DarkWrath94

Viktor Darkwood would gaze upon the announcement and note "It is done,  I know not how long my time will be, yet now I know that the vision I had recieved was worth it, one day a grand nation will rise, without the need of vassals and only its greatness to push it onwards in the world"

Viktor Darkwood would nod as he read the missive and note "And as such, the conflict within ends"

Dissolution of van Darkwood

-=The declaration of dissolution=-

 

House van Darkwood, a creation of mine many years ago. Its purpose was simple, yet no longer is it required.

 

Hence from here on out I proclaim the end of House van Darkwood.

 

All items and property owned by the house from this moment on are the property of House Darkwood and its Head Drako Darkwood.

 

With this, let the conflicts of old end and a new page begin.

 

Signed

Viktor Darkwood

 

To put a wounded animal out of its misery

-=Viktor van Darkwood moving away from the capital with other soldiers=-

 

 

Long had I debated with myself on what actions to take, what path is the one to prosperity. This thinking only led me to a single conclusion.

 

 

The nation which calls itself the Kingdom of Oren is nothing more but a rotting corpse, a wounded animal thrashing and lashing out at everyone around it, including itself.

 

 

When I first walked into these white walls I expected a rebuilding nation coming back from a conflict, one full of promise and growth.

 

 

What I encountered was a nation which had abandoned its roots and values which made it great, abandoned its principles in the name of greed and power.

 

 

A war waged for no reason but to gain more power, not for the sake of Oren, not for the sake of restoring the glory of the Empire, but for a select few in control to gain a boost of their egos.

 

 

To the nation which has abandoned progress, values and principles of its name I have but a single thing to say - I understand your wish for power, your desire for better times, yet your actions and your path lead to nothing but damnation.

 

 

I shall not allow this failed state to tarnish the name of Oren any longer, for My ancestors had sworn to the Empire and the fealty still holds.

 

 

This Kingdom must end for the Empire to one day return.

 

Signed

Viktor van Darkwood

small map be good map, dont need huge swats of land that are empty.

[[RP]]
Full Name: Varge
Years of Age: 35
Race: Highlander
Pedigree (Noble/Non-Noble):  Peasant
Battlefield Experience: Work in fields
Reason for Interest: Lost home

[[OOC]]
Username: Darkwrath94
Discord:JokingHill#2196

Patrol of The King’s Road

-=Soldiers Patrolling the King’s Road, year 1880=-

 

The soldiers rallied early at a day like any other. The month Owvyn’s Flame had begun around a dozen or so days ago and with the recent tensions soldiers were eager to ensure the safety of Orenian lands. 

 

 

Under my command with George Obedia as second in command we set out, our force was of considerable size and armed with horses at the front to serve as a scouting force and shock troops if need be.

 

 

The initial departure from the capital had no noteworthy events, no hostiles were seen near the majestic gates of Vienne, only local citizens making their way to the city.

 

 

Crossing The bridge over River Petra we observed its currents, the speed of which was noticeable, and as such it could be noted that it would be ill advised to cross the river by swimming or boat at this time of year. Most likely such a situation shall remain unchanged for the whole month of Owvyn’s Flame.

 

 

Moving further we finally reached the region of Lower Petra, its forests giving us a grand view, especially noteworthy in this time of year. Yet the woods restricted our sight as well, their branches robbing us of any chance to see past the few first trees.

 

 

As we continued onward we passed the Knight’s Estate and marched under the Victors Arch making our way deeper into the lush forest.

 

 

A short moment later we passed a distributary of River Reden, the wooden bridge creaking under the weight of the Horses and allowing us to venture further.

 

 

Finally we had reached the crossroads. A grand memorial stood there, a reminder of an old and bloody conflict with The Eternal Stone not far from it.

 

 

Moving further we passed outpost Cinder and checked in on the troops stationed there. After making sure that the stationed troops were good on supplies we took a small detour to view the ruins of Haverlock. Not finding anybody there we continued onward with our original route.

 

 

At the end of our long march we made it to the Aurelian Border Post greeting the local troops stationed there and taking a pause to rest.

