Dair

⚜ Notice on the succession of House Vuiller ⚜ 11th of The Grand Harvest, 261 SA I have now stood as the Head of House Vuiller for many years. During these years, I have witnessed many things, both great and horrid. I have seen stagnation born of conflict, and peace disturbed by evil. Yet among these hardships, there have also been great blessings. My friends, my family, and the next generation. I am now a grandfather, a realization that sets the weight of passing time upon my shoulders. To have seen my eldest daughter and heir, Alexandria Yelena Vuiller, grow into the woman she is today; Honest, self-aware, and willing to out the spawn of darkness without hesitation, has been the greatest honor I could ever ask for. And now, to see her children steadily grow and become their own persons brings a tear to my eye. I am proud. In Alexandria, I see a glimmer that I believe may lead to great things for her line. And despite the chaos of our world, I believe it is only right that I pass the mantle, so she may truly bring her vision into fruition. No title is eternal, save that which rests in the hands of God above. Thus, with steady mind and willing heart, I, Godrick Johan Vuiller, do hereby relinquish my title of Count of Aquilae to Alexandria Yelena Vuiller, Baroness of San Haraldo. May her ideas come to fruition, and may her line be blessed with health for years to come. Signed, The Most Honorable, Godrick Johan Vuiller, Count of Aquilae The Honorable, Alexandria Yelena Vuiller, Baroness of San Haraldo

Their room in the Vuiller house was dimly lit by a candle, it's light softly flickering against the surrounding walls. Jean stood still, their daughter Lilithine wrapped in the crook of one arm. The room was untouched, yet something dear had departed, and he felt it in his bones. Alongside the items left behind by Johanna, ones that he knew too well, lay a note, folded with care. No ceremony, no farewell spoken aloud. Just ink, parchment, and the unbearable finality of silence. His eyes fell to the line she had written last: "Thank you for being the love of my life." He lowered himself into the chair they had once shared by the window, where light would pour in on late mornings. Lilithine stirred in his arms, oblivious to the void left behind. "You promised me twenty more years." Jean whispered, his voice frayed with grief. "We swore it like fools, as though the world would bow to love." He cradled their daughter closer. She had Johanna's eyes, the same spark, the same soft defiance. A blessing and a wound all at once. "You were the light in this house, Johanna. Without you, the hearth goes cold. But I will carry your light for her... I must." The candle sputtered, casting one last flicker across the room. "Rest now, my heart. Wherever you've gone, may it be gentle. And wait for me, as I will walk the rest of this road with your name in every step."

Aaaaaaa, I forgot to include a spoiler part in the post so gonna comment instead. A huge thanks to @Cheese, @xDisarray, @Travistyand @__Stal27for their help on this post.

⋅ ༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺ ⋅ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ⋅ ༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺ ⋅ “Let every blade be tempered by faith, and every soldier be forged into a sword of righteousness.” BY GRACE AND CROWN, ISSUED BY THE IN THE YEAR OF 241 ⋅ ༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺ ⋅ THE SACRED SWORDS OF SAINT FOLTEST STAND AS SHIELD AND JUDGEMENT WITHIN LOTHARIA’S WALLS. All those who would take up arms in service to the Grand Duchy, shall find their place within this host. WHAT IS DETAILED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS THE STRUCTURE AND CHARGE OF THE ORDO GLADII DE SANCTI FOLTEST. Let any who read know the weight of the blade they seek to bear. ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ I. FOUNDING & PURPOSE “ONE ORDER, ONE BASTION, ONE BROTHERHOOD” AFTER YEARS OF FIELDING A SEPARATE KNIGHTLY ORDER AND CITY MILITIA, the Grand Duchy of Lotharia unifies its martial strength under one banner: THE ORDO GLADII DE SANCTI FOLTEST now serves simultaneously as standing army, chivalric brotherhood, and spiritual militia. Every able-bodied citizen who answers the call of arms is inducted into The Order’s ranks, swearing vows before the reliquary of ST. FOLTEST, PATRON OF BASTIONS AND SIEGEWORKS. In peace they stand as guardians of roads, citadels, and shrines. In war they form the disciplined shield-wall and the thunderous cavalry that defend the realm. THE ORDER’S CREED BALANCES THREE PILLARS: FIDES Unwavering faith in the LORD GOD and the teachings of ST. FOLTEST. DISCIPLINA Mastery of arms, strategy, and obedience to rule of law. CARITAS The charge to protect the helpless and better the lives of all Halioi. ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ II. HIERARCHY OF THE SACRED SWORDS “FORGED IN TRUST, TEMPERED IN DUTY” TO ENSURE MILITARY EFFICIENCY, the Ordo Gladii de Sancti Foltest maintains a carefully structured hierarchy. This chain of command allows each member to grow in their service to the Grand Duchy. MAGISTER GLADII Supreme head of the Order, second only to the monarchs of Lotharia. They are in charge of all matters of the Ordo Gladii and preside over the Trial of the Sword and uphold the tenets of the order. LEGATUS GLADII The Magister’s appointed second, acting as chief advisor, wartime adjutant, and interim authority when the Magister is absent. They assist the Magister in running the order and assume full command in their absence. The Legatus Gladii is appointed by the Magister, usually from the senior members of Ordo Gladii. PRAEFECTUS GLADII Senior officers with the right to command small detachments in the absence of higher authority. Holding the rank of Praefectus Gladii provides one with the right to recruit people into the Ordo Gladii directly, without the need for Legatus or Magister interception. However, careful consideration is expected when doing so. GLADIUS The Gladius are the champions who have earned knighthood. They uphold discipline within the lower rank and march into battle side by side with the high command, leading the Armigers by example. ARMIGER Full-time enlisted who have completed basic drill. They study strategy, form the rank and file of the order, and pursue feats of valor toward knighthood. One must always serve as an Armiger first before knighthood can even be considered. NOVICTUS Youths under the age of fifteen or those who have yet to complete basic drill in preparatory training. Their duties include simple tasks such as stablework, armour care, basic combat training and catechism of Canonism and St. Foltest. ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ III. APPOINTED OFFICES OF THE ORDER “TO SERVE WITHOUT GLORY IS THE PUREST ACT OF FAITH” NOT ALL ROLES WITHIN THE ORDER ARE DEFINED BY RANK ALONE. To meet the spiritual, logistical, and strategic needs of the Order, several appointed offices exist. These may be filled by members of suitable experience and trust, typically of Armiger status or higher. PRAEPOSITUS ARMORUM Oversees armories, inventories, and distribution of arms and provisions for the Order. SACERDOS MILITARIS Provides spiritual guidance, conducts rites, and maintains morale among the troops. ARCHIATER Chief physician responsible for training field medics, overseeing infirmaries, and developing wartime medical protocols. EXPLORATOR PRIMUS Commands reconnaissance detachments, monitors enemy movements, and guides tactical navigation during campaigns. CUSTOS ELIXIRIAE Manages the collection, distillation, and safe application of alchemical substances for both warfare and healing. THESE OFFICES ARE NOT SEPARATE RANKS, BUT ASSIGNMENTS BESTOWED BY THE HIGH COMMAND. They may be held concurrently with one’s station in the Order. ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ IV. FEATS OF VALOR “VALOR IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR, BUT THE WILL TO ACT DESPITE IT” A KNIGHT’S LEGACY IS ETCHED NOT MERELY BY OATH, BUT BY DEED. The Feats of Valor represent the many ways a knight may serve with distinction, from small acts of civic duty to moments of great personal risk. Each deed, regardless of scale, is a reflection of one’s dedication to the realm and its people. MINOR FEAT Civic or defensive acts with little personal risk, such as mediating arguments, helping someone with day to day duties, or night-long vigils. MODERATE FEAT Hazardous deed or notable martial victory, such as victory in a duel or a pursuit of brigands. MAJOR FEAT Potentially life-threatening achievement, such as slaying a mighty beast, defeating multiple foes or repelling a threat to Lotharia. SUPREME FEAT Ultimate sacrifice in defence of the realm. Usually honoured posthumously. THOUGH THE NATURE OF EACH FEAT MAY DIFFER, all serve a common purpose: to uphold and safeguard the realm. While not every act will be witnessed or widely known, all are meaningful. Through them, the Order endures and the realm is made stronger. In honoring them, we reaffirm the values that define us as knights of Lotharia. ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ V. THE ASPIRANT’S TRIALS “TO RISE, ONE MUST FIRST FALL, AND RISE AGAIN” TO TAKE THE FINAL STEPS FROM SQUIRESHIP INTO TRUE KNIGHTHOOD, A MEMBER OF THE ORDER MUST PROVE THEMSELVES IN MORE THAN BATTLE. THE ASPIRANT TRIALS serve as a sacred rite of passage, separating mere warriors from those worthy to represent the Order in full. Each trial is both a test of strength and a reflection of the aspirant’s faith, discipline, and charity. An ARMIGER seeking knighthood must complete: Three Minor Feats Two Moderate Feats One Major Feat ONCE VERIFIED, THE CANDIDATE UNDERTAKES THE TRIAL OF THE SWORD. Often guided by the Sacerdos Militaris, they must find a relic, fell a monstrous foe or accomplish a quest given by higher authority. Success, ratified by the Magister Gladii, elevates the Armiger to Gladius at the next ducal rite. ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ 𑁍 ⋅ ༻⊰─────────────⊱༺ ⋅ VI. OATHS OF THE SWORD “LET NO GOLD, NO FEAR, NO SWEET TEMPTATION BREAK THIS VOW” BEFORE A BLADE IS RAISED IN THE ORDER’S NAME, IT MUST FIRST BE BOUND BY SOLEMN VOW. These oaths, recited before relic and witness, are unbreakable bonds of duty. They are the creed by which every Sword must live and–if need be–die. I shall serve the Almighty and uphold the canon of the Mother Church. I shall protect the Grand Ducal House of Basileus and its rightful heirs. I shall place the welfare of Lotharia’s people above my own. I shall preserve harmony among my sworn brethren. I shall never raise steel against a fellow Sword save by lawful order. I shall not forsake duty for wealth, power, or passion. I shall speak truth even if it should burn my tongue. I shall honour foreign law when upon foreign soil. My first allegiance is to the Ordo Gladii and the Grand Duchy of Lotharia. I shall keep vigilant watch, whether in desert, keep, or court. I shall answer insult with measured honour. I shall accept any righteous challenge from my betters. I shall never turn my back on the foes of the realm. I shall shun treason and corruption in all guises. I shall hunt the darkspawn and all unholy terrors without respite. I shall guard these vows until honourably released or until death. ⋅ ༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺⠀☨⠀༻⊰───────────────────────⊱༺ ⋅ HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, LOTHAR I, Grand Duke of Lotharia, etcetera. HER SERENE HIGHNESS, ISIDORA JAHANNA, Grand Duchess of Lotharia, etcetera. HER ROYAL EXCELLENCY, ESFIR ARTEMISIA D’ARKENT, Emeritus Duchess of Sunholdt, Elder of House d’Arkent, Amiratus of Lotharia, Lady Seneschal of the Crown, and High Councilor of Vilahn. HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR JEAN-CLÉMENT VUILLER, Magister Gladii of the Order of the Sacred Swords of Saint Foltest THE HONORABLE, MIYAKO JAZLOWIECKI, Baroness-Consort of Thessaros HIS EXCELLENCY, SIR AURELLIUS GREYE, Patriarch of House Greye, Lord of Erythra, Legatus Gladii of the Order of the Sacred Swords of Saint Foltest, and Legate of the High Council of Vilahn.

