THE ORDER OF THE RYCHWALD

[poki 389]

THE ORDER OF THE RYCHWALD

“Lest, and only, the Mad King’s Whip relieve you.”

 

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The inception of the Rychwald Order can be attributed to a flock of disorderly Raevs, encompassing bandits, peasants, and individuals of questionable lineage entrenched in the rural expanses of the Rychwald forest. Initially driven by pursuits of hedonistic gratification through theft, banditry, and criminal endeavors, the group eventually established a settled presence in Veletz. Notably, Fyodor Kovachev,  Sir Andrik Uldarik and Sir Rupert Brezwyck coalesced to form the Band of Bastards, catering to those lacking familial ties. Although the group initially lacked clear objectives, a transformation commenced a few years later. Fyodor attained legitimacy, and Andrik, having undergone knighthood and absolution from sin, steered the band towards the path of discipline and knighthood. Thus was the Order of the Rychwald.

 

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I PAN-FRATERNITAS MILITARIS

 "Unity prevails beyond borders, a shared purpose in the crucible of strength."

 

The essence of the Order lies in a singular notion, that irrespective of the banner beneath which the Order finds itself, loyalty and brotherhood shall forever endure. Thus, under the noble auspices of House Kovachev, their unwavering allegiance and fraternal bonds shall steadfastly follow.

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II GOALS OF THE ORDER

 

It was bastards, peasants, bandits, which once followed under the founders of the Order. The conversion of these vandals to respectable and brotherly warriors marked a specific resolution in the formation of the Order. The Order cherishes an intrinsic dedication to the sanctity of brotherhood—an ethos not born of mere camaraderie but a bond amongst trusted companions. This dynamic interplay of duty and fraternity finds its resonance in the revival and settlement of Rychwald. Rychwald is bound as much to the men who bare its arms to the very nature of the ground itself. The Rychwald will be protected and maintained as long as the Order persists. The Rychwald comes before the man, thus the Rychwald will be the man by any means necessary. 

 

At the forefront of the Order’s collective mission lies a pledge to serve as stalwart defenders and custodians of House Kovachev. This sacred duty extends beyond the mere safeguarding of physical fortifications; it is a commitment rooted in the very name and reputation which is Kovachev. As much as the Order of the Rychwald offers a commitment to its physical land, it is bound by blood and steel to House Kovachev. The day the Order of the Rychwald is not hosted by the ancestors of Kovac is the day they take up a new banner. 

 

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III HOUSE KOVACHEV & RYCHWALD

 

House Kovachev, be it the Tazky of Ayr or the mercenary companies that once traversed the hinterlands of old, has held a notable military standing. Following the Battle of Kaer Angren in 1483, The Mad King, Varon Kovachev, sought refuge in the pages of history, a narrative that endures through time. Such is remembered, for it is Fyodor Kovachev, legitimized following the Battle of Breakwater, who possesses the Mad King’s whip, an emblem visible in the arms of the Order; A black Gryffon, adorned with the nine-tailed whip.

 

The resurgence of Kovachev and the establishment of Rychwald marked a considerable juncture. The Rychwald encompasses the forests south of the Veletzian Winburgh, bordering the Petran Valley. It is here that House Kovachev, thus the men of Rychwald, stake their claim.  It was with Kovachev that the Order was formally formed, landed, and instituted. This will remain.

 

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IV CODE OF HONOR

 

The paramount virtues of loyalty and respect must be unwaveringly upheld, directed towards both the esteemed Order and House Kovachev.

 

Under the aegis of authority within the Order, obedience and steadfast commitment to the spoken word become sacred tenets, ensuring the harmonious flow of command.

 

A sentinel duty binds every member, a solemn pledge to safeguard and to preserve the honor of our brethren, a collective responsibility to elevate and protect one another.

 

Amidst the challenges that camaraderie may forge, never shy away from a contest proposed by an equal, for such encounters serve to strengthen our collective mettle and uphold the honor of the Order.

 

In the face of adversity, let it be known that the coward, the traitor, and the betrayer are not to be tolerated. To turn away from such transgressors is to dishonor the very fabric of our allegiance.

 

Above all, let it be etched into the consciousness of every member that desertion is not merely a personal failing but a betrayal of one's brethren. Such treachery, should it rear its head, shall be met with the gravest consequence, death.

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V THE OATH OF THE ORDER

 

In the light of dawn and under the watchful gaze of the Almighty, I solemnly swear my allegiance to the Order of the Rychwald, bound by the code of honor and virtue.

 

Before GOD and in the presence of my brethren, I vow to stand as a steadfast pillar of unity, unyielding in the face of adversity. I pledge to uphold the principles of the order, recognizing no division among us based on banners or nations.

