Marshal's Investiture

This ritual takes place when a general of the Alyite Order is raised to the rank of Marshall of the Order. This rank makes the invested one of the Order's handful of powerful regional commanders and may (but not always) include appointment to the Council of Nine, the Order's governing body. Marshal's are almost always drawn from the ranks of the Alyite Order's generals. These women are universally highly experienced military leaders and the candidate is chosen by the Council of Nine after careful consideration. Most of the time these generals are experienced cavalry officers, but on occasion the rank has been granted to priestesses or battle mages.

History

Centuries ago as the Order expanded in size and military power, the Order's leadership saw the need to create a system of permanent regional commanders to command order troops in the field, supervise recruitment and training, and maintain the Order's dispersed holdings.

Execution

The investiture is usually carried at one of the two primary Alyite temples at Alyathon or Pandra.  However, these ceremonies have been carried in the field when circumstances have required it.  The ceremony is carried out by the highest ranking ALyite Priestess available.  The appointed marshal takes the Marshal's Oath, is blessed by the priestess, then is presented with her Cloak of Office and personal banner.

Participants

Priestess of the Alyite Order (officiant), the marshall designate, whatever officers and warrior of the Order are available. If the ceremony is held under peaceful conditions and planned well in advance (this is fairly typical) various political and religious allies of the Order will also be attendance. Priests and priestesses of allied religious groups will offer their blessings and high ranking nobles will bestow gifts upon the marshal.

Observance

This rites occur after a marshal has either retired or died.  However in the case of honorary marshals the removal of an existing marshal is not a prerequisite.

Important Locations

• Alyathon
• Fortress of Pandra

Related Organizations

• Alyite Order (Sisterhood of Alya)

Related Ethnicities

• Corgerian
• Danite
• Dark Corgerian
• Dark Corgerian Half-Caste
• Mountaineer
• Northron
• Southron