ORDER OF THE WHITE GRYPHON

[JoanOfArc 4604]

”The darkness of the world will never overcome the light of the candle that is goodness.” 

-Sir Túrin Ibarellan

 

History of The Order/Aims of the Order

Nameday Oath

Codex

Privileges 

Knightly Ranks / Expectations

 

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Upon the foundations of chivalry and selfless servitude was the Order of the White Gryphon created to better serve the populace of Fi’andria. The long established Celia’diraar have acted as senchals and watchmen for the city and their counterparts the Sil have done the same. However, through the recent reformations in both the aristocracy and populace, it was deemed fit to reform militaristic norms and create an order of knights sworn to the royal line of succession. This endeavor was set upon for the purpose of instilling a newfound tradition of chivalry and purpose to the structure of the current military regime. 

With each passing season, the need for progression among those who took up sword and shield for the Principality grew. As such, the first chapter of the Order of the White Gryphon took form as a noble conglomerate of Mali’ tasked with dutiful protection of Her Highness, Valyris Ibarellan I and the lands surrounding Fi’andria. Each member of the Order is hand selected by the Grandmaster and the Prince/Princess and are given the ability to take upon themselves the traditional duties of a Vira’Sil. Through squiredom, tribulations, and determination do these dutiful warriors find themselves with bolstered hearts and steadfast minds as they approach the final goal of dawning the armors of the Gryphon. The Order is a means for many seeking to obtain a lesser form of nobility and carve out a name for themselves among their kinsmen. For it is the honor of all Celian citizens to seek for themselves, an elevation to knighthood and selflessly sacrifice themselves to the ideology.

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Dame Éowyn Nullivari-Ibarellan on a knightly endeavor.

 

The idea of an oath is as deeply ingrained in the Order of the White Gyphon as it is in chivalry itself. Every year, during the festival dedicated to the birth of Arch-Princess Ivarielle I, an oath is proclaimed either for the first time or renewed. Unlike most orders that say it once in their life, the Order of the White Gyphon expects this to constantly be renewed to show your dedication both to the Order and their sovereign. This is done both by a proclamation of the Nameday Oath while also sacrificing a mallard duck individually, a pure and honorable metaphor for the Ibarellan bloodline. 

 

[Text from the Nameday Oath]

 

"Under the Creator’s Light, do I announce my intentions. That I remain true to my Prince/Princess and that I will flee treason to them where I see it. That I will pride myself like the Prince’s/Princess’s’s regalia, a beacon of justice and fairness. The poor and needy will never expect my hand to be empty. The evil and condemned shall never expect that my wrath will be satisfied. I will give mercy to those who seek mercy, but I will never be wary to bloody my blade. With my intentions clear, my oath remains until I pass into the next life or I am relieved of my duty."

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An artist’s depiction of the High Princess Valyris, blessing a wounded knight.

 

The Codex of Nelecar is a group of phrases that outline the majority of the tenets under which the knightly order is expected to function. While supposedly dating back to the ancient days of Haelun’or, under the Lion Okarir’sil’s reign, it is written as a series of statements about what a true knight is, from the perspective of Nelecar. The knightly order accepts the Codex as truth in matters of chivalry despite the likely apocryphal nature of the Codex’s creation. The tenets it lays out are clear: undying loyalty to the state, love for its citizens and ruler, and paradoxical advocation of mercy in the face of the brutal violence one commits.

 

[Text from the Codex of Nelecar]

 

"To be a knight, is to be unfaltering in the pursuit of destruction against enemies of our sovereign.

To be a knight, is to put yourself beneath the state and recall the meaning of nationalism.

To be a knight, is to pride yourself on your perfect form and adore your own body.

To be a knight, is to scorn intrigue and underhanded means.

To be a knight, is to reclaim the idea of mercy and show it to the undeserving.

To be a knight, is to defend the weak from harm.

To be a knight, is to be accountable for one’s actions and to act in good faith even if no eyes are

on you.

