Order of the Shroud

"In life duty, in death peace"

Whilst the Cult of Morr has few, if any, official templars, they do have the Black Guard. Also known as the Order of the Shroud or more simply the Knights of Morr, these universally dour and serious warriors have an even more serious responsibility: to guard both the living and the dead from the endless malice of the Undead and those who would raise them.
For the most part, they are a defensive order, protecting the great temples and graveyards of the order and the dignitaries of the cult, only riding to war in exceptional circumstances. Unlike most knights, they are also trained in the use of ranged weapons to prevent their enemies from bringing their strength to bear in close quarters. This, along with their foreboding black obsidian armor and their strict vow of silence when on duty, means they are shunned by most other knightly orders, but such is the price of duty.

History

The Black Guard of Morr inspires feelings of fear and dread in both friends and foes alike. The combination of their all-enclosing black, obsidian plate armour and their vow of silence makes their presence unsettling, and many whisper that they are really Undead spirits bound into the service of the Cult of Morr by its priests.
The Black Guard are instantly recognisable, for they wear heavy suits of black obsidian plate mail, ornately carved with raven imagery and padded to allow the knight to move with eerie silence. The armour totally hides any sign of the living knight encased within; this is partly theatrical, the better to maintain the knights’ otherworldly aura of fear, but is also practical, as even the most minor of touches can allow some creatures of the night to drain their preys’ souls from their bodies.
Members of the Black Guard take vows of silence when initiated into the order, and are not permitted to speak or to utter a sound when on duty. This further adds to the air of menace that surrounds them. The Black Guard are permitted to speak at specific times, such as to call out warnings or orders in battle, although there are some within the order who maintain their vow of silence at all times outside of prayer.

Tenets of Faith

Black Guards observe all the regular strictures of Morr. In addition, they observe the following vows.

• Vow of Stoicism: The service of Morr is to be taken seriously. Black Guards may not laugh or make jokes, whether on duty or not. 

• Vow of Silence: Black Guards may not participate in conversations while on duty. If asked questions by superiors of the Order, Black Guards may answer, but only with the minimal number of words. The vow of silence does not apply to combat situations, when Black Guards communicate in Battle Tongue.
• Vow of Sacrifice: When faced with undead attackers, Black Guards must defend Morr’s temples to the last drop of blood. Against living opponents, or when facing the undead on neutral ground, Black Guards are permitted to conduct a strategic retreat if the situation warrants.

"Fear Not Death"

Type

Military, Knightly Order

Alternative Names

Kights of Morr, Order of the Black Rose, The Black Guard

Training Level

Elite

Veterancy Level

Veteran

Parent Organization

Cult of Morr

Notable Members

• Morr