Urzh Kroashent - Knights of the Crossroads
Structure
The Order was, for its time, exceptionally organized along a strict hierarchy and regional compartmentalization, allowing it to both operate as a consistent unit across Alvez, while retaining a significant amount of flexibility to respond to immediate local concerns. The Order was overseen by a Grand Master, with significant authority placed in regional authorities, known as Commanderies.
The Commands
The Order was organized along regional lines, establishing 12 Commanderies in total, each associated with a direction of the Gaoithe Sidhe. 4 primary commands oversaw 4 large regions, controlling 4 semi-autonomous special commands for notable threats and 4 logisitical commands, each overlapping 2 primary commands to allow for increased cooperation and streamlining between neighboring entities.The Primary Commands
The most public and notable of the Commanderies were the four primary commands, each overseeing a large territory. These controlled operations, both mundane and magical, and secured strategic points, including banks, trading posts, remote outposts and major roads. The primary commands were the most public facing of the Order, and could be seen engaging in battle, providing services and security across the lands. The Black Command oversaw the Northern coastline of Kornôgel, controlling the regions of Albia, Armorica, Contentin and the Opal Coast. The Purple Command controlled the East, overseeing the Kingdom of Arle, as well as parts of Tolosa and the Golden Sea. The White Command oversaw the Mor Kreizdouar, including Tolosa, Outremer and the Golden Sea. The Pale Command controlled the West, including Navarre, Akitainia and Anjev.Commanderies of the Bleed
Four Special Administrative Commands, called the Commanderies of the Bleed, fell under the Jurisdiction of the four primary Commands, but operated as largely autonomous entities deep in Faerie or Bleeds. These interacted more heavily with the creatures of Fae, carrying out military, peacekeeping and recovery operations, such as retrieving the snatched, hunting hostile creatures and providing a bulwark against the unknown forces of the deep Faewylde. They report directly to the Grandmaster, but typically deferred to the Black, Light, White and Pale commands. The Speckled Command is assigned to the Forest of the Erlking and the Meneziou Gwenn, operating largely in Arle. The Red Command operated in the Mor Kreizdouar and the Shifting Sands, overseeing the Sea of Wine , Outremer and Slaver's Coast, going as far as Caliphate of Ubar. The Green Command was responsible for the Shatterlands, but launched some ill-fated campaigns as far South as the Graves. The Brown Command operated throughout the Fortunate Isles and Northwestern Kornôgel.Provincial Commanderies
The last, and to some the least glorious Commanderies are the 4 Provincial commands. Unlike the Primary Commanderies and the Commanderies of the Bleed, the Provincial Commands focused on logistics, overseeing the transport of food, funds and equipment, the maintenance of Order equipment and the resolution of logistical disputes between the other groups. The business arm of the Order, they kept the books and the roster, diverting Order resources to specific Commands. Each overlayed with 2 Primary Commands. The Dark Command operated as an intermediary between the Black and Purple commands, the Yellow Command between Purple and White, the Pale Green between White and Pale, and the Grey between Pal and Black.Ranks of the Order
Grand Master - The Urzh Kroashent was led by the Grand Master, an office held for life. While some were allowed to retire, this was exceptionally rare, with most dying in office. The Grand Master oversaw the entire order and had powers on par with many royal despots. Upon the death of a Grandmaster, the election of his successor falls to the Master and Commanders of the order. Each instructs their Grand Commander to choose a representative from their commanders to serve an elector, totaling 12 in total, who would then select a new Grandmaster. Master and Commander - Below the Grand Master was the Master and Commander, a field commander in charge of a "commandery", a large complex that oversaw the control of regional operations. in the field, they are expected to lead their men in battle and are given complete command over their units. The personal retinue of these commanders consists of two squires, two Foot-Soldiers, one sergeant, one Chaplain and a Fae advisor, often a Milliget or Korrigan. They were allowed four horses and a palfrey as a personal mount. Commanders of the Bleed - The Commanderies of major Bleeds, such as Arle, An Folled and Tolosa, these officers operated in areas largely subsumbed or tied to Faerie, often under varying degrees of Martial Law. Provincial Masters - Largely logistical, revenue and recruitment support, these commanderies operated in stable areas of Bedouar, such as Per-Ys and Poitiers, far from stable Bleeds. Seneschal - Beneath the Master and Commander is the Seneschal or Grand Commander. Serving as the right hand man of the Master and Commander, they administer lands held by a chapter in times of peace. During war, they handle the adminstration and logistics of supplies and troop movements. Marshal - The direct commander of all arms and horses and the tactician of an Urzh Kroashent Chapter. Under-Marshal - The first officer of the Marshal, in charge of lesser equipment, such as riding gear, water and other supply logistics. In battle, they would hold the piebald banner, a flag for allies to regroup and rally around. Turcopolier - The third in the line of military command, in charge of Cavalry operations and the Sergeants Confanoier - AKA Standard bearer, although the actual standard is actually held by the Under-Marshal in battle. This role in charge of squires, ensuring they maintain the proper upkeep of their superiors mounts and equiptment. Knight - The Cavalry forces of the Order and the backbone of its military operations. Only nobles could become knights, with a preference on those who could show direct lineage from prior Order members. They wore white tunics with red crosses, encircled in a golden circle. Sergeant - Light Cavalry Officers from lower classes of Gentry and others, serving as the cheif support officers of the Knight. Theywore black tunics with Red Crosses, encircled by a silver circle. Treasurer - Keeper of the Books Draper - Officer in charge of all clothing and linen, with the ability to conduct uniform inspections for every rank. Squires - Typically a hired position, this role directly assists a particular knight. A good squire can strive to work up the ranks to become a knight themselves. Lay Servants - Logistical support for the commandery, not technically part of the Order proper. Usually tied to noble knights, with a strict limit on the number of personal servants a Knight could have. Chaplain Brothers - Priests of the Southern Faith, operating with almost complete autonomy from the Church.Culture
The Order formalized a strict code of conduct known as the Rule of Troyes, after the city in which it was formalized. This set out a number of clauses on how members of each rank were to conduct themselves.
Knights were expected to pledge themselves to the Order and truly follow its precepts. The primary duties of a member, prescribed in the Rule, was to defend the poor, widows, orphans and churches. This was a frequent topic of debate as the Order extended its protections from those of the Faith Faith to include they holy sites of other people's and faith's, such as those of the Druids and eventually, the Kanisat Alaliha. While being members, they could serve no other Sovereign, be they of temporal, familial, or, in a controversial move that separated them from their sister order, ecclesiastic authority. No requirement of belonging to the Faith was required, allowing the order to draw from Faerie and Ubarite populations as well as the Bediz of Kornôgel.
The Knights maintained a strict code of dress, hygiene and etiquette, shunning elaborate shows of wealth in favour of practical and uniform approaches. Knights were expected to eat, bathe and train together, although in many places, male and female members were expected to bathe and sleep separately. In furtherance of this, each knight was assigned a partner to ensure that rules were followed and that all member trained and devoted themselves to their fullest. Locks on personal belongings were not allowed among members, although communal property, such as treasuries and weaponry would often be kept under lock and guard from outsiders.
Knights were only allowed meat thrice a week, while squires and other members only received one. Meals were meant to be eaten in silence, a vow that continued to bathing, chores and other tasks.
While the Order took oaths against excess shows of wealth, members were not required to forgo claims to land or title, although many did.
Other rules included a ban of falconry,
Public Agenda
The mission of the Urzh Kroashent, at its core, was the protection of travelers from the otherworldly dangers posed by Faerie Bleed, shepherding pilgrims, refugees, armies and merchants between the more stable settlements. The Urzh Kroashent would similarly lead missions into Faerie itself on missions of conquest, trade or diplomacy. Their success and military prowess led to them being utilized for military actions, both magical and mundane in pursuit of their mission, including several Crusades at the urging of the Southern Church and Royal Families.
Assets
At its height, the Order of Urzh Kroashent's wealth was legendary, rivaling the wealthiest nobles and bishops, dwarfing even royal families in its holdings and influence.
Its coffers overflowed with gold, silver and gems, gained from a combination of donations, conquest and shrewd business practices. Several notable income streams contributed to this success. Membership in the upper echelons of the order was more glamorous and exciting for the younger children of the Nobility, unlikely to inherit titles or land, than a life in the Monasteries and nunneries of the Southern Church. Upon joining however, worldly possessions were given to the Order and a vow of poverty was taken. Another important revenue stream was its banking practices. To protect travelers, the Order would accept treasure to hold in collateral, then allow equivalent value to be extracted at the destination, removing the easy and enticing target of rich noble pilgrim's. A share was taken from these assets and the service became quite profitable. These centers were called Bailies.
The Order was renowned for its military skills, earning its reputation as one of the most elite fighting forces in all of Bedouar. Equipped with the finest weapons, armor and horses, the Order easily outpaced most regular armies. Its castles, temples and waystations dotted the landscape from Briezh to Iram, and its massive fleet, at rest in the fortress harbour of Karregennig, was the largest in the West, including 50 Skyships in addition to its sizeable traditional fleet.
History
The collapse of the Remusan Empire and the Great Tearing of the Veil threw the mortal realm into chaos as Faerie magic bled into the world, warping reality as it spread. Without the Empire's resources and mages, the world was plunged into a dark age as humanity battled for survival against the Fae onslaught. Unified civilization collapsed, distance and Faerie Fog isolating tribes and petty kingdoms.
But as time passed, the world began to stabilize, like scabs covering a wound. Tribes became nations and sought out other settlements, establishing trade and entering into alliances or conquest. Some even began to venture into Faerie itself, gaining wealth and power from the Fae Lords. As the world grew more connected, a problem emerged. While some settlements were well protected against attacks by rogue Fae, more isolated areas were constantly at risk, from attacks from "civilized" fae, as well the feral, reality warping chaos of the Faewylde and mundane threats like bandits and animal attacks. Specially trained rangers, mages and warriors found a calling guiding pilgrims, armies and caravans through these dangerous magical areas. These adventurers eventually began to band together into larger guilds. As these regional guilds began to link, the Order of the Urzh Kroashent began to take form.
The Order quickly gained a reputation for its organization and combat prowess, taking its symbol from the Crossroads that often served as nexus for the Fae. Sponsored by the Southern Church and the Royal Families, the Order rose in prominence and wealth, spreading from [Duchy of Normaundie in the North to the vast deserts of Outremer.
Initially sponsored by the Church, the Order had a major shift during the Djinn Incursion, which led to its greatest growth, but also planted the seeds to its downfall. The Church declared a Crusade against Iram of the Pillars, which threatened its interests in Outremer. The Order took a central part, marching across the Rub al Khali to besiege the city. When the Seal of Solomon was broken, the Djinn attacked both sides. The Grand Master of the Urzh Kroashent, as well as the other orders, brokered a peace with Iram, joining forces against the Djinn, over the protests of Church authorities. After an ardous campaign, the Djinn were pushed back and the Order left Iram as allies. While this increased their wealth and influence in Outremer and bolstered their ranks with new recruits, the episode angered the Church and its supporters, who began to plot against the Order.
The Veilwatchers in Letha
The First Commandery of the Urzh Kroashent in Letha was in lands granted to them within the Viscounty of Retz. The order grew, gaining the favour of Duke Konan III "The Fat", who granted them territory surrounding both Naoned and Roazhon, where they were granted special market rights and exemption from Ducal taxation. Konan IV expanded these rights and donated even more territory to the order before his ouster. The Order was not without controversy in the region, often butting heads with the nobility.Disbandment
Although tales tell of a dramatic coup, reducing the most powerful organization in Bedouar to a husk of outlaws and ruins overnight, the reality is significantly more nuanced, as several key events weakened the Order to the point where the once formidable knights were vulnerable to their enemies. Losses in Outremer, instability at home and the consolidation of enemies all contributed to this dramatic collapse.
