_Stigwig

Loyalty made Flesh.

A letter reaches each of the applicants, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal. "Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brothers."

A letter reaches each of the applicants, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal. "Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brothers."

A letter reaches each of the applicants, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal. "Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brothers."

A letter reaches each of the applicants, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal. "Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brothers."

A letter reaches each of the applicants, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal. "Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brothers."

A letter reaches each of the applicants, whether via raven or messenger boy, crisp paper sealed by the plain Ashford seal. "Report to Peremont to be inducted, Brothers."

THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE GOLDEN CROZIER Brothers of the Crozier For we are the sword of Lucien; the shield of Lucien; the raised spears that catch the rising sun. We are the storm of swords, the song of steel: the song that sweeps across the strongholds of devout and faith-less, believer and heathen, paragon and sinner. The axe that splinters shield, the hammer that cracks skull, the blade that causes many a mother to weep her bitter tears. We are those that hold his crozier, and we will hold the instrument that supports his legacy. PURPOSE To those men of the Lord, devout and fearful of his wrath, there exists only one purpose - devotion in a service befitting of Him. The Brotherhood of the Golden Crozier, made up of men who have pledged their lives to the service of that order, exist to help purge humanity, all the races, of the shared degeneracy that recent ages have induced into it through vile, corrupt, degenerate means. A purifying force, so named due to its the symbol of the Saint Lucien and his belief in conservative, traditional family values so designed to restore order to the realm of Man. Soldiers, armigers, warriors; healers, medics, physicians; merchants, tradesmen, artisans; a dozen paths of life amalgamated into a single group worthy of such a legacy and the reconstruction of a great brotherhood. Those who preserve ancient and holy relics in the Brotherhood’s custody and those who travel out in search of more. Men who hunt monsters and cleanse such dangers from the roads of the entire continent, whether they be beasts in unnatural form, or brigands who prey on the innocent and poor. What is a realm without law and order; justice and arbitration? Defenders of the meek, poor and innocent. Guardians of the just and faithful. Located within the hinterlands of Savoy faithful and loyal men from all corners of the world gather in pledged service, their aims clear and definite; restoration to better times. The Brotherhood is not one simply of men, though, nor only Man. Open and accepted are elves, provided they be devout, and any others who desire to serve under such a blessed banner. APPLYING TO THE BROTHERHOOD In order to join the Brotherhood of the Golden Crozier, located within the lands of Savoy at Drusco, ((x170, z-2020)), one must either visit those lands, a cart is present outside Felsen, or submit an application to the Grandmaster via bird. These shall be registered as swiftly as possible, providing that the applicant is a male of fighting age. APPLICATION: OOC: Skype name: Username: IC: Name: Reasons for applying: Do you agree to PK if RP is done appropriately and well?: RANKS Discipline shall make or break these men, the cruel crack of leather on flesh; whip on skin, shall forge a force worthy of that furnace which is war. Discipline shall temper any band of soldiers for blessed battle. Every single man who serves in the Brotherhood is expected to obey the commands of a superior without fault or question - obedience shall be met with reward, and disobedience with punishment. (SENIOR COMMAND) GRANDMASTER The Grandmaster holds complete and total control of the Brotherhood; all those who serve within it are subservient to his command and that of God. His word is final and it is expected that all soldiers shall follow him, whether it be into peace or battle. The current Grandmaster is Denis de Bar, the first of that name. TRIBUNE The most senior of officers beneath the Grandmaster in the Brotherhood, elevated from the most competent of prefects, the Tribunes are experienced battle commanders who have shown their skill in combat, administration and leadership - equipped and empowered with the ability to command large chunks of men and serve as a competent aide to the Grandmaster. (LOW COMMAND) PREFECT Prefects are officers entrusted with the command of smaller units; oft in reconnaissance missions. Either experienced soldiers or red-blooded nobles, they have proved their worth to hold such a position and dispense their judgement on those that follow their words. DECURION Decurions are those officers entrusted with the whip, with disciplining rowdy soldiers and ensuring that even in the thick of a conflict the battle-line is held, and it is held well. Respected rather than feared, they hand out deserved punishments, and more often ensure that no punishment is required at all. (ENLISTED) All of the Enlisted are to be referred to with ‘Brother’ for formality. MAN-AT-ARMS Man-At-Arms are the backbone of the Brotherhood, soldiers who have proved their grit and demonstrated their mettle through years of service to the group; dedicated and experienced men who can be relied upon to maintain a respectable example for those unblooded who join the Brotherhood. FOOTMAN Brothers are those unblooded who have passed through their training and trials, going on to serve as full armigers of the group, respected as equals by all and as the men who make up by far the largest number of soldiers. UNBLOODED The unblooded are green-soldiers who are fresh to the Brotherhood; men who have not yet engaged in any fight or been through training. Always treated as newcomers, they are expected to look to officers for an example of competent behaviour while meshing with the current soldiers. (HONOUR RANKS) ENSIGN To be named as the Ensign, the man who is entrusted with the responsibility of holding the banner above the seething masses as a guiding light, is a great honour. If the Ensign were to fall in battle, the whole Brotherhood would feel his loss dearly; during the constant ebb and tide of battle he must lift his burden high above the men’s shoulders so that it can become a focal point for rallying. CHAPLAIN The chaplains are men schooled in holy teaching and thought, their hearts lit aflame by passion for His service. Men who recite litanies and chants, whether it be in the mess hall or the field of battle, their passion is able to beat the spirits of all their comrades into a similar fury. CHAMPION The Champion of the Golden Crozier, the hardiest warrior in the Brotherhood, is a title awarded to those who demonstrate the greatest competency within the entire group at martial work. Whether earned through conflict at war or on the tourney field, the title is constantly up for contest - an honour levied only upon the greatest of brothers.

