Pendorian Chronicles

Knighthood Orders: a History

[Admins' note: for the source, check the previous post.]

History of the Pendorian Knighthood orders as researched and scribed by
Hubris deAelswid of Sarleon, Scholar of the third order and keeper of the Seal of Sarleon

The founding of Pendor was accomplished by a figure of legendary renown: Cavalas of Valonbray, the son of a renowned knight who, depending on which historian you reference, either 8th or 12th in line to the throne of Valonbray. Regardless, through exploit and adventure Cavalas brought together the various noble lords and founded the Kindom of Pendor and established the Silver Throne in Sarleon.

It is generally regarded as fact that King Cavalas, in his adventuring days formed the Order of the Griffon, which is considered the first Kighthood order of the Pendorian Kindgom.

Soon after his coronation, Cavalas drafted the Validus Charta, and it was signed by the various noble lords of the realm and through this document established the binding charter and legal grounds for the existence of a body of knights to form an organized order that had recognized coat of arms. It is generally argued that this was a condition by some Lords to support King Cavalas in the establishment of Pendor. This claim cannot be verified as no documents are known to exist that substantiate this theory.

Regardless, within several years a plethora of knighthood orders sprung up in Sarleon and other cities and castles. Few of course lasted more than the lifetime of the founder, and this document shall confine it’s scope only to those orders that have survived in some form, to this day, the 12th of April, 354, with one notable exception: that of the Order of the Griffon.

[Moderators' note: Pendor is a continent of the size of France, surrounded by the sea on three sides. It is, however, only one of the several known kingdoms of the world. To its West, beyond the sea, there is mighty Barclay. To the South, Amala. To the East, the Snake Cult Dominium. Midway through the sea there are the kingdoms of Mettenheim and Veccavia.

It is true that Pendor may be undeveloped and rather backwater in comparison to the other kingdoms. However, the knighthood orders are what makes Pendorian region special. They were the main reason why Pendor managed to survive so many invasions from stronger foreign power, and they are also the reason why they many are still wary of trying it again.]

A more detailed history of the previous 120 years. Events in bold serve as chronological markers or sorts.

Year 374 AF (After Founding) - Year of Unification
380 AF -Siege of Javiksholm, Aelfwine Affair
382 AF -Noble Wars begin
383 AF - Battle of the Raven. Poinsbruk and surrounding villages destroyed by unknown means. Silvermist Rangers and Dragons blamed by some.
384 AF -Battle of the Steppe, Clarion Call enforces independence from Silvermists. Silvermists outlawed. Remnants divide into two factions and flee into Elacrai or Larian Woods.
385 AF: Charter of Marleons: Restricts Knighthood Orders, seizes much property. Orders are evicted from most cities. King signs Charter. Order of the Lion secretly reformed by many signatories to guarantee Charter.
397 AF -First Expedition to the Mystmountains begins
399 AF – Prince Valdemar Adalhard’s expedition to Amala.
402 – 420 AF: Amalan wars.
410 - 415 AF: The Exodus: great migration of Barclay, Nosheru and Santaran citizens fleeing from the war.
Year 417 AF - King Mordred the Great (Mordred I) dies
Year 424 AF - Great Purge begins: Several Knights of the Dawn arrest, and burn, the Grandmaster for heresy, with backing of Venerable Judicator. Venerable Judicator takes control of the Order. Hardline Traditionalists and Rolandians alike are burned or otherwise disposed of.
Year 427 AF -Bearslayer the Mighty launches Mystmountain Invasion
Year 432 AF -Bearslayer killed by Mastifus IV, Duke of Ravenstern.
Year 444 AF: Radiant Cross returns to Pendor.
Year 447 AF -Ravenstern Revolt
Year 450 AF - Mastifus IV slain in single combat, Revolt ends
Year 459 AF - D’shar Great War: Expansion of a blood feud between rulers of Tor Bah and Ishkoman. Mercenaries and foreigners pour into D’shar lands. Eventide intervenes numerous times, on varying sides. Griffon detachment slaughtered to the last man. Royal Army fails to restore peace after three years and recalled. Torbah's population declines dramatically.
Year 463 AF- Black Crusade called: Majority of Eventide Knights sail to Amala to combat the Snake Cult.
Year 471 AF -Time of Troubles: Lord of Valonbray intervenes to seize Nal Tar, dies without heir. Brencis the Bold arrives from Amala with Jatu horde and declares New Empire ‘from Ravenstern to Cez’
Venerable Judicator declared Prince-Bishop of Valonbray
Year 473 AF - Siege of Ethos: King Gundar Thunderfeller slays Brencis the Bold, dies of his wounds. Mordred the Mad, brother of Gundar and Grandmaster of the Griffons, succeeds. Majority of Shadow Legion exiled for ten years.
Clarion Call moves into Janos to protect against new Jatu.
Year 474 AF - Mordred the Mad celebrates centenary with mass executions.
Night of the Lions: Lions appear in Sarleon, Griffons leave palace in force. Mordred the Mad stabbed by Lord Admiral Brennus ‘Lionknight’. King reportedly dressed in sheep costume. Mordred III inherits the throne.
Year 479 AF - Peace of Sarleon: Mordred III legitimizes Lions, restores feudalism after Griffon slays Lion-Knight Duke of Avendor. Ends war between Lions and Griffons.
Year 483 AF - Shadow Legion exile ends.
Year 485 AF -Decimus Dux overthrown, republic declared in Ethos
Year 497 AF- Dawn Knights arrive from Amala. Red Dawn and New Dawn both forcibly integrated into Order of the Dawn by the Venerable Judicator.
Year 499 AF -Present day

