The Judicial Order of Aldwin

Structure

The Order is run like a military structure, with sergeants and lieutenants at the low end of the hierarchy, and captains and commanders at the higher end. But ultimately, wherever a branch is located, they all answer to the highest authority, the arch paladin.

Culture

The Order is one of strict moral conduct, for if a man can't uphold the law in his personal life, how can he uphold the law in others?

Public Agenda

Law and order, and the very idea of good triumphing over evil is what motivates a warden. As such The Order serves as more than a religious order, they are the marshals of Torland's crown, dealing out swift punishment, whether as judge, jury, or executioner.

Assets

The Order--or what is considered the main branch--is based and funded by Torland's king, though they govern themselves, and even have their own citadel outside the capital city, which holds atleast a thousand soldiers, and countless more knights in training. Other branches have varying degrees of support, with the Wardens of Verte-Paysage functioning more like a private militia than a structure institution. Regardless, all branches serve under a cardinal that answers directly to the arch paladin, and receive resources upon his blessing.

History

The order was founded in 1646 as a private institution, during the Age of Unrest, when Torland was at it's weakest. With the citizens revolting, the city watch dying by the dozens, and even the military going on strike, the group formed under the leadership of former military commander Johnathan Wilks. Having established order through fear and violence, King Anthony Von Alterbury put the order in charge of peace-keeping, allowing this institution to deal justice as they fit with whatever funding they needed, and even established them as the judiciary of Torland. Wardens were even sent to the colonies to establish order, though only one colony--Aristad--was kept under Torland's thumb. Verte-Paysage is a unique case, for though they couldn't keep the two island continents under Torland's rule, the Verte-Paysage branch is still active in the area-- receiving regular support from the head branch--and yet they are effectively their own group.

Mythology & Lore

The Wardens believe Aldwin to be the ultimate purveyor of laws, and as an embodiment of righteousness, he alone can judge the unrighteous that dwell in Nosirend, and could chose those worthy of dealing punishment on the unjust. As is written in The Book of Just Precepts: "There will come a great torment, when the kings will fear their subjects, and the old ways will die. And in that upheaval, my holy avengers will rise, and shall reign damnation upon the rebels of depravity." These words rang in John Wilks ears as Torland fell apart around him, and thus he saw that now was the time for those holy avengers.

Cosmological Views

In all religions devoted to the high twelve, the idea of Nosirend in a constant struggle between good and evil is depicted differently, but one common representation pops up, that Nosirend rests on the cog of some great clock. The Judicial order believes the cog is turning counter-clockwise--which represents evil--and that Nosirend is inherently an evil place, thus men must be ever vigilante against the agents of deprevity.

Tenets of Faith

To uphold the law--both in your own heart and in the world--to be unwavering in dealing justice, and unmerciful to those who do evil.

Ethics

The law must be upheld no matter once, and showing any weakness in dealing justice is considered a sin.

Priesthood

Technically each warden prays and acts on Aldwin's will in their own way, but still a church service is held--usually before a Warden convicts or executes his newest  charge--for Aldwin to help a Warden's verdict be true, and is held either by the cardinal, or the captain of the company.

Granted Divine Powers

Warden's are branded with a mage sigil, one that attunes them to the holy power of Aldwin, giving them the ability to discern a man's moral standing--though not his thoughts or intentions behind his actions--and their holy energy can even harm demons and impure spirits. But like most magic, this energy brings mutations, such as glowing eyes, or the magic bearer being shrouded in a corona of white light at all times.

In a dark world that knows no light, wield your blade as a beacon of truth.

Founding Date

1646

Type

Religious, Holy Order

Alternative Names

The Wardens of Aldwin

Successor Organization

• The Free Marshals of Verte-Paysage

Demonym

Warden

Leader Title

Arch Paladin

Deities

• Aldwin

Divines

• Aldwin

Location

Torland

Manufactured Items

• The Blessed Whip of Gibelina Bachmann

Notable Members

• Aldwin