 

 

As the men rested I observed many merchants and travelers moving from the eastern travel hub towards our glorious Kingdom. It was not long until we rose from our short respite and set out to return to Vienne.

 

 

The march back occurred without incident. As we returned to the city the soldiers formed up and a short speech was given to congratulate the participating men.

 

 

Overall the King’s Road was clear of any hostiles, no foes were encountered and the stationed men were doing their duty in their posts. 

 

 

This concludes the Report about the patrol.

 

Signed

Sergeant Viktor van Darkwood

Viktor van Darkwood would read about the accords and note "More blades to join our side, a good day it is"

Map of Lower Petra

As time goes on land changes, and as such, new maps must be made. As the King's Road was constructed I knew, that new map must be made, to show the glory of the new Lower Petra and show all subjects of the Kingdom of Oren. The following map is a gift to Frederick I, for he showed me mercy and gave me a chance to redeem myself, so I shall make maps for his lands to show that I shall not waste the chance I have been given.

 

 

 

-=map of Lower Petra 1879=-

 

 

 

Signed 

Viktor van Darkwood

 

The Van Darkwood Codex

 

-=van Darkwood Codex, most of the time carried with Viktor van Darkwood everywhere he went=-

 

 

Created within the year 1879 with the purpose to make a stable foundation for the van Darkwoods as they began to establish themselves within the Kingdom of Oren. This Codex details the basis of House van Darkwood and cements its nature as the one and only true successor house to the Darkwood House that existed before them, the information being detailed in multiple chapters.

 

 

 

Chapters of the Codex

 

I

Foundation of House van Darkwood and summary of the ancient history of the Darkwood house.

 

II

Values and Traditions of the House.

 

III

Relations of House van Darkwood to other Houses and families.

 

IV

The eternal purpose of the House.

 

V

Oaths and dues of the House.

 

 

 

I 

 Foundations of House van Darkwood and summary of the ancient history of the Darkwood house.

 

 Foundations

 

House Van Darkwood was founded by one Viktor van Darkwood(Previously Viktor Darkwood) after his return to the Kingdom of Oren as a means to turn a new page and redeem the Darkwood name. This was done only after settling down in the Kingdom of Oren and starting to repay the debt owed to His Royal Majesty, Frederick I.  

House van Darkwood is founded upon the foundations of House Darkwood, using what knowledge was salvaged from surviving records and from the memories of Viktor van Darkwood.

 

The Meaning of “van”

 

Mainly used as a distinguishing feature from the old version of the surname it takes inspiration from the origins of the Darkwood and the Grenzi use of the “von” Nobiliary particle. While the Darkwoods were an old noble line of the Grenzi Viktor van Darkwood had chosen to use “van” due to the lack of achievement and influence in the new line as opposed to the old Darkwoods and the amount they had possessed in their prime. Due to this the “van” was used to mean “from” instead of “of”, a sign that at the point of the foundation of the line they were nothing but commoners, even if having noble blood in their veins. Though it could change as time goes on if the house ever regains the glory their ancestors held.

 

Notable figures

 

Velhrun William Darkwood

 

The founder of the Darkwood house in the Holy Orenian Empire, its first head within it and the first Baron of Darkwood. Records note of the individual being a military man with a long time of service and many awards, though not without faults and failings of his own. It is noted that the man barely focused on the family and spent most of his time on the Imperial State Army. Not much else is known about the man, mainly due to the lack of surviving records.

 

Quinn Darkwood

 

Creator of the first Darkwood Codex, high ranking Military Officer prior to his demise and A father. A more recent house head who left a relatively small mark on history, suffering an end near the Darkwood estate, the nature of how his life ended is still unknown to this day.

 

George Darkwood

 

A man of Law and order, it has been noted that this Darkwood had done many jobs for the Holy Orenian Empire, some more known than others, serving in many high up positions both in the Ministry of Justice and the Imperial State Army, disappearing and reappearing due to unknown reasons. Not much more is known about the man or his character, and his full impact on history can only be left for speculation.

