Shmeepicus

The Standardization of Knighthood in Balian A squire undergoing a hunting trial with a group of Knights Issued in the year 90 B.A. The Royal Order of St. Michael For many years Knighthood- and all Orders pertaining to it remained relatively dormant with little to do or accomplish. This missive will entail the complete restructuring of all Orders- and the changes coming to them. The Squires The Knightly history of Balian is a storied one, with many finding themselves amongst the ranks of either the Royal Order of St. Michael or The Royal Order of the Silver Comet. However- both allowed entrance based on merit- which is to change. The Royal Order of the Silver Comet shall still allow entry into its most illustrious ranks based on merit and merit alone, yet the Royal Order of St. Michael shall now require one to prove themselves through squireship and feats. The process of becoming a squire shall have a few requirements from this point forward: - A squire must be between the ages of 13 and 24, anyone who is older than this at the releasing of this missive shall be given allowance to partake in Squireship if they so desire- no squires shall be taken at any other age from this point forward - A squire may not progress through more than one trial per Saint’s year- and must complete at least eight years and six trials as a squire before undergoing an evaluation by the Knight they squire under and the Grandmaster of the Royal Order of St. Michael - To become a Squire, one must complete a lesser trial to prove their commitment to the order and their squireship Prospective squires must undergo a personalised evaluation administered by their designated mentors as a prerequisite to commencing their squire training. Such assessments commonly encompass trials of physical prowess, valour, allegiance, and even an understanding of the realm's intricacies. This selective process serves the purpose of discerning those who may not meet the criteria of this esteemed and noble journey. - In light of the previous point, the question naturally arises as to the fate of those initially judged unfit. In response to this, I propose a straightforward remedy: After a minimum of two years have elapsed since their last evaluation, individuals may reapply with renewed determination to pursue their objective. However, this opportunity for reapplication is limited to a maximum of two attempts. Should an applicant fail to meet the standards in their second assessment, they must gracefully acknowledge that this particular responsibility is not destined for them. - Upon admission to their squire training, an essential ritual awaits them - the solemn swearing of an oath under the guidance of their mentor. The details of this oath shall be provided in a subsequent section of this document, resembling the solemnity of the Armada's oath. The oath in question is as follows; “I, [insert name], do hereby solemnly pledge my unwavering allegiance and steadfast loyalty to the illustrious Kingdom of Balian. With sincerity and dedication, I commit my heart and soul to the cause of this realm, vowing that my armament shall ever strike true in its defence. I willingly bind myself to dutifully heed and follow the commands of our revered Monarch and the noble Knights appointed above me, regarding them as my guiding lights. Through the trials and triumphs that lie ahead, I shall stand resolute in my duties as a faithful servant and defender of our kingdom, safeguarding its honour and legacy with unwavering resolve and unwavering determination." Squire Trials and Traditions Squires must undertake a series of trials before being able to become a full fledged Cavalier under the Order of St. Michael- each trial is related to the oath they will one day take in some way, always in the representation of what the values of the Order are: Courage, Steadfastness, Piety, Humility and Justice. The first trial that may be given by a Knight to their squire is a hunt. Dangerous beasts lurk within the jungles and forests of La Costa Rubinissima and it is the job of the Knights of St. Michael to root this danger out. The second is the reading of the Holy Scrolls, Piousness is a trait valued amongst all Balianese, given the circumstances behind the founding of the Kingdom. Once the scrolls have been read, squires shall be expected to speak with a member of the Clergy about the values of Canonism and what they entail. The third trial is sparring a Knight of the Order, the trial shall be conducted until blood is drawn. This is conducted to determine the strength and perseverance of a squire- and how far they are willing to go to prove and defend themselves. The fourth trial is the assistance in defending against an attack on Balian or any of her allies. This trial is done to assess the courageousness of the squire in question- whilst this trial is not typically assigned, it can be noted as completed should the squire take part in any raid or event upon home soil or allied lands. The fifth trial is a pilgrimage to the Holy See, taken along the coastal roads of the continents East. This trial is unique in that every Knight is expected to continue doing this every period of ten years, ideally the Squire can speak with the Pontiff or, alternatively a Cardinal upon their arrival- before spending a day there and travelling back home. The sixth trial is one related to humility or modesty. The squire shall be given the task of refusing food and water. They shall not eat anything for three days- and shall drink nothing for two. This is to help the squire understand the position of those less fortunate- and is an important lesson in humility. The seventh trial a squire shall undertake is arguably one of the most difficult ones. In the colder months of winter, they shall be taken to one of Balian’s beaches and made to lay down upon the shoreline as the tide rises- this trial tests their spirit, as the tide slowly comes in and cold ocean water overtakes the lower half of their body they