A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope. "You are hereby accepted into the Order, Unoathed. Report to Peremont immediately. Godspeed!"

A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope. "You are hereby accepted into the Order, Unoathed. Report to Peremont immediately. Godspeed!"

A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope. "You are hereby accepted into the Order, Unoathed. Report to Peremont immediately. Godspeed!" ((please +1 topic for acceptance

A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope. "Funny." A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope. "You are hereby accepted into the Order, Unoathed. Report to Peremont immediately. Godspeed!"

A letter is sent in response to the applicant, sealed in crisp golden wax; the crest of the de Bars taken upon the envelope. "You are hereby accepted into the Order, Unoathed. Report to Peremont immediately. Godspeed!"

Updated following the group's reformation.

Warclaim cancelled, FM can remove/archive as needed.

THE CRUCIBLE OF IRON Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you. War was never a foreign concept to the men of Orenia - twere with the great glory of conquest that the Empire carved itself a place in history, and for generations men had marched on lands foreign and hostile to eke out their own legacy. It had come no surprise then, to layman and soldier alike, that the Horde of Dunamis had resumed their raids upon Orenian territory, despoiling the Empire’s lands with their penchant for greed and bloodlust. The marauders’ latest push had brought them all the way to the gates of the City of Riga, breaking the weak defense outside and forcing through to the gates of the city - only repulsed by the valiant charge of Ashford and Staunton forces present. Such a sordid act of hostility upon the scions of Horen broke the reverie of all those dubious of the raider warband; stirring them instead to the preparations of war. A messenger rode from the erstwhile Duke of Drusco, Denis, and the Duke of Courland, Percival Staunton, to the Imperial court of Felsen. The answer was that of a cry for war - a call for the sweet, bitter song of swords and steel, of a river of foreign blood and an end to the incessant banditry that had plagued the realm since the times of Vydra himself. The blacksmiths and fletchers resumed in the make of armaments. Soldiers that had scarcely been without their swords and men that had not held one for decades were beaten into shape. An emissary was sent to the Caliph of Khalestine, detailing the Emperor’s desire that a reckoning be brought amongst the bandits and thieves that plagued their eastern plains. Passage would be granted and battle would be won- the forces arrayed beneath the Ashford and Staunton were mighty in number and hungry for the battle. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The LORD will go forth like a warrior, He will arouse His zeal like a man of war He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry He will prevail against His enemies. The banners fluttered in the wind, the assemblage of a mighty force - arrayed beneath a roaring dragon. The dipped Ashford sun, Staunton eagle, the countless other noble banners. A river of glinting spears, the waning moon shining its light upon them and bathing them in the soft shadow. The banners had been called, and they marched. TYPE OF BATTLE: Skirmish TIME: Saturday 17th October, 10PM GMT / 5PM EST / 2PM PST ATTACKERS: Holy Orenian Empire and assorted allies. DEFENDERS: The Horde of Dunamis and any allies. LOCATIONS: http://imgur.com/PHpZNXh - Boundaries of the battlefield, Orenian forces and allies will begin on the purple/left side and Horde of Dunamis at the green opposite. TERMS OF VICTORY: The defending forces are defeated or driven from the battle in an absolute majority, leaving the field to a clear victor. In the case of an aggressive victory the forces under the Holy Oren Empire are given permission to post a further warclaim (conquest) on the Dunamis fort and allowed to build a siege camp from which to conduct the future attack. In the case of a defensive win the warfront will be pushed back to Orenian lands - the Horde allowed to place a war claim on a target feasible for them to access if they desire to do so. RULES - Server Rules apply; - No fake statuses; - No returning to battle; - No potions/gapples; - Don't alter the terrain, it's just a skirmish; - Have a good fight

