Rule of the Order de'Argento
From Wessexwiki
TO THE MEMBERS of the Order d'Argento: The Order d'Argento is one of the oldest Orders to grace Agon. Founded by the Silver Lady, Argentina de'Medici, it thrived as one of the leading forces against evil for many years. With the sinking of Riada this Order, along with many others, was lost. As a decesendant of the Lady de'Medici, I am claiming my birthright, and re-establishing this Order to protect not only the people of Hyperion, but all of Agon from the evil that now threatens to engulf it.
It is with a joyous heart we accept the burden of self-sacrifice to our Father, our Nation, and each other. Together we shall triumph over darkness. Together we shall triumph over greed. Together we shall triumph over evil.
The principles for this Rule were etched into stone by the Silver Lady's own hand, and it has only be altered slightly with the passing of time. We shall honor our founder and the Radiant Lord with our future deeds. Allow this guide to ensure that we do not stray from the path of light, but continue down it until we are returned to our Father in glorius combat or in peaceful slumber. So, trust in the following document, its words shall ensure your actions are always righteous.
Chapter One: Organization
Lay sisters/brothers: are Commoners of the Republic who join the Order. They serve by collecting resources, working as craftsmen, and assisting the sergeant brothers, and Knights with whatever they ask. They will receive training in return, and will the chance to be promoted to sergeant brothers. They are formally addressed as, "Sister/Brother."
Sergeant sisters/brothers: are Citizens of the Republic who join the Order. They are the rank and file soldiers of the Order. They serve as heavy cavalry, and assist the Knights with whatever they ask. They also have the chance to become esquired to a Knight in the Order, and may be promoted in that way. They are formally addressed as, "Sister/Brother, Sergeant."
Knights: are nobility who join the Order. They must forswear all worldly goods and titles in order to join the Order - donating them to the Order if they do join. Knight Bachelors will have the easiest time joining in this capacity, as they have no land or worldy title to surrender. They are formally addressed as, "Sister/Brother, Knight."
They may be assigned to lead a company of sergeant brothers and/or knights by the Grand Master, (most likely in the absence of the Grand Master). Those serving in these capacities will be refered to as Knight Captains. They are formally addressed as, "Sister/Brother, Captain."
Grand Master: The leader of the Order in all things spiritual, and military. He must be ordained, and appointed by the Bishop of the Crowned Republic and approved by the Doge. He answers only to Auros, and the Doge. He is addressed formally and informally as either, "Mistress/Master" or "Mother/Father"
When addressing each other in a group of two or more, it is proper to address members as, "Sisters/Brothers."
When in mixed company, the Sisters will always be addressed first.
All members may be address informally as "Sister/Brother," save the Grand Master.
Chapter Two: Absolute Obidience to the Master of the Order
The Grand Master of the Order is the ultimate authority in all aspects of life within the community. They are appointed by the Bishop of the Diocese, and approved by the Doge.
Joyous is the work of the Order de'Argento, and joyous is the demeanor of those who are called to serve their Father. A sister or brother shall not begrudge a command given by their Master, nor shall they disobey her.
The Grand Master herself shall also carry on in a manner befitting those who serve Auros. Discontentment with ones station leads one to embrace the whispers of Malaut.
Chapter Three: The Counsel of Sisters and Brothers
Should a matter of utmost importance be brought before the community, the Grand Master should take counsel with the Knights within the community before a decision is rendered. The sisters and brothers shall proceed to give their views with much humility and not presume to defend their views stubbornly. Once a decision is rendered, it is final, arguing by any member of the Order beyond this point is improper.
Chapter Four: Witness
Blessed are they who spread the Teachings of Auros through praises and the reading of scripture, for they are truly their Father's offspring. The sister and brother knights of the Order d'Argento shall bear Witness to the Teachings of their Father at least once daily, in order to show their love for Him.
Because lay sisters/brothers and sergeant sisters/brothers are still learning the Teachings of Auros, they shall only do so if given permission, and accompined by a Chaplain.
