Knighthood in the Divine Empire

The Order of the Peacock

Patron Virtue: Excellence through Achievement, Alignment: Any Non-Evil, Headquarters: Divine Kaegoria, Grand Master: Lord Marshal Cassian Valmont

Motto: "Let Greatness Be Seen."

The Order of the Peacock is one of the oldest secular knightly orders of the Divine Empire. Founded during the reign of Emperor Kaegor III, it was created to recognise those individuals whose courage, skill, and achievements brought lasting honour to the Empire. Unlike many religious orders, the Peacock is devoted not to a single deity but to the pursuit of personal excellence in service to civilisation. Membership has always been open to those of any non-evil alignment, for the Order has never sought moral perfection so much as exceptional ability. Heroic commanders, renowned duelists, explorers, diplomats, scholars, artists, statesmen, and even wealthy merchants have all worn the iridescent feathers of the Peacock.

Its members believe that greatness deserves recognition.

Every Peacock Knight strives to leave a lasting mark upon history. Some pursue glory upon the battlefield. Others seek distinction through diplomacy, exploration, scholarship, or service at court. Many dedicate themselves to mastering a particular art, craft, or profession, believing that excellence in any endeavour ultimately strengthens the Empire. Whilst other Orders teach humility, the Peacock teaches confidence. Its members are encouraged to stand proudly amongst their peers and to inspire others through visible achievement.

During its earliest centuries the Order produced some of the Empire's greatest heroes. Many gave their lives defending the Empire, whilst others became celebrated generals, dragon-slayers, explorers, and statesmen. Over time, however, success brought prestige, and prestige attracted ambition. Today the Order enjoys a more mixed reputation. Its members remain amongst the Empire's most accomplished individuals, yet critics argue that public acclaim has gradually become as important as public service. Fine armour, magnificent horses, lavish feasts, celebrated tournaments, and impressive titles often receive almost as much attention as genuine accomplishment.

Whether this represents decline or simply the natural reward of excellence remains a matter of spirited debate.

Peacock Knights believe that appearance reflects discipline and accomplishment. Their armour is often richly engraved, their cloaks finely embroidered, and their mounts amongst the finest in the Empire. Such splendour is not regarded as vanity but as a visible celebration of achievement and a tribute to the craftsmen whose skills make such works possible. When two Peacock Knights meet, conversation frequently turns into friendly rivalry as each attempts to surpass the other through wit, learning, horsemanship, martial skill, or tales of past exploits. Most would consider such competition healthy. Others find it exhausting.

Although some members have undoubtedly become vain, ambitious, or excessively concerned with reputation, the Order continues to produce remarkable servants of the Empire. Many of its knights are genuinely courageous, generous, and devoted to the common good, whilst others pursue fame with almost theatrical enthusiasm. The Order does not judge why greatness is sought. Only that it is achieved.

In the words of the Order: "Greatness hidden is greatness wasted."

The Order of Saint Aurian

Patron Deity: Pelor (primarily), with members from several Concordat faiths, Alignment: Neutral Good, Headquarters: The Great Hospice of Saint Aurian, Divine Kaegoria, Grand Master: Grand Healer Brother Mathias Corven

Motto: "Mercy is the Highest Courage."

The Order of Saint Aurian is among the most respected and beloved institutions within the Divine Empire. Founded shortly after the coronation of Emperor Innocence, it is dedicated to preserving life wherever suffering is found. Its brothers and sisters accompany armies to the battlefield, administer hospitals and hospices, care for plague victims, shelter refugees, and minister to the sick regardless of wealth, birth, race, or allegiance. Unlike many knightly orders, the Order measures its victories not by lands conquered or enemies slain, but by lives saved.

The Order combines the traditions of a military brotherhood, a charitable foundation, and a religious community. Most members are not knights. Physicians, surgeons, herbalists, nurses, apothecaries, chaplains, scholars, and administrators far outnumber those who bear arms. Together they maintain hospitals, orphanages, hospices, plague houses, and houses of refuge throughout the Empire. The Order is largely funded through Imperial patronage, charitable donations, noble benefactors, and generous endowments from houses such as Chapray and Lascard, both long associated with its charitable works.

The Knights of Saint Aurian

The military arm of the Order consists of the Knights of Saint Aurian. These warrior-monks escort medical caravans, defend hospitals, protect refugee columns, and safeguard pilgrims travelling dangerous roads. They are formidable warriors, but unlike many knightly orders they are trained to use force only when every other option has failed. Each Knight is expected to possess at least a working knowledge of battlefield medicine and to place the protection of the helpless before personal glory.

Within the Empire they are instantly recognised by their white cloaks bearing the Golden Sun of Pelor above a silver lantern, symbolising hope shining amidst suffering.

Every hospice maintained by the Order contains an Eternal Lamp, whose flame is never permitted to die. The Lamp symbolises Pelor's light enduring even in humanity's darkest hours. It has become an ancient custom throughout the Empire that wounded soldiers, regardless of allegiance, may claim sanctuary beneath its light. Whilst not every army has honoured this tradition, those who violate the sanctuary of an Eternal Lamp are almost universally condemned throughout the Divine Empire.

The Order's hospices are amongst the finest medical institutions in Warlderia. Here the sick receive treatment regardless of birth or wealth, whilst surgeons study anatomy, herbalists cultivate rare medicines, and scribes preserve generations of accumulated medical knowledge. During times of war these peaceful institutions transform into vast military hospitals capable of treating thousands of wounded soldiers. Many veterans owe their lives to the skill of Saint Aurian's brothers and sisters.

Throughout the Empire the Order enjoys almost universal respect. Soldiers know that where the white banners of Saint Aurian appear, skilled healers are close behind. Common folk regard the brothers and sisters as symbols of compassion, whilst even the proudest noble houses rarely refuse their requests for aid.

Amongst the Legions there is an old saying:  "If you see Aurian's Lamp, you may yet see another dawn."

The Knights of the Rose

Patron Virtue: Honour through Chivalry, Alignment: Any Non-Evil, Headquarters: Rose Hall, Aria, Knight Audacious: Sir Alwyn Harren 

Motto: "Courtesy is the First Victory."

The Knights of the Rose are amongst the most prestigious secular knightly orders of the Divine Empire. Founded over fifty years ago by Earl Arnes Salkuras of Aelfshaw, the Order reflects the character of its founder and the unique culture of the Earldom itself. Unlike many knightly brotherhoods, the Knights of the Rose were never intended to be merely an elite military institution. Earl Arnes believed that the finest knight should be a warrior, diplomat, scholar, musician, and gentleman or lady in equal measure. True nobility, he taught, was measured not by birth or wealth but by honour, courtesy, wisdom, and service. For decades the Order became the very symbol of Aelfshaw, admired throughout the Empire for producing knights of exceptional refinement, courage, and learning.

The Knights of the Rose believe that civilisation is defended as much by character as by the sword. Every member is expected to cultivate courtesy, generosity, diplomacy, learning, compassion, and martial excellence. Music, poetry, history, etiquette, and horsemanship are regarded as worthy accomplishments for any knight, whilst tournaments are viewed not merely as contests of skill but as celebrations of honourable competition. Its members strive to become examples worthy of imitation, believing that one honourable knight may accomplish more through wisdom than an army through force.

Amongst the Order it is often said: "A drawn sword wins a battle. A courteous word may prevent one."

The Order welcomes candidates of any non-evil alignment, regardless of race, or birth. Noble lineage is respected but never required. Character has always been valued above ancestry, and many celebrated members began life as common soldiers, craftsmen, or merchants before earning their place through courage, refinement, and exemplary conduct. Most applicants require sponsorship from an existing Knight of the Rose or a noble patron. Exceptional individuals, however, may still earn admission through victory at the renowned Tournament of Roses, where the champion is invested as a Bouquet Knight and receives arms, armour, a trained warhorse, and the Silver Rose clasp that marks membership of the Order.

For more than thirty years Sir Jocund of Joyvess was regarded as the greatest living Knight of the Rose. Born of humble origins, his courage, charm, musical talent, and unwavering devotion to Earl Arnes Salkuras won him universal admiration. Rising to become the Rose Laureate, commander of the Order, he served as the Earl's closest companion and confidant. So complete was Earl Arnes' trust that he named Sir Jocund his chosen successor despite possessing no blood claim to the Earldom.When Earl Arnes died, much of Aelfshaw's nobility rejected Jocund's succession. Faced with losing everything, Sir Jocund made the decision that forever changed both the Order and the Earldom.

Invoking the forbidden Beckoning of Mav Id'Erian, he summoned armies from the mysterious Other Place to enforce his claim. Elves and Dwarves answered the ancient call, and what had begun as a dispute over succession erupted into one of the bloodiest civil wars in Aelfshaw's history. Whatever his intentions may once have been, Sir Jocund ultimately placed his personal ambition above the freedom of the province he claimed to love. Many believe that had he triumphed, Aelfshaw would have become little more than a client realm of the Elven courts. Peace was eventually restored only through diplomacy, compromise, and the intervention of neighbouring powers. The Elves withdrew into the Other Place. Sir Jocund departed with them. Whether he left willingly, was taken to fulfil ancient bargains, or yet lives somewhere beyond the mortal world remains unknown. Today his name has been removed from the Order's Roll of Honour. His story is taught not as one of villainy, but as a warning that even the greatest knight may fall when loyalty gives way to pride.

If Sir Jocund's fall marked the Order's greatest political failure, the The Scandal of Tourney Meadows remains its greatest moral disgrace. Held during the final years of Earl Arnes' reign, the tournament was intended to produce a new Bouquet Knight. Amongst the competitors rode Maelera Grausam, whose courage, horsemanship, and martial skill captivated all who witnessed the contests. By every credible account she won the final joust fairly and should have been the very first Rose Knight. Yet victory was denied her.

Subsequent investigations strongly suggested that the renowned Half-Elven bard Galsitan, acting as chief herald and adjudicator, accepted a substantial bribe to alter the outcome of the tournament. Whether he acted for gold alone or at the urging of powerful interests has never been conclusively established, but few within the Order now doubt that the result was deliberately manipulated. At the time the scandal was quietly buried. Only after the Civil War, under the patronage of Earl Argun Af Lavandal, was the affair formally re-examined.

Although history could not be undone, the Knights of the Rose now openly acknowledge that Maelera Grausam was the rightful champion. Within Rose Hall her name now appears amongst the Roll of Bouquet Knights, beneath a simple inscription: "Denied by men. Honoured by history."

The scandal transformed the Order. Today tournaments are judged by independent marshals, and no single official may determine the outcome of a contest. Every initiate learns the story of Tourney Meadows as a reminder that honour depends as much upon honest judgement as courageous deeds.

The Civil War and the disgrace of Sir Jocund left the Knights of the Rose deeply diminished. Following the election of Earl Argun Af Lavandal, the brethren unanimously chose Sir Alwyn Harren as the new Rose Laureate. A veteran knight of impeccable reputation and unwavering loyalty, Sir Alwyn rejected the politics that had nearly destroyed the Order. Under his leadership the Knights have returned to the ideals envisioned by Earl Arnes himself: loyalty before ambition, service before prestige, and honour before personal advancement. The Order has once again become one of the most respected institutions within the Divine Empire. Its members serve as diplomats, judges, military commanders, tournament champions, and advisers throughout Aelfshaw, whilst the annual Tournament of Roses once more attracts competitors from across Warlderia.

Though its reputation has largely been restored, the Order has chosen never to forget its failures. Every new Knight swears not only to uphold the virtues of the Silver Rose but also to remember the lessons purchased at such terrible cost. 

Amongst the Knights there are two sayings known to every initiate: "The Rose blooms only whilst rooted in honour." And the older, quieter warning: "No Rose is greater than the garden it serves."

The Knights Ducal of Everwatch

Patron Virtue: Duty through Service,  Alignment: Any Non-Evil,  Headquarters: Everwatch Castle (currently under reconstruction),  Grand Master: Traditionally the Duke or Duchess of Everwatch

Motto: "Stand Fast. Yield Nothing."

The Knights Ducal of Everwatch are amongst the youngest of the Divine Empire's knightly orders, having been founded only thirty-two years ago. By the standards of the Empire they are scarcely more than an infant institution, lacking the centuries of tradition enjoyed by orders such as the Knights of the Rose or the Order of the Peacock. Yet despite their youth, few military orders command greater respect amongst professional soldiers. The Knights Ducal are neither fashionable courtiers nor celebrated tournament champions. They have little interest in courtly refinement, elaborate ceremony, or personal glory. Instead they have earned a formidable reputation as practical frontier warriors whose lives are devoted entirely to the defence of the Duchy of Everwatch.

The Order owes its existence to the tragedy of Harmonias. When the neighbouring province fell to the vast humanoid invasion emerging from the Underdark, Everwatch suddenly found itself transformed from a peaceful western duchy into the Empire's exposed frontier. The Duke marched alongside the Imperial Legions during the early attempts to recover Harmonias, but those campaigns came to an abrupt halt when the Old Empire invaded the island province of Ipranius, forcing the Imperial Court to divert men and resources elsewhere. Everwatch was left to guard the western frontier largely alone.

Recognising that his small standing army could never defend such an immense border, the Duke established the Knights Ducal. Unlike older knightly orders, membership would not depend upon noble birth, wealth, or courtly influence. Only character. Only ability. Only unwavering loyalty to Everwatch. For more than three decades the Knights Ducal stood watch over one of the most dangerous frontiers in the Divine Empire. They became experts in woodland warfare, mountain patrols, reconnaissance, fortification, and fighting small, mobile actions against numerically superior enemies. Unlike many knightly orders, they never regarded ambushes, deception, feigned retreats, or carefully prepared traps as dishonourable when facing creatures that recognised neither mercy nor honour themselves. Their purpose was never glorious victory. It was survival.

Many Knights spent decades riding isolated patrols, escorting settlers, rebuilding villages, and hunting raiding bands long before they could threaten the Duchy's heartlands. Few ever became famous. Many never returned. Early last year the Order suffered the darkest day in its short history. Through a combination of carefully planned infiltration, treachery, and overwhelming force, the humanoid armies shattered the western defences and stormed Castle Everwatch itself. The Duke fell fighting beside his household knights. Almost the entire Order perished with him. Although the invaders paid an appalling price for their victory, the destruction of the castle left the western frontier dangerously exposed and opened the way for the wider invasion of the Duchy. Only two Knights Ducal survived and lived, though one, Sir Galwas could not let death excuse him from his duties. The Kinghts courage during the desperate retreat has already become the subject of countless songs.

Following the liberation of Everwatch and the reconquest of Harmonias, Duchess Katalin has pledged to rebuild the Order from its shattered foundations. The campaign itself transformed the Order's reputation throughout the Empire. Fighting alongside the renowned provincial army of Maelfasan, the Knights Ducal demonstrated a level of professionalism, adaptability, and determination that astonished even veteran Imperial commanders. Their conduct throughout the reconquