Profile: Order of the Black Rose

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History of the Order of the Black Rose

It was reported in 8845 that the defenses built by the Royal Army were beginning to erupt as the Daltinan and Phondran forces pressed their attacks. Small in nature, it appeared they were looking for any sign of weakness. At this point both powers were still acting alone and not united, affording an opportunity for Aelyrian retaliation and response. King Constantine took the opportunity to send newly educated diplomats and ambassadors to both powers, trained in the art of rhetoric and oratory in the annals of knowledge that had become downtown Colonia.

The Daltinans and Phondrans, while impressed and amazed by the grace and charm of the Aelyrian representatives, were nonetheless not dissuaded from their campaign and each strengthened their resolve. The resulting conflicts would convince King Constantine to create an order of chivalry and bestow knighthood to warriors and soldiers displaying only the highest skill in both mind and body. The Knights of Aelyria, as they were called, engaged in a number of historic adventures between 8845 and 9093 into the heartland of Daltina and Phondra - eroding popular support for the campaigns against Aelyria and bolstering foreign opinion of the magical kingdom that would wield such men of great valor.

These Knights would later be well documented in the histories of Aelyria as they formed The Order of the Black Rose. These noble and valiant men and women would, however, only serve for a short period of time before being crushed by the barbarian Antediluvian and his deceitful beloved Queen Candace whom the Knights served. Her treacherous acts saw a great number of Knights murdered. The valiant Knights’ heads were stuck on pikes and displayed along the road of the golden city, a painful welcoming for King Constantine’s return. This was almost the end for the Knights, many of whom were absorbed into the Royal Guard. However some chose to continue their service with the son of Constantine, Commander Aeronyl, while others still held true to the call and secretly remained at the sides of the Emperor and Empress, continuing to do their bidding. The once brave and noble Knights, feared for their swift judgment against all who oppose the crown, loved for their undying loyalty, were reduced to a secret unknown order.

It was not until the era of the Queens that the Order was brought back together; the need for personal guards growing during this time. Perhaps it was the death of Empress Michelle, or the period called The Triste Interim? The reasoning is not proven either way, but the need sparked a time of rejuvenation for the Knights of Aelyria.

They became known as “The Order of the Black Rose”. It has been said that they chose a black rose as a symbol of the treachery they faced at the hands of Queen Candace and the barbarian Antediluvian. This new Order became the personal guards of the Aethercrown; all would yield their life protecting its wearer and their families. It was an oath taken with great pride.

Since their birth under Constantine there has been but one instance where the order would not support the rulers of the Empire; it could have been looked upon as a direct contradiction to their sworn oath, but in fact the Crown never chose its wearer, so there was no true obligation from the Order and therefore no contradiction to their oath. This was a dark time for the Empire know as the Age of the Darkening, led by the self proclaimed Emperor known as Julos the Mad.

Emperor Julos and a rogue band of mages known as the Rakrya exiled Regent Alexander Nighthawk after the Regent’s apparent misuse of power. The order was loyal to Nighthawk and was ordered to protect Audrey de Lylles at all costs, for he had proclaimed her rightful heir to the Crown. The Knights were sent on a search and rescue mission after her apparent mystical disappearance at the hands of the Rakrya.

Now, as in eras past, the Order of the Black Rose is considered the best of the best and their valor is unsurpassed. They continue to protect the Crown and uphold the belief that the Empire is one that encompasses all people, guaranteed the security afforded by the Sacred Three: Law, Order, and Justice.

Mandate

To protect the wearer of the Crown and their Royal family from direct threats.

Location/Headquarters

Located in the lower level of the Imperial Citadel is the Order of the Black Rose meeting and training hall, as well as various offices for the leaders of the Order. It should be noted that in times past the location of the Order was mobilized in order to better serve the Crown.

Ranking

The hierarchy of the Order is simple in nature. The following is a break down for each rank starting at the lowest level.

Page

This is an entry level position within the Order. These are usually men and women who have passed the rigorous testing and were found to be suitable for the honor to be called a probationary member of the Order.

Duties include the mundane chores required to keep the Order functioning. These duties include but are not limited to: cooking meals, maintaining the stables, runner, basic housekeeping, armory attendant, and equipment maintenance.

During this time the Page will have the opportunity to get to know the members, get a first hand look at the inner workings of the Order and decide if this is the path they truly want to choose. The Order of the Black Rose is a life long commitment, and should not be taken lightly. This entry level allows time for one to reflect on this important decision.

Wage: 20 crowns per cycle

Squire

Once a Page has made the decision to devote his or her life to the Order, a recommendation by at least three current Squires is submitted for review to the circle of Knights. If this recommendation is accepted, the Page will be granted the rank of Squire and their life as an acting member begins. A Squire is in essence a Knight in training. As the length of training depends on the individual, there is no set timeframe for recommendation to Knighthood.

Duties include but are not limited to: administration, recruiting, trainer/overseer of Pages, and aid to the Knights.

At this level the Squire begins their training to one brightening becoming one of the elite members known as a Knight. They are trained in all aspects needed to fulfill any requirements seen fit from the Circle of Knights. Although the majority of training will be militant in nature, it will also touch on issues of Law, Morality, and Faith. A Squire will also travel with a Knight. This is an opportune time to learn one on one what it is to be a Knight, as well aid the Knight with their steed, equipment, and such.

Once the Squire has reached a certain level of proficiency, he or she will be recommended for Knighthood. This recommendation can come from as little as one Knight, but every recommendation must be reviewed by the entire Circle of Knights. If such a recommendation is accepted, it will then go before the Crown for final approval.

Wage: 80 crowns per cycle

Knight

There are two ways to become a Knight of the Order. The first being a Squire in good standing that has been recommended by the Circle, and approved by the wearer of the Aethercrown. The second way would be by a direct act from the Crown. History has proven that an elite can emerge from the poorest of peasants to the richest of nobles. And it is by the sheer will of the Crown that someone from outside the Order be knighted and brought into its fold. To be knighted by the Crown and placed in the Order, one is then considered to be the highest respected Knight in the realm. Many people are Knights as they can be made by Baron, Marquise, and Duke; but to be knighted by the Crown and to the Order - that is the best of the best.

All Knights are considered equal and although administrative duties may vary, all have a seat in the Circle of Knights. This Circle is made up of twenty Knights and their sole purpose is to protect the Crown at all costs. This is not merely a statement: It is a way of life that each has embraced. This is confirmed by the oath that each takes during a ceremony headed by the wearer of the Crown. The following is the oath of the Order of the Black Rose.

“I, “state name”, do hereby swear upon my honor, blood and soul,
in the presence of these Lords and Ladies,
Knights and all others who are witnesses,
by spoken word or performed actions
to always stand as a pinnacle of
chivalry, honor and righteousness.
I shall conduct myself courteously, reverently,
courageously, bravely, faithfully and truthfully,
until the brightening of my death. First and foremost
I shall serve the rightful wearer of the Crown
and in extension of this duty so shall I protect the Empire
and its citizens; to defend the weak,
help the needy and champion the righteous.
This I do swear in full acknowledgement of the
meaning of the words I have spoken
and that I have willingly accepted this increase in station.
If my oath should be broken then so shall I.
My word is my bond,
my bond is my life,
and my life is my ruler’s.”

Wage: 280 crowns per cycle.

Life as a Knight

The life of a Knight is devoted to the Crown and its needs. This is his or her main priority, but by no means is that where it ends. As noted by the oath, it is a Knight’s obligation to maintain the highest of standards in all aspects of life.

With such high standards comes a high price if one were to falter. What is meant here is this: if a Knight was to lower oneself to compromise his or her oath, which in turn would disgrace the Order and thereby the Crown, it would mean immediate exile from the Order. It has been said that a Knight would rather take his or her life before breaking the above stated oath and history has proven this to be true, for there is no evidence of any Knight of the Order being exiled from their position as protector of the Crown. Additionally it is the right of the Crown to dismiss any Knight at their will, regardless of reason.

There are at least five Knights in the vicinity of the Crown at all times. This leaves time for what is considered inactive or leave time, where the members can lead a very active life outside of their commitment to the Crown as well as take part in any special projects, tasks, or quests that the Crown may require. At least once each month all twenty Knights come together to complete what is called The Circle of Knights. At this time the Knights meet to discuss any events that may have arose since last they met. Usually this is a discussion about current events throughout the Empire, or perhaps a Squire will come up for recommendation, and other things of this nature.

As mentioned before, the Order of the Black Rose membership is a life long commitment. Once knighted, one keeps that title unless exiled by the Crown or death takes its hold. But there will come a time when age or physical disabilities will no longer allow the Knight to be an active member. When this time comes the Knight relinquishes their seat in the Circle. Although retirement may be difficult for some to accept, it is still a great honor to have served the Crown and by no means is respect lost or the Oath weakened by this. Knights that have reached such a crossroads still serve the Crown as teachers, mentors, and advisors to the Order.

Appearance

The uniform of the Order is as follows:

Normal everyday uniform consists of a gold tunic with chain-mail sleeves, black gloves, black boot covers, black pair of pants, and red vest.

Dress uniform consists of a black pair of pants, a black tunic with gold trimming and a red sash. Both vest and sash are adorned with the crest or seal of the Order.

Armor

City: Plate breastplate with chain armor and leg coverings, plate arm and shin greaves. A set of full plate armor for formal appearance when required.