Lightning Knights
The Lightning Knights bear a coat of arms which strongly represents the faction, as it represents the whole of the Knights as well as it’s four Divisions. Each Division are known to play a pivotal and crucial part in the Order, and their roles are what make each Division a necessity within the city. Knights are often found donning armor or raiments of their ordained Division, usually in the vibrant colors of cobalt and silver, and each bear a specific sigil representing their Division as well.
Uniform: The uniform consists of a white blouse tucked into black-dyed trousers. A pair of dress clogs for the feet, or else footwear to the taste of the individual Lightning Knight are worn. There is an emphasis on footwear that makes a sound, however soft or distinct. Over the blouse, a dress coat that hangs to waist height at the hem, and with longish sleeves that are of a fabric that can easily be pulled up for an impromptu brawl. The dress coat is a shade of burgundy with copper buttons along the fabric and copper piping on the sleeves and collar. A drinking horn is a favored accessory, and while in dress uniform a Lightning Knight is of course encouraged to wear their preferred side-arm as an accessory. Atop the head, a bandana is often worn beneath a sturdy tricorn cap.
Requirements:
- Must be 15 in order to join, or 12 to be Squired to a Knight.
- New Arrivals begin as Initiates, or Squires if underage, of the Order.
- Each Division has no absolute skill requirement, but it is suggested they have at least one type of combat skill for defensive purposes.
Recruitment
Initiates
When a recruit joins the Order they're granted the role of Initiate, granting them opportunities to train and determine their career path among the Knights. Because there are four divisions each presenting separate fields of opportunities, Initiates are given general leeway in determining which path they wish to pursue. Many who would consider themselves stout warriors can easily discover other talents, such as investigating or collecting intelligence. This is why the divisions exist within the Order, so that any who join will always have a place among their ranks of a military. When granted the rank of Initiate the potential recruit is allowed time to study in whatever field of expertise they wish, and when the time comes where they feel fit to take on the Initiation; they'll approach a ranking member of the Division they wish to join.
Joining: Anyone wishing to join as an Initiate or Squire must journey to Skywatch Keep and speak with a member of the Lightning Knights. The Knight will set up training and explain the position to the individual before allowing them to join.
Entering your Division: Once you have decided on the Division you wish to join, you need to write at least 1 thread where your character investigates that Division before being initiated. Once this is done you may proceed with initiation which can be either self moderated or moderated. It's your choice. Please see the paragraphs on your chosen Division to see what the initiation will be like.
Squires
Often, Lightning Knights throughout the Order have been known to Squire subordinates. Typically this is only done for those who are too young to join the Knights, but can benefit with a Sponsorship from a Knight within the Order itself. Only Ranked Five Knights and up can Squire youngsters, as it is an important duty for those that do sponsor a potential knight in the making. The Squire then shadows that Knight; learning the tricks of the trade through his mentor until he or she comes of age.
Essentially this means that Squires who tag along on Missions with their Knights earn the same amount points with their mentors, however remaining locked in their Squire status until they finally are old enough to become Knights themselves. There is a trial undergone by the Squire in question when they progress into Knighthood. That trial is described below.
Squires won't start at the bottom of the ranks either, because of their time spent being mentored they're given a pass; and quickly assigned the rank fitting however many points they've earned from missions.
Please contact a Rharne Prophet if you wish to move from the Squires to becoming a Lightning Knight. You will be required to write a thread detailing the simple ceremony. This can be moderated depending on your preference.
When a recruit joins the Order they're granted the role of Initiate, granting them opportunities to train and determine their career path among the Knights. Because there are four divisions each presenting separate fields of opportunities, Initiates are given general leeway in determining which path they wish to pursue. Many who would consider themselves stout warriors can easily discover other talents, such as investigating or collecting intelligence. This is why the divisions exist within the Order, so that any who join will always have a place among their ranks of a military. When granted the rank of Initiate the potential recruit is allowed time to study in whatever field of expertise they wish, and when the time comes where they feel fit to take on the Initiation; they'll approach a ranking member of the Division they wish to join.
Joining: Anyone wishing to join as an Initiate or Squire must journey to Skywatch Keep and speak with a member of the Lightning Knights. The Knight will set up training and explain the position to the individual before allowing them to join.
Entering your Division: Once you have decided on the Division you wish to join, you need to write at least 1 thread where your character investigates that Division before being initiated. Once this is done you may proceed with initiation which can be either self moderated or moderated. It's your choice. Please see the paragraphs on your chosen Division to see what the initiation will be like.
Squires
Often, Lightning Knights throughout the Order have been known to Squire subordinates. Typically this is only done for those who are too young to join the Knights, but can benefit with a Sponsorship from a Knight within the Order itself. Only Ranked Five Knights and up can Squire youngsters, as it is an important duty for those that do sponsor a potential knight in the making. The Squire then shadows that Knight; learning the tricks of the trade through his mentor until he or she comes of age.
Essentially this means that Squires who tag along on Missions with their Knights earn the same amount points with their mentors, however remaining locked in their Squire status until they finally are old enough to become Knights themselves. There is a trial undergone by the Squire in question when they progress into Knighthood. That trial is described below.
Squire Initiation
In preparation of being knighted squires abstain from food for three full trials, aside from a meager meal of bread and cheese that is provided for breakfast. As part of this process, all squires are given simple, white robes that all citizens in Rharne recognize, making it exceedingly difficult for them to cheat during the fasting. This process is first and foremost meant to teach humility, but it also serves as a great equalizer between squires from various backgrounds, as they all have to suffer through the same test and it tends to shape lasting bonds of friendship between most of them. Then on the night of the trial of fasting the squires of the Lightning Knights are led to Rharne’s great Cathedral and directed into a separate praying chamber each.
Each squire holds their vigil in solitude to reflect upon the nature of their commitment they’re about to make to the Knights, Rharne, Ilaren, and to themselves. It is truly a test of great mental fortitude as the fasting will have taken its toll by now. Upon arriving in their small praying room, they’re given a candle and a tinderbox. They are to hold and light the candle and remain within the room until it has burned its length.
The solemnity of this moment is emphasized as they’re instructed to remain silent for the duration of their vigil and let nothing disturb the contemplation of their vows. Yet each time, just before the ritual ends, a commotion is staged. Sometimes it’s a brawl just outside the Cathedral but within hearing range of the squires in their rooms. At other times it’s a staged break-in into the Cathedral, and other times still each squire receives a knock on their door and a plea for help.
How one responds ultimately doesn’t matter. Any squire that breaks their promise to stay within the room and help is commended for putting their vows into action, but chastised for breaking their promise to stay within their room. Similarly, those who ignore the commotion are praised for their obedience but made aware that they can take the rules too seriously. Ultimately the entire ritual is a lesson in responsibility: teaching each squire that they’ve earned the freedom to make their own choices, but that they’ll have to live with the consequences of their decisions too.
Once all squires are regathered, they’re each called forward to the main altar of the cathedral where their mentor speaks a few words to them before awarding them with a personal blessing. This part of the ceremony is open to the public and tends to attract sizable crowds.
At the end of the ceremony, a great feast is held where the starved but proud squires can eat and drink to their heart’s content. Those that have failed the process are given a second chance with the next batch of fresh squires waiting to be knighted but third chances are practically unheard of.
Instances of squires leaving their vigil sooner than intended are rarely heard of, but when they have happened, the punishment has always been immediate and irreversible banishment from the order.
Each squire holds their vigil in solitude to reflect upon the nature of their commitment they’re about to make to the Knights, Rharne, Ilaren, and to themselves. It is truly a test of great mental fortitude as the fasting will have taken its toll by now. Upon arriving in their small praying room, they’re given a candle and a tinderbox. They are to hold and light the candle and remain within the room until it has burned its length.
