THE RED CLOAKS
By the Authority and Will of the King of Norland
EST. 10th of Donovan’s Stand, 469 Age of Stifled Flame
The Kingdom of Norland has been facing numerous threats from foreign powers, be it aggressive Dwarven attacks on diplomats in the streets or pretenders attempting to usurp what is not rightfully theirs. In light of these challenges, the Fortress City of Vjardengrad has found itself lacking capable soldiers to defend its walls. While the wall itself provides some measure of protection, it is the valiant men who stand upon it that truly safeguard the innocent.
Recognizing the vital importance of having protectors for the city, King Balon of Norland, Jarl of Vjardengrad, has made the decision to raise the Red Cloaks. These men will serve as the vigilant sentinels of Vjardengrad, devoted to safeguarding all its inhabitants from any unsavory elements that may threaten the city's peace and security.
THE RANKS OF THE RED CLOAKS
THE CAPTAIN OF THE RED CLOAKS
(Vacant)
The Captain of the Red Cloaks is under the direct command of the King of Norland and the Master of War, charged with keeping the peace in the city of Vjardengrad. The Captain is also responsible for overseeing the training, arming, and duties of the Red Cloaks.
SERJEANT
The Serjeants are tasked with leading the common men of the Red Cloaks, either in battle or in other duties required by the city guard. They are hand selected by the Captain of the Red Cloaks and, in doing so, are given authority over the Guard and city.
RED CLOAK
Having completed all their trails a man has proven themselves worthy and able of bearing the Red Cloak. They are given the authority to match their responsibilities and take an oath before the Captain of the Red Cloaks or Master of War.
INITIATE
The Initiates are those with aspirations to wear the red cloak of the order, to defend their homeland and serve the people of Vjardengrad. But before then, they must complete the trials required to wear the red cloak.
THE DUTIES OF THE RED CLOAKS
IT IS BY THE Authority and will of His Royal Majesty, Balon Eiriksson Ruric, King of Norland and Jarl of Vjardengrad that the Red Cloaks of Vjardengrad are solemnly tasked with the following duties:
I. KEEP THE KING’S PEACE
All within the gates of Jarldom of Vjardengrad shall live in the King’s Peace. No threat, foreign or domestic, shall endanger the innocent and all outlaws who should break the King’s Peace shall know the King’s Justice.
II. PROTECT THE PEOPLE
When danger arises, the Red Cloaks shall meet it; when the innocent cry for aid, the Red Cloaks shall answer it; when the King calls for war, the Red Cloaks shall stand vigilant against any threat.
III. DEFEND THE WALLS
When the enemy marches forth, the Red Cloaks shall stand guard upon the walls. They shall loose volleys, pour oil, and drop stones upon all who would siege the Fortress City.
IV. PATROL THE MARCH
When danger lurks within the March, High or Low, the Red Cloaks shall answer with steel and blood. They shall patrol in order to fend any invader or beast from the lands.
THE TRIALS OF THE RED CLOAKS
Before one can hope to wear the RED CLOAK they must prove themselves worthy of it. To do this they must undertake the Trails of the Red Cloak.
THE TRIAL OF BLOODING
Is the first trial required of all those who aspire to wear the Red Cloak. To complete this first task the aspirant must select a caged animal to fight and kill before the assembled members of the Red Cloaks, the animal that the initiate decides to fight from the selection provided will prove their worth in the eyes of the comrades.
THE TRIAL OF COMMUNITY
Shows that the initiate must not only prove themselves worthy to stand beside their comrades, yet also worthy of defending the people of Vjardengrad. To complete the Trial of Community the initiate must help three separate citizens of the city with any task required, the citizen must then vouch for the aspirant before a Serjeant or Captain of the Red Cloaks. THE TRIAL OF SKILL
The Red Cloak must be able, with sword, axe, and spear. All aspirants will attend the necessary training under the watch of the Master of War or the Captain of the Red Cloaks. After doing so the trial will be held, where the initiate displays his ability to all in attendance. THE TRIAL OF PATIENCE
Is the final trial required to wear the Red Cloak, for this task the aspirant must stand watch during the entire length of a Ruriksting hosted by the King of Norland. This task is required to prove their loyalty to the crown and show that they are able to stand guard for extended periods of time.
BEFORE ONE CAN HOPE
To become an initiate of the Red Cloak, let along wear the Crimson of the Guard, they must first send in a written application to the Captain of the Red Cloaks.
APPLICATION TO JOIN THE RED CLOAKS: