Order of Tir-Aegis

Thaldrin stood before his fresh recruits, a weathered grin etched on his face. He tightly clutched his battle-worn warstrike staff, ready for their first training session. "Any of you who can make me bleed or put me on my ass," he declared, "you'll earn not only bragging rights but also a week free from mundane chores." A dozen recruits, brimming with unpolished enthusiasm, then charged almost tripping over each other. Thaldrin's grin broadened.

The Order’s History

The Order of Tir-Aegis was founded a couple of centuries ago by a man called Tir. According to the official version of the story, the one the members of the Order tell, Tir was a caravan guard, accompanying merchants making the dangerous journey from Ptolus to the lands to the south.

During one such journey, the caravan Tir was escorting was ambushed by a ravenous pack of gnolls. Tir and the other guards managed to fight them off, but at great cost – by the end, only Tir was left alive out of twenty guards.

Grateful, the merchant who owned the caravan showered Tir with gifts and gold, which Tir immediately invested, founding the Order of Tir-Aegis. With the leftover money, Tir made some smart investments, allowing him to pump even more money into the Order. In the span of a couple of decades, the Order became one of the premier sellsword/guard organizations in Ptolus, and it remains so today.

The Shield Hall

The Order of Tir-Aegis establishes its organizational headquarters in the heart of the Guild Ward, an imposing edifice known as the Shield Hall. This remarkable structure, encircled by training courts, is enclosed by a formidable ten-foot-high fortification on all sides, resembling a compact fortress. The distinctive choice of location within a Ward traditionally dedicated to commerce sets it apart, garnering both admiration and scrutiny. At each of the four corners of the wall, sentinel towers rise slightly higher than the protective barrier. These vigilant outposts are perpetually staffed, with their guardians maintaining a watchful eye on the bustling street and ensuring that no unauthorized individuals breach the compound's defenses.

Hierarchy

The founding Tir deliberately wanted to ensure that his initial organization and the future iterations of the order was kept lean and nimble. For this reason the order is very resistant to adding additional layers within the ranks and they are reluctant to add additional Vanguards titles, seeking instead to allow existing Vanguards to handle any new responsibilities.

Tir

The title of "Tir" is homage to the founding member and is bestowed upon each new leader elevated from the ranks of the Vanguard. The Tir stands as the paramount symbol of leadership within the Order of Tir-Aegis. They serve as the guiding force, responsible for shaping the organization's strategic vision and providing oversight to the Vanguard Council.

Vanguard

The Vanguard Council forms the distinguished leadership core, guiding the way. Their duties include accepting clients, coordinating assignments, overseeing recruitment and training, maintaining discipline, and ensuring prudent financial management. The title "Vanguard" emphasizes their role as leaders who spearhead and protect the Order's interests.

Warden

Shield Wardens, commonly known as "Wardens," hold authority and oversee on-site operations and engagements. They take charge of missions and assignments, guaranteeing the safety and security of both the Order's clients and the Shields under their care. The term "Warden" highlights their vigilant and watchful presence during assignments.

Shields

At the Shield tier of the Order, its members are dedicated to guarding and protecting. Their primary responsibility is ensuring the safety of their clients and their peers. The title "Shields" reflects their role as the steadfast defenders and protectors of the Order's clients, embodying the order's motto, "We Bleed First."

Leadership

The leader is recognized as the Tir, both his name and title that has persisted unchanged through the years, tracing its lineage back to the founder. His trusted advisors and leaders are collectively referred to as the Vanguard Council, who are selected from the most accomplished and trusted members of the Order's wardens. Additionally, they hold the responsibility of electing a new Tir through a mysterious and undisclosed process when the current Tir retires or passes away.

Vanguard Council

Vanguard of Clients

Draven Fireheart (m)

Vanguard of Coin

Lysandra Windrider (f)

Vanguard of Gear

Vaelen Steelblade (m)

Vanguard of Routes

Kaelin Swiftwind (f)

Vanguard of Training

Thaldric Warstrike (m)

Wardens & Shields

The Wardens and Shields make up the foundational tiers of the order, they are the one that get it done! The number of Shields assigned is based on the the scope and scale of the project, the perceived threat level and of course the amount of additional coin a client wants to sink into the task. The number of Warden's are assigned based on the logistics of the task and the number of Shields assigned. Usually a Warden leads up to 10 Shields depending on the task at hand. The Wardens and Shields are the ones on the field, the ones responsible for guarding a warehouse, escorting a merchant, or accompanying a trade caravan.

