Order of The Knights of Redemption
The Knights of Redemption is a Holy Fighting Order of the goddess Larani sponsored by the Clerical Order of Valamin, the Mouth of Virtue. It recently split from the Order of the Lady of Paladins in protest after leading the dishonorable, genocidal Solora Crusade. There is animosity between the rival orders, with some members of the Lady of Paladins accusing the new Order of betrayal when they most needed help.
The Order is renowned for its loyalty, martial prowess, honor, and chivalry. Its knights and men-at-arms defend temples, pilgrims, and clergy throughout the Kingdom of Kaldor. They hold manors and are a powerful political and military force.
Current Situation
The Order is the largest military organization in Kaldor. When needed, knights and soldiers support the King's armies each summer to campaign against the Kath and Pagaelin Barbarians.
The Order has Shield Chapters defending Kaldor’s temples and senior clerics, while the five Sword Chapters are charged with defending the five major routes into the Kingdom. These are supported by 20 Manor Chapters and their subordinate holdings. The Order’s lands in Kaldor are all held through the Order of Valamin, the Mouth of Virtue, not directly from the King. Therefore, the Order of Valamin has a significant influence on their actions.
In 726TR, King Miginath was assassinated, leaving no legitimate heir and creating a violent succession crisis. During the conflict, the majority of the Order followed the instructions of the Archbishop of Kaldor Edine Kynn, who ultimately supports the claim of Sir Conwan Elendsa to the throne.
Ranks
Chabla (Grandmaster)
The Chabla is the political and military leader of the Order. The current and first Chabla is Sir Houla Artona, a stubborn and pious Knight.
Reblena (Knight Commander)
The Order has four Reblenas who serve as deputies to the Grandmaster and as administrative officers.
Melana (Knight)
The Melana are the core of the Order’s fighting force; most are noble offspring or bastards, young men and women with little hope of inheriting any family wealth. Under exceptional circumstances, a commoner may be knighted.
Meken (Common Soldier)
The Meken are the foot soldiers and form the bulk of the fighting force. They fill many roles, usually patrolling the kingdom’s borders and key roads, defending chapterhouses and their lands, and guarding temples and important clerics.
History
575TR - The King of Melderyn funded the creation of a Laranian fighting order, the Order of the Lady of Paladins. They aided the resistance against the Morgathians and were instrumental in the founding of the Kingdom of Kanday and later the Order of the Checkered Shield.
At this time, Order had chapters in all three eastern Harnic Kingdoms, Melderyn, Chybisa, and Kaldor, led by the Grandmaster in Melderyn.
672TR - King Torastra was impressed with the Order's fighting prowess during the Salt War between the Kingdom of Kaldor and the Thardic League. He generously granted them estates and provided considerable funds.
675TR - During the Treasure War between Kaldor and Chybisa, the Order fought on both sides; however, the knights never personally clashed.
714TR - Larani and Peoni missionaries from Melderyn administering to the primitive Solori Barbarians in the Nuem Valley were tortured and murdered in what is believed to be an unprovoked attack.
717TR - After many skirmishes, a squadron of knights was ambushed, sparking the infamous Solora Crusade. Grandmaster Sir Enyel Trenoul's reprisals against the tribesmen became increasingly brutal, drawing much criticism from both within and outside the Order. Most critical are the Larani Pontiff and King Chunel Toron of Melderyn. The Kaldorian chapter, led by Knight Commander Sir Houla Artona, supplies minimal support to the Crusade.
725TR - Grandmaster Sir Enyel Trenou demands that the Kaldorian chapter commit to the crusade and supply reinforcements or be declared heretics.
726TR - The Kaldorian chapter refuses to join the Crusade. Nevertheless, just as the Order seems to be on the verge of winning the war of annihilation against the Solori barbarians, pressure from the Larani Pontiff and King Chunel compels the resignation of Grandmaster Sir Enyel Trenoul and ends the Crusade.
Nevertheless, the Crusade was so unpopular, and its actions considered so unchivalrous that the Kaldorian Chapter of the Order of the Lady of Paladins held a Soylana Assembly and decided to become independent. They formed a new Fighting Order, The Knights of Redemption, led by Sir Houla Artona. In the following year, the Order's sponsoring clerical Order, The Spear of Shattered Sorrow, followed suit, renaming itself the Order of Valamin, the Mouth of Virtue.
Never Forget Honor
Order of Valamin, the Mouth of Virtue
The Order of Valamin, which sponsors the Knights of Redemption, is named after Valamin, an important member of Larani's household. He takes the form of a slim, young man in snow-white robes, on the hem of which is a small bloodstain.
The holy text holds that Valamin is actually a son of the Goddess Peoni, sent to Tirithor to remind Larani of "that which might be forgotten." Legends tell that Valamin once slew a demon in defense of the Fields of Valon, hence the stain on his garment.
Were it not for Valamin, Larani might more often assume the aspect of the Terrible Lady; he calms her when she becomes wrathful.
Comments