THE MILITANT ORDER OF SAINT TYLOS

[Sarven 2619]

DER ORDEN DES HEILIGEN TYLOS, BESCHÜTZER VON REINMAR 

Spoiler

 

Composed in the year of our Lord 1954 by Yvian Ritter Galken & Gottfried Barclay

 

ÖHNE UND TÖCHTER VON REINMAR,

 

FIRST CREATED DURING THE TIMES OF THE COUNTY OF FREIMARK AND THE REIGN OF COUNT ERNST BARCLAY, the Sons of Saint Tylos were the first levy force of House Barclay, acting as the warriors and protectors of the County and their liege. Yet, with the fall of the Principality of Savoy, so did the Sons disperse and the glories of Freimark fade. By the will of Graf Leon I Barclay von Minitz, the Chivalric Order of Saint Tylos the Stallion of Reinmar was formed, becoming the spiritual successor of those who called themselves Sons of Saint Tylos. With Theoderic’s Warband acting as the levy of Minitz, the Ritters of the Order of Saint Tylos were charged with the protection of the House of Barclay von Minitz and those of Reinmaren and Waldenian heritage across the realms.

 

In this new era, we aim to unite the Order of St. Tylos with the Host of St. Johann, established with the founding of the Principality of Reinmar, thereby strengthening the military as a unified force. Princes Alfred I and Leon II Barclay led the Host at its inception. During the War with Ravenswood, Reinmar issued an executive mobilization order, resulting in the highest number of conscriptions ever recorded. After three years of conflict, the Host of St. Johann and their Celia’nor allies emerged victorious. This victory not only solidified the alliance with Celia’nor but also marked a turning point in Reinmar’s history, allowing for a period of peace and cooperation that would nurture the growth of the tribe and foster a renewed sense of hope among the populace. The Host maintained that peace within the Principality under the guidance of the Feldmarschall Nikolaus von Kanunsberg, preceded finally by the Dame-Warchief Ivona von Ostturm. 

 

With the establishment of the reformed Order of St. Tylos, there will be no division between the knights and the soldiers.

 

Thus, shall the brothers and sisters of Reinmar ride once more, under the green and blue eagle with a black cross at their backs, blade in hand.

WER RASTET, DER ROSTET

 

 

---

 

THE TENETS OF THE BLACK CROSS

Ritter returning from Campaign.

 

Becoming a Ritter from a squire is an arduous journey, but the same can be said of becoming a squire in the first place. A Ritter is granted the privilege and responsibility to pick a single Squire at a time

 

Originating from the tenets laid out by Count Ernst Barclay von Freimark, the Ritters of Saint Tylos still keep to those words. If a Brother of the Order ever breaks the Tenets, they are to be cast out of the Order and treated as a traitor to the Reinmaren people.

 

I: Serve only your Chief and GOTT, may you swear to no other man.
 

II: Hold your faith, and if so required, be prepared to enter the Seven Skies for it.
 

III: Uphold your Schwur and honour, for it is the man’s word that makes him.
 

IV: Flee not in the wake of struggle, for he who flees and betrays his brother was born a traitor.
 

V: Fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, be the sword protecting GOTT’s men.

VI: Respect your steed as if it were your embodiment. The true Reinmaren values his stallion.
 

VII: Do not look down on your fellow man, for everyone is equal in the eyes of GOTT.

VIII: Fight alongside your fellow Warrior as you would with your own brother, for they indeed are your siblings-at-arms.
 

IX: Be brave, yet do not throw your life away for naught.
 

X: Be humble at heart, and show obedience to your commanders. Disobedience brings naught but ruin.

 

 

 

---

 HIERARCHY

 

UNBLUTIG // UNBLOODED
Unblooded are the novitae of the order, the aspiring brothers and sisters who wish to join the Order of Saint Tylos as noble defenders and servants of the people of Reinmar. They will undergo the basics of training and speak the oath of initiation so that one day they may achieve the ranks of Ritter.

 

 

 

KRIEGER// WARRIOR
Fully accepted initiates. At this stage, each Krieger must join at least one Military Specialization and one Trades Profession, forming the core of their future in the Order if they wish to become a squire:

 

Military Specializations:

• Rein-Rider – Light cavalry & skirmishers. Flankers and vanguard of the Order.
• Jaeger – Huntsmen, trackers, and adventurers. Ideal for expeditions, missions, and recon.
• Infantry Shieldmen – Line-holders and heavy footmen. Backbone of pitched battle.

