ROYAL ORDERS OF BALIANESE CHIVALRY
“Prince Lothar walked the world as though a site of pilgrimage could be found in every mortal’s soul. Even at the most depraved nadir of his grisly war, it was liberation and liberation only that stirred his strength, as though he would free the Exalted Tabernacle waiting within his lost enemies.” An ancient Almaris account on the character of St. Lothar the Bannerlord, often considered as the first knight of Canondom.
THE CODE OF BALIANESE CHIVALRY
In Hoc Signe Vinces Cor
In this sign, conquer the heart
Collect no debt and despise all rewards.
Challenge no malice except that you challenge it also in yourself.
Take neither bread nor water, nor any succor, unless in company of those with greater need.
Persevere in every enterprise until a righteous end.
Raise a hand not in sin or judgment of sin, but to safeguard the needy.
In speaking, set no words apart as oaths, but let your every word be true.
Study the world and love its peoples.
Introduction
Chivalry stands uncontested as one of the many pillars of the Heartlander spirit. Countless knightly orders across the ages have been the proving grounds of some of humanity’s greatest champions and villains, from the valiant heroes Silverblade and Steelstong whose insights and command drove the foundation of the first empire, to the lost scourges of old Angren whose rebellions collapsed another. Over time, while knighthood endured as an institution of merit in the Petrine empire and subsequent successor states, the art of chivalry itself had waned in authority, with some even associating it with backwardness, cruelty, and insurrection.
Yet the fall of the Petrine empire, if nothing else, gave mankind many insights as to its path forward. The many bureaucracies of Helena eroded and collapsed without a cultural foundation to serve as its spine. Few came to understand that better than the Novellens of Atrus, who found themselves exiled toward a distant land that they soon came to know as the country of the Prince St. Lothar of Balian.
As the Kingdom of Balian began to unearth more and more of St. Lothar’s legend, they elected to formally codify their orders and chivalry, and raise a knightly standard once more. To build upon the triumphs and failures of their ancestors, King Adrian I has taken the honors of the Petrine Empire with the code of St. Lothar to institute three orders of knights in the realm of Balian. The first two, the Royal Order of the Silver Comet and the Royal Order of St. Michael reflect honors of merit and valor respectively, akin to the old Imperial Orders of Chivalry.
The third order is distinct, however, as it reflects the highest class of chivalry in the realm. Members of this order are raised from the two royal orders if proven to be otherworldly in talent, virtue, restraint, and wisdom. These knights are given unique vows and training in order to safeguard the spirit of Balian, and are known as the Most Illustrious Torreveliars of St. Lothar, charged to oversee the status of chivalry and virtue in the realm.
CANZION DE GESTE THE SONG OF BALIAN
The Canzion de Geste, translated literally as “the Story of Great Deeds”, but more often translated as “The Song of Balian”, is the chivalric mission that drives every Balianese aspirant of knighthood. The concept emerged after the myth of The Pigeon’s Riddle, an anecdote where under the reign of King Alexander, the knight Sarson al Granpaloma posed a riddle to an aspiring squire. The riddle asked
“If the marines keep the peace, the solicitors the law , and the bureaucrat order in our world, what is a knight’s left with to protect?”
The spirit of the question emerged as part of post-Petrine thought, where the role of knighthood had waned from a martial institution into one purely ceremonial. The alleged answer to the Pigeon’s Riddle is the soul of a nation - while soldiers, lawyers, and bureaucrats all maintain peace, law, and order, a knight’s chief most duty is to cultivate the soul - the national spirit and culture of a nation.
This tradition emerges with the knowledge that one of the markers that ended the empire was its lack of such an institution - no bureaucracy was capable of yielding and promoting heroes that promoted civic and chivalric virtue. Such a body is essential to inspire the people to press forward and keep the legend of their people strong..
In that way, the Song of Balian is the living story of the Balianese. While its torreveliars maintain its legend, it is made up of all peoples in Balian, big and small, who all contribute to the wider narrative of this growing country. In this way, while martial prowess is welcomed, above all else, a true knight of Balian must exhibit a zest for their culture and the desire to protect the world around them. One of the markers of a true torreveliar as a result is their arcane feats - bardmancy and alchemy are encouraged, to maintain and embolden the legend.
The Most Illustrious Torreveliers of St. Lothar
The Torreveliers of St. Lothar heralds from the ancient times of the Bathalite Empire. This ancient chivalric order championed the Bathalite identity and culture whilst raising arms to defend its homeland and their fellow descendants. As Balian unearthed the Lothar Tablets. The chivalric code of the Order of St. Lothar came to light. Inspired by its traditions, culture and strides to uphold its national identity, the Kingdom of Balian would reform the order under the title of “The Most Illustrious Torreveliers of St. Lothar”.
The Torreveliers of St. Lothar is the highest chivalric order in the Kingdom of Balian. The order governs all matters regarding the induction, maintenance and culture of knights in Balian through ascent of the Crown. The highest ranking member of the Torreveliers is the Cavalier Gran Creu. Under the Cavalier Gran Creu are the Torreveliers. The council of seven knights, including the Gran Creu govern the three chivalric orders of Balian.
