The Host of Idunia [260 S.A.]

[TomFunks 759]

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To serve within the Host of Idunia is to accept the righteous charge of safeguarding the many and varied lands of the High Kingdom. In bearing one’s blade for its people one shall find a purpose beyond themself, rewarded with experience, honor, and ascent in station. The tenets of the ancestral Radiant Guard which once defended the Kingdom of Númendil endure, only refined into the redeemed age. Those who led and served in that venerable army remain revered, paragons of their time that built the foundation of the present military.

 

The Idunian soldier is the vessel of the realm’s might and virtue, upholding each promise to ally and adversary alike beneath the Creator’s gaze. Guided by the Sword of Owyn, the Host burns an everbright golden flame which sears those who oppose the path of the Redeemed. It is the everlasting oath of its founding and renewal that the Host of Idunia shall ever stand as spear and shield, the blade and bulwark of Tar-Zôrzagar’s will. In loyalty to the Royal House of Arthalionath, each ordained sovereign hereafter shall have this steadfast Host at their call to impose their command.

 

 

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Before being enlisted within the Host, each prospective soldier must swear upon the Vow of Idunia, reciting it before the figure who enlists them. This oath binds them into their service, acting as a contract to their path as a warrior. Unlike the Oath of Tar-Númenatâr or the Errant Knight’s Code, a soldier may request to be released from this Vow through honorable discharge once they are permitted to retire.

 

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In learning to wield valor, a soldier shall ascend in station. This hierarchy that measures the strength of a soldier’s vow is unique to the capital, though the various vassals of Idunia may devise their own ladder of rank and file. Too, may the various levies of the High Kingdom use their own weapons and armor.

 

🟆 Otholran | Initiate

Stranger who walks our path. Untempered in the ways of Idunia, the Otholran embark upon their path of righteous service readily. As an Initiate, they are tested not in their might but by their truest potential. In the toil of this station they shall foster an understanding of the land, a zeal for its faith, and a readiness for war.
 

Though fledgling and subject to command, no dishonor is wrought from the station as long as the soldier maintains an aspiration for growth. Even as an unproven arm, they shall be properly equipped and armored yet shall receive none of the crown’s coin. Instead, their payment is delivered in the privilege to serve and to be hardened through the tempest of battle that the career provides.
 

Spoiler

 

🟆 Maethor | Warrior

One who has the will to battle. As their gauntlet acquaints with the blade and learns to raise it well, so too does the aspirant rise to the rank of Maethor. These Warriors of Idunia are expected, at minimum, to be competent in battle and wield the charge of the Kingdom with a resolved conviction.
 

In becoming a proven sword, the Maethor is expected to deepen their roots further. Though continued tenacity against hardship is a mark of such, the true measure requires one to swear upon the sacred Oath of Tar-Númenatâr. Until such is endeavored, the Warrior remains at their station, albeit with a modest sum of minas now granted for their service.
 

Spoiler

 

🟆 Thandor | Guardian

One who protects the faithful. Oathsworn and tempered, the Thandor can be relied upon as bulwark against the dark. Their highest charge as Guardian is to rebuff peril when it may approach, a shield to those without one. It is expected that, in their presence, the cities of Idunia may bustle unburdened. Upon attaining this rank, a Thandor may also petition assessment to become a Ranger should they seek such specialization.
 

No longer considered a mere blade, the footfalls of a Thandor represent safety, each soldier a stone of the wall that separates the malevolent from the faithful. Those that shoulder the responsibilities of protector are rewarded with Darthagwest, a ceremonial shield of steel and silver, boasting the sigil of the Kingdom. Their pockets grow heavier, too, granted additional coin in their enduring oath.
 

Spoiler

 

🟆 Astor | Bannerman

One who has proven their loyalty. The Astor is a soldier whose gallantry has been well demonstrated, whose blade and blood are at the service of Idunia. The burden, sacrifice, and hardship of their path weigh upon them and yet still, unflinchingly, these seasoned soldiers continue their steady march.
 

As they near the highest mantles of the Host, their expectation is to lead by example. Those of lower stations are wise to heed the words begat from the rigors of their years. The aptitude for command is first tested as an Astor, their capability when granted authority duly weighed. As a mark of their esteem and devotion, the Bannerman is honored by being granted a Banner of Idunia, to boast proudly in moots of military or royal ceremony alike.
 