Born from the ashes of a broken nation, the Knights of the Order of the Leonidos take upon themselves the mantle of chivalric servitude to their homeland, just as all Balianites did upon the final days of the Kingdom. Bound to their oaths of fealty to the Grand Duchy of Lotharia, all knights must ascertain levels of mastery with various weapons and their forms. They must prove their commitment by developing skills in negotiation, battle strategy, and wilderness survival. To be a Leonidos, a Hupoleontes must dedicate themselves to the other knights within the order and the realm they serve. To be a Leonidos, Hupoleontes must dedicate themselves wholly and completely to the service of the Grand Duchy. This service is not simply for the pleasure of the ruling house of Lotharia, but for the betterment of all citizens within the nation. Honor, duty, and reverence are the core tenets driving a Leonidos into service. They take for themselves the commitment of fighting for those who would never be able to defend themselves. The mission of the Leonidos shall be to protect the realm of Lotharia and keep its citizens safe. To protect the royal family is amongst their most important duties. They shall also seek to root out and destroy the evils of this world that take the form of Darkspawn. Those who seek to one day become Leonidios but are not yet old enough to begin their training in full shall be deemed Neoleontes. Neoleontes are entrusted with tasks given to them by their prospective Leonidios, which generally revolve around the maintenance of items or areas that they may utilize. A Neoleontos may be requested to polish armor, restock quivers, feed the horses, and sharpen weaponry. The Neoleontos may also participate in various combat exercises and are taught the basics of swordplay and combat analysis. A Neoleontos shall remain one until their fifteenth nameday. To seek Hupoleonteship, one must have completed the following: reached their fifteenth nameday, received a letter of recommendation from an honored member of Lotharia, and completed two Lesser Feats of courage. If one is already a Neoleontos who reaches the age of fifteen whilst in servitude, then they may utilize a testimony of the Leonidios served in place of their letter of recommendation. However, they must still complete two Lesser Feats of courage. Until such a time as Hupoleonteship is accepted and formalized, a non-Neoleontos wishing to become a Hupoleontes shall be deemed a Hupoleontes-to-be. After fulfilling all three of these requirements, a Hupoleontes-to-be shall search for a Leonidios and request to be taught the ways of the Order. The Leonidios may accept or deny this request. If they reject, the Hupoleontes-to-be shall search for another Leonidios. Should the Hupoleontes-to-be already be a Neoleontos, they must verify Hupoleonteship under their current Leonidios, or, should that Leonidios already have a Hupoleontes, they must find Hupoleonteship under another. After all requirements are met and a Leonidios accepts their servitude, the Protos Leonidos shall deliver the final decision and validation of acceptance. The Leonidios is a fully recognized and sworn knight of the Order. Once a Hupoleontes has completed their Aspirantian Trials, proving themselves through the successful completion of Lesser, Middling, and Greater Feats, and passing the Trial of the Lion, they may be dubbed a Leonidios. Leonidios are entrusted with the protection of the realm of Lotharia, the defence of its citizens, and the safeguarding of the royal family. In addition to martial duties, Leonidios are responsible for guiding and training Neoleontes and Hupoleontes. They are expected to embody the virtues of honor, duty, and reverence, serving not for personal glory but for the betterment of all. They report to the Strategos Leonidos and the Protos Leonidos, and must maintain readiness to be called upon for greater campaigns. The Strategos Leonidos serves as a senior officer within the Order, second only to the Protos Leonidos. They are chosen from among the most veteran of Leonidios who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, valor, and unwavering loyalty to the Grand Duchy. They assist the Protos Leonidos in their duties and have the responsibility of enforcing the standards of the Order. They are responsible for the validation of Middling and Greater Feats within their jurisdiction and are expected to take command in the absence of the Protos Leonidos. The Protos Leonidos grants an appointment to the Strategos Leonidos. The Protos Leonidos is the Grandmaster Knight and wields supreme authority within the Order. The Protos Leonidos oversees all operations, decrees policy, maintains the traditions and oaths of the order, and serves as the principal protector of the royal family and the Grand Duchy. He is greater than only one, the Prince of Lotharia. The Protos Leonidos leads both in times of peace and during campaigns of war. They hold final authority in the validation of Greater Feats and oversee the Trials of the Lion. They appoint the Strategos Leonidos and adjudicate disputes among the Order. Upon the death, retirement, or removal of a Protos Leonidos, the Strategos Leonidos shall step into the role of acting-Protos Leonidos until the ruling monarch of Lotharia appoints a new Protos Leonidos. The new Protos Leonidos is sworn in during a sacred ceremony known as the Rite of the Lion. Lesser Feats are the actions that constituents of the order may perform by going above their everyday duties. A Lesser feat is an action that may pose little to no danger to the physical or mental well-being of the constituent, yet requires a passion for serving your fellow companions and citizens. Often, Lesser Feats are events that transpire by the Neoleontes or Hupoleontes going out of their way to serve their fellow man. Actions such as protecting a citizen from being attacked during a civil dispute, standing vigil through the night for a fallen ally, or tracking an enemy through a densely wooded area may be considered Lesser Feats. The Neoleontes or Hupoleontes-to-be may petition any Knight of the Leonidos for validation on the status of their action. A Lesser feat is the only Feat needed to become an Hupoleontes. Middling Feats are the actions that constituents of the order may perform by going above their everyday duties. A Middling Feat is an action that may pose danger to the physical or mental well-being of the constituent—the willingness to put oneself in harm's way to serve fellow companions and citizens. This action can also be obtained by defeating a well-trained adversary. Actions such as defeating an armed enemy whilst unarmed, claiming victory at a jousting tourney, and tracking an enemy across several dense biomes. The Hupoleontes may petition their respective Leonidos, the Strategos Leonidos, or the Protos Leonidos for validation on the status of their action. Greater Feats are the actions that constituents of the order may perform by going above their everyday duties. A Greater Feat is an action that may pose great danger to the physical or mental well-being of the constituent. Whilst the action is performed, their own life is on the line in order to protect or save another. This action can also be obtained by defeating a powerful adversary. Actions such as slaying an aggressive bear to save a brother and defeating several mounted combatants while on foot may be considered Greater Feats, tracking and slaying a powerful darkspawn. The Hupoleontes may petition for validation on the status of their action. The Strategos Leonidos and the Protos Leonidos shall deliberate. If a request is denied, it may be re-petitioned for validation as a lower-tiered feat. Usually given posthumously, the greatest feat is achieved by giving the ultimate sacrifice whilst protecting your companions and countrymen. Any constituent of the Realm may petition for validation on the status of their or another’s action. All Knights of the Leonidos shall convene in a special gathering and deliberate. When a Hupoleontes is chosen and confirmed, they may begin their quest towards becoming a Knight of the Leonidos. Hupoleontes are required to earn several Feats of Courage to prove their worth. Just as the Hupoleontes-to-be are required to complete Feats of Courage, so will the Hupoleontes. While the Hupoleontes-to-be are required to have two Lesser Feats, the Hupoleontes are provided with more advanced training. They will also be required to complete three Lesser Feats, two Middling Feats, and one Greater Feat. These feats may be done in any order. After these Feats are verified, the Hupoleontes may petition for their final trial to begin. This trial is dubbed the Trial of the Lion. When the trial commences, the Hupoleontes shall visit the Oracle of Lotharia, who shall provide them with the details of their quest. Be it a beast they need to fell or a treasure they must obtain, the Hupoleontes must complete their task in