shall be tested both physically and mentally. The eighth trial requires the squire to travel to the four edges of Aevos, and return with something unique to each area they had visited. This can be as simple as a shard of ice taken from the Northern Wastes, or as ornate as a handcrafted item purchased from a shop. This trial again tests the spirit of the squire. The ninth and final trial is another difficult one. If the squire is found to be in breach of Balian’s laws or alternatively the values of the Order- they shall be lashed 1 time for each year they are old. This is to demonstrate to the squire the need for fair justice. A squire must not complete all the above trials- yet they shall be expected to complete at least six of them- and no more than a single trial shall be completed per Saint’s week. The traditions of the Royal Order of St. Michael are few- yet they hold great importance to the Order as a whole. The Knighting ceremony being the most important. At a squires Knighting ceremony, they are dressed in a white shirt and neutral pants and presented before the Sovereign or Grandmaster in the throne room. Before heading to the courtroom, a squire is baptized in the Cathedral, accompanied by the Knight they squire under if a member of the Clergy is present- if not this can occur at a later date. The squire is then slapped, dictating the final strike they should ever take unchallenged. The squire then says their vows. The Fang of Cloudbreaker, the sword of the Sovereign of Balian, is lit aflame and pressed against both shoulders, burning and scarring them as a permanent reminder of the vow they took. They are then instructed to rise as a Cavalier of the Royal Order of St. Michael. The braziers of St. Lothar; newly made Knight shall light a brazier for themselves in the Order’s fortress, which they will be expected to keep aflame for the duration of their lifetime- when a Knight passes into the Seven Skies, the brazier shall be extinguished and moved to the crypts, where their brazier shall remain in front of their tomb for eternity. Every ten years, a Knight will renew their oaths to the Gran Creu or Monarch and make a pilgrimage to the Holy See- where they shall recite the Holy Scrolls within the Basilica of the Papal State. They shall stop during their pilgrimage in all Canonist Kingdoms, being Haense, Numendil, Petra and Aaun- and paying homage to God within their respective churches, before completing their pilgrimage in the Holy City. The Laureliers In years past, the Monarch had the ability to simply give any man or woman the title of Knighthood. With the changes to Squireship- this too shall change. Introducing the Laureliers, these are people who have been recognized by the Monarch to be fitting of introduction to the Royal Order of St. Michael. Whilst not being able yet to bear the title of Sir or Dame, the individual has been given a place within the Order and may further prove their value and understanding of the tenets and values of the Order, to find themselves among the esteemed ranks of the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers Not much has changed regarding these Knights- this is the rank squires are inducted into after completing their eight years and six trials as a squire. They are the backbone of the Order- its sword and shield. Most Knights shall find themselves in this position- with few rising to the more esteemed ranks of Otimoliers or Torreveliers. Otimoliers Otimoliers are the Cavaliers who have proved their value to the Order time and time again. Having had a number of successful squireships, as well as dedication to the Order and further, the Crown. Whilst gaining no further titles, their recognition of being an Otimolier is in and of itself a reward. Otimoliers are Knights who live and breathe the five values the Order upholds, being that of Courage, Steadfastness, Piety, Modesty and Justice. The Torreveliers Torreveliers, otherwise commonly referred to as The Tower Knights, are the five Knights that make up the upper echelon of the Order. A Torrevelier is a position that is granted until the death or disappearance of the Knight- and can only be removed should they fail to uphold their Oath or the values of the Order. The Torreveliers answer only to the Monarch and the Gran Creu- and are typically consulted about reforms to the Order for their opinion and advice. El Gran Creu El Gran Creu, in common referred to as the Grandmaster, is the head of all Orders within Balian. They are the penultimate authority in regards to those within the Order- second only to the Monarch themself. It is their duty to maintain the Order- and in the absence of the Monarch, conduct the Knighting ceremony. The Hierarchy The Monarch El Gran Creu Torreveliers Otimoliers Cavaliers Laureliers Escudiers (Squires) Paginiers (Pages) The Royal Order of the Silver Comet There are few changes happening to the Order of the Silver Comet- though there is one notable one. In recognition of their abilities as scholarly peoples, those inducted into this Order shall no longer be referred to as Sir or Dame, but rather as Erudit. This is a term found in Old Bathalite- and the term that shall now be used to refer to those who have helped Balian advance culturally, through the chronicling of Balian’s history, the production of songs, ballads or poems- anything that generally advances the culture of Balian. The Royal Order of St. Lothar The Royal Order of St. Lothar shall be amalgamated into the Royal Order of St. Michael. This decision was made due to there being little sense for there to be two separate martial Knightly Orders. IN NOMINE DEI, HER ROYAL MAJESTY , Sybille I, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of Balian, Viscountess of Pompourelia, Eflen and Anatis, Baroness of Brucca,Valens, Malenos and Ciavola, Lady of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. His Excellency, Sir Percy de Lyons ‘al Lionhearted, Gran Creu of Balian, Torrevelier of the Royal Order of St. Michael