 

Trades-Professions:

• Blacksmith – Armorers and weaponsmiths of the Order.
• Alchemist – Potion-brewers and field medics.
• Mason – Builders of fortifications, towers, and defenses.
• Shepherd / Stablemaster – Horsekeepers, shepherds, and beast-tenders.

 

SERJEANT // SERGEANT
Serjeants are experienced specialists, masters of their chosen paths. They serve as officers and teachers within the Order, leading detachments in the field and instructing Krieger's under the direction of a Ritter.

A Serjeant may be known as:

 

Specializations:

• Serjeant-Jaeger: Leads hunting parties, expeditionary missions, scouting operations.
• Serjeant-Rider: Master of the Horse, cavalry training, formations, first to the fray
• Serjeant-Infantry: Trains shield lines, drills formations.

SQUIRE // KNAPPE
A Krieger (or Serjeant) who has shown competence, loyalty, and discipline, and is formally taken under the wing of a Knight, upon approval by the Ritter council. They will live in the Knight Towers, train rigorously in their knight’s field, dawn his colours and coat of arms, and accompany them on missions and quests. They are expected to develop their martial, spiritual, and moral strength in preparation for knighthood.

 

RITTER // KNIGHT

Ritters are mastered in the skills of combat, riding, and whatever trade and specialization were given to them during their time, either as a page and squire or a soldier of Reinmar in the Order of St. Tylos. They are experts in the art of warfare, and have developed a skill for horse riding that cannot be matched by even the Rein Riders whose expertise lies almost solely in horseback riding alone. The knights lead by example, giving the common troops of Reinmar a chivalrous and honorable example to look up to on the field of battle. They study not just the blade, but also the various crafts given to them beforehand during their time in the Order.

Ritters are to become fully fledged knights of the Order, once they have fulfilled the requirements of either:

 

• Completing their squireship under a Ritter's watchful eye.
• Being raised to knighthood for exceptional years of honorable service as a Serjeant or specialist.
• Advancing from noble Reinmaren lineage via Page to Squire.

 

All Ritters are screened by the Ritter-Council and upon approval are Oathed by the Grossmeister and Herrenmeister, swearing to uphold the virtues of Saint Tylos and protect the people of Reinmar.

 

RITTER-KASTELLAN // KNIGHT-CASTELLAN
Ritter-Kastellans are Ritters who have shown great skill, prowess, and responsibility, who have shown that they have a great strategic and tactical mind and are well-versed in the arts of war. The Ritter-Kastellan acts as an elite officer corps for the Order of St. Tylos, and is intended to step up where the average Ritter does not. These Knights are responsible for the upkeep of their fellow knights as well as soldiers under their command. Taking their orders from only the Herremiester or Grossmeister. They are honoured with the bestowal of a Lordship, to hold - whether it be titular or landed, is up to the Herrenmeister & Grossmeister. It is non-hereditary for it is a rank of merit alone. They are equal in rank to Ritter in terms of authority.

 

 

 

HERRENMEISTER // MASTER OF KNIGHTS
The Herrenmeister is hand-picked by the Grossmeister of Reinmar from amongst the ranks of Knights, acting as the commander of the Orders Knights and Ranks of Foot. It is their duty to see that the Grossmeister and his family are safe, and that the Order is properly armed and manned by Squires and Ritters.

 

 

GROSSMEISTER // GRAND MASTER
The Grossmeister is the reigning Fürst of Reinmar, who commands the Order of Saint Tylos as its spiritual and martial sovereign. They set the goals of the Order, name its champions, and embody the chivalric virtue of Saint Tylos in all matters. None may outrank the Grossmeister.

 

 

---

 

TRADE-PROFESSIONS & SPECIALIZATIONS

 

JAEGER // RANGER
Jaegers are brothers and sisters who have undergone Jaeger training, which is a specialization that opens up from the rank of Krieger and above to qualify for and achieve. Jaegers are in charge of huntsman duties, reconnaissance, and are generally specialized in ranged warfare as well as ambush tactics. They are also tasked with going out on behalf of Reinmar to seek adventure and riches for the Principality. Should a quest or adventure find itself in need of a volunteer, the Jaegers of Reinmar shall be there.