The solemnity of this moment is emphasized as they’re instructed to remain silent for the duration of their vigil and let nothing disturb the contemplation of their vows. Yet each time, just before the ritual ends, a commotion is staged. Sometimes it’s a brawl just outside the Cathedral but within hearing range of the squires in their rooms. At other times it’s a staged break-in into the Cathedral, and other times still each squire receives a knock on their door and a plea for help.
How one responds ultimately doesn’t matter. Any squire that breaks their promise to stay within the room and help is commended for putting their vows into action, but chastised for breaking their promise to stay within their room. Similarly, those who ignore the commotion are praised for their obedience but made aware that they can take the rules too seriously. Ultimately the entire ritual is a lesson in responsibility: teaching each squire that they’ve earned the freedom to make their own choices, but that they’ll have to live with the consequences of their decisions too.
Once all squires are regathered, they’re each called forward to the main altar of the cathedral where their mentor speaks a few words to them before awarding them with a personal blessing. This part of the ceremony is open to the public and tends to attract sizable crowds.
At the end of the ceremony, a great feast is held where the starved but proud squires can eat and drink to their heart’s content. Those that have failed the process are given a second chance with the next batch of fresh squires waiting to be knighted but third chances are practically unheard of.
Instances of squires leaving their vigil sooner than intended are rarely heard of, but when they have happened, the punishment has always been immediate and irreversible banishment from the order.
Squires won't start at the bottom of the ranks either, because of their time spent being mentored they're given a pass; and quickly assigned the rank fitting however many points they've earned from missions.
Please contact a Rharne Prophet if you wish to move from the Squires to becoming a Lightning Knight. You will be required to write a thread detailing the simple ceremony. This can be moderated depending on your preference.
The Divisions
The Guardians - These are the main force of Rharne’s military. The Guardian Division are the peacekeepers and protectors of Rharne. They mainly operate throughout the city and the outskirts, performing civic duties to ensure the citizens exercise their right to revel accordingly. They represent the shield bearing the Lightning Symbol, as they’re charge is solely Rharne and it’s matron Ilaren.
The Inquisitors - The Division that dedicates it’s time to investigation and intelligence for Rharne, in which many of these knights are the seekers of truth for the Order. They’re charge is to serve as investigators for crimes within the city, so they tend to be actively hunting criminals from the shadows of Rharne. This Division represents the the sword behind the shield itself, as they are the ones that bring Ilaren’s enemies to justice.
The Justicars - These are the stalwart Knights of the order. This Division patrols the wilderness of the Stormlands. They’re responsibilities revolve around keeping law and order to the outer settlements, and protecting those that traverse the vast fields of danger in between. The Justicars are responsible for also managing the forests of Rharne and ensuring that the balance between mortals and nature is kept intact. They represent the wings above the the shield, for they are the Judges of Law and Order in the unforgiving Stormlands.
The Inquisitors - The Division that dedicates it’s time to investigation and intelligence for Rharne, in which many of these knights are the seekers of truth for the Order. They’re charge is to serve as investigators for crimes within the city, so they tend to be actively hunting criminals from the shadows of Rharne. This Division represents the the sword behind the shield itself, as they are the ones that bring Ilaren’s enemies to justice.
The Justicars - These are the stalwart Knights of the order. This Division patrols the wilderness of the Stormlands. They’re responsibilities revolve around keeping law and order to the outer settlements, and protecting those that traverse the vast fields of danger in between. The Justicars are responsible for also managing the forests of Rharne and ensuring that the balance between mortals and nature is kept intact. They represent the wings above the the shield, for they are the Judges of Law and Order in the unforgiving Stormlands.
Guardians
The stout warriors of the order who face adversity from forces both outside as well as inside Rharne, the Guardians are the city’s military foot soldiers who protect the city and the lands of Rharne. They’re charge is to keep the people above all else safe, and ensure the state of peace. They are also the cavalry which serves Ilaren directly, protecting her as well as obeying any orders she has for particular knights. They handle work such as patrols throughout the city, as well as assisting their fellow Divisions when on duty.