 

Viktor van Darkwood

 

Creator of the van Darkwood Codex, merchant, mapmaker, soldier. A traveller at a young age, later a soldier serving for a cause he did not fully understand, later more a Captain of a force he grew to despise. As time passed, a merchant and mapmaker, working to restore the former glory of the Darkwood name and founding the van Darkwood House.

 

Origins of Darkwoods

 

Darkwoods as a family has existed for hundreds of years, only making active moves in the last few hundred, starting with Velhrun Darkwood in Arcas, though the family has existed as a noble line of the Grenzi for far longer and originating from the ancient days of Old Hanseti.

 

II

Values and Traditions of the House.

 

Core Values of the House

 

Loyalty

 

To be a van Darkwood is to be loyal to the cause of the family and to the oaths given, placing them above all else. All promises are to be kept, all debts repaid, such is the way of van Darkwood.

 

Bravery

 

For one to achieve anything in life, to hold any promises or oaths one must be brave enough to stand against the whole world if need be. As such, it is only proper that any van Darkwood who is true to their name shall not cower in fear against any foe.

 

Diligence

 

There is no such thing as too much or enough, there is only barely enough.  To work above and beyond is the norm, and even then it is not enough. To be a van Darkwood is to work and deem one's work only barely passable when it's done. To carve out a mountain and deem it a terrible job due to it being a sole mountain not a mountain range.

 

Ambition

 

To be a van Darkwood is to hold ambitions, for even in our loyalty and diligence we must hold ambitions equal to our work and loyalty, to reach above all else, above all others and still not be satisfied.

 

Traditions of the van Darkwood House

 

Naming Customs

 

Names are picked from traditional Grenzi Names upon the birth of the child and are to be held in high regard, their change only approvable by the house head and deemed a drastic action. It is established that in any marriage the female must take on the name of the male.

 

Celebration of Life

 

Upon a child reaching the age of 5 a celebration of life is held in their name with a feast and other celebrations, at this age, if possible, the child is also blessed by a priest.

 

Reverence of Ancestors

 

Upon a child reaching the age of 16 they are to pick an ancestor to act as their spiritual guardian, watching them and protecting them from the Seven Skies. In addition to this a weapon to master is to be chosen and wielded by the child for their whole life, paying respect to the military origins of the house.

 

Feast of Maturity

 

At the age of 21 a celebration is held for reaching adulthood, honouring the new adult and introducing them to Important Individuals, friends of the house and possible marriage candidates. At the zenith of the feast the new adult of the House is to declare his passion in life and the path in life that he shall take, after this speech the house head presents a gift to them, cementing their adulthood in the family.

 

Burial of the passed

 

Those individuals who have done much in their lives are to be buried in a ceremony, their remains resting within the family crypt or a noteworthy location in the case where a crypt is not constructed.

 

Ceremony of the New Dawn

 

A ceremony organised to solidify the succession of the next Head of House after the passing of the last. Until then the house head holds no power beyond organising the ceremony. The ceremony entails the liege of the House handing the new head of the van Darkwood house the van Darkwood Codex along with the chosen weapon of the previous house head and giving the new house head a task to fulfil.

 

Relics of van Darkwood

 

The Darkwood Blade

 

The ancient family blade of the Darkwoods, used and held by the house heads of the Darkwood family for centuries, seeing a large amount of use during the conflicts on Arcas while wielded by one Velhrun William Darkwood. It was lost during the Brothers war. It is unclear if the sword was in the family manor when it burned or with the house head, lost during fleeing, but no matter the case, as it stands now, the sword is lost and it is unknown if it shall ever be found.

 

The van Darkwood Codex

 

A heavy tome containing the history and records of van Darkwood along with some history of Darkwoods. Created by Viktor van Darkwood and made to be used and expanded for generations to come.

 

III

Relations of House van Darkwood to other Houses and families.

 

Galbraiths

 

The history of Darkwood and Galbraith is a long one, originally a friendship spanning more than a hundred years broken during the Brothers war by the Galbraiths. Due to the transgressions of the Galbratihs against the Darkwoods before, during and after the Brothers war, the relations between Galbraiths and van Darkwoods are not friendly, rather quite hostile and the actions taken by the Galbraiths are not to be forgotten quickly.

