Order
An Order is the military force beneath each Laird of Éirigh, and acts as his eyes, ears, and limbs throughout his lands. They provide protection for his borders, security for his family and castle, and reinforcement for his commands. As importantly, they are the peacekeepers and heads of law in their region. Though often not born Noble, a Knight in service to the Laird is respected as if they were the Laird himself in all matters.
As the arms and legs of their Laird, an Order is also responsible for executing any punishment the Laird orders on an individual or settlement, making them perhaps the most feared military body in the entire kingdom.
As the arms and legs of their Laird, an Order is also responsible for executing any punishment the Laird orders on an individual or settlement, making them perhaps the most feared military body in the entire kingdom.
Composition
Manpower
Weaponry
Vehicles
Structure
Every Order is owned by a Laird to whom they must pledge their life and allegiance. Each Knight in an Order is required to be wiling to sacrifice anything in protection and support of their Laird, including morals, family, and even their own life. At the head of each Order is the Laird's Seneschal. The Seneschal acts as the military head of each Laird's lands, and is responsible for keeping the Order trained and prepared, and for putting the knights to work where they are most needed.
Training
Maintenance training schedules are set by the Seneschal, and can only be altered by the Laird they serve. In peacetime, it is common for the Knights of an order to manage their own maintenance training. In preparation for war or risky situations, you are likely to see an Order running drills and training multiple times a day. During wartime, a Knight is expected to be prepared for battle at any moment, waking or sleeping.
Logistics
Logistical Support
The Seneschal of an Order is responsible for working with the Head Ostler, Marshal and Clerk of their Laird's household to ensure that they have horses and provisions for any actions the Order is taking. All funds, horses, provisions, and other support they need comes directly from the Laird they serve, and it is rare that any request is denied to a member of any Order.
Recruitment
A Noble or Tenant can be made a Knight at their Laird's discretion, which typically occurs after an act of bravery is performed. In these cases, the new member is often lacking in skills, and the Laird's Seneschal is expected to train them before putting them to work.
More commonly, a Knight of the Order may take an apprentice, either their child or a young person they feel has what it takes, and train them privately (much like a Squire for The Royal Guard. When they feel their apprentice is ready, they will petition their Laird on the apprentice's behalf. If their petition is accepted, the apprentice must prove their skills in tests and spars set up by the Seneschal. If they prove their mettle and are willing to take the pledge laid out by the Laird, they are accepted into the Order.
Though less common, a Knight without a Laird will often travel the lands, petitioning Lairds or their Seneschals for a place in their Order. If their petition is accepted, they must prove their skill following the same path as an apprentice.
More commonly, a Knight of the Order may take an apprentice, either their child or a young person they feel has what it takes, and train them privately (much like a Squire for The Royal Guard. When they feel their apprentice is ready, they will petition their Laird on the apprentice's behalf. If their petition is accepted, the apprentice must prove their skills in tests and spars set up by the Seneschal. If they prove their mettle and are willing to take the pledge laid out by the Laird, they are accepted into the Order.
Though less common, a Knight without a Laird will often travel the lands, petitioning Lairds or their Seneschals for a place in their Order. If their petition is accepted, they must prove their skill following the same path as an apprentice.
History
Quick Facts
Type
Cavalry
Overall training Level
Professional
Assumed Veterancy
Decorated/Honored
Ranks & Titles
Comments