To be a knight, is to provide alms for the needy and allow the idea of socialism to enter your

soul.

To be a knight, is to be the embodiment of virtue and honor.

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Upon swearing the Nameday’s Oath and being knighted, an individual may expect the following privileges from obtaining knighthood:

 

♛ The title of "Sir" or "Dame" depending on sex.

♛ The ability to display one’s sigil and adorn a cape of their house on their armor.

♛ The ability to request an audience with the sovereign.

♛ The ability to request a trial by combat if one is accused of a crime.

♛ The ability to duel other knights to solve disputes.

♛ The ability to elevate oneself to the status of nobility through knightly ambitions.

♛ A magically enchanted weapon custom crafted for the knight.

♛ A horse bearing the colors and sigil of the knight.

 

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An artist’s depiction of Lord Thalon Nullivari, riding his horse into battle against orks.

 

Mar’sil (Laurir Sil)

♛ The Laurir Sil, or more commonly known among the Order as the Mar’sil is the leader of the knightly order that is under the patronage of the royarch. The figurehead of the Order of the White Gryphon, tasked with overseeing the development of new knights, squires, and pages. Acting as a liaison between the Order and the Princess, the Knight Paramount structures the duties of the royal retinue, explorations, and other duties held by knights of the Order. Additionally, he provides a bridge between the knights and populace of Fi'andria and holds a public role so that the Order is properly represented in the Celian Court.

 

Naeri’sil

♛ The Naeri’sil is the second seat on the Order. Their duty is the delegation of work and tasks to the other knights as passed to them by the Mar’sil. The Grandmaster must rely on the Naeri'sil, just as the Naeri'sil must rely on the Acaln'sil.Additionally, the Naeri’sil must be a current member of the high-nobility within Celia’nor and be of pure noble blood to hold the position.

 

Acaln’sil

♛ Meaning "golden sword," the Acaln’sil is the rank that all warriors who dwell within the city of Fi’andria strive to attain. They are the knights of the royal lineage, sworn to the Prince or Princess leading the Celian populace. They are considered to be the most devout, righteous, and honorable Mali’aheral, dedicating their lives to the protection of Celi’anor. Often the Acaln’sil are tasked with patrolling the roads, assisting peasants with the cultivation of their lands, and guarding the royal family. Additionally, they are seen as high officers in times of war and assist the Mordu’lar in training, delegation of tasks, and fight alongside the military in periods of strife.

 

Tilru’sil

♛ Tilru’sil are the squire equivalent of the Order of the White Gryphon. Their duties are to their Acaln’sil and are viewed as apprentices to the knights. They must be from an established and recognized noble Talonnii or are brought forth through sponsorship as a representative of the family. They endeavor to one day be elevated to the status of Sir or Dame.

 

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Lord Thalon Nullivari, Grandmaster of the Order of the White Gryphon, Virar of Celia’nor, Lord of Eld Roth, Mar’sil, Laurir Sil, Royal Advisor, Champion of Wer Relgas, The Beast.

 

Lady Éowyn Nullivari-Ibarellan, Naeri’sil of the Order of the White Gryphon,  Lady of Caer Raywyn, the Noble Lighthouse.

Valyris Ibarellan, Princess of Celia’nor, Queen of Gladewynn, Princess of the Alders, Princess of Alderyn, High Empyrean Princess,  Sole-Proprieter of Gladewynn, Protector of the High Elves, High Magus of the Arcanic Court, etc.

 

[Werew0lf 24181]

"Woooh!" Bob screamed from behind the Order of the White Gryphon. 

[Guest]

(( I've always adored the idea of Elven Knights and an Elven Roundtable, to the point that we used the term 'Immortal' for ours back in the Dominion of Malin, which was the brainchild of myself and iMattyz way back in 2018. Love that you guys are doing this. Don't forget to keep some kind of Knightly Codex full of epithets and tales! ))

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

A Black Swordsman squinted out into the distance.

[MRCHENN 4741]

Qahnaarin gains +10 loyalty and +20 courage after reading this.