 

Hopes

Remaining at good relations for most of their history the two houses did not engage in further relations until very recently when, during the arrival of Hopes into the Kingdom of Oren after some talks they swore fealty to the van Darkwoods and the van Darkwoods swore to protect them and grant them prosperity under the family. Overall, even though the Hopes have sworn fealty the van Darkwoods view them highly as trustworthy friends, allies and most recently subjects.

 

Helvets

 

Main relations between houses started in Almaris where both became quick friends and allies, making many plans and supporting each other. This bond between the Darkwoods and Helvets was dissolved during the Brothers war and no contact between the houses has happened since, though House Darkwood still views House Helvets as a highly respectable house.

 

IV

The eternal purpose of the House.

 

Origins

 

The purpose of the House originates from the old purpose of the Darkwood house that was created during the times of Arcas - To serve, support and bring glory to the Holy Orenian Empire. House van Darkwood is founded with similar principles, based on the original.

 

The Purpose

 

The purpose of House van Darkwood and all its members, now and forever more, is to serve, support and bring glory to Oren and its rulers, no matter its title or rank. In the case where there is an absence of such a state the family is to serve the largest human nation and ensure its superiority. 

V

    Oaths and dues of the House.

 

Oaths

 

The eternal oath to serve Oren and its Monarchs.

 

Dues

 

To pay back what was taken from the brothers war to Frederick I and Oren in order to repay for the committed crimes.

 

 

The Pact of New Beginnings

 

-=Signing of the pact=-

 

 

 

Many years have passed since the return of Van Darkwoods to Oren. Once a man departing Grand Duchy with nothing on his back, now a Merchant, mapmaker and soldier of the Legion. The years till this point were not kind to Viktor Darkwood, nor were they for others that took the same path he did.

 

 

The Hopes, another family that returned to the Kingdom of Oren, themselves only arriving shortly after the Darkwood himself, and they too faced their own hardships.

 

 

Yet, what else there is for people to do but band together during trying times?

 

 

As such, with his blood of noble descent, even if disgraced, I Viktor Van Darkwood step forth to assist and protect my fellows, new times are upon us, and new bonds shall be forged, now under the name of Van Darkwood.

 

 

The Pact

 

Viktor Van Darkwood and Edith Hope, from this point on referred to as signatories on behalf of their Houses.

 

I

The pact, once signed, shall be reviewed, updated and broken if needed by the House Heads of the signatories every 15 years, where any changes to the pact are to be agreed upon by both sides with breaking of the pact being legal to do by any side during this review period.

 

II

Upon signing of the Document all members of the Hope House swear their allegiance towards the Van Darkwood House and the Kingdom of Oren by extension.

 

III

 If any situations occur where this fealty is broken by an individual of the House, the respective House Heads are to judge it by individual case to case basis.

 

IV

Upon the Signing of the agreement Viktor Van Darkwood and all members of House Van Darkwood pledge to ensure the protection and fair judgment of the members of House of Hope.

 

V

Upon the Signing of the agreement all members of House Hope pledge to support House Van Darkwood in matters political, military and economical.

 

VI

Upon signing of the Pact Viktor Van Darkwood shall take the hand of Olivia Hope in marriage to strengthen the ties of both houses.

 

Signed,

Viktor Van Darkwood

 

Signed,

Edith Hope

The Van Darkwood Proclamation

-=Viktor Van Darkwood returning to the Orenian lands=-

 

Years have passed, years have passed since I have returned to the lands where I was born, where I bled and saw the truth of the world.