The role of a Guardian is a pretty simple and straightforward one, but never easy to maintain as many of the local populace can get out of hand. When a bar brawl goes too far sometimes they’re required to intervene, at least to just kick it down a notch if not stop the whole brawl altogether. They’re also the main units of support for the other Divisions, mainly being escorts to keep the area maintained while Inquisitors handle their duties. They are essentially the rock, or in the Order’s case the Shield, when it comes to the Lightning Knights and therefore; shoulder a good chunk of responsibility for the order. Though more of a straightforward career path, there is still a few roles available to a Guardian based on their preference. A vast majority of them patrol the city in part, but there are those who also make up the navy of Rharne as well.
Ranks & Requirements
Ranks are climbed by way of attaining Mission Points via the Lightning Knight Mission System.
Commander - 108 Points
The Commander is the Leadership Role of the Guardian Division, their purpose is to lead the Guardians and uphold Rharne's ideal form of peace. Generals are typically the ones next in line for this position, as the current Commander is required to select and prepare the one they choose for the position.
General - 96 Points
Praefect - 84 Points
Legate - 72 Points
Sergeant - 60 Points
Captain - 48 Points
Lieutenant - 36 Points
Corporal - 24 Points
Officer - 12 Points
Private - Starting Rank
Initiation
Initiates of the Guardian Division are given straightforward tests by high ranked members of their Division. They are simply required to participate in a drunken brawl. Several Initiates will be paired together to drink until they're considerably intoxicated. The Initiates are then pitted against several other ranked Knights in the Division, who have also been drinking, and proceed to brawl until they're too exhausted or one group is left standing. Guardian Captains or higher ranked members use this as a means of gauging not just the Initiate's' tenacity, but capacity to work in teams also during the brawl. Winning is not the aim of the trial, but it is instead a chance for the ranking members of the Guardians to gauge the potential of their new recruits.
The role of a Guardian is a pretty simple and straightforward one, but never easy to maintain as many of the local populace can get out of hand. When a bar brawl goes too far sometimes they’re required to intervene, at least to just kick it down a notch if not stop the whole brawl altogether. They’re also the main units of support for the other Divisions, mainly being escorts to keep the area maintained while Inquisitors handle their duties. They are essentially the rock, or in the Order’s case the Shield, when it comes to the Lightning Knights and therefore; shoulder a good chunk of responsibility for the order. Though more of a straightforward career path, there is still a few roles available to a Guardian based on their preference. A vast majority of them patrol the city in part, but there are those who also make up the navy of Rharne as well.
Ranks & Requirements
Ranks are climbed by way of attaining Mission Points via the Lightning Knight Mission System.
Commander - 108 Points
The Commander is the Leadership Role of the Guardian Division, their purpose is to lead the Guardians and uphold Rharne's ideal form of peace. Generals are typically the ones next in line for this position, as the current Commander is required to select and prepare the one they choose for the position.
General - 96 Points
Praefect - 84 Points
Legate - 72 Points
Sergeant - 60 Points
Captain - 48 Points
Lieutenant - 36 Points
Corporal - 24 Points
Officer - 12 Points
Private - Starting Rank
Initiation
Initiates of the Guardian Division are given straightforward tests by high ranked members of their Division. They are simply required to participate in a drunken brawl. Several Initiates will be paired together to drink until they're considerably intoxicated. The Initiates are then pitted against several other ranked Knights in the Division, who have also been drinking, and proceed to brawl until they're too exhausted or one group is left standing. Guardian Captains or higher ranked members use this as a means of gauging not just the Initiate's' tenacity, but capacity to work in teams also during the brawl. Winning is not the aim of the trial, but it is instead a chance for the ranking members of the Guardians to gauge the potential of their new recruits.
Inquisitors
The Inquisitor Division is the city's policing and investigative branch. Their roles are to identify and resolve any criminal activity throughout every part of Rharne, as well as apprehend any criminals to bring them in for justice. The Division focuses on the attaining mostly information as well anything relatively importance of note to the Knights, and Ilaren, in their daily pursuit to seek the truth hidden among the streets..
New Inquisitors start and spend their careers mostly gathering intelligence or investigating local crime in the city, eventually working their way into protecting the city from espionage. It's a Division that many would say involves a great deal of tact and in many instances; subtlety.
Ranks & Requirements
Ranks are climbed by way of attaining Mission Points via the Lightning Knight Mission System.
Inspector - 108 Points
The Inspectoris the Leadership Role of the Inquisitor Division, their purpose is to lead the Inquisitors and continue the collective of intelligence. Sleuths are typically the ones next in line for this position, as the current Inspector is required to select and prepare the one they choose for the position.
Sleuth - 96 Points
Agent - 84 Points
Detective - 72 Points
Constable - 60 Points
Privateer - 48 Points
Investigator - 36 Points
Informant - 24 Points
Appellant - 12 Points
Watchman - Starting Rank
Initiation
Inquisitors are more or less required a keen intellect when it comes to their role in the Division, therefore new Initiates are provided a differently arranged trial come the time to test their minds. They are required to follow and tail a target throughout the city. This target is normally an Inquisitor in disguise or a low level criminal. The Initiate must study the target, ascertaining their goals and motives by tracking their movements and attempting to listen for snippets of conversation. It is a test of stealth and quick thinking. The test ends when the Initiate is approached by an Inquisitor and asked to provide any and all information that they gained about their target. If the Inquisitor in change of the test is satisfied with the intel given, they will admit the Initiate into their ranks by way of taking them out for a night of drinking and celebration.
New Inquisitors start and spend their careers mostly gathering intelligence or investigating local crime in the city, eventually working their way into protecting the city from espionage. It's a Division that many would say involves a great deal of tact and in many instances; subtlety.
Ranks & Requirements
Ranks are climbed by way of attaining Mission Points via the Lightning Knight Mission System.
Inspector - 108 Points
The Inspectoris the Leadership Role of the Inquisitor Division, their purpose is to lead the Inquisitors and continue the collective of intelligence. Sleuths are typically the ones next in line for this position, as the current Inspector is required to select and prepare the one they choose for the position.
Sleuth - 96 Points
Agent - 84 Points
Detective - 72 Points
Constable - 60 Points
Privateer - 48 Points
Investigator - 36 Points
Informant - 24 Points
Appellant - 12 Points
Watchman - Starting Rank
Initiation
Inquisitors are more or less required a keen intellect when it comes to their role in the Division, therefore new Initiates are provided a differently arranged trial come the time to test their minds. They are required to follow and tail a target throughout the city. This target is normally an Inquisitor in disguise or a low level criminal. The Initiate must study the target, ascertaining their goals and motives by tracking their movements and attempting to listen for snippets of conversation. It is a test of stealth and quick thinking. The test ends when the Initiate is approached by an Inquisitor and asked to provide any and all information that they gained about their target. If the Inquisitor in change of the test is satisfied with the intel given, they will admit the Initiate into their ranks by way of taking them out for a night of drinking and celebration.
Justiciars
Justiciars are those who join the Division of law bringers beyond the outskirts of Rharne, and into the vast wilds of the Stormlands and the settlements found within. The Division of Justiciars devotes its time and resources to the safety and security of citizens all throughout the Stormlands, and they require a great deal of knowledge about their assigned territory. They must also be comfortable with living within the wilderness for extended periods of time. Justiciars have another known term some will use, "Judges," as they are the main units that not only bring law and order in the Stormlands but will often be the deciding voice on disputes between farmers or traders in the countryside. Their decisions are always respected and considered final.
Additionally Justiciars are also responsible for managing wildlife within their assigned territory and ensuring a peaceful existence between nature and the people of Rharne. This can mean culling dangerous predators or tending to a wounded wolf cub that was caught in a hunter’s trap.
Survival within the wilds is already tough on sole adventurers, therefore Justiciars tend to be very hardy stalwarts found scattered throughout the Stormlands. It's not uncommon to find one or two of them patrolling the fields, but when a whole squad of Justiciars are seen gathered; you know trouble looms somewhere close by. Justiciars are also known to often utilize the giant flying mounts Storm Rocs to patrol some parts of the Stormlands, and to see a Justiciar in action with their own Storm Roc is alone a impressive sight for wayward travelers to behold.
(Justicars have the option of being assigned a Storm Roc mount. Please pm a local Rharne Prophet if you wish to be given one to train and ride.)
Ranks & Requirements
Ranks are climbed by way of attaining Mission Points via the Lightning Knight Mission System.
Seneschal - 108 Points
The Seneschal is the Leadership Role of the Justiciar Division, their purpose is to lead the Justiciars and maintain the law and order of the Stormlands. Judges are typically the ones next in line for this position, as the current Seneschal is required to select and prepare the one they choose for the position.
Judge - 96 Points
Peacekeeper - 84 Points
Sentinel - 72 Points
Marshal - 60 Points
Partisan - 48 Points
Defender - 36 Points
Stalwart - 24 Points
Ranger - 12 Points
Wayfarer - Starting Rank
Initiation
Justiciars are hardy for a reason. Their Initiation Trial consists of survival within the wilderness alone. They are provided with just a few tools (a wood axe, a waterskin, and a cutting knife). The Initiate is left in the Stormlands just beyond Rharne's outskirts, where they must spend a total of three full Trials surviving by themselves. Sometimes groups of Initiates are allowed to partake in this trial together, but Justiciars prefer to test them individually; so that when they patrol the wilderness as official Justiciars, they can do so alone and with the confidence built from their Initiation.
Additionally Justiciars are also responsible for managing wildlife within their assigned territory and ensuring a peaceful existence between nature and the people of Rharne. This can mean culling dangerous predators or tending to a wounded wolf cub that was caught in a hunter’s trap.
Survival within the wilds is already tough on sole adventurers, therefore Justiciars tend to be very hardy stalwarts found scattered throughout the Stormlands. It's not uncommon to find one or two of them patrolling the fields, but when a whole squad of Justiciars are seen gathered; you know trouble looms somewhere close by. Justiciars are also known to often utilize the giant flying mounts Storm Rocs to patrol some parts of the Stormlands, and to see a Justiciar in action with their own Storm Roc is alone a impressive sight for wayward travelers to behold.
(Justicars have the option of being assigned a Storm Roc mount. Please pm a local Rharne Prophet if you wish to be given one to train and ride.)
Ranks & Requirements
Ranks are climbed by way of attaining Mission Points via the Lightning Knight Mission System.
Seneschal - 108 Points
The Seneschal is the Leadership Role of the Justiciar Division, their purpose is to lead the Justiciars and maintain the law and order of the Stormlands. Judges are typically the ones next in line for this position, as the current Seneschal is required to select and prepare the one they choose for the position.
Judge - 96 Points
Peacekeeper - 84 Points
Sentinel - 72 Points
Marshal - 60 Points
Partisan - 48 Points
Defender - 36 Points
Stalwart - 24 Points
Ranger - 12 Points
Wayfarer - Starting Rank
Initiation
Justiciars are hardy for a reason. Their Initiation Trial consists of survival within the wilderness alone. They are provided with just a few tools (a wood axe, a waterskin, and a cutting knife). The Initiate is left in the Stormlands just beyond Rharne's outskirts, where they must spend a total of three full Trials surviving by themselves. Sometimes groups of Initiates are allowed to partake in this trial together, but Justiciars prefer to test them individually; so that when they patrol the wilderness as official Justiciars, they can do so alone and with the confidence built from their Initiation.
Written by Chronicle
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