The Aftermath of the Unification 374 AF - 402 AF

Pendor's division into the petty Kingdoms of Ravenstern, Sarleon, the Empire, the D'shar Principalities and the Fierdsvain was put to an end by King Mordred, who, after years of struggle, fufilled the prophecy of Madigan. The King had many companions in this task, Sir Roland, Boadice, Sir Darlion of Pendor among others. Sir Darlion of Pendor was offered the crown by the new conqueror, but declined. He instead took up the task of leading the Order of the Griffon, among other high honors within the Kingdom.

In the aftermath of the Unification, an invasion force was sent to Veccavia to install Boadice on the throne. This resulted in an alliance between the two states. At the same time as the invasion force set sail, Madame Ursula proclaimed herself Queen with the aid of the Order of the Falcons. In their first major assignment after the Unification, the knighthood orders were divided into three groups. While the Legion-Silvermist-Eventide coalition held off the massive invasion force at Stormcliff Cove, the Royal Pendor army, led by the Griffons, besieged Ravenstern and put down the Ursula, the traitor. Across the sea, the Dawn and the Ebony Gauntlet stormed the Veccavi capital and placed queen Boadice on the throne.

The Knightly Orders grew powerful and filled the void left behind by the deaths of so many nobles during the wars. This was the period of expansion made possible by the Manifest Destiny decree. The Order of the Silvermist Rangers, enriched by taking possession of the largest gold mine in Pendor, attempted to colonize the pacified Jatu Steppe. The colonies were harsh, and even with the generous benefactors in the Rangers, few could survive. The colonists took up nomadic lifestyles and herded great flocks along the Steppe. The power of the Orders soon grew to be too much, however.

The Order of the Dawn, in the midst of a civil war, besieged the city of Javiksholm and killed Earl Aedin Redsword. Shortly afterwards, the King called the Orders together to redraw the administrative borders of his Kingdom, though without the King's personal presence. The records of the meeting were leaked, including a discussion about overthrowing Duke Aelfwine of Marleons. Thus the Aelfwine Affair occurred, and Marleons became the first city to ban the Orders and seize their property. Heightened tensions led to the events known as the Noble Wars. The greater and lesser nobles of Pendor called their banners and marched against the Silvermist Rangers and their allies.

Several of the orders sided with the Lords of Pendor against the Rangers, and were spared immediate destruction. The Nobility could not trust the Orders to be so powerful, however. The Noble Wars officially ended with the Charter of Marleons. The Orders were stripped of many of their estates and economic assets. They were subjected to new laws forbidding them to raise such large standing armies, and many were forced out of their traditional cities.

Barclay

Just as the Kingdom of Pendor has begun to build an empire, the Kingdom of Barclay has begun to consolidate. Traditionally, the great ducal families of Barclay have ruled the empire. The King kept the peace, and was first among equals. Calls for a preventative war with Pendor were met with internal tensions. Ultimately, Barclay failed to confront Mordred the Great and his heirs.

The full extent of the empire is unknown to most. Maps are always incomplete, and important documents tightly controlled. Each ducal family traditionally guarded their information more than their family jewels. It is rumored that the impenetrable vault beneath the Royal Palace houses the ever-expanding map of the world, but only the King and his ministers ever enter.

Much as Mordred the Great washed away the five kingdoms of Pendor, King Ferdinand XIII put an end to the powers of the great houses. Along with his right hand man, Alfredo Ole the Red Count, King Ferdinand gradually stripped the noble dynasties of their influence. The transition was not bloodless, and the Red Count proved his merit by besting the greatest conquistadores of Barclay, both on land and sea, with sword and soldiers.

The military forces of the Kingdom have been consolidated, only the King controls the armies and the grand armadas of Barclay. The highest offices no long belong to the ancient families such as the Tenorio clan, but to loyal men and women of merit. While noble sons once proved their worth through conquest and over-seas civil wars, they have been left only with personal combat. The dueling schools of Barclay are famous across even Pendorian Amala for their expertise and success. The greatest Barclay duelists are rewarded with a personal audience with their most famous champion, Alfredo Ole himself.

When King Ferdinand XIII died several years ago, the whole empire held its breath. Some speculated that the Red Count would seize the Crown for himself, while the rest assumed his position of power would come to an end. Instead, Alfredo Ole performed the coronation ceremony himself, and the Crown Prince succeeded his father as Ferdinand XIV. Tension still fills the air of Barclay, however. The Red Count is now nearing his sixtieth year, and no longer bests the rising stars of the tournaments. Ferdinand XIV remains untested as a ruler as the Red Count keeps the Kingdom in line.


A bit about Barclay (from a Pendorian scholar's point of view)

"Most accounts depict Barclay as a land more powerful, more technologically advanced, and more complex than Pendor. It is common knowledge that King Ferdinand rules the mainland directly, while his trusted lords manage his many overseas colonies (the exact number of which is not available to us, unfortunately, but some are reported to be more vast than Pendor itself). Despite the many self-appointed emperors who have appeared in the last centuries, it is said that Barclay is the first nation that may be correctly considered an Empire, perhaps even more than old Bacchus.

For the enlightened people it is no surprise that the Barclay style of swordsmanship is so popular among Barclayan youth. Barclay has a dueling culture that pervades all sectors of its society. In Barclay one's honor and perceived power is directly proportional to one's skill in a duel, much more than wealth or political influence. Personal skill with a blade is held in highest esteem, something that shows in all aspects of Baclay life, from tribunals (the defendant may choose to prove his innocence by dueling against a State-sponsored champion) to the streets (on a monthly holiday, the youth roams the street of the main cities, challenging anyone they find to a "friendly" fight).

Closely related to that dueling culture is the development of Barclay steel. With this forging technique they are able to create thinner and stronger blades, which also retain their sharpness for a longer time. Their armors are lighter as well. This technology has allowed swordsmasters to develop their fighting style even further, without having to use heavy longswords that ruined their techniques. Since Barclay smiths work only on royal forges - under supervision of loyal guards -, and since the no Barclayan sees the need for crafting anything that is not of use to them, the items made with Barclay steel are limited to swords, spears, helmets and half-plates - anything else, like axes or halberds, being made only as gifts, or for museums. "Finding a Barclayan lord with an axe is as rare as finding a Pendorian lord with a book" - so goes a popular joke in the capitol."