Spoiler

 

🟆 Orthor | Master-at-Arms

One who has mastered themselves. At the pinnacle of the Idunian soldiery stands the Orthor. These soldiers are honed blades; they are not only familiar but intimate with its violence. To attain this rank, it would demand being chosen for its trials by a Captain or the Sword of Owyn. This challenge would bring them to confront their weaknesses and overcome them.
 

It is at this echelon that the soldier is granted Cîrgwest, a ceremonial blade bestowed to those who have proven worthy of its prestige. As veterans of the Host, their word bears a mighty weight and it is for this reason that they are to receive a broader opportunity to lead.
 

Spoiler

 

🟆 Gwaithron | Captain

The dauntless Gwaithron stand as the cornerstones of the Idunian Host. It is through their resolve and valor that the blades of Idunia are sustained, its metal honed. The Sword of Owyn imparts unto them the necessary labors of ensuring each soldier is well disciplined, each remade into a soldier of tact and sharpness. Their authority is mighty enough that the vassals of Idunia shall adhere to it when enforced.
 

To take upon this role, one must bear the burden of leadership and model military prowess as commander and warrior. It is expected that they shall earn the trust of their subordinates and, moreover, instill upon them a courage that will allow them to enact the will of the Tar.
 

Spoiler

 

🟆 Calonhîr | The Sword of Owyn

The Calonhîr stands at the apex of command within the Host of Idunia, bearing a mantle chosen by the Crown itself. It is their charge to oversee the entirety of the Host, including its vassal levies, and unify its temperance towards a singular end. Under their command, the Host shall remain steadfast and able-bodied, prepared always to muster against those that imperil their lands or those of its allies.

 

On Knighthood and Squires: It should be noted that whilst a Squire may ascend the ranks of the military during their training, once one becomes a Knight they are considered outside of the promotion ladder.

 

 

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It is known that not all who would serve the High Kingdom thrive amidst shield-walls and the ordered tread of armies. To the outlander who finds solace beneath canopies and clouds, to a hunter whose eyes are keen to the edges of each shadow, there stands another path: the Rangers of Idunia.
 

Upon attaining the rank of Thandor, a soldier may seek the solitude of this order and submit themselves to its trials. When prepared, the aspirant shall be summoned before the Ranger-Captain, known in the Adunaic tongue as Gwaithrîn, to undertake an assessment of mind and body alike.
 

Their knowledge shall be tested in the lore of the Bestia Conlectia and the darkest monstrosities which stalk the realm; in their craft of alchemy both in terms of concoction and application; and in the arts of healing both with medicine and herbal remedy.
 

If these trials are met with success, the Ranger-Captain shall invoke the final test: the First Hunt. The aspirant must venture into the environs of Idunia and bring back a trophy worthy of being accepted into the order such as a wolf, ram, or elk. The prey shall be used to create their weapons and tools; the hide to be utilized for their bowie cloak and the bones into arrows.
 

Those who endure and are accepted are granted the rank of Thandorîn. In time, through countless expeditions and battles, they may ascend to the higher mantles of Astorîn and Orthorîn, mirroring the titles of the Host. Yet rank bears little comfort to these watchers, for theirs is a solemn charge of which triumphs are seldom sung, instead remembered with a quiet reverence.

 

On Knighthood and Squires: It should be noted that whilst a Squire may become a Ranger, it is not recommended as one may not maintain their rank as a Ranger when they are Knighted given the differences in responsibilities.

 

 

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Newest among the limbs of the Host, the fleet, natively known as the Angcirlak (Aang-kir-laq) rests as the third pillar of the Host of Idunia. Its duty being the regulation of the High Kingdom's maritime holdings and trade, but also to its defense and logistical security. Those who join the Iron Navy are expected not only to be familiar with the workings of sea faring and ship's maintenance, but masters of maritime combat as well - whether it be upon the rivers, the channel or the high seas.
 