I know that Ser Marwood sells for cheaper than this at Savoy! The youth pipes up at hearing of the sale, smiling wryly as he pushes his cart further along the path.

Reserved.

Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn The Banners of the Ashford Sun History “The long night of civil strife and insurrection, of arduous struggle and toilsome fight, of brother fighting against brother has passed; for this day, the Ashen Dawn is upon us.” Words of Guy de Bar following his ascension to the throne of Oren. The Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn, a military order functioning as a banner-force to the House Ashford de Bar, is a nascent band that bears its lineage from the renowned and now defunct Order of Saint Amyas. Following the ascension of their last Grand Master, Guy de Bar, to the throne of Oren it was decided that the group rebrand and reform into a group that pulled away from its origins fighting for the Junavosi holy land and instead serving their liege lord directly. Successors to the group that successfully repulsed schismatics, dwed, and insurgencies alike- an Order known for its role in the unification of Humanity, all while being the largest force in Oren for multiple years besides- the soldiers of the Ashen Dawn hold their heritage in high regard and many still harbour a lust for zealotry and their original purpose. Their patron no longer the Saint of healing, the warband now serves the house that led them to great glory. The Vindicators served for the duration of King Guy’s reign, a paltry three years, as the palace guards and bannerforce that the Kingdom relied upon most - present even in his final hours as guards that struck down his assassins when wroth overtook them. Maintaining the banner of Ashford they fought beneath their commander, Denis de Bar, during his days as Duke and then as the heir to Drusco; disbanded by Imperial decree soon after the coronation of John Horen. The force coalesced into the Esheveurd Regiment of the newly formed Imperial Army, still underneath their commander, for several years before the eventual abolition of that force due to the incompetency of and bureaucratic strain placed upon the higher echelons of extreme command. Their hearts stilled filled with a reverence for their former King, Guy, and other leaders of Ashford blood whom had commanded their predecessor order and the decision was made to reform. Once more would these war-hardened men take up the banner of Ashford - for the glory of the House Ashford de Bar. Currently housed in the Druscan region surrounding Geldern Keep, the achievements and historical significance synonymous with the Order’s new name is attributed to the house it serves - calling not only upon the prestige of the Knights Lorraine but also the Band of Esheveurd, the predecessors of Ashford with lives worthy of legend, and the prestige gathered by the commanders of the previous order. Ranks All armigers of the Ashen Dawn are beholden to the commander above them, none more so than those of Ashen Command. They owe complete loyalty to the Grand Vindicator and are sworn to obey his every command with ardor and efficiency. (ASHEN COMMAND) Grand Vindicator The Grand Vindicator, often a nobleman of the House Ashford de Bar, is the autocratic archon of the Vindicators who demands the complete loyalty and respect of his soldiers. Typically serving a lifelong tenure in the position they determine the direction of the Vindicators and oversee all aspects of life for the men, their authority graced by the divine right of the King himself. The position is currently filled by Denis de Bar, the first Grand Vindicator of the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn. Arbiter The Arbiter of the Vindicators is the most experienced scribe and expert on political matters within the force, his expertise lying in diplomatic, economic acumen alongside matters of courtly intrigue. He is often tasked with maintaining records and archives, engaging in politics alongside the Grand Vindicator, maintaining the coffers of the Vindicators and aiding the Knight-Captains in counselling the force’s superlative leader. Knight-Captain The Knight-Captains, exemplary and fearless soldiers brought up from the ranks of the Knight-Sergeants, are chosen personally by the Grand Vindicator to serve the Vindicators as prestigious commanders.. Skilled commanders and shrewd tacticians with a familiarity for combat and a warrior’s inborn skill, they are entrusted with power over specific vestiges of the Ashen Dawn at the Grand Vindicator’s discretion and work in tandem with the Arbiter to counsel the Grand Vindicator on matters of the banner force. (HIGH COMMAND) Knight-Sergeant Knight-Sergeants are steely men who have spent much of their lives in single service to the cause of the Vindicators with great and incomparable vigor. Born leaders and