Wardens are selected from the ranks of the Shields and are never added to the team without being proven as a Shield first. Shields come from all walks of life with the city guard being common, followed by mercenaries, street urchins, locals farmers community and just about anywhere. Anybody can enlist for the Order of Tir-Aegis, but that doesn’t mean they can actually remain members for long. Any prospective member goes through intense training to ensure that they do indeed have the necessary abilities. What’s more, they are subject to intense scrutiny during the first few months of their service, to make sure that they do not steal or otherwise abuse their position. As such, many quit before the six-month mark – which is why those who stay on receive a bonus around that time.

Tenets & Values

Awareness
Courage
Honesty
Prowess
Wisdom

The Order of Tir-Aegis upholds a set of core values that define the character and integrity of its members. These values, rooted in the organization's rich history and traditions, serve as guiding principles in the conduct of its members.

Awareness: The first tenet emphasizes the importance of vigilance and perceptiveness. Members of the Order are expected to maintain a keen awareness of their surroundings, anticipating threats and opportunities alike. This awareness extends beyond physical observation to encompass insight into the motivations and intentions of others.

Courage: Courage is the bedrock of the Order's code of conduct. Members are encouraged to face danger and adversity with unwavering resolve. Courage is not just physical bravery in the heat of battle but also the moral fortitude to do what is right, even in the face of adversity or personal risk. The Order values those who stand resolute in the pursuit of justice and honor. Courage allows the members to "Bleed First."

Honesty: Honesty forms the cornerstone of the Order's ethical framework. Members are expected to be truthful and forthright in all their dealings. Deception and deceit have no place within the Order's ranks. Clients and allies must trust the word and actions of its members implicitly. Honesty extends to financial matters as well, as integrity in financial stewardship is essential to maintain the Order's reputation.

Prowess: Prowess signifies not just physical strength and combat skills but also competence and excellence in all endeavors. Members of the Order are dedicated to honing their abilities, whether on the battlefield or in the execution of their duties. Striving for excellence in all tasks, both great and small, is a testament to their commitment to the Order's mission.

Wisdom: Wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. Members of the Order are encouraged to seek knowledge and understanding, to apply discernment in their actions, and to consider the long-term consequences of their choices. Wisdom is valued as it helps ensure that the Order acts in the best interests of its clients, allies, and the organization itself.

In accordance with these tenets, members of the Order are expected to conduct themselves with honor, integrity, and a commitment to the greater good. Upholding these values not only strengthens the bonds within the Order but also enhances its reputation as a stalwart and dependable organization in the eyes of clients and allies alike.

Faith & Healing

"The Order's official stance on matters of faith is simple: 'To each their own faith.' A member's personal beliefs should not hinder their adherence to the Order's tenets, and the Order respects the individual's right to their chosen faith. It does not attempt to influence or dictate the faith of its members.

Members of the Order frequently visit the temple ward, and it is not uncommon for priests to visit the Shield Hall of Tir-Aegis. In addition to this, the Order maintains a substantial supply of healing potions and boasts many Wardens who are trained in first aid. When procuring these healing potions, the Order willingly makes an additional donation to the local church or temple. While, like Ptolus, some members may adhere to no faith at all, the most common among them follow the one or one of thousand numerous gods worshipped in this diverse world.

Common Faiths

Asche, God of Cities

Gaen, Goddess of Light

Hannan, Lord of the Sun

Inurath, Mistress of War

Lothian, God of Justice & Purity and The Church of Lothian

Navashtrom, God of Strength and Harmony

The Sisters of Death

Thamus, God of Protection & Defense

We Bleed First

Location

Shield Hall of Tir-Aegis

Controlled Territories

• Shield Hall of Tir-Aegis

Vanguard Duties

Vanguard of Clients

New Client Assessment

Job Assessment

Threat Assessment

Final Pricing

Vanguard of Coin

City Fees

Operating Expenses

Payroll

Vanguard of Gear

Armor

Weapons

Supplies

Vanguard of Routes

Kennels

Maps

Messengers

Stables

Vanguard of Training

Recruiting

Training

Order of Tir Vanguard of Training by Graylion on MidJourneyAI