Those seeking the vocation may do so upon achieving the rank of Maethor. Upon entry into the Angcirlak, they will be trained fiercely in the art of maritime combat, the maintenance of one's vessel, the rigors of artillery, and the discipline of naval command. Upon suitably passing a Trial of the Tides, where all these qualities will be tested out at sea, they will be allowed the rank of Cirion, which holds rank equivalent to that of Astor. Through further years of service they may be promoted to Cairtur, an equivalent rank to Orthor.
 

Further into the ranks of the Iron Navy, sailors who prove themselves exceptional gain the ability to take control of the channel bridges and officer ranks within the fleet. Where specialties in navigation, ship building, and cartography are learnt until the most experienced and skilled earn their place as Sea-Captains of their own ships.

 

 

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At times, a soldier may prove worthy of commendation beyond that of promotion. In such cases, they shall be presented with a medallion before all of their compatriots at a public gathering of the soldiery. There are many feats and deeds which may be worthy of medallion, and some are even granted posthumously on certain occasions for the fallen. It shall be noted that these medallions are not intended to be granted frivolously and are expected to be imparted to those who are exemplary.

 

🟆 Medallion of the Radiant Star

This medallion is issued to those who have committed themselves to attendance of various battles. Whether it is sieges, field-battles, or in defending a keep, as long as one has proven their vigor in battle through countless examples they are to be granted this award.

 

🟆 Medallion of the Searing Blade

This medallion is issued to those who have assisted in defending the city against all odds, rebuking the forces of dark-thralls which invade the city. Too, shall it be granted to those who enter great peril to bring light into the lairs of darkness.

 

🟆 Medallion of the Lion’s Roar

This medallion is issued to those who have rescued or saved another at great cost to themselves. A sacrifice of their own being, whether lethal or otherwise, to rescue the lives of others in battle. For their courage in the threat to themselves, they are granted this award.

 

🟆 Medallion of the Branch of Caladhril

This medallion is intended to be imparted posthumously to a fallen warrior who had given their life in sacrifice to a greater cause. It is one granted to their next of kin, or closest of relatives, to honor the deceased.

 

🟆 Medallion of the Gilded Queen

This medallion is granted to those who have slain a great threat within the realm, similar to that of the Gilded Queen wyvern slain on Aevos. Evidence or witness to the slaying of the harrowing evil is necessary to be granted this medallion.

 

 

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Signed,

 

HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Zôrzagar Argelion Anorion Harren Arthalion, High King of Idunia, Prince of Númendil, Chief of the Númenedain and the Tribe of Harren, Defender of the Númenaranyë, Sovereign of Númenost and Alduun, Knight of the Realm, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, Master of the Sharadûn, Protector of the Adunians
 

HIS EXCELLENCY, Valanór Vourkehardt, the Sword of Owyn, Templar of Saint Michael the Archangel, Thalion Knight of the Realm, The Grand Equestrian, and Slayer of the Gilded Queen
 

SIR Frederick Euler, Turtle Knight of the Ivory Tower, High Captain of the Host of Idunia,
and Slayer of the Gilded Queen
 

HIS LORDSHIP, Arthur-Indocar Marsyr en Rhysfelgar, Royal Herald of Idunia, Brannohtar of Clan Rhysfelgar, Lord in Cartref Mor, High Admiral of the Host of Idunia, and Ceannasai of Ildon
 

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, Azruphêl Corweth Aranuiriel Arthalion, Princess of the Númenaranyë, Matriarch of the House Mithrenionath, Lady of Angrenost, Ranger-Captain of Idunia, Founder of Grimday Day, Slayer of the Gilded Queen, The Hearth
 

HIS LORDSHIP, Thândôr Eryndral, Patriarch of Eryndral, Captain of the Host of Idunia, and Lord of Dôrhael.

 

[Random 1697]

“Insha’allah the Host of Idunia is the strongest across all the lands” commented Prince Mohammed-Sigismund Arthalion, Royal Governor-General of Kalldûr, as he received the missive on that distant island.

[Kylo 153]

Upvoted. This is cooler than any other military.

[MailC3p 2413]

Spoiler

I can hate on Idunia all I want for wrongfully evicting my beautiful precious High Elves, but I'm glad theres a nation actually doing Naval shit for once

 

[Cryptic 553]

Good post!