veterans of conflicts both internal and external, they are chosen from soldiers demonstrating great courage and aptitude as vanguards, thereafter serving as staunch examples of the ideal soldier. From this collection of puissant and capable commanders, the Knight-Captains are chosen. Sergeant Sergeants are grizzled ensigns and disciplinarians of the Ashford Sun that have risen up the ranks to be true authoritarians, forming the backbone of the auxiliary fighting force and the greatest motivators to the ordinary enlisted. Stern, and yet imbued with a gruff charisma, the Sergeants oversee standard training whilst also helping new unoathed acclimatise to their role in the Vindicators. (LOW COMMAND) Banneret Bannerets are junior officers, ranking beneath Sergeant and often in training to become one. Not yet possessing the keen finesse of higher rankers, the bannerets of the Ashford Sun lead patrols, reconnaissance missions and smaller-scale training. They are often tasked with small commands such as scouting in battles, and are fresh-faced commanders who have hitherto not been recognized as valuable leaders. Vanguard The elite warfighters of the Vindicators, the vanguard are the valiant warriors that have dedicated their lives to upholding the name of de Bar and serving it completely. Once a soldier has proven his prowess in battle, he will be ordained such a rank and graced with the prominence accompanying it. Although they wield little authority in way of command, the vanguard are widely respected for their formidable worth with a blade. (IMMUNES) Physician The physicians, more colloquially known as field surgeons, are soldiers of the Vindicators that have shown a greater affinity for medicine and wound treatment as opposed to their militant comrades. They are tasked with both tending to injuries within their garrison whilst also accompanying fighting forces as field medics - able to operate in even the most stressful environments. Steward Stewards are a group of administrators, headed by the Steward Paramount, who aid the Arbiter in administering and tending for areas directly under the Vindicators’ possession. When not engaged in diplomatic missions or administration they are found travelling the roads searching for likely recruits to the force, inculcated with the beguiling allure necessary to draw in unoathed initiates. Chaplain Acting as a liaison between the Vindicators and the Church of the Canon, a separate cadre of chaplains, monks and priests offer both spiritual advice and aid upon long missions or pilgrimages for the men of the Ashen Dawn. In times of peace they administer sermons to men, reminiscent to the days spent under the guidance of their past Order’s virtues. Sentinel Sentinels are soldiers who excel in their knowledge of the environment and awareness - making excellent watchmen and trackers. Acting as watchmen loosely affiliated with the Vindicators, they are often positioned at locations guarding key areas of influence, barring entry to those that would cause harm and defending the local populace from dissenters. (ENLISTED) Man-At-Arms Men-At-Arms are the most solid and loyal of all men, their numbers comprised mainly of both loyal and experienced men that form a central core of the Vindicators’ auxiliary. Skilled with formations and in combat, speed and conviction is expected from them when completing any commands given - the loyalty of each man unquestionable. Bannerman Comprised of the unoathed that have proven their worth with obedience and loyalty, the bannermen have been doled out their tabards and sworn their oaths after several grueling tests and skirmishes. These armigers will tend to undergo tough labor and other general tests to further improve their general skill as proven soldiers and servants of the Vindicators, strengthening them both physically and in their conviction to House de Bar. Unoathed The unoathed are the newest additions to the Vindicators, untested and unproven youths seeking adventure or employ. Observed by higher ranks in how they adjust to the new lifestyle of soldiering, all of the unoathed are expected to undergo multiple laborious trials, training sessions and real combat experience before advancing in the ranks and swearing their oaths. Tenets Whereas the Knights Lorraine possessed a spoken code of morals and virtues to live by, the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn hold to their hearts a stricter and lengthier amount of tenets and rules that strictly govern their daily lives and conduct in the presence of others: Maintain a chivalric presence, uphold the weak and be benevolent. Be always pious, worship and follow the virtues. Obey your superiors no matter the command, for the Vindicators flourish with duty. Do not harm another Vindicator, nor steal nor lie to them. Falter not in the face of opposition for righteous fury guides your blade. Remain vigilant always, the life of your brothers is at stake when discretion is cast aside. Allow no heretic or heathen to live while he defies the word of God. If a man strikes you then you shall strike him back, unless he is your superior. Do not dishonour the house of Ashford. Purpose The Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn, oft known as the Banners of the Ashford Sun for the famous words uttered by Guy de Bar, functions as a military order akin to a heraldic banner force that serves the Grand Vindicator of the Ashen Dawn and, on a larger scale, the Orenian state as an entirety. Their professed goal is to maintain a military force beholden only to the House de Bar and ensure the strength of Humanity. The successors to the Order of Saint Amyas, and by extension orders such as the Order of the Griffon, the Knights of the Eventide and the Sons of Owyn, the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn hold worship often and remain a highly zealous order. Although no longer required, many officers still wear the golden lorraine cross given to them upon their ordainment to a position of authority. The coat of arms of the Vindicators of the Ashen Dawn is a flaming golden disc spinning upon a black backdrop, an imitation of both the heraldry of the House Ashford and the personal seal used by Velwyn Ashford, later known as Lucien I. Worn by all except the Unoathed, it signifies the brotherhood of men that makes up the Band. Allegiance The Vindicators of the Aseen Dawn, unlike their predecessors, have only one allegiance: to the House Ashford de Bar. They serve their Grand Vindicator with undying and absolute loyalty and by extension both the patriarch of the house and the King, although they maintain a fierce piety within their hearts no longer are they a holy order. The former Order of Saint Amyas has been beholden to four Ashford grandmasters during its span of acclaim: Gwenael, Richard, Adrian, and Guy de Bar. The names of their famed predecessors have garnered an extreme reverence from the men of the Ashen Dawn, further cementing the Vindicators’ loyalty to their liege house. Customs Unlike the Order they claim descent from, the Vindicators seek to employ the use of medals and honorifics in the style of groups such as the White Rose. Honours awarded only to the loyalest and bravest of men, they cut a distinction between the average Vindicator that serves the Banners and those whom are truly great men. Based off heroes, houses and events of the past they provide a connection to history itself. Taking their inspiration from the Order of St. Amyas beneath the governance of Gwenael de Bar the Vindicators discharge all of the rank Knight-Sergeant or above (Ashen Command) with land when they finally grow old and seek discharge. These estates, located around wherever the Vindicators find themselves based, are often used to help grow families, or even colonies, whose descendants go on to rejoin and once again serve the Ashford Sun. As part of their heritage from serving in the Order of St. Amyas many men hold pilgrimages as important ceremonies to undertake - the vast majority of the Vindicators having undergone one, if not more. It is often that these religious journeys yield great returns in fervour, activity and belief that inspire the men going on them to great deeds. The rank of Vanguard is one carried over from the previous Order, as is the ceremony - one steeped in meaning and significance. First kneeling, the to-be Vanguard is struck by the Grand Vindicator on the cheek, told that that will be the last blow he ever leaves unanswered. True to such, no Vanguard has ever not fought back after being inducted into the elite cadre. All armigers of a rank greater than Unoathed have sworn themselves to the service of the Ashen Dawn in a special ceremony - drawing its inspiration from the previous oaths sworn. They kneel before the Grand Vindicator and swear to uphold the tenets, reaffirming their allegiance to the house they serve and God, before rising and finally being granted the opportunity to wear the tabard. Albeit there exists an official rank for physicians, the vast majority of the Vindicators possess a rudimentary knowledge and vague experience of medical work from their service in the Order of St. Amyas - named after a patron of healing. These skills rarely extend beyond basic surgery work, yet the existence of this organisation-wide knowledge aids greatly. Recruitment Men whom wish to enlist and serve the Vindicators of Ashen Dawn may follow a number of routes: 1) Send a bird to the Grand Vindicator (stigwig) or visit the fortress of the Vindicators at Drusco, expressing your desire to join. 2) Post a reply to any of the notices found throughout the Kingdom: OOC: Minecraft Name: Skype Name: Do you use TS?: IC: Name: Race: Past Experience: Why do you desire to serve the Vindicators?: