Defender Knights

Supremely Worthy and Most Eminent Chivalric Order of the Defenders of the Realm

Based in Gwyfned, but active throughout the empire, and called the Supremely Worthy and Most Eminent Chivalric Order of the Defenders of the Realm, these knights answer to the King-Emperor of Aorlis, and their patron saint is Tyrell. Induction into this ultra-elite order is the highest accolade in Aorlis, and awarded only to those of supreme value to the emperor or for truly epic service to the same. Their mission is varied, including special diplomacy, upholding the crown and the Osrick dynasty, counsel, maintaining the king's peace and serving as an imperial honor guard. The defender’s crest is a double-headed eagle, argent, above an estolle, or, on a field of purpure and argent. Their livery includes cut emerald knightly seal rings, Gwyfnedi rune maille, and one of the order’s twelve ceremonial arming swords.

The order’s oath takes precedence over all other oaths a knight may have sworn or will swear. This order is limited to twelve knights, plus limited supernumerary members. Within the order, precedence is decided by membership seniority. The perquisites for being a Defender knight are outstanding, including the right of high justice, the right of unlimited hospitality, royal access to the monarch and his family, armed access to the same, a generous annual stipend, imperial resources, legal immunity, and full diplomatic status and powers to speak for the king-emperor as needed. The knights have a chapel peculiar in the Hollywell ward of Upper City, Gwyfned City.

by Scott A. Story