Chapter Five: Slaying of Evil
Blessed are they who spread the Light of Auros through the slaying of evil, and the cleansing of the benighted, for they too are truly their Father's offspring. The sister/brother knights, and sergeant sisters/brothers of the Order d'Argento shall slay an evil creature at least once daily, in order to show their devotion to Auros.
As lay sisters and brothers are still learning to wield their weapons, they shall be dismissed from this duty.
Chapter Six: Funds for the Order
Blessed are they who live in austerity, for all may look upon them and know that they turn a deaf ear to the whispers of the Red Prince.
The sisters/brothers of the order will donate all of their worldy goods to the benefit of the Order, and the Republic in order to serve as an example to those who listen to the whispers of the Prince of Greed. <<it should be noted that this pooling of funds will be used to equip the Order members, build them buildings, and also used for loans to the Lords of the realm>>
Chapter Seven: Dress Code
As our Father is Golden, and the Silver Lady now dwells in the Heavens along with Him - the Order shall wear both the Sun and Moon upon a tabard of gold and silver.
Sister/Brother knights, and sergeant sisters/brothers will this uniform at all times. <<This is subject to change based on, internal lore/Kingdom lore/and game mechanics>>
Chapter Eight: Battle
Fear not the shadow, for Auros and Argentina watch over us at this battle, and every battle hence forth!
Knights and sergeant sisters/brothers will never quit the field so long as the Grand Master, or any of her Knight Captains still live. All orders given by the Grand Master, or any of her Knight Captains are to be obeyed immediately, and without question.
Chapter Nine: Initiation
Upon being accepted into the Order, an Initiation ceremony will occur for all Knight Brothers. This will include a night of vigilant prayer to purify the initiate's body and soul, and reciting the Oath of the Faithful. Only Knight Brothers may attend.
Chapter Ten: Daily mass/prayer
Blessed are they who are enlightened by the teachings of Auros, for how can one serve our Father if they are ignorant of His words?
Sisters and Brothers of the Order must attend Mass and/or daily prayer administered by an Ordained official. This can be the Grand Master himself, Chaplains of the Order, and Priests or Bishops of the Church of Auros.
Chapter Eleven: Slaying of Good creatures
Auros grants life to all creatures which inhabit Agon. All are born with His light inside of them, all have the potential to serve Him. All have the potential to be good, as all have the potential to be evil. To slay indiscriminately does not lead one down the path of light. Rejoice at the cleansing of the benighted, but guard yourself against finding pleasure in solely the killing. This leads one down the path of the corrupted...
Sisters and Brothers of the Order must not slay any "good" creature. Even if provoked, or attacked themselves. All incidents of assult by "good" creatures must be reported to the Grand Master.
THIS CHAPTER WILL BE SUSPENDED IN TIMES OF WAR.
Chapter Twelve: The Service of the Lesser Races
Behold the divine blood which dwells in your veins! It is the blessing of our Father, and what binds us to His will. Behold the creations of the great Goddess! They dwell upon Agon, ignorant of our Father's divine grace. They may share His light, and teachings, but they will never share His blood. Though a half-Auran may possess a quarter of His divinity, they do not have the potential of His children. Guide them down the path of light, but be wary of embracing them as sisters and brothers.
Mirdain, Dvergheim, and Lesser Human races may serve the Order, after publically proclaiming an Oath to Auros, as convertire. They shall serve in the form of light cavalry/skirishers and will not be subjected to the Rule. However, they will also not be granted the protection, or the rights of the Clergy.
Half-Aurans may advance to the rank of sister/brother knight, but will never be Grand Master, or a knight-captain.
Chapter Thirteen: Punishment of Members
Never are we safe from the whispers of Malaut, even within our most hallowed temples and monasteries, his whisperings reach our ears, and fill our heads with the posionous voice of greed. Should a member begin to display the symptoms of this illness, it may become neccessary for the Grand Master to provide a remedy.
The Grandmaster may punish her members for violating a rule in manner she sees fit. The Inquisition may be asked to intervene on her behalf, in order to determine the extent of the contamination.
In serving, we are served.