The Torreveliers are unique from other chivalric orders in the fact that in order to be considered as a Torrevelier, one is committed fully to the path of chivalry, and are only permitted to hold a landed title or stand to inherit a title with royal dispensation and the consent of the majority of the existing Torreveliers. Torreveliers are also expected to be a former or existing member of the Royal Balianese Armada. Under royal assent and consent from the landed title holder however, a promising squire is next in line for a landed title may forgo their inheritance to become a torrevelier.
Torreveliers are picked from the royal orders by the monarch and Gran Creu and effectively sit as a council above all other knights. While they do not get an extra postnominal, they instead are given an epithet from the crown that characterizes their service and legend. For example, the first Torreveliar, Sarson al Granpaloma, was given his title of ‘Granpaloma’, or ‘Great Pigeon’, for his courier work in recovering the Lothar Stones as well as establishing diplomatic connection between Ba’as and Balian.
Torrevaliers oversee chivalry and can motion to strip knighthoods, organize votes on nobelissimos, and are responsible for the royal legend of errantry, a questing list for all Balianese to endeavor to.
Chivalric Hierarchy
The Royal Orders of Balianese Chivalry are ranked in a hierarchy. At the top of the hierarchy seats the Monarch, the ultimate authority and inductor of cavaliers. Below the monarch is the Gran Creu, a Torrevelier who is considered the highest ranking cavalier of Balianese Chivalry. The Gran Creu may conduct operations and decrees for cavaliers through the will of the Monarch. Under the Gran Creu are the Torrevelier Creus, the six Torreveliers who make up the council of the Order of St. Lothar. Below the Torreveliers are the Otimoliers who are considered the most exemplary of knights in the two royal orders. The royal guards are chosen from the pool of Otimoliers for they are considered the pinnacle of Balianese chivalry and bravery. Below the Otimoliers are the Cavaliers, the knights that were inducted into the two royal orders of St. Michael and the Silver Comet.
Only the Monarch can induct new cavaliers. However, the Gran Creu may induct cavaliers through the ascent of the monarch.
Monarch The ultimate authority of Balianese chivalry.
Gran Creu Highest ranking Torrevelier and highest ranking Cavalier of Balian.
Torrevelier A council of Cavaliers who are considered the most deserving of the highest ranking order of Balianese chivalry: Torreveliers of St. Lothar.
Otimoliers Exemplar knights of the two royal orders. In order to be considered for promotion to an Otimolier, the Cavalier must demonstrate mastery and understanding of Balianese chivalry through training Escudiers.
Cavaliers Knights of the Two Royal Orders of St. Michael and the Silver Comet.
Escudiers Aspiring knights that have reached the age of canonical age of majority of fourteen or older.
Paginiers Younger aspiring knights below the age of fourteen.
[!] A party of Balianese knights valiantly patrolling the beaches of the La Costa Rubinissima
ROYAL ORDERS OF CHIVALRY
The Royal Order of St. Michael RIBBON: Red and Gold ESTABLISHED: 1936 FOUNDER: King Adrian I
Sir Apolloyn Marshall Serving the Kingdom of Balian for years, during the time the Kingdom was a Grand Duchy. Apolloyn Marshall was sent by the command of King John of Balian to join the Harvest Revolution, joining in the assault of King Fredericks Palace, avenging the Brothers war.
Sir Ephrem Kervallen During the Cloudbreaker Incident, Ephrem Kervallen was a part of the squad chosen to confront the mastermind of the Incident. A Lich of ill-repute, together he and the squad managed to slay the Lich and bring an end to any threats that he could bring to Realm. Knighted by King Alexander of Balian.
Sir Aerdir of Joma Awarded their Knighthood for joining the defense of the City of Atrus during the Cloudbreaker Incident. Showing valor and willingness to put themselves in harm's way to defend the Balianese people. They were bestowed their Knighthood by King Alexander of Balian
Dame Alatariel Awarded their Knighthood for their valiant defense of the City of Atrus during the Cloudbreaker incident. Showing valor and the willingness to put themselves in harm's way to defend the Balianese people. They were bestowed their Knighthood by King Alexander of Balian.
Sir Peter d’Arkent of Salia Awarded his knighthood for his decades of service to the Crown of Balian, he was bestowed his Knighthood by King John of Balian. He joined the Acreans in their assault on King Fredericks Palace, successfully partaking in the assault and avenging the Brothers war.
Dame Isabel Awarded her knighthood at the insistence of Dame Alatariel for her fearlessness in the Cloudbreaker Incident, reputed to have saved many lives in the battle for Atrus. She was awarded her Knighthood by King Alexander of Balian
Sir Demetrius var Ruthern of Marsana Awarded his Knighthood after years of marital service to the Kingdom of Balian, he has served the King and his Armada diligently since the early days of the Company of Balian. Demetrius is now an Admiral serving in the Armada as one of its finest officers.