Military Defeats
- Some might argue that the Order's downfall began with their moment of triumph, the Battle of Iram. The Battle was the culmination of a generations long series of campaigns against the Djinn of Iram of the Pillars and their Ubarite allies, a final siege on the legendary city itself. The forces of Gallia, Normandi and Anjev, backed by the Urzh Kroashent, the Order of Albi and the Black Order, marched on the city. As the siege continued, the forces of the Shatyan Djinn, a horde of nomadic raiders from the Shifting Sands, and a host of Ghul appeared over the dunes, threatening both the Kornôgeled and Ubarite forces. Faced with unacceptable civilian casualties, the Urzh Kroashent broke with the Gallian and Church forces, joining with the Ubarites against a common foe. Some others joined them, but others abandoned the siege, breaking for the coast. The Order lost a third of its membership defending the outlying settlements and shepherding civilian populations to the coastal ports or the city gates of Iram, but were hailed as heroes. They made peace with Iram and retreated to Outremer. While this earned them the respect of many, it drove a wedge between the Church and the Knights that would ferment into the seeds of the Order's destruction. The loss of the Black Order stronghold of Ocina during the battle, which the Knights did not take a direct part in, was nonetheless seen as a blow to the efficacy of the Orders and their devotion to the zealous cause of the Faith. Rumors circulated that the Order had betrayed the defenders of Ocina or turned their swords on their Faithful allies, all false, but nonetheless damaging in the noble courts and marketplaces of Kornôgel.The Black Crown Affair
- This reputational loss and schism with the Church allowed the political enemies of the Order to scheme against it. Primary among these was King Philippe Le Bel, of Gallia. Phillipe was deeply indebted to the Order as a result of the disastrously expensive campaign in the Cloth Cities and the treasury was all but empty. The Order had operated free of royal control and taxation, a powerful entity rivaling the Gallian state within its borders. Having secured, by force and politics, the allegiance of a weakened Patriarch in Avinhon, and several other leaders, a plan was set in motion. Philippe held a banquet for the visiting Grand Master and Order leadership returning from Iram in Per-Ys. As he moved to raise a toast, his trap was sprung, soldiers flowing into the building to arrest the guests. Sealed envelopes across Bedouar were opened, resulting in similar actions by royal agents and ecclesiastic forces, seizing control of Order assets, arresting or killing members in a carefully orchestrated purge. Sham trials were held, accusing the Knights of a series of crimes ranging from embezzlement and extortion to idolatry and devil-worship. The Order was excommunicated and declared outlaws, the leadership burned at the stake, all legal defenses prohibited by Royal and Patriarchal writ. Within a few weeks, the most powerful organization in Bedouar was destroyed, its survivors scattered. The Order's assets were divided among the Church and its own military orders and the Royal families. One by one, the Order's strongholds were crushed. Philippe would not survive the year, angering the Sidhe Courts with his treacherous breach of hospitality. The Queens of Summer and Winter took their revenge, marching on Per-Ys with an army of their own. The Order's assets in Alkebulan, out of reach of the King and Church, were transferred to the Black Order.Foreign Relations
Members of the Order were allowed to freely pass across borders, possessing diplomatinc immunity to many local laws. Individuals and holdings of the knights, an international body were exempt from most local taxation.
Trade & Transport
The Order also served as an economic powerhouse, utilizing its international and inter-dimensional connections and resources to operate a sophisticated network of banking and trade, free from taxation by the nobility. One common service involved travelers depositing valuable collateral into the Knight's possession in exchange for a letter of credit, that would be exchanged for local funds upon arrival at the destination, drawn against the initial deposit. This reduced the need for travelers to carry large amounts of wealth that would draw bandits and pirates to unprepared prizes.
DISBANDED/DISSOLVED
Custodes vigilanti introitus ubi velum pendet (Vigilant Watchers of the Veil)
Dissolution Date
1010 SI
Type
Military Order
Alternative Names
Guardians of the Crossroad, Veilwatchers, Veilwalkers
Successor Organizations
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Kroashented
Notable Members
Comments