROMOTION CEREMONIES

Past the rank of Armsman, ceremonies are held to honour the promotions of soldiers, usually at an address held by the Lord Marshal every few years. In this ceremony, the promoted soldiers kneel before the icon of Saint Karl and the Lord Marshal himself, who extends the Iron Bulava - his badge in office. The soldier rises with one hand on the Bulava, symbolic of their invaluable aid to the Marshal in carrying out his duty.

 

PAYMENT AND MEDALS

AG ZWYC EA MZIDER IV MEA CAEZKAS, VSRIC EAM NIEDY VA VE SKIZ

__________________________

 

As per tradition, the BSK shall offer the classical medals created by its predecessors, in order to reward the fine Royal Soldiers for their diligent work.

These are to be given at promotion ceremonies to any member of the army, so long as the Lord Marshal sees it fit.

The ranks are offered the following pay margins per Saints week:

 

ASPIRANT: 10 mina

FOOTMAN: 20 mina

ARMSMEN: 25 mina

SERGEANT MAJOR: 30 mina

LIEUTENANT: 35 mina

CAPTAIN : 40 mina

 

The medals achievable for any soldier are as follows:

 

GOLDEN CROW OF VALOR

For those who performed beyond what was expected, a miracle through God in service to the Golden Crow of Haense. It is the most supreme of the medals in the Haeseni Royal Army, a medal pinned by His Majesty personally upon its recipient, and additionally granted a sum of minas. The medal is composed of a Golden Crow upon a black field. 

 

CROSS OF ST. KARL

Rarely awarded and not given to those who not only simply die in battle, but only for those who die as a martyr in service of the Kingdom. It is a medal awarded posthumously to the closest of kin. It is a reminder of Saint Karl Barbanov, the progenitor of the Haeseni State. The medal is composed of a Golden Cross, with the initials K.B. inscribed onto it. 

 

CROSS OF WOLDZMIR 

Awarded to those who have defended their brothers in faith against tremendous odds while facing those of opposing the religion, the Cross of Woldzmir is named after the famed warrior-woman Saint Emma Vladov and her strategic prowess during the Schismatic Wars of 1490. The medal is composed of a golden Hussariyan cross on a circular white background.

 

SPARROW’S VALOUR 

Awarded to those who have proven capable in the ability of leading men, Sparrow’s Valor is named after Saint Thomas of Gaekrin, the once Crown Prince of Kaedrin who led countless victories in conquering the Elven State of Malinor and defending against the invading Dwarven Armies in the First Human-Dwarf War. The medal is composed of a black, flying sparrow across a yellow shield.

 

VYDRIAN BANNER 

Awarded to those men who rally up and defeat a greater force against all odds. Named after the late Orenian King Andrik Vydra, who took a broken Akovian people and lead them to victory against the violent hordes of Schismatic heretics, Orcish screamers, and Dwarven legionaries, a nearly impossible accommodation to achieve but a great honour. The medal is composed of a red gryphon on a black banner ordained in gold.

 

BULWARK OF TOBIAS 

Awarded to those who have shown great acts of valour during a defensive siege, the Bulwark of Tobias is named after the famous defence of Mount Augustus led by Tobias ‘Rosebud’ Carrion during the Orenian Civil War of 1456. The medal is composed of a red and black tower overlaying a grey shield background.

 

STALWART SWORD 

Awarded to those who have proven themselves an outstanding and unwavering soldier when it comes to battles against threats both domestic and foreign, on any land that the Haeseni Royal Army might find themselves on. The medal is composed of a golden hilted, silver bladed sword upon a black field.

 

INFERNAL SCOURGE

Awarded to those who actively fought in the military offensive against the invading infernal forces on Arcas, leading to the complete destruction and eradication of said infernal forces. The medal is composed of a sword engulfed in golden orange flames on a dark crimson field.

 

 

IV JOVEO MAAN

His Royal Majesty KARL III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera.

His Exellency, Lord Marshal Hieran Melphestaus

 

[SethWolf 1378]

SIR YES SIR OOOORAAAHHH

[Lomiei 1487]

Admiral Thomund Bishop sets down the paper he was reading which outlined the updates and changes to the Brotherhood of Saint Karl under the leadership of Heiran Melphestaus.

"Niet zhe most fun set of lines to read, but ich LOVE mein new position as Admiral... has zhere been ein Haeseni Admiral before?" he tapped on his chin, wonderously gazing at the cieling as he stood from his chair and made his way toward the door of the room as a THUD escaped the table's edge, upon thomund's downward attention at a sharp pain, it could be well seen that the left side of his pelvic bone had collided with the wooden structure. The 1st Haeseni admiral winced in pain, though, his resilience stood firm, and he uprighted himself. Thomund perambled to, and then outside, of the door to the room - destined to enjoy the rest of his day.

[Royal_sheep 83]

SIR YES SIR OOORAAAHHHH

[Imperium 3293]

Rhys var Ruthern, the founder of the Brotherhood so many hundreds of years ago smiles from the seven skies, "Let them never falter!"

[Keegan7om 31]

August bishop CHEERS for the continual maintenance of the FINE haeseni military "JAAA JAAA, VERY GUUUUUTTE!" he shouts, setting down his 3rd bottle of alcohol of the hour.

[HIGH_FIRE 4106]

SIR YES SIR OOORAH

[Frymark 2791]

19 minutes ago, Imperium said:

Rhys var Ruthern, the founder of the Brotherhood so many hundreds of years ago smiles from the seven skies, "Let them never falter!"

Next to the Ruthern, Johann Barclay, the previous Lord Marshal of the Brotherhood displayed a faint alongside his ancient predecessor.

Edited August 31, 2022 by Frymark

[Franczhiz 4053]

Whilst smoking his cigar, Jaroslav Ratiborovich Godunov; Pyatidesyatnik of the Northern Commando Unit saluted his fellow comrades.

 

@Pokizu @kenzee@mexy

[Althea_ 330]

"******* finally" Tavisha exhaled a weary huff in solemn celebration.

[poki 354]

Sviatoslav grinned at his fellow comrades saluting them "OORAH!" he cheered.

[Perkins 115]

"ZIR YEZ ZIR, UUUURAAHHH!"  Says Gorkus

[oryP 957]

Sergeant Andre Hughess would take a deep breath as the newly promoted Sergeant of the Logistics Division. “OORAHHHHHH”

[garfield 8]

Alexei patriotically saluted, filled with pride and honour and gladly serving The Brotherhood of Saint Karl and the Northern Commando Unit. "With pride, sir."

Edited September 1, 2022 by garfield

[kenzee 7]

Vasily looked back and fourth at comrades, saluting "OORAHH!"