 

More than 27 years ago I was born in these lands, around 13 years ago I decided to set out to travel, to see the world. After a few years of travel I heard of dire news, my Father ended his own life. This put a stop to my travels, and hence I set out to return to my homeland. By the time I returned I saw not the united Holy Orenian Empire I was born in and that my father served in a civil war. I knew not my bearings in this conflict, a few keys given to me by those of my family, and a rank granted in the military, confused and disoriented and clung to what I had heard my family talk about and what the records wrote about the Orenian state, and siding with those whom my brother, the new house head followed, for our oath was to the Holy Orenian Empire, no kingdom, such were the words, in hindsight such a wrong notion. For the Kingdom always was the true successor. 

 

 

And so I used what I had learned in my travels, what I had learned from the records and organized men, a militia of a small size into a not too capable, but still noteworthy force.

 

 

 

The course of the Brothers War is known, after the battle, my survival was a mere lucky occurrence. For the first time in such a large battle, I hid away in a nearby cave.

 

 

There I lost my eye and set out from that place a changed man.

 

 

I followed the signs where others had left, hopes of my efforts not being in vain, hopes that I did not lead men to their meaningless deaths, oh, oh how wrong these hopes were.

 

 

The lands which were settled, the city built, it was no Imperial City, it was no Orenian City. Yet I soldiered on, hoping that my efforts and hopes were not misplaced. I was wrong once more. A different culture, different people, twas not my homeland and twas not what I had fought for.

 

 

Years passed and this became obvious, so I did what my honor demanded of me. I set out to my homeland. When I arrived I awaited a meeting with the King, expecting my execution I sat there in the square and waited, I had even brought a shovel to dig my own grave. Yet wrong I was, once again.

 

 

I was shown mercy, mercy for the crimes I had committed, mercy no matter what I had done, only asked to repay what was due.

 

 

There on the spot I swore my oath to the King, for his mercy I shall follow him to the end.

 

 

Then I stood there, in the square, directionless, this time, without a shovel. 

 

 

As I stood I found purpose, to reclaim the glory of my house to bring back what was, for what was, will be.

 

 

Now I write my story as a proclamation, I called for a meeting, I called for the fracture to end, both were denied, they even claimed to Disown me, what foolishness from those who reject their duty and birthplace.

 

 

I now proclaim a new start, the start of House Van Darkwood, the true successors of the Darkwood name, and for those that claim other names,  unify with me and work to reclaim lost glory and end our dishonor or begone from my sight lest I shed the blood of those who deny our purpose.

 

 

Here I stand, Viktor Van Darkwood, and here I pledge that until my last breath I shall serve the Kindom of Oren and Frederick I and bring glory to the Van Darkwood name to reclaim what is ours.

 

 

Here I pledge, that the House Van Darkwood shall serve Oren no matter its title and the line of Frederick I until the end of days!

 

Maps of Darkwood

-=Mapmaker in the process of making a map=-

 

 

As years go by and time goes on land and men change, yet this change must be noted, recognized and mapped. Under this idea I, Viktor Darkwood open the Maps of Darkwood shop, to all Interested, be it in commissioning maps, buying empty maps to take part in the art yourselves or ordering paper based items, come, one and all, for I shall deliver what is needed for a fair price.

 

To find me come to the city square of Vienne or send a bird to the aviary of the Kingdom of Oren.

 

Come now rather than later and get something that shall remain for centuries to come!

 

 

Proclamation of a Dusk

 

Days go by, weeks, months, years even, time passes. People wither and die, plants go old and buildings crumble, nations fall and families disappear into nothingness.

 

As I stand here today, having seen death and destruction beyond what could be imagined I gaze at what the future may hold. 

 

I gaze at the legacy of my family, at its roots, accomplishments, deeds, so much done, so much reached, though now, now I look at what it has become. 

 

Enough seen to break a tear, a dying corpse of what it once was, so I say.

 

Enough.

 

It is clear that the time of Darkwoods is not now, scattered and broken, the wound shall not heal, as such I send my sole son and heir into the world, to travel, learn and return when the time is right.

 

I, I shall remain, as I am bound by an oath, I shall work now and forever more until my flesh gives out to restore what honor once was to the name, and then I shall end what is so that it could be rebuilt.

 

 

To all Darkwoods out there, it is time for a dusk now so that one day a dawn may occur for our house.

