The Order of Sunshield
The Order of Sunshield was founded nearly six hundred years ago with its purpose being set early on to be a bulwark against the great evils that seemed to poor forth from the regions west of its holdings. It has during its long and storied history, accepted people from all over Variathios. Race, heritage, skill, economic standing...None of these matter in the eyes of the Order. Even those who practice what some might see as more 'taboo' arts are welcomed into its fold provided they are willing to stand against the ever growing threats to the west.
While Religion motivates some of the Order, not all are here on holy or divine quests. Some join the order for the desire to do the world a service and protect their families, kin, or fellow folk from the horrors that threaten the world....Others seek fame and glory by serving in one of the many sieges that occur on the fortress throughout the year. Others are offered the chance to join the order, to find a sense of belonging and of purpose. Those who may not be welcome elsewhere find the Order ready and willing to take them in.
Structure
The Order of Sunshield is a semi-religious militaristic Order.
At the head of the structure is the Grand Protector.
Followed by the council of Knight-Commanders
Public Agenda
Protect the good people of Varithios from the evil forces of Var'noth, Agnorak, and the Malevolent Fey.
Assets
The Order maintains a minimum of nine thousand knights, and five thousand local militia forces.
History
The Order of Sunshield was founded nearly six hundred years ago in the valley of Narfin. A small village which made its home there was under siege by an unspeakable host led by Kel'noth A Lich of great power and possessing a massive horde from the fallen kingdom of Kelivar. A band of paladins, clerics, knights from neighboring nations, and magic users gathered to try to stall or stop the imposing host. By some seemingly divine miracle the forces of Kel'noth were repelled, and it was on that summer day as the sun shone down upon the victors did this band of brothers and sisters swear to make it so the threats which were to the west of this mountains would not threaten their homes.
Over the next hundred of years or so an imposing fortress was constructed, with several long walls to bar any entrance through the otherwise impassable mountains that flanked them. The village which was saved grew and became a thriving community which was able to support the order in its endeavors.
Two hundred or so years after the defeat of Kel'noth. The Lich returned, his strength gathered and his host bolstered by the forces of hellish fiends from the nine hells. However the walls of Sunshield held firm. Being beaten back again, he would return once more a century later, to be repelled a third and final time.
His third and final defeat opened the door for the order to sally forth to the lands of their enemy. Burning, and trying to purify all they could on their way lead by the Noble Varin Devros the lich was destroyed once and for all....Varin however found himself cursed with Kel'noth final words. He told his comrades to retreat and to not return...and so they did trusting in Varin. Unknown to them however the Curse slowly corrupted Varin to simply 'replace' Kel'noth and over the next dozen years he went through the painful transformation of becoming the Lich Var'noth.
However, while this would remain the oldest threat to Sunshield. New threats rose with the fourth century of its existence. From the south a lord of the fey courts made landfall in what previously was a small unnamed marshland. Feylord Llewalyn put down his courts 'material' roots claiming the marshlands as his and began its transformation into a much more vast area of primeval like swamps. Filled with all sorts of monsterous creatures, and his devoted court members. He swore that this world had fallen, and has moved too far away from its original beautiful state and should be returned to it by any means.
Far to the south west of Sunshield the bickering tribes, clans, and warbands came under one clans rule. Clan Agnor. Rather then waging war on each other for the meager spoils and wealth that each tribe possessed. Their combined strength would be able to threaten the sedentary weak willed lords that hid behind a single fortress. All the wealth and glory could be theirs if they break through into lands that are not prepared for their fury and devotion to blood.
The last hundred years have been violent and arduous. With a new siege of Sunshield occurring every fifteen years or so. Each enacted by one of three factions which have aimed to destroy the old fortress. Nations which once were able to support or donate resources to Sunshield have slowed their aid due to political posturing and stances between nations. Recruits have become harder to find, but the knights of the order continue to send out some of their senior members to locate fresh souls to stand against the tide of darkness. At the current date, it has been ten years since the last siege, and the Order works tirelessly to rebuild and prepare for the next attack.
If not us, then who?
Founding Date
419 N.E
Type
Military, Knightly Order
Capital
Training Level
Professional
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Knights
Leader
Head of State
Government System
Timocracy
Power Structure
Semi-autonomous area
Economic System
Mixed economy
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Comments