Steel Wolves
Qualifications
To become a member of the Steel Wolves a Champion must prove themselves in battle on numerious occasions and received at least one superiour commendation for bravery. They must also previously have been granted a title, land and wealth by the Alliance council. Another very esoteric qualification is that they must belong to the blood of the wolf, the Wolf Beastkin that have run in the woods and mountains of Vilkaz from before the second age.
Requirements
The Steel Wolf shows their commitment to the Alliance by renouncing the rights, wealth and land they were given, and join the Iron Wolf as his personal guard. There are between 10 and 30 Steel Wolves alive and active at any time.
Appointment
Appointment to this rank is done by special council once a year. The Vilkaz Alliance Council determines that a soldier of storied enough career has served their country and pack well and are then brought forth to have their beast awakened (If they had not already)
Duties
The Steel Wolves are the primary special force dedicated to carrying out the will of the Iron Wolf, the highest ranking warrior in all of Vilkaz and it's Tyrant when such things are called for.
Responsibilities
When not actively at war the Steel Wolves act as a mobile special forces unit sent to handle border skirmishes, and to undertake missions into Lapis Eye Territory and The Forest of the Dead. Packs of Steel Wolves have been known to appear in an area and disappear before their position was even noticed.
Benefits
Besides the obvious awakening of their beast and the ability to shapeshift into massive hybrid soldiers, the Steel Wolves enjoy the ability to eat, drink, and lodge themselves wherever they are in the empire. Though maintainence of their gear is their responsibility it isn't uncommon for the generosity of local communities to be showered upon them, espeicially by wealthy patrons who find themselves suddenly in in posession of great weath at the appointment of one of these knights.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Steel Wolves all wear heavy platemail that is glammered to shapechange with them, as well they often carry specialized weaponry suited to the task or foe they're fighting. From Silver swords to Cold Iron Maces.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
A steel knight is never dismissed. The only way out is death, either in battle or at the claws and teeth of their pack if they commit a crime.
History
Formed in the first years of the third age the Wolf-men of Vilkaz, rumored to have been decended from humans that were suckled on the milk of wolves and once held a great empire, the Steel Wolves were at first a group of elite warriors who served only the King of Vilkaz, but after it's destruction at the hands of Faustus, the fire wolf and his pack the Country of Vilkaz came together and re-instituted the order to stand as perfect guardians of Vikaz under the tyrant Iron Wolf
Cultural Significance
Culturally the Steel Wolves are the living embodiment of the Alliance's ideals of freedom and power. They stand as shining examples of what a warrior and Vilkan should strive for. Unwaveringly honorable, fierce, brave, kind, tenacious and above all worthy.
Notable Holders
Romulus Lupus
The first holder of this title was the honorable Romulus Lupus who was the personal boyhood friend and lifelong companion to the first King of Vilkaz, Under his leadership the order grew to become a powerful millitary with a strong hierarchy. He led Vilkaz to victory across the northern part of the Path mountains, stopped only by the great Undead lords in the south. He quickly became head of the legions and stepped up as Iron Wolf when his friend and lover the King of Vilkaz was murderd by the Paragon of Fire, Faustus. During his time as Iron Wolf he saw the rise of countries, dynasties and eventually was buried with honor in a sacred grove located deep in the forest.Stefanik Iron Eyes
Stefanik Iron Eyes, also known as the lone wolf, is the only member of the Steel Wolves that never ran with a pack. He was one of the great heroes responsible for the defeat of the Paragon of Evil generations ago. He was an almost mythical warrior, and he was never pronounced dead in battle, instead he wandered east into the Green wastes when he reached the age of 100, his armor donated to the Cause, only his sword and shield and a modest set of adventuring gear taken with him.
Faustus The First Traitor, The Fire Wolf
The Fire Wolf was one of the earliest of the Iron Wolf's followers and rose as the Paragon of Fire over a thousand years ago. The Only one of the Iron wolves to turn against the Pack Faustus turned his entire unit against the Iron wolf and the Empire of Vilkaz and burned a swath across the country only to be stopped by several great heroes of that age.
Type
Civic, Military, Commissioned
Form of Address
Sir, Ser, Xer
Alternative Naming
The Fangs of Vilkaz
Equates to
The order of the Steel Wolves are the highest rankning knighthood in the land, sacrificing any claim on land or riches or title to accept the right to run in the Iron Wolf's personal pack.
Source of Authority
The Alliance Council
Length of Term
Lifetime
First Holder
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Comments