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[X] “Riverside dusk, daylight’s pale remains, a sanctuary.” Penned by Lady Faeleth-Naoise Pádraigin O’Rourke On the 9th of the Amber Cold, Year 200 SA FOREWORD “ It has been brought to light that amongst the guards of Númenost do those donn capes of green trimmed with gold. Where an eagle dons the cloak, do THE ELENDÂRI, THE KNIGHTLY ORDER OF ILDON makes itself known to the Realm. Where they fall under the crest of Al’Ildic, honoring House O’Rourke and serving under the crimson banner of the Exilic Kingdom of Numendil. Within the serenity of the Fiefdom of Al’Ildic, the ELENDÂRI seek to find many more a warrior, to protect, and safeguard those seeking sanctuary upon the peaceful fields and riverside of Al’Ildic. So, does the House O’Rourke share the name of THE ELENDÂRI, welcoming those who seek Knighthood, Faith, and the hearth of a place many call, ‘Home’.” THE ELENDÂRI Emerging in the lands of Numendil, THE ELENDÂRI seeks to serve the Fiefdom of Al’Ildic that rests across the river of the neighboring Kingdom of Petra. Where the water runs and the Kingswoods stalk proudly along the borders of Al’Ildic, much adversity, and threat lurks upon her peaceful doorstep. THE ELENDÂRI inspired by the assiduousness of ELENDIL patrons, strive to pursue and uphold the virtues of protection, justice, vengeance, and loyalty. Under the aegis of authority within THE ELENDÂRI, ‘PERSEVERANCE, OBEDIENCE and JUSTICE’ are called upon those who wear the vert green and gold. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ PERSEVERANCE While the motto, OUR BLOOD OVER ALL calls upon those who bear the name O’Rourke to uphold and preserve the honor and dignity of their bloodline, it also beckons those in the face of misfortune to persist even amid the toils and spoils of bleeding crimson. To seek to finish a quest to its end, to hunt those who seek solace in the darkness, and to protect those who weep for the peacefulness of the haven: of these do THE ELENDÂRI uphold even despite the challenges that may cross their blades and chest plates. OBEDIENCE Being either a Knight or Soldier under THE ELENDÂRI does the CODE OF CHIVALRY still administer, upholding the Oath and displaying the diligence to follow these guide many of the deeds of a commendable warrior. Obedience to what has been vowed elevates and separates those who fall into cowardice, ignorance, and betrayal. It is by this solemn pledge that failing to uphold these vows is to dishonor the name O’Rourke and, even more - dishonors the one who had caused such a transgression. JUSTICE The paramount virtue of justice is what guides many O’Rourke and ELENDÂRI. It is the duty of THE ELENDÂRI to confront and correct any wrongdoings. Whether it is against the Church and GOD, against Al’Ildic, or the Kingdom of Numendil, upholding justice requires those to respond to the voices of the marginalized with their blade and their tongue. HIERARCHY & RANKS For the House of Rourke, it is more common for the leaders or the main hierarchy of ranks to be headed matriarchically, honoring and paying homage to the women who have proven themselves worthy of leadership roles within the history of House O’Rourke. Even so, any soldier who strives for greatness and proves the betterment of self can ascend the ranks within THE ELENDÂRI. BEGINNING WITH LORD/LADY O’ROURKE, THE RANKS ARE AS FOLLOWS: CEANNASAÍ OF THE ELENDÂRI KNIGHTLY COMMANDER The Cennasaí of the Elendâri is a Knight chosen for their exceptional skill, their unwavering perseverance, and their proud sense of justice within the ranks of the Order. They are entrusted with executing the commands of the Lord/Lady O’Rourke, enforcing obedience and discipline within the Elendâri, and leading the Order, may it be in battle or defense. The role of the Cennasaí is a reflection of trustworthiness within the Knight regarding the reigning Matriarch/Patriarch of Al’Ildic. The Cennasaí serves as the right hand of the O’Rourke and as such, they are held in the highest regard and respect within the Ranks of Elendâri. KNIGHTS OF ILDON KNIGHTS OF THE GREEN HAVEN The Knights of Ildon, or ‘Knights of the Green Haven’ are the sworn protectors of those who cry, “Sanctuary”. These Knights are chosen for their militaric strength, and dedication to the practice of the CODE OF CHIVALRY, and are the striving goal for those who seek