Percy al Lionhearted sharpens his blade as he stares upon the smouldering ruins of their throne. "It shall lay destroyed until they are extinguished. The time is almost upon us and soon their forces shall march on Balian. Yet it is there where we shall drive them back and find ourselves in their land once more." He commented to his cousin, Sybille I, who stood beside him.

A familiar figure held out his hand as Hadrian entered the seven skies. “Your reign was peaceful and prosperous, my son.” He offered. Percy de Lyons head hung low as he sat on a chair in the palace, his hands clutching the guard of his longsword. “Rest in peace, my Uncle.. my King.”

Bjorn the Brash waved at Jerry as he got on the Yacht. "Hey Jerry!"

"I cannot wait to make a mound of corpses in the sand." Percy de Lyons commented, smiling as they would finally be fighting in land they know.

Percy de Lyons packed up his things in the camp just outside the keep of Brasca, preparing to march to the south-west.

Bjorn the Brash wiped his blade of the blood of the Scallywags. "Good thing Banjo was here!"

"A wise choice." Commented the young Percy de Lyons as he glanced towards the shadows of the capital of Celia'nor to the far north. He looked back downwards and went back to sharpening his blade on the grindstone.

Shots are goated, thank you sir o7

Percy de Lyons readied for some more duck and cover from enemy trebuchets- and ensuring all the soldiers under his command were AWAKE and READY.

Bjorn the Brash glanced to his right at the teal bandana he had kept, shrugging his shoulders and saying, "ah, ****, why not?" As he grabbed it and set for Haense.

Percy de Lyons washed his blade of blood. "So it begins- and in a few months time it shall end when each and every one of their rat holes in the Midlands are burned."

A Letter TO CELIA’NOR IUDICIUM ACCEDIT Issued by THE COVENANT on this 1st of the Amber Cold ELVES OF CELIA’NOR, The banners of war stream above Aevos once more, and your own star-blazoned standard is among them. Breakwater Keep, the flagship fortress of Veletz, has fallen, and the splintered stones mark the funeral shrouds of many Celia’norian Elves. These Elves did not have to be there, and they most certainly did not have to perish, either at Breakwater, nor the Covenant victory of Whitespire, where Celia’nor rallied to aid Veletz in the act of murdering one of their own allies. We grieve to set our blades to Elven flesh, for our quarrel with Celia’nor is naught, as it ever was. Throughout the long histories of our peoples, we have coexisted in relative peace and with minimal interference, and we affirm there is little need for this to change. We therefore impart unto you these truths: There is nothing for you to gain in a war in the Heartlands. There is nothing for you to gain by supporting a tyrannical state. There is nothing for you to gain by opposing the Covenant. Return home to your fledgling lands. Tend to your people who grow disheartened at a war that is not theirs to fight. Grow your realm anew, back into the titan of the west it once was upon Almaris. The Covenant guarantees entirely your neutrality and that no retribution shall be invoked if Celia’norian forces are permanently withdrawn from the Heartlands. This is no threat -- this is a plea to reason, and an appeal for wellbeing. Return home, and let all grievances between us be forgotten. Return home, and let us endure together. When the Covenant advances upon the League of Veletz, we will look for the banner of Celia’nor. If we find it on the field, our next campaign shall be in your lands, and every star shall be expunged from the night sky. T H I S I S O U R P E A C E . HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Aleksandr II, by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Hochmeister of the Order of the Crow, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Slesvik, Solvesborg, 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, Siegrad, Torun, Toruv, Valdev, and Werdenburg, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Astfield, Buck, Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, and Rytsburg, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector and Lord of the Highlanders, etcetera. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, Adrian I, by the Grace of GOD, King of Balian, Viscount of Pompourelia, Eflen and Anatis, Baron of Brucca,Valens, Malenos, Goza and Ciavola, Lord of Portoregne, Atrus and Monterosa, Warden of La Costa Rubinissima, Prince of the Holy Orenian Empire, Protector of the Heartlanders and the South, etcetera. HIS HIGHNESS, Cesar II de Pelear, Viceroy of Hyspia, Duke of Pacazu, Baron of Arenisca and Del’mar, Lord of La Dorada, Lord of Niseep, Gereon's Hold, and Ciudad de Plata, Protector of the Hyspian People, Patriarch of House de Pelear. HER MAJESTY, Catherine I, Queen of the Commonwealth of the Petra, Marquise de Val d’Estenou, Countess of Temesch and Moere, Baroness of Garmont, Valfleur, Vallagne-en-Petra, Artois, and of the Phoenixspire, Protector of the Meadows. HIS GRANDNESS, Garedyn The Emerald, Grand King of Urguan, Chief of the Mossborn, Seer of Hefrumm, Zealot of the Triad. HIS ROYAL MAJESTY, John Alexander, by the Grace of GOD, King of Aaun, Prince of Alstion, Duke of Corazon and Balemena, Count of Enswerp and Florentine, Protector of the Realm HER ROYAL MAJESTY, Tar-Caraneth Aryantë of the House Arthalion, by the Grace of GOD, Queen of the Númenedain, Princess of Númenost and Minas Amath, Protector of the Adunians, Master of the Sharadûn, Templar of the Archangel Michael, Knight of the Realm Ordained by the High Hearth before His most Sacred Flame, Ellenore Eiriksson, High Keeper of the Sacred Flame, Master of the Order of the First Flame, Righteous Servant of the RED-LORD, Loyal Adherent to the Ashen Way

"God wills it." Uttered the de Lyons. Before last Sun's Smile he was but a boy, bloodshed and war shall see him into manhood.

Percy de Lyons looked up at the sky. "Now we shall finish what you all started." He offered, wondering if Georg, Charles or Alexander could hear him.

Percy de Lyons readied his blade- about to christen it with the blood of enemies of Canondom.

"Want to hear a joke...?" Percy de Lyons quoted the missive as he read it. "... the Stassion performance in the skirmish today." He mumbled to himself, inspecting his newest weaponry and armour of excellent quality. "Frederick Aurelian- you have a very misplaced sense of humour, given the circumstances. I suppose that Frederick the Coward flees again! Run from your problems, you have no courage- flee to Aeldin." He chuckled.

Percy de Lyons prepared for war, his sword already sated with the blood of Veletz and Stassion alike.

A 17-year old son of Lyon experienced combat for the first time this day, felling six enemies. He hesitated felling his first enemy- then remembered why he was there. Stassion and its ilk, descendants of Frederick the Kinslayer- had been wanting for war against Balian for years now. He swung his blade now as it cut open the throat of the Stassion retainer, his blood spraying across the cobbled road of Whitespire. He scoffed- and returned to battle, killing five more. "Blood for Edmund." He mumbled to himself as he wandered the roads, bodies of both sides littering the streets. "Your Kingdom shall remain free of the tyrannical grip of Stassion, so help me GOD. Rest now, King Edmund."

don't worry guys I'll be really toxic to 60th if he makes bad decisions

Dzmitry stood up (like a real Orenian) and came inside for cookies.