 

REIN REITER  // REIN RIDER
Rein Riders are those in the Order which have chosen to specialize in the mastery of fighting via horseback. These men and women train in various tactics on how to properly implement their use of lances in battle and how to ride in formation in order to keep cohesion amidst the heat of battle. Such skills are crucial to turning the tides of fights, and thus the path of the Rein Rider is reserved for those wishing to specialize in such things and have an unbeaten determination that will drive them to never give up. Rein Riders are expected to be at the forefront of the charge when an engagement is ongoing, and turn the fight in Reinmar’s favor.

PAGE // PAGE

Pages are young apprentices aged 8 to 14 who learn under a Ritter. He will be responsible for polishing the Ritter’s armour, retrieving their weapons, and learning basic combat skills. The page will be trained in horse-riding, hunting, and other essential skills required of him as he grows older.

 

FAHNENTRÄGER // BANNERMAN
Chosen from Krieger's and Serjeants, and above by the Grossmeister and Herrenmeister, the Bannerman is charged with a vital role. In battle, they hold the Banner of the Order and its Horn, tasked with keeping it safe from the clutches of the enemy. They play instruments as well to help motivate the troops. Bardmancy is heavily incentivised. 

 

KELLERMEISTER // QUARTER MASTER
Chosen from any of the Knight ranks. The Quartermaster is charged with the stocking and resupplying of the Orders stores; they work in tandem with the Blacksmith & Alchemist and ensure a steady flow of weapons, armour, foodstuffs, and alchemical necessities.

 

EISENMEISTER // BLACKSMITH
Individuals who are chosen from any of the Ranks of Foot, Krieger, and higher. Blacksmiths are those who have displayed remarkable skill in smithing, tool dexterity, and ironwork. Their job is to craft all of the arms & armour of the Order and to likewise maintain it with time. 

 

ALCHIMIST // ALCHEMIST
Individuals who are chosen from any of the Ranks of Foot, Krieger, and higher. Alchemists are those who have studied and undergone the teachings of alchemy, albiet from within or outside Reinmar, their job within the Order is to brew combatitive and non-combatitive concoctions that may aid their battle brothers, allowing an upper hand in pitched fights against the enemy with blasting potions and will o’ bottles alike.

 

 

PFLEGER // NURSE
Nurses are brothers and sisters who have undergone medical training. It is a specialization that opens up from the rank of Krieger and above to qualify for and achieve. Nurses are in charge of healing the wounded, providing first aid and triage, and ensuring the survival of wounded battle brothers & sisters.

 

PIONIER // SAPPER
Sappers are given the job of both building fortifications and being masters of the siege. They are to be tasked with the erecting of runestones across the lands of Reinmar, along with the maintenance of fortifications in the land. Most importantly, they are to help with the building of siege engines and the ammunition for these engines, requiring them to work in tandem with the smiths and others in order to ensure this process goes smoothly. Siege engines are fortifications are important to winning the advantage on a battlefield, and as a result becoming a sapper of Reinmar is an important position to wield within the Order of Saint Tylos.

 

STALL HELFER // STABLE HAND
The job of the stable hand is crucial to the success of the Order, as stable hands are trusted with the breeding and care of Reinmar’s horses. These mares are important for various tasks in the order such as supply trains, cavalry, and the movement of troops. The loss of these horses would be detrimental and thus whoever is tasked with holding this position in the order is trusted with ensuring Reinmar has plenty of steeds and also maintains the best in the lands.

 

 

---

SQUIREHOOD

Ritter and his Squire.

 

Becoming a Ritter from a squire is an arduous journey, but the same can be said of becoming a squire in the first place. A Ritter is granted the privilege and responsibility to pick a single Squire at a time, whom they’ll tutor and teach in the way of the stallion, sword, and tenets.

 

While a Ritter has the choice to pick their own Squire, must they first fill the following:

 

I) The Squire of the Order must be of Reinmaren heritage or have undergone the Ritual of Blood, thus converting to the Reinmaren culture.

 

II) The Squire must be clear of any allegiance or oaths made to foreign lords, for they serve only the Chief and the Reinmaren people.

 

III) The Squire will not worship a being other than GOTT almighty, and his Holy Mother Church. For the True Faith is only one.