the call of Knighthood within the Elendâri. They are encouraged to be the guardians and guides of their Squires - Passing down their knowledge and wisdom to the aspirants who search for the valor of Knighthood. Should the knights wish, they are welcomed to don the House O’Rourke’s colors of vert green and shining gold - a testament to their new growth and prestige within the Ranks of the Elendâri. SÁIRSNT SERJEANTS These soldiers, the Sáirsnt, are those who are in charge of keeping order, and most importantly protecting those of Al’Ildic. The Sáirsnt are officers who employ their militaristic services to the public, aiding those in need of assistance in their day-to-day life in the hearth of the fiefdom. Whether it be a quest or a mere task of hauling commerce, Sáirsnt direct these pursuits with pride. Maintaining the order and serenity of the ‘Ildon’ (Sanctuary) of the land is no easy feat, for they guide those below their ranks. Most especially Tiarna Captaens proving capability and potential in joining their rank. TIARNA CAPTAEN(S) CAPTAIN(S) Tiarna Captaens are aspirants striving to join the ranks of Sáirsnt, pursuing the ambitions and responsibilities of an officer. Often following in a Serjeant’s footsteps, Tiarna Captaens are chosen for their drive for justice and dedication to serving the Fiefdom of Al’Ildic. They will often aid their Sáirsnt in quests as their right hand or reinforcements, supporting in whatever is needed to complete their endeavors smoothly. DALTAÍ SQUIRES & FOOTMEN Aspirants of Knighthood and all things noble, Daltaí are taken in by a Knight of Ildon by their fourteenth summer or so in pursuit of rising the ranks. Those eager to undertake the trials and tribulations of chivalry undergo training and lessons constructed by their knightly mentor. The challenges the Daltaí face, test their courage, wit, and commitment to serving those before themselves. The virtue of selflessness will be provoked by the greed of praise and indulgence of fame. Only the altruistic will prevail. GUARDS Tasked with protecting, guarding, and providing those who seek the haven of Al’Ildic, Guards are most especially prominent within the ranks of Elendâri. These soldiers are not knighted but have sworn to protect the fiefdom. Undergoing training, they follow the orders of those above their rank. Though many stagnate at this stage, those determined to prove themselves through their actions and words will find themselves rewarded. RECRUITS Yet to prove themselves amid discord, Recruits are those who wish to join the Elendâri - often taking on tasks and rigorous training given by their upper ranks to demonstrate their merit within the Order. Rarely do many spend their time as recruits, as those ambitious to join the Knightly Order of Ildon are easily recognized for their prowess. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ HOUSE ARMOR: TO BE UPDATED. . . FOR THOSE ENLISTING ASPIRANTS For those wishing to enlist in THE KNIGHTLY ORDER OF ILDON, send a bird to either: Lady Maeril-Emgliana of Al’Ildic, (CallyI) Ser Edwyn of Al'Ildic (Wet_Bones_) Lady Faeleth-Naoise O’Rourke (jihyunah) Or, fill out an application / head to Al’Ildic or Númenost. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ SIGNED, LADY FAELETH-NAOISE PÁDRAIGIN O’ROURKE Heiress of House O’Rourke, Master of Al’Ildic Commerce, Consigliere of House O’Rourke Daughter of Elias’ Point and Erin’s Holdfast, Physician of the Númenost Clinic LADY MAERIL-EMIGLIANA MAEYA O’ROURKE High Lady of Al’Ildic, Matriarch of House O’Rourke, Lady of Elias’ Point and Erin’s Holdfast, Court Musician of Númenost, Templar of the Archaengul Malchaediel and Knight of the Realm LORD AMATHAL-EDWYN ISOVAR STAFYR-O’ROURKE High Lord of Al’Ildic, Templar of the Archangel Malchediael, and Knight of The Realm

PROCLAMATION OF THE FOUNDING OF THE ORDER OF THE DRAGON 9th OF THE SUN’S SMILE, 2A 192 HOLY SER LUKAS VON BERKHOVEN, THE APSINTHION PREFACE I have, in my years of service to the Mother Church, recognised, at its heart, a fault. It is an organisation that, while it can exist stateless, relies on the recognition of the princes of Canondom to exist, and to exert itself while existing. However neutral, or impartial to this truth the Mother Church may claim to be, in its current state, this results in an unfortunate progression and eternal degradation of Church values as culture, and thus religion is eroded in Canondom as a whole. While the rulership over the tribes, and the laurel of Horen are meant to be separate, and equal, the splintered remnants of Oren have slowly eaten away at this equality, and this integrity. The parts have weighed heavier on the Church than the whole. This is not to say, in any sense, that the Church is weak, but merely that it undeniably holds interest in appealing to the monarchs and princes of Canondom, and in the interest, there is an undeniable stray from the interest of serving the Lord GOD - they are separate. I hope, with the foundation of this chivalric order, that we may ease one aspect of this woe; the squires and knights that will come after me in the fraternitas draconum may protect the pilgrims, the virtuous laymen, and the word of GOD - the innocent, the pure. I am not accusing the Church of not doing such (protection), but its jurisdiction is just that, the Church. There are virtuous laymen across Aevos who, for reasons of politics, avoiding conflict, and preserving the peace, cannot be protected by the Church and its agents. I felt such firsthand as a Judite. My brothers, those who succeed me, will protect them all. THE TEN TENETS May my brothers in arms never falter from this code. As the Vander Code, and the Lucienist Creed do serve the Knights of Vander, and the oaths of Holy Knighthood now, may the values I embed in these words serve chivalry forevermore. I THOU SHALT SHOW VALOUR IN COMBAT. II THOU SHALT SUPPORT THE DISPOSSESSED, AND FIND WEALTH IN CHARITY. III THOU SHALT FIND TORTURE IN CRUELTY, AND ALWAYS REJECT A WRATHFUL ACT. IV THOU SHALT NEVER CAUSE WANTON OFFENCE TO ANOTHER WITHOUT A CHALLENGE. V THOU SHALT NEVER REFUSE A CHALLENGE. VI THOU SHALT LIVE WITH RESPECT, AND SPREAD KINDNESS TO EVERY INCH YOU TREAD. VII THOU SHALT ALWAYS EXTEND FORGIVENESS TO THOSE WHO SEEK IT. VIII THOU SHALT HEAR EVERY WISEMAN, AND EVERY SCHOLAR, AND ALWAYS THINK YOURSELF A FOOL. IX THOU SHALT NEVER BREAK AN OATH YOU SWEAR, AND NEVER SPREAD FALSEHOODS. X THOU SHALT ALWAYS REPENT FOR ANY EVIL WITH TWICE AS MUCH GOOD. HIERARCHY Order is something that should be malleable, not rigid, despite what order itself entails. My structure will reflect such. GRANDMASTER At the front of the Order’s efforts will be a grandmaster, general manager of the Order’s resources, efforts, and doctrine. They will be elected, either from selection by their predecessor, or through a chivalric elective succession process. He will be advised by his banneret knights, with no preference of rank among them. The grandmaster may make one veto per year, but otherwise, merely proposes decisions at the will of a chivalric vote. BANNERET Senior most of the knight hierarchy, and ideally the least numerous, a banneret knight holds no more privileges than any other, and merely advises the grandmaster on matters of management and doctrine. A banneret will be raised through recognition of the grandmaster, or through election by a majority of the current bannerets. RITTER A squire, or other footman similarly recognised for valour, courage, and grand acts may be raised to knighthood. Upon their knighting, and swearing of relevant oaths, they become a knight - a ritter, capable of voting in relevant chivalric assembly. BACHELOR Fresh squires, these are the most inexperienced, usually, of the knighthood. By virtue of this inexperience, they are not granted their vote until deemed worthy by a banneret, or the grandmaster. Otherwise, they are of equal rank and responsibility with the rest. Membership of the order is granted through induction, but induction can only be sworn by knights. It is the expectation, but not the requirement, of squires serving knights of our Order to be knighted, and inducted into our Order. Ranks beyond these three would be merely customary, or purpose-based, say, stablemaster, chief surgeon, quartermaster - and granted accordingly. CALL TO DUTY TO ALL THOSE INSPIRED, CURIOUS, SCEPTICAL, I call you to write to me, Holy Ser Lukas von Berkhoven, for induction, for questioning, for insults. I will see all, hear all, and welcome all. May any - any knight, king, prince, priest, nurse, miller, page - seek to serve GOD as I intend to, and have intended to, for all my life - may you serve Him for all of yours. By any, I mean any: as young as any who can read this, and as old as any who can still use a pen.

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Origins The Errant Knight’s Code is an interpretation of the informal code of conduct associated with the tradition of Knighthood which has long been a staple of human (specifically Canonist) martial culture. Over the centuries, many ‘Knight’s Codes’ have been written, all of which vary greatly on the matter of emphasis, but most, unsurprisingly, uphold loyalty to nation or Emperor before all other things, in some shameful cases, even putting secular loyalty above that to the Canonist Faith. Knights were first and foremost enforcers of their Kings and Emperors, and lesser landholders as a result, such was the standard they were, and in many places, still are held to this day. During the Harvest Revolution and the violent overthrow of the Orenian Kingdom, most landholders sided, unsurprisingly with the Royalists, as such, few knights, and most of whom were destitute and desperate sided with the commonfolk. One of them being the future Tar-Númenatâr Foronathor of Númendil, at the time, a humble hedgeknight by the name of Ser Uther. In the aftermath of the Revolution, Ser Uther was charged with maintaining the peace within the wartorn Heartlands, which had barely recovered from the Brother’s War before being bled anew during the peasant’s revolt. To do this, Ser Uther put out an open call to all who would answer, offering in part wealth and honor, but chiefly a worthy cause to those who sought it. Penitence for one’s previous failings proved a popular notion in the aftermath of two bloody civil wars, and soon, Ser Uther had rallied a cadre of destitute knights, repentant highwaymen, and dispossessed mercenaries seeking redemption. Many of them he knighted himself, under the logic that, in the absence of a King, a Knight can make a Knight, should he deem one worthy. And though the Harvest Confederacy would inevitably fall, the spirit of that Brotherhood endured as Ser Uther and his tribe of Harrenites, the predecessors to the Númenedain, came to conquer the Barrowlands, and later found the Kingdom of Númendil- Where Knighthood is earned through worthy deeds of great valor, and those who wear the honor wear it with piety, rather than serving as thugs for their monarch. THE CHIVALRIC CODE As laid out by Ser Uther ‘the Pendraic’ of Acre Written 88 SA. In memoriam of Ser Rolvald Thassion I Thou shalt maintain His Church and live piously. II Thou shalt constitute thyself the defender of All Canondom, regardless of rite, and shall never take up arms against the Church. III Thou shalt constitute thyself the defender of the innocent, the weak, and defenseless, to act else-wise is to dishonor the very concept of Knighthood. IV Thou shalt refrain from acts of wanton cruelty, to act else-wise is to dishonor the very concept of Knighthood. V Thou shalt give succor to widows, orphans and the dispossessed. VI Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy, and shall act always with valor, even if it leads to thy death. VII Thou shalt make war upon the apostate and the servants of Iblees without cessation, and thou shalt never leave the call to crusade unanswered. VIII Thou shalt guard the honor of thy fellow knights, and in turn act virtuously as not to bring dishonor to them. IX Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God. X Thou shalt always remain forthright and honest, and will be true to thy word, even if it leads to thy death. XI Thou shalt refrain from giving wanton offense. XII Thou shalt always respect and defend the honor of women. XIII Thou shalt persevere to end in any enterprise begun. XIV Thou shalt never refuse a challenge from an equal, and shall always respect the rite of single combat. XV Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone. XVI Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil. Númenedain Knighthood Due to their origins in the knightly warband of Ser Uther, the Númenedain place a strong reverence on the institution, even beyond their usual adherence to absolute feudalism. The phrase A Knight is a Knight wherever he may be describes their attitude towards the profession. Titles and peerages do not carry half as much weight among the Númenedain as martial prowess and piety, in this regard, even the lowliest hedgeknight might be held in higher regard than even the mightiest king, based on how true they remain to the chivalric ideal. ‘False knights’ ie, those granted the honorific title for political reasons alone, and those lacking martial skill or moral fiber, are viewed more akin to bandits than true knights, and the Númenedain disparage those who grant them such false ‘honors’. According to the laws of the Númenedain, any Knight who deems another worthy can name someone a knight through a basic ceremony in which the recipient is asked to swear to adhere to each clause of the code one at a time, after which, the following is recited. [ Grantor] “Do you, [name] of [name], swear to uphold all these tenants, on pain of exile should ye fail?” [Recipient] “I swear it.” [ Grantor] “Do you swear never to falter, to aid the foe willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly, on pain of death should ye fail?” [Recipient] “I swear it.” [ Grantor] “Do you swear to be an example and mentor to your children and your taken squires, so they might carry on your legacy once ye fall?” [Recipient] “I swear it.” [ Grantor] "Then by the Cross, the Flame, and the Radiant Star, I charge you all this and more- To uphold all duties required of you by your station, and to act honorably, now and always." [ Grantor] "Arise Ser [Name] of [Name]- Knight of the Realm." [Both] “So mote it be.” Traditionally, if one is also being named a Knight with vested authority, they will be declared ‘Knight of the Realm and of [kingdom name], and the Knighting ceremony will be followed immediately with a pledge of fealty. A knight may also oftentimes be landed, but this is not always the case, for Knighthood in its own right comes with associated honors and privileges, as well as the duties as laid out in the chivalric code. These rights include being permitted to fly their own banners beneath that of their served Lord, them and their household being permitted to wear their own colors into battle, and being awarded favored treatment in the eyes of the king’s law, which they are also permitted to enforce should they be pledged, and not a simple errant Hedgeknight. Knights are expected and trained to fight primarily as heavy shock-cavalry, but are required to be capable to serve in any role (though in the case of landed knights, lowly positions such as manning siege-equipment or performing menial labor is often seen as beneath them, unless commanded by greater authority.) Uniquely among the Númenedain however, is a duty unlike any other, called The Last Rite of Kings. The Last Rite of Kings is a clause which dictates that, should the reigning monarch of Númendil be willingly or unwillingly brought under the sway of the Forces of Darkness, it is not only expected, but commanded of all Knights of the Kingdom to either bring said monarch back into the light, or, failing that, raise their banners in rebellion and overthrow them in favor of the heir, or should succession be muddied, the High Steward. In the case where both the High Steward and the Heir are unavailable, regency is to be assumed by the eldest knight in service to the Kingdom. This is perhaps the only case among the Mannish Kingdoms in which regicide is not only permitted, but outright commanded per the founding principles of the Kingdom. Malchediael and the Númenedain Among the Númenedain, along with the Canonist God and his Saints, reverence will also at times be placed upon the Aengul of Courage, Malchediael, known by most by his Canonist name, Archangel Michael. Even those without the patronage of the Archangel, his Templars, have come to favor the Warrior-Angel, and call to him in battle as one might call upon the intercession of the saints. However, the Archangel is never venerated above or in place of the Creator. As well as the Aengul of Courage, Michael is oftentimes attributed to be the Archangel of War specifically, and depictions of him or his four-pointed radiant star can be found everywhere in Númendil. Notably, the Royal House of Arthalionath adopted the Radiant Star of Malchediael into their sigil after the destruction of Barrowton during the Dagor Almariad.

Information on the Chevaliers is publically available, as their members recruit actively. In addition, booklets are passed through the citizenry. The Chevaliers are adamant that they are not a knighthood, instead claiming to be an order dedicated to honor. The group has no holdings yet, and does not seek any until they have sufficient men to justify one. The current Marshall of the Chevaliers is Jeremiah de Valletta (Megazero34. That means dont bloody message Semperosa), who may be contacted for any questions relating to the order. Contacting the Order The Chevalier Principles Code of Honor Structure (Ranks) Allegiance and Fealty specifics Honorary Titles & Merit Awards Culture Information (Auvergnian) Noble Chapters The signature of the Patriarch of House Valletta, Adam de Valletta (Semperosa), is affixed to all booklets passed through the realm. In addition, the Marshal of the Chevaliers, Jeremiah (Megazero34), has signed below. Includes with the pamphlets are applications that can be turned in to any member, indicating a desire to join the group. Application for entry into the Chevaliers If you wish to apply to join our brotherhood, please state your name and information relevant to yourself. Your oath will be taken when you meet with an officer of the group, after you have been vetted for entry. Send a letter to the Marshall (Megazero34), or meet with an officer. Any soldat who is asked to take you to his superior will do so without question.