order to succeed. Should the Hupoleontes fulfill their services to the Oracle, evidence of their success must be proffered, or their trial shall be deemed a failure. Should the Trial be completed and the evidence examined by the Protos Leonidos, the Hupoleontes shall be dubbed a knight upon the next ceremony of the Duke. I A Lion shall serve GOD and adhere to His laws. II A Lion shall protect and serve the royal family faithfully, safeguarding them and their kin. III A Lion shall serve the people of Lotharia, putting the citizens’ well-being above their own. IV A Lion shall keep the peace with fellow Constituents of the Leonidos. V A Lion shall never draw armament upon fellow Constituents of the Leonidos outside of lawful combat. VI A Lion shall never betray duty for the sake of wealth, glory, power, or love. VII A Lion shall remain truthful in all circumstances. VIII A Lion shall respect the authority of foreign dignitaries and their laws whilst within their borders. IX A Lion shall remain bound to the Leonidos and no foreign oath or realm. X A Lion shall stand vigilant in their watch, regardless of the task at hand. XI A Lion shall uphold their honor if one of lesser status insults them. XII A Lion shall never refuse a challenge from one of higher status. XIII A Lion shall never allow their back to be turned to a foe. XIV A Lion shall remain untainted by the ideals of treason and treachery. XV A Lion shall take up arms against the threat of Darkspawn and evil. XVI A Lion shall keep their oaths until a time when they are no longer actively serving as a Knight of the Leonidos. Signed, Protos Leonidos

The frown upon one Jean-Clément Vuiller was great indeed when his wife handed him the missive. The man under whom he had become a knight, the man from who he gained the name Sir Johann-Klemens von Äußere, had now passed away. A pleasure it was, to serve under him, he thought. A lorraine would be signed, and a moment of silence held. Tonight he would drink for the memory of a good man and the hopes of a safe passing into the skies.

One known to many by his simple moniker, Sir Jean stood upon the square of Balian as the missive reached him. His doubts were many, silently they festered within his mind, but his sword is raised to defend his family and to fight for what he believes right. This simple thought he has lived by, and this simple thought shall push aside all doubt. "Onto battle I follow the shadow of the Back Eagle. Ave Balian, Ave King John the Second." He declared mainly to himself as he turned to make his preparations, and to see his wife and son.

THE LAST FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX A proud Halerir of the Sillumir stepped outside the gates of Haelun'or, a sharp breath was taken, a wish for luck and peace upon the earth thrown into the wind. Maehr'taliyyh Caelheris had chosen to go visit the mines so that his fellow Sillumir would never be without protection. (By Roberto Gatto) So he would stride forward, plated foot against the wooden boards of the docks of The Silver City, it was a dangerous world outside, he knew this and many times had he been warned by his comrades, but something in his mind pushed him forward. He had made but a few dozen steps up the hill leading forward from the docks before word rang true. "Halt!" Yelled a dwarf, and steel was drawn. The dwarf atop his goat charged at the Sillumir, but such a charge did he swiftly dodge and with his saber cut the eye of the unarmored goat, the panicked animal swiftly dispatched the dwarf from its back, sending them barreling down the hill and losing hold of their blade. Maehr'taliyyh stood above, and pointed the tip of his blade at the dwarf. "Pick up your blade, dwarf. Show me that you are not as pathetic as all the others." So began a long, drawn out battle between the two, steel clashed and spark flew as skilled warriors met head to head in this battle on the hill. The Silver City lie just behind Maehr'taliiyh, he would not let this intruder any further. Each landed blow after blow upon the other, neither would leave without cost... Then rain fell upon a gruesome scene, the lands before the city soaked in the blood of one of its defenders. A mali'thill toppled over in his armor, his belongings taken, as was his life and left there for the vultures. The Phoenix of the Caelheris talonnii, the mali'thill called Maehr'taliyyh, would bleed wisdom no longer.

Somewhere Jean-Clément d'Aussere shudders, feeling precious mina be spent.