 

After being accepted to the Order, the Ritter will judge when the Squire has proved himself ready both mentally and physically to become a Ritter. Then, the Squire shall walk the pilgrimage of St. Tylos before coming before the Herzog, who shall give the Squire a task of any sort or nature, which the Squire must complete before being Oathed as a Ritter of the Order of Saint Tylos.
 

 

---

 

TRIALS

Knighting of a Squire.

 

The Order’s trials are designed to push the Squire to their utmost borders, while ensuring that no training is negated and that only those who truly deserve such are to be oathed into the Order. 

 

There will be 8 trials, each supervised by the squire’s own Knight or Herrenmeister, and by GOTT.

 

The Trial of Faith: The Squire shall embark on the Pilgrimage of St. Tylos, whereupon its conclusion, they will be rebaptized under the eyes of GOTT, their earlier sins washed away as they pledge to a life of piety and honor.

The Trial of Honor: The Squire shall travel to two Waldenian settlements of his choosing. There, he will complete a task bequeathed upon him by the Lord of said settlement. The Squire must not gain any personal gain from the task.

The Trial of Strength: The Squire shall train in the arts of combat, whereafter they will be challenged by a Knight of random choosing. The Squire must fairly beat the Knight once in both combat and archery.

The Trial of Mettle: The Squire shall don the armoured form of a ritter of no heraldry and be handed an ax, wherein they must succeed in slaying a great bear equivalent beast. They will be alone and without aid and must return with the teeth of the beast as proof.

The Trial of the Steed: The Squire shall train in the arts of horsemanship and jousting, whereafter they will be challenged to a joust and a horse race by a Knight of random choosing. The Squire must fairly beat the Knight once in both.

The Trial of Hospitality: The Squire shall help and guide a person previously unknown to them, whether this be in settling into the Grafschaft or providing them assistance in a matter they require and is just.

The Trial of Justice: The Squire shall oversee a trial under either a Knight's or the Lawspeakers' supervision.

The Trial of Fidelity: The Squire shall not once during their time under the Order commit acts of fornication, and they shall neither bear nor father any bastards.

 

 

---

 

OATH OF THEODERIC

Warrior swearing Oath before the Liege in Sacred Ceremony.

 

Upon undergoing all required trials and training to be enlisted as a Warrior of the Order, the Unblooded shall finally take Theoderic’s Oath alongside his brothers or alone, in front of either the Herrenmeister, the Grossmeister, or both. Upon the taking of the Oath, the Unblooded shall be recognized as a Warrior, receive their respective equipment, and be upheld to both their oath and Theoderic’s Tenets.

 

Through the struggles of life, I trekked, 

To the core of my spirit I sailed.

The ways of the Stallion I hold with respect, 

For its trials, I took and prevailed.

My brothers close I kept, 

In times of need, I shall come to their aid.

As my own, I accept this tract, 

To its defense I shall raise my blade unafraid.

 

Through my veins flow the customs of my people,

The light of the Kanun shall guide my way.

Within me resides the spirit of the Waldenian eagle,

A spirit so strong it shan’t know decay.

Through my spear will be protected the feeble,

Only the wrongdoer will be my prey.

My soul I shall keep uncorrupted by evil,

Humility I shall know, orders to follow and commands to obey.

 

Thus a Warrior I become,

My Sovereign to serve.

Songs of the glory of Reinmar I’ll hum,

My oath I shall keep without reserve.

 

 

---

 

OATH OF SAINT TYLOS

Welcoming of St Tylos upon his White Stallion

 
The Oath of Saint Tylos was sworn by his Sons, so it is only fitting that that tradition be continued with his Order. After completing his final trial, a Squire shall kneel before the bones of St. Tylos, and, overlooked by the statues of Barclay Lords of the past, be Oathed a Ritter of Reinmar and House Barclay by the Fürst or Herrenmeister.

 

Under the Black Cross, I kneel with my brothers
Under the banner of Green and Blue, I pledge to no others
Before my Liege, I come forth
Before GOTT, I bow my head, he shall be witness to my oath.

 

My blade in hand, I pledge my sword
With clenched fist, I swear my bond
With brothers by my side, I awaken at night
With an open heart, my guide shall be GOTT’s light.

 

From battle I shan’t avert
Such do those who were born traitors.
To my last hour, I shall keep alert
That I uphold what I have sworn

 

So I pray, Saint Tylos keep me,
To be his Son, I beg he heed me
To call those by my side my siblings
I shall hold them tighter than my feelings

 

So I pledged my oath,
As a man, I came forth
Now I rise, as Saint Tylos’ Son
May my service be forever undone

 

Until the light is gone,
Until the water is gone,
Until my life is gone,
Wielding my sword in valour until my breath is gone.

 

 

---

 

GATHERING OF LANCES

Ritters around the round table

 

The Gathering of Lances is a regular meeting where all Knights of the Order of Saint Tylos gather to discuss pressing matters, reforms, judgment of a page, squire or fellow Knight. Each Ritter is afforded a single vote for a matter, with the Grossmeister having the authority to veto any decision as the supreme commander of the Order.

 

At the end of each gathering, a missive is posted, detailing the matters discussed, who voted for or against proposed notions, if decisions were veto'ed.

 

 

---

 

ENLISTMENT

Ritters amidst their travels.

 

Those who wish to become Tylos’ Sons and Daughters, Reinmaren or not, may do so by contacting the Fürst of Reinmar, currently Sir Erwin Leofric Barclay [IGN: Timer2k; Discord: timer1]

The following form may be filled and sent to the Fürst through aviaries:

 

Enlistment Form:

Full Name:

Age:

Gender:

Race:

Reinmaren Rank: (Burgher, Tribesman, Geehrte, or Ritter. If absolutely clueless you're prolly a Burgher)

 

[Username: ]

[Discord: ]

 

Additionally, all blooded Reinmaren within the former Host of Saint Johann shall be given the honorary medal of  “MEDAL OF SAINT JOHANN” and be known as Veterans of the Host. Ranks Krieger to Soldat will be made Krieger within the Militant Order, all ranks above will be made Serjeants. All present Ritters of the Order of Saint Tylos will maintain their standings.

 

 

---

WER RASTET, DER ROSTET

 

HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR THEODEMAR VON KANUNSBERG, Herald of Reinmar, Ritter of the Order of Saint Tylos The Stallion of Reinmar, Petran Star, Smith & Quartermaster of ISNM

 

 DAME IVONA VON OSTTURM, Ritter of the Order of St Tylos, Hirdswoman of the Furstin, Lawman.

 

 

[yeeter2k 247]

Johann von Weisenstein read the reforms with a smile upon his face, now realizing his brothers were steps closer to being Serjeants as he was.

"I must inform Rudolf and Valentin at once, they will be pleased to hear the news!"

[ @PolarLoLs @ReverseNebula]

[ReverseNebula 373]

2 minutes ago, thirdyeeter said:

Johann von Weisenstein read the reforms with a smile upon his face, now realizing his brothers were steps closer to being Serjeants as he was.

"I must inform Rudolf and Valentin at once, they will be pleased to hear the news!"

[ @PolarLoLs @ReverseNebula]

Rudolf von Weisenstein had glanced between the report, and his own brother, a subtle shake of his head.

"That is for you two, not me - I've still some things to clear up."
But nonetheless, the change had come - a welcome one at that.
Perhaps he would hold the rank of Serjeant one day, but not soon.

[Mayios 542]

5 minutes ago, thirdyeeter said:

Johann von Weisenstein read the reforms with a smile upon his face, now realizing his brothers were steps closer to being Serjeants as he was.

 

. . The Barmaid went up on her tippy toes and snuck up behind Johann von Weisenstein in attempt to scare him! - but alas, Annaliese noticed he was reading something. Instead of scaring him, she peered over his shoulder and read the reforms with him .. Furrowing her brows at all the fancy terms and lingo.

[MercyAzalea 405]

 

---

⫸⋙✦⋘ ᛁ ⋙✦⋘



"It is a step forward for Reinmar, yet a step back for myself.. That is how it should be."

⫸⋙✦⋘ ᛁ ⋙✦⋘⫷

Ivona von Ostturm read the missive in silence. The role of Warchief was no more. She had known it would occur for some time, of course, but she found it strange to write her signature without Her Excellency; without being the Warchief.

A Dame alone, once more.

⫸⋙✦⋘ ᛁ ⋙✦⋘⫷

 

---

WER RASTET, DER ROSTET.