[This one by Saeros (the one to blame for the errors)]

Technological changes during the past century

There have abeen many technological advances in Pendor and it feels a bit like the European renaissance. Agriculture has improved exponentially, both in regard to techniques as in new vegetables discovered by Barclay in their overseas colonies - all this allowing cities to support a bigger population. Architecture is also much better, so religious temples are now biggen than ever. Steel and forging techniques have also improved many ways. There are obviously centers for all that stuff. Barclay is the ultimate naval power, Mettenheim remains the masters of metal and engineering; the Empire province, with its vast fields, fertile lands and temperate climate is great for agriculture, and Ravenstern a pre-industrialist province, with many mills and workshops.

Heavy armour is definitely prominent throughout Pendor. PoP was based at the end of the the 100 Years War tech where massively armoured Knights reigned supreme, and even the average footsoldier could expect some metal protection. Military technology has not progressed much beyond that though, most of the improvements were to much behind civics like waterpower, windpower (early industry), improved agriculture and shipping.

Barclay have adopted and are great with Tercio's (Pike and Shot formation, but the "shot" part being Crossbows) and Mettenheim continues to harness their metallurgy to new levels. Of the three main powers, Mettenheim is most likely to stumble on gunpowder though they have not yet done so (but it is entirely feasible that it would appear during the AKD timeframe).


What to expect in terms of military doctrine? Do the overall military organization gives more preference to tribal tactics, to individualistic behavior, or to organized ranks and formations?

More organised certainly, though the doctrine is now mostly that of Sarleon. A heavily armoured, mounted core which smashes through the enemy, supported by medium infantry and archers. If anything the armour of Pendor has gotten heavier (though not to Mettenheim standards), and more protective.

It is only really Barclay that has evolved its doctrine, they hold the battlefield in place with Tercios, and lash at any enemy weaknesses that emerge with lancers and agile swordsmen.

Forces in Snake Cult territory continued to follow a similar template to that of Pendor, though their armoured horses are more numerous and less a sledge hammer than an unstoppable wave. Their auxiliary troops are quite weak however.

Mettenheim have adopted a more defensive strategy using ultra heavy crossbow supported by early artillery and covered by heavily armoured, shielded infantry known as Besiegers. They still maintain the Greatsword cadre however, but they are only unleashed once the enemy has closed enough distance and generally to deliver the final killing blow. They continue to scorn horsemen of any kind.

Santara have contributed to the Mettenheim crossbow mastery, being the best crossbowmen in the world and having the best mechanised crossbow tech (ballistas and mangonels being very realistic evolutions of the Arbalest). There are rumors of repeating crossbows being used on some instances, but nothing is confirmed.

Leadership culture
Barclay and Mettenheim commanders have realised the importance of strategy, and they tend to adopt an area with good visibility and will lead from the rear, adjusting formations as needed. Barclay communicate with mounted messengers, while Mettenheim prefer trumpets, drums and signal flags. Amallan and Pendor commanders still prefer battle in the high-octane, and will join their shock troops in the jubilant mass charge.

Veccavi society follows a simple caste division: all women are free and considered full citizens of the nation, while all men are naturally inferior in strength, intellect and potential, thus being automatically declared slaves when born. Veccavi scholars had very good arguments for such a system, but the underlying philosophy was lost and no one really cared to revive it. Ravenspear research suggests that the ancient civilization on which Veccavia has being built was based on a much more complex caste system, which at some point became extremely violent against women, leading to a widespread rebellion of the women warriors and subsequent inversion of values.

Veccavia is ruled by a Queen, who usually only ratifies the decrees discussed among a loyal council. Legally, there are no marriages. Men are essentially slaves who serve the purpose of fighting, breeding, and doing heavy tasks, but nothing else. Veccavi nobles, wishing to birth stronger daughters, often make deals with warriors of Mettenheim - their neighbouring island -, agreeing that any daughter born of the relation will stay in Veccavia and receive the best education, and any son will be returned to Mettenheim without harm. Deals of this kind are so common that they have an official name and are encouraged by the queen: "convenience encounter".