For this the King also awarded him the moniker al Valent, or the Valiant in Common. For he has always been ready to go and defend the Kingdom from whoever dares intrude on the Kings peace.
Sir Damien de Salia
Serving in the Armada since he was but Eight years old, Damien would be awarded by King Adrian his knighthood for all the years that he had spent in service to both the Crown and the Armed forces of Balian. Diligently serving under both Sir Peter d'Arkent and now Admiral Dante DeNurem, protecting the Royal family should they ever come to harm as was his duty by the King.
The Royal Order of the Silver Comet RIBBON: Silver ESTABLISHED: 1606 FOUNDER: Princess Esther of Ba’as
Sir Franz Sarkozic Sir Franz Sarkozic’s accomplishments are credited to his diligent work in rebuilding and renovating the Palatio Monterosa in Atrus. His further commitment to the architecture of Balian cemented his position in the Royal Order of the Silver Comet.
Sir Guillermo Rutledge Awarded their Knighthood for architectural work on Atrus and the Porto. Sir Guillermo served as a head architect of the Royal Balianese academy for the first three kings. They were bestowed their knighthood by King Alexander of Balian. He also served as a quartermaster in the Armada.
Dame Augustina Novellen As King John I's second-born daughter, she earned her Dame title by organizing palace events for nearly a decade during her father's reign. She fought a giant worm that attacked Atrus with incredible bravery, undoubtedly saving many lives and earning her people's admiration and respect.In addition, Princess Augustina demonstrated her ability as a leader when she successfully organized a defense against orc pillagers who threatened Atrus. Her strategic abilities and bravery aided in the protection of the city and the protection of many innocent lives.
On his deathbed, her father, King John, knighted Augustina. One of his final acts as King of Balian.
Dame Persephone Novellen Vilac Persephone Maxima Novellen was knighted as a young woman by her father, King John I whilst he was on his deathbed, along with her sister Augustina Therosia Novellen. Both had recently been gravely injured in a battle to protect the city of Atrus from an earthquake causing creature. Persephone had taken the lead in cutting into the creatures abdomen whilst her sister Augustina worked to slice the creatures legs, causing both to end up trapped beneath the being as it perished. For their efforts, and perhaps due to slight Nepotism, both were given the honor of Dame. Despite the title, Persephone has declined to use the title past the first few years holding it as she was crippled from the battle and subsequent Cloudbreaker attack. This has caused her to be unable to fullfill any knightly duties, and she has formally retired from all positions.
Sir Robert Joseph de Lyons Knighted by King Adrian of Balian, he was knighted for his decades of service to the Kingdom of Balian, serving from a young age as the ward to Ledicort Vuiller, then finally earning his way on his Majesty's Duana, where he revamped the Law of the Kingdom. His work has earned him the right to call himself a knight of the Royal Order of the Silver Comet.
The Most Illustrious Torreveliars of St. Lothar RIBBON: White and Purple ESTABLISHED: 536 FOUNDER: St. Lothar of Balian
Sir Sarson al Granpaloma
Born in the ancient city of Helena, the dark elf al Granpaloma has lived a storied life, from his day’s as a boy in the imperial palace and Barraman forge, to his service as a tracker and bodyguard in the land of Ba’as. Sent from that country to foster diplomatic relations, Sarson returned to his Petrine people by making a home in Balian and advising King Alexander I and Amiratus Ledicort Vuiller through the Renovatio.
His work in recovering the Lothar Stones for the Kingdom, fostering diplomatic relationships with Ba’as, and safely escorting the Queen Andromeda from across the Amber Sea to the Balianese crown all earned him a knighthood of merit. Later, upon the recovery of his hand by Testugawan engineers, King Adrian saw fit to raise him as a Torreveliar and serve as one of the great keepers of the Song of Balian. His styling of al Granpaloma, or Great Pigeon, was granted by King Alexander, for the elf’s role as a daring courier, traveling across the world to recover Balianese treasures and histories, as well as negotiate the marriage pact of his son, the future King Adrian.
Fittingly, the dark elf is practitioner of bardmancy, utilizing its powers to create word glyphs across the kingdom capturing the story of Balian and its ancestors.
Sir Dante DeNurem al Rook
Arriving to do as his ancestors had during the Imperial Age, Dante DeNurem brought with him the innovation and the motivation to completely change what was at the time, the failing company for a new organization, one that will thrive under his leadership. The Royal Balianese Armada.
Serving as its first Admiral, after years of serving in the Armada as the Lord Admiral of the Balianse Armada, King Adrian saw in him to raise the man further, and was knighted as a Torrevalier. One that will uphold the Chivalry the Kingdom forges, and the Song of Balian that will be sung for years.
Sir Gabriel Arkent al Defensor
Born in Atrus, the first city of the Balianese, the heartlander man known as the Defender in Balianese has lived a life of dedication to the Kingdom of the Balianese, serving diligently in the Army of the Kingdom since the days when it was known as the Company of Balian. Now having served for decades of his life, King Adrian saw fit to raise him as a Torreveliar, with the moniker the Al Defensor, for his diligent defense of the Kingdom he has sworn himself
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