 

To GOD, above the ancestors of Kovac, I pledge my unwavering loyalty, acknowledging His divine providence as the guiding force in my endeavors. 

 

May GOD witness this solemn oath, and may my deeds reflect the nobility of the Order until my last breath, lest, and only, the Mad King’s Whip relieve me.

 

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VI RANKINGS

 

LEADERSHIP

 

GRAND PRIZAK

The Grand Prizak assumes the responsibility of overseeing the entirety of the Order, commanding them with strategic acumen both on the battlefield and in matters of squireship. In addition, the Grand Prizak maintains a presence, invariably standing by the side of House Kovachev’s patriarch.

 

PRIZAK

The Prizak, occupying the role as right hand of the Grand Prizak, directs the bannermen of Rychwald with authoritative sternness as the chain of orders unfold.

 

MEN AT ARMS

 

DRUZEK

Druzek, or Knight, positioned at the top of the men-at-arms hierarchy, teetering on the brink of leadership, bears the mantle of conducting themselves with paramount virtue. The image they project plays an important role in the overarching character of the Order.

 

SPRAVCA

Spravca represent a transitional phase, having ascended from the ranks of Strelec, and are currently undergoing trials in their quest to attain the status of a Druzek. Often, they find themselves under the squireship of an established Druzek or Prizak during this juncture.

 

STRELEC

The vast levy under the Order, known as Strelec, encompasses individuals with varied experiences, from simple swordsmen with limited field exposure to attendants dedicated to serving the Knights, to even brigands or bastards.

 

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SIGNED

Sir Andrik Uldarik of the Rychwald,

Grand Prizak of the Order of the Rychwald,

 

Sir Rupert Brezwyck of the Rychwald,

Prizak of the Order of the Rychwald,

 

Sir Fyodor Kovachev of the Rychwald,

 Patriarch of House Kovachev, Host of the Rychwald

 

Viktor of Kerzenwick,

Scribe of the Order of the Rychwald.

 

Spoiler

https://discord.gg/tr4dUcQa

 

[Twodiks 597]

"These guys stopped me on the road and beat up my dog." said a sobbing man.

[Radzig 747]

Fyodor Kovachev leans upon the cobble remains of the Northern Post. Rychwald stretched to the banks of the Veletzian countryside, the Knight peering beyond to the city of Winbrugh. His pike rested on the remains of what seemed to be a bell tower, now covered in moss and the remains of many years. An orange and red banner sat slung upon his shoulder. He peered towards the smoldering fire, now mere clouds of smoke which would billow and illuminate the befouled night sky. 

"We will remain, Brezwyck. GOD help any who infringe upon such." He'd mutter to the Prizak at his flank.

@woke

[JuJuGivesUp 33]

A young Brezwyck girl played with her toys by a Rychwald tent, humming an old raev tune.

Edited December 28, 2023 by JuJuGivesUp

[TomPonk 30]

Harald steps up to the tribune. 

He lays a closed fist onto his chest, his left hand behind his back.

 

"I pledge to sacrifice my own life for Rychwald and destroy Haense!" he says, with full devotion and motivation.

 

A female instructor standing in front of him, now shouting "GREAT!" atop her lungs, oddly sounding like the word "Grape"....

[woke 1159]

35 minutes ago, Radzig said:

Fyodor Kovachev leans upon the cobble remains of the Northern Post. Rychwald stretched to the banks of the Veletzian countryside, the Knight peering beyond to the city of Winbrugh. His pike rested on the remains of what seemed to be a bell tower, now covered in moss and the remains of many years. An orange and red banner sat slung upon his shoulder. He peered towards the smoldering fire, now mere clouds of smoke which would billow and illuminate the befouled night sky. 

"We will remain, Brezwyck. GOD help any who infringe upon such." He'd mutter to the Prizak at his flank.

@woke

Sir Rupert Brezwyck planted his battle-axe's head onto the ground, the solemn act symbolizing a moment of reflection and contemplation, "Verily, Fyodor. Should any miscreant dare to sunder that which we hold dear, may the Almighty above grant them His mercy, for they shall face the righteous fury of our order." The Prizak declared as he stood, leaning toward the handle of the axe, watching the blazing ashes ascend into the sky of Veletz.

[jamlesslee 6]

A Rychwald woman passes Hangman's Tree, situated in the middle of the forest. She'd hum as the bodies swung, shadowing her eye some with a cup of her hand. She'd continue onward.

[North 995]

Vasily makes due preparations to visit his Raevir cousins.

[spicii 1131]

Lucia de Rouen, who had not been sighted for almost a year, sauntered up to the newly established camp perched atop her trusty stead. Swerving over the side of its back and jumping forth, the de Rouen's skirts flicked dirt upwards almost instantly. A low hum emitted the woman as she removed her gloves and squinted at the sight of the new camp.