Veccavia is by far the most supremacist nation around. Being an island with small population, small army and unorthodox society for the rest of the world's standards, Veccavi society is obssessed with breeding, training and education programs. Sending a daughter to study in Veccavia is a dream of many Fierdsvain nobles. Disabled or otherwise weak girls are executed unceremoniously after birth, and diseases that lead to debilitating or permanent damage are fought against vigorously by the physician elite. In fact, they have even discovered a way to prevent some diseases before one is ever afflicted. If any discoveries in genetics are ever made in the region, it will happen firstly in Veccavia. As a side note, the Queen's family is the only one in which no birth defect or execution due to imperfection has been ever registered.

Regular Veccavi warriors enlist for a 3-year round in the army, followed by 12 months leave for compulsory pregnancy. After the initial 3 months, the child is sent to the education grounds and the mother is free to return to the royal army. Despite having a somewhat communitary concept of parenthood, all children are tracked and have their parents registered, in order to allow study of superior breeding couples.

Just as Mettenheim has the Forlorn Hope, Veccavia has the Queensguard (in fact, both cultures share some similarities). Older Veccavi knights, no longer able to bear children and thus to contribute to the betterment of the society, are allowed to enlist in the royal army for permanent service. The continuous training and absence of the maternity leave makes them exceptional fighters. Most of the royal archers are the warriors still in their fertile age, which is why they are assigned as ranged troops, thus staying far from direct harm.

Veccavian spy network is composed mainly of prostitutes liberated in raids and invasions. Many of the prostitutes in Pendor, Barclay and Amala are actually members of Black Rose Sisterhood, an order of convicted Veccavi or liberated foreign prostitutes, who pass on to the queen all secrets heard during their work hours. So deep is Veccavi indoctrination that even convicted citizens sent to Pendor refuse to escape and become refugees.

Veccavia is also the only nation to use the Lunar calendar and base their months on cycles of 28 days.

Amala

The story of the conquest of Amala is legend to we children Pendorians. The Snake Cult was driven from the land and order restored to the ashes of the old Baccus Empire. While only a fraction of the land fell under the banner of Pendor directly, all lords of Amala were in awe of the power our glorious Prince had created. The rise of the man known to us as Brencis the Bold changed the landscape of Amala nearly as much as our own Prince of Pendor did, however.

While the details of Brencis the man are best left to his biographers, it is known that he came from the lands once known as the Ashenborn Empire. The Empire existed as a protectorate of Pendor until Brencis murdered the tribute envoys. Our vassals, tributaries, and protectorates quickly fell to his army of Jatu and his Baccus Legionnaires. The only power to withstand his onslaught in the Amalan homeland was Mettenheim's possessions in the former Grand Duchy of Santara. Had Brencis chosen to remain in Amala, he no doubt would have succeeded against them.

As fortune would have it, Brencis chose to invade Pendor rather than to consolidate his holdings in Amala. The history of his ill-fated adventure has been recorded elsewhere. In the aftermath Pendor was left wounded and with a fallen king, but Amala was left in utter chaos. A great many of our protectorates attempted to remain independent, and some have succeeded. The Melitine Empire, always a precarious yet peaceful neighbor, chose to take new lands. The once-called Ashenborn Empire agreed to return as a protectorate of Pendor, but this too has been contentious.

The Radiant Cross lost ground to the resurgent Snake Cult for the first time in memory, and called their Third Crusade in response. This knightly Order was one of the few smaller powers to resist Brencis, although he largely left them to their own devices anyway. The Order now holds several fiefdoms in its own name, and is one of the minor powers of Amala. The Order of the Eventide also claimed new lands, although they are far less open to the honest traders of Pendor and Amala than the Radiant Cross.

Mettenheim still rules Santara, and perhaps is the reason that Barclay has not mounted an serious attempts to claim land. They may be the wealthiest power in Amala, yet are content to accept the leadership of Pendor in all affairs of the old Baccus Empire.

Most recently the Crown Prince has taken up residence as the Regent of Amala, and made great effort to restore order to the continent. To a large extent he has succeeded, though the wounds left by Brencis will take many more decades to heal.

((Semi-PoV... I originally wrote it as a specific character, but editing occurred!)