Signed

Viktor Darkwood

The Darkwood Summit

 

~Meeting of the Darkwoods~

 

For years division and strife has found its place with the Darkwood name, no longer I say, no longer are we to be scattered in our purpose, in our goals and life.

 

This, this is a call to all of Darkwood blood, the time has come to stop this division and end what has been fractured.

 

For years I have seen stagnation and the family scattered all around Almaris.

 

No more, a time for unity has come, to restore glories of times past.

 

Our right in the world was earned by hard word and the blood of our ancestors, it is time we live up to the legacy.

 

As such I call to those who live, tis time we speak, tis time we reconcile and make our way ahead in the world.

 

Tis time to meet in the place where it all began, to meet in Oren, Now the Kingdom of Oren

Signed Viktor Darkwood


 

 

Captain Viktor Darkwood would call upon his soldiers " This shall be a grand event, we must make sure that the brotherhood shows its glory and the glory of the Grand Duchy to all who attend!"

✠ THE BROTHERHOOD WANTS YOU! ✠

 

After the Exodus of the Imperial Remnants to the southern deserts of this continent and the establishment of the Grand Duchy of Balian, it was the duty of Imperial State Army Remnants to preserve law and order amongst the territory of the new nation.

 

Though order and prosperity influxes towards the Grand Duchy in recent months, the duty of protecting the nation and her people from threats of both internal and external nature can no longer be upheld by a group of soldiers organized for a different task in a different nation.

 

Thus, formed out of the ashes and experience of the former Imperial State Army, the Grand Duke of Balian had constituted a new military to protect and serve his nation’s people. This military was named the Brotherhood of Balian.

 

As more and more people flock to the Grand Duchy to embrace its prosperity and safety, thus the Brotherhood is in need of new personnel! As a member of the Brotherhood, an individual can expect a wide array of benefits to come with enlistment. These are:

 

A yearly salary 

 

Provided housing

 

Breaks from Taxation

 

The honor to defend the people of Balian

 

 

---

 

 

Furthermore, before enlisting into the Brotherhood of Balian, the following criteria must be met;

To be a citizen of the Grand Duchy of Balian

 

To be of at least 15 years old

 

To be physically and mentally fit for duty

 

To be loyal to the Grand Duke and his people.

 

 

---

 

 

Should you be interested in taking this path and duty to serve the Grand Duchy of Balian for the years to come, fill the following parchment truthfully and present it to a soldier of the Brotherhood!

FULL NAME:

AGE:

REASON FOR ENLISTMENT:

RACE:

HOW LONG DO YOU PLAN TO SERVE:

Signed

Captain Viktor Darkwood

✠ THE BROTHERHOOD OF BALIAN ✠

The Brotherhood of Balian (BOB) is the dedicated armed forces of the Grand Duchy of Balian, its Crown and its interests elsewhere throughout Almaris. It forms the remnants of the Imperial State Army, which was decimated at the Battle for Providence - wherein the conclusion of the civil war saw the destruction of the Holy Orenian Empire.

 

Unwilling to lay down their arms to an upstart claimant, many of the Imperial Army’s formations remained defiant under the command of Viktor Darkwood - who himself pledged his continued support to Prince John Casimir amidst the exodus from their homeland. Fleeing hastily by ships, it was not long before the seasonal weathers struck the fleet, rendering many asunder, and forcing others to break away.

 

It was during this flight that God presented His judgment to the shattered remnants of the Empire, illuminating the constellation of Saint Lothar of Balian so brightly that not even the storms were able to quell its radiance, thus allowing the exiles to navigate through such temperamental tempests and upon the shores of southern Almaris - where desert dunes and barren wastes greeted the refugees.

 

Hence forming the derivation of the Brotherhood’s purpose and name, in reverence to Saint Lothar of Balian who had saved them from certain doom. Though their Empire was lost, the Imperial State Army was born anew when Prince Casimir, now Grand Duke, declared the formation of the Grand Duchy of Balian upon the Rock of Revelation after having sighted the Cross of Lorraine high in the sky - finally indicating that this lost tribe of Oren had now a new home to settle and propagate.

 

Thus began the formation of the Brotherhood of Balian in the Year 2 of the Balian.

 

Originating in the Imperial Year of 1868, these soldiers hold a near fanatical belief in their duties and will do everything in their power to fulfill them.

 

The Brotherhood of Balian was created in the Imperial Year of  1868 by one Viktor Darkwood. First members of the Brotherhood were the remnants of the Imperial State Army, which was created to combat the Grand Duchy of Oren in the brothers' war. The soldiers, battered and broken, were rallied after their initial shattering. As such, their long march began to new lands and their new ruler John Casimir. 

 

After the soldiers found their new home and duty, it was obvious that the standards,values and systems set down before them in the Imperial State Army can not be carried over, for they serve no empire. 

 

As such, they left their past behind them and took a new name to serve their new  ruler and vowed to not suffer defeat in a conflict ever again. The Brotherhood of Balian was born, to serve and protect The Grand Duchy of Balian and its royal family, no matter where they may choose or where they may go. The Brotherhood of Balian shall be their blade and shield.

 

 

RANKS OF THE BROTHERHOOD

 

COMMAND

 

Captain

The Commander of all forces in the Grand Duchy and the leader of the Brotherhood of Balian, the rank granted to a designated successor from one of the Lieutenants and until the death or retirement of the Captain the individual is known only to the Grand Duke and his council. The duties of the Captain are many, and mainly centered around the defense of the realm and its interests.

 

Lieutenant

The Lieutenants are the main commanding and organizing force of the Brotherhood, selected personally by the Captain. These soldiers have experience and talent. They often lead missions and act as the direct subordinates of the Captain. For these troops, their main duties vary  greatly as they are assigned by the Captain. The number of Lieutenants is extremely limited, as the rank is not granted lightly.

 

Sergeant

These soldiers are junior commanders within the Brotherhood. They serve as 2nd in command for Lieutenants, often commanding enlisted ranks in missions and combat  . These soldiers are chosen by the Captain together with the Lieutenants.

 

Corporal

The senior soldiers of the Brotherhood. The Corporals are soldiers, with a good amount of experience and with contributions to the Brotherhood on a noteworthy scale. These soldiers are prioritized over the Privates with duties and even small leadership assignments during missions. The average Corporal in their day to day duties assists the Lieutenants and Sergeants.

 

Private

The backbone of the Brotherhood and the main defensive force. These soldiers are used for a multitude of tasks. Even the newest Private can one day learn and advance to reach heights beyond imagination, even to the rank of Captain with time and work. These soldiers are often used for simple duties, they represent the might of the Brotherhood of Balian, for the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

 

Recruit

 

The new recruits of the  Brotherhood. These soldiers are new to the force and as such must first complete their training and trails before becoming a full fledged part of the force and gaining the Private rank

 

Traditions

 

The Path of Flame

 

A tradition started in the very beginning of the Brotherhood of Balian. It is walked by any candidate as a test of willpower and annually by the whole Brotherhood as a memorial to those who have passed. 

For recruits this involves lighting a torch at the very end of the path after walking there and returning to put their flame down along with others of The Brotherhood for their flame to burn until their demise, signaling their willpower and loyalty to the cause. 

For the Brotherhood this means marching to the brazier, the highest ranking individual giving a speech and everyone lighting a torch, that they shall carry back to the city to place at a memorial for the fallen.

The path itself is a long path set out by stones in the sand. At the end of the path, a large brazier sits.

This is but one of the many traditions born from the long march which took the Imperial State Army from their heartlands down into the scorching sands. 

 

The Brazier of the Fallen

 

In the path of flame there is a brazier at the end with signal fires to guide the way to it. The brazier and the flame inside it signifies the sacrifice of all soldiers and civilians, their willpower, hopes and dreams. The torches of fallen soldiers are thrown into the brazier so that the brazier and the fire would serve as a memorial for all.

Address of the Brotherhood

 

A formal address where soldiers of the Brotherhood of Balian are addressed by the Captain and informed of the happenings in the Brotherhood and The Grand Ducy of Balian, during this promotions are announced and if the monarch so desires awards given, after the address, pay is given out to soldiers.

 

Recruitment

 

A new recruit to the Brotherhood of Balian starts out as a candidate, they carry minimal military rights, have no right to make arrests and overall are considered soldiers in training.

 

To fully become a part of the Brotherhood of Balian and gain the rank of Private they must walk the path of flame,give the oath of the Brotherhood and finish their training. Upon accomplishing said tasks they are welcomed as Private within the Brotherhood and given their first official duties.

 

Oath of the Brotherhood

 

I, _____, swear upon my body and soul to serve the Grand Duchy of Balian to the best of my ability. To follow all orders as a loyal soldier of the Brotherhood of Balian. To not betray the Grand Duchy of Balian, its royal family and values. I shall never falter in this duty, So Help Me God!

Captain Viktor Darkwood would move forth inside the new city "A new start, a chance unlike any other" he would think for a moment "Truly, the people here, together we all shall go far."

A Gaze At A New Beginning

 

[!] A missive could be seen around the camp of the Grand Duchy of Balian

 

 

I arrived here not many months ago. To a land barren and empty, with travelers battered. We arrived here with little more than nothing, yet this did not stop us.

 

 

The trees fell to our axes, livestock followed our will and within days the first tents rose from the ground. Soon enough it was a proper camp, secure storage and protection from rain. 

 

 

As days passed this was found to not be enough, as the night animals drew close to the camps it was determined that walls were needed. As such, walls were built from sturdy wood.

 

 

Yet this was not enough, as days passed the amount of people arriving increased and larger plans were made.

 

 

So as I, Viktor Darkwood, stand here today, I cast my gaze at the camp before me, at the people toiling away to grow and expand our small outpost in this barren land. 

 

 

And… I see the future, I see how the rocks moved shall turn into grand statues, how the fallen trees mark the start of roads and houses.

 

 

So as this goes on, as I stand here, let it be noted here, now and forever - Our Spirit remains strong, our will unbroken, we may bleed, we may suffer, but in the end, in the very end, we shall prevail!

 

 

 

Signed
Viktor Darkwood

Viktor Darkwood would set out, marching out from his tent, ready to contribute to the new Kingdom Of Balian with all he can, a bottle resting in his pocket with unusual contents, reminding him of his previous failure.

The Long March

 

 

~The Imperial State Army soldiers rallying together once more~

 

 

Few were those who survived the battle, but those few endured, survived and gathered together.

 

 The soldiers tired, their armor battered and weapons dulled by battle, yet their spirit was not broken. 

 

The Imperial State Army, its remnants, rallied, scattered by the battle, moved forth, outside the borders of their former home.

 

These soldiers who endured. These soldiers gathered together with their wounded leader, the man gazing at the soldiers with his sole eye.

 

The soldiers were rallied, gathered, now a new home must be found, a new land to rest in and call home.

 

It would seem that the fate of the soldiers of the Former Imperial State Army is not over yet, as they arrived within new lands.

 

A bird arrives at their leader, a message.

 

A gaze set at the horizon.

 

“And so, our long march begins” The captain would note to his comrades.

The Shattered Forces

~Imperial State Army scattering after battle~

 

 

The battle went on, brother against brother, families broken and children butchered. The Imperial State Soldiers stood bravely against the enemy horde, but mere bravery and will did not prevail against the blades of the enemy.

 

 

As such, the forces shattered.

 

 

Wounded and tired, the men scattered all over, the battle lost, the war lost, their cause in vain.

 

 

Blood flowed through the streets of Providence and the ones remaining alive moved just to survive, to not perish in this tragedy.

 

 

As the sounds of battle cleared, as the bodies lay on the cold floor of the city, the soldiers of the Imperial State Army marched away from the hostile lands.

 

 

A bird sent, a call heard, have the imperial forces perished or do they yet still endure?

Captain Viktor Darkwood would read the missive and note "Sounds like a fine individual, house d'Arkent has a bright future ahead for itself"