Blackthorn Knights

The Blackthorn Knights are an elite and controversial knightly order founded by the demigod Griffith "The Titan" Blackthorn. Although styled as a traditional paladin order, they follow a Chaotic Evil deity and operate under a brutal meritocracy, placing strength, cunning, and ambition above all else. Members are bound by their loyalty to Griffith and the tenets of his dark creed, which encourages personal growth through conflict and the ruthless pursuit of power. Despite their sinister ethos, the order’s martial prowess and strict hierarchy have made them a formidable force in Cormyr and beyond. They are respected and feared in equal measure, having played a pivotal role in the civil war against Emperor Azoun IV. Their influence has grown significantly since Griffith’s ascension to divinity.

Structure

The Blackthorn Knights operate under a meritocratic hierarchy where power determines rank:

Griffith the Titan: Patron and Deity to the order
Knight Commander (Griffith’s Chosen): Mortal leader of the order, determined yearly through ritualistic duels among those in the Council.
Council of Titans: Senior knights who have proven their strength and loyalty, serving as advisors and commanders.
Knight Aspirants: Full members of the order, tasked with enforcing Griffith’s will and the tenets of the knights.
Initiates: New recruits who must prove their worth through grueling trials.

Tenets of Faith

The Blackthorn Knights are bound by their code, as determined by their patron:

Conflict Breeds Strength: Only through challenge and adversity can true power be attained.
Ambition Is Sacred: Aspire to surpass all others, even your superiors, through strength of arms.
Justice is Yours to Claim: Injustice must not go unanswered. Take vengeance with your own hands, for no higher power will intervene on your behalf. You are the arbiter of your own destiny.
Morality is Subservient to Power: Seek strength and dominion wherever it lies, be it divine, infernal, or arcane. The source of your power is inconsequential—only the results matter.