Post by The Kingdom of Audria on Sept 20, 2015 5:22:53 GMT -8
Introduction
The Brothers of the Sword, known colloquially as the Swordbrethren, the Order of the Black Cross, Knights of the Cross, Teutonic Knights, and other names, are a monastic order of knights devoted to Angelism, a religion that worships the Angelic Pantheon. Founded by the current Hochmeister, Konrad IV von Marschburg, with the support of the Vessian Emperor and the High King of Asgeir, their original purpose was to protect Angelists in the country of Eastwick against the pagan Wickans.
After securing a strong foothold in Arburg, they quickly pacified the Wickans. It was then that Konrad IV looked to expand his influence. He sent his komturs to various regions of the Overworld seeking their endorsement and support. The order now spreads from Asgeir, down to the Free City, and east to Aaedan. Konrad himself led a large force of knights to the Valheecius Desert in an effort to support Aesa Jojora's allies there.
The Teutonic Knights are noblemen from the countries of Asgeir and Vessex, and are known for wearing heavy chainmail and plate armor, white surcoats and capes (to symbolize purity), and bearing the Black Cross. They ride white steeds into battle, and are among the greatest heavy cavalry in the Overworld. Teutonic Knights are well-trained, disciplined, and devoted to Angelism. Seeing them on the battlefield strikes fear into the hearts of their enemies.
Notable Members
Adrian von Heschburg - Trusted komtur, and friend of Konrad IV, Adrian was chosen to be the komtur of the Free City chapter house.Konrad IV von Marschburg - Current Hochmeister (grandmaster) and founder of the order. A devout follower of Angelism, and a powerful warrior.
Gustav von Valland - Another trusted komtur, and native Varan of Asgeir, Gustav is the knight-commander at the Stormhold chapter house.
Heinrich von Schaufen - An excellent warrior whose antics on the battlefield earned him some fame. Heinrich was promoted to komtur shortly after the successful Crusade in the East.
Giplor Vauc'Tutt of Ozmodias - Warrior from the Phoenix State and current komtur of its chapter house and chapel.
Forces (max allowed: 500 slots; 166 total soldiers or 498 'NPC slots')
(As the order is small and has strict requirements for joining, they call upon allies, mercenaries, volunteers, and fanatic followers of Angelism to bolster their forces. The primary unit of the order are the Teutonic Knights, for which there are few).The Free City
30 Teutonic Knights (cavalry), under the command of Komtur Adrian von Heschburg.
Stormhold, Asgeir
16 Teutonic Knights (cavalry), under the command of Komtur Gustav von Valland.
Aaedan
90 Teutonic Knights (cavalry), under the command of Hochmeister Konrad IV and Komtur Heinrich Von Schaufen.
Phoenix State
30 Teutonic Knights (cavalry), under the command of Komtur Giplod Vauc'Tutt of Ozmodias.
Establishments
Arburg Keep - A fortification built long ago by the by the first Vessians in their war against the Wickans of Eastwick. It was abandoned later, after the cataclysm, and upon the arrival of the Swordbrethren, the Wickans took control of it. Konrad IV personally laid siege to the fortress and took it by force with the help of Raena Fletcher. It now serves as the northern headquarters of the order. It has been rebuilt, renovated, and expanded to suit the order's needs.
Stormhold Chapter House and Chapel - With the approval of the High King of Asgeir, a chapter house and chapel was built within the city of Stormhold. It is commandeered by Komtur Gustav von Valland.
Phoenix State Chapter House and Chapel - With the support of Komtur Giplor Vauc-Tutt of Ozmodias, the order has built a hosptial, chapel, and chapter house in the Phoenix State.
Free City Hospice - With permission from Lord Ildesias, the order now owns its second-largest establishment: the Free City Hospice. Complete with a chapter house, chapel, hospital, and even orphanage.
White City Chapter House and Chapel - Pending
Stormhold Chapter House and Chapel - With the approval of the High King of Asgeir, a chapter house and chapel was built within the city of Stormhold. It is commandeered by Komtur Gustav von Valland.
Phoenix State Chapter House and Chapel - With the support of Komtur Giplor Vauc-Tutt of Ozmodias, the order has built a hosptial, chapel, and chapter house in the Phoenix State.
Free City Hospice - With permission from Lord Ildesias, the order now owns its second-largest establishment: the Free City Hospice. Complete with a chapter house, chapel, hospital, and even orphanage.
White City Chapter House and Chapel - Pending
Ranks
Hochmeister - The absolute leader of the order, and highest authority of its military branch. If the Hochmeister answers to anyone, it is the Bishops of Angelism, the High King of Asgeir, or the Emperor of Vessex. The current Hochmeister is Konrad IV von Marschburg, a native of Vessex, and founder of the order.
GrandKomtur - GrandKomturs are second in the heirarchy, and may be given charge of specific charters of regions for when the Hochmeister needs them too, watching over his own Komturs. There are currently no GrandKomturs, as the Hochmeister can easily monitor the activities of his current Komtur's within the northeast.
Komturs - Primary commanders of the order, given charge of a specific chapter house and given command of some knights. Komturs monitor their immediate areas.
Teutonic Knights - The knights refer to one another as Knight-Brothers, but outside of their jurisdiction they are referred to as the Teutonic Knights. Well-trained, well-equipped knights, with white steeds, these knights make up the primary unit of the order's military, serving beneath a komtur.
OrdenBruders - Translated as 'Order-Brothers', these individuals are not exactly knights. They're given white cloaks and steel weapons. These usually consist of volunteers, fanatics, or mercenaries who wish to help the order for at least a little while. They're usually reserved as archers, infantry, or spearmen.
Bishops - These men are in no way fighters, but are important to spread the word of Angelism, offer healing, and tend to the dying.
GrandKomtur - GrandKomturs are second in the heirarchy, and may be given charge of specific charters of regions for when the Hochmeister needs them too, watching over his own Komturs. There are currently no GrandKomturs, as the Hochmeister can easily monitor the activities of his current Komtur's within the northeast.
Komturs - Primary commanders of the order, given charge of a specific chapter house and given command of some knights. Komturs monitor their immediate areas.
Teutonic Knights - The knights refer to one another as Knight-Brothers, but outside of their jurisdiction they are referred to as the Teutonic Knights. Well-trained, well-equipped knights, with white steeds, these knights make up the primary unit of the order's military, serving beneath a komtur.
OrdenBruders - Translated as 'Order-Brothers', these individuals are not exactly knights. They're given white cloaks and steel weapons. These usually consist of volunteers, fanatics, or mercenaries who wish to help the order for at least a little while. They're usually reserved as archers, infantry, or spearmen.
Bishops - These men are in no way fighters, but are important to spread the word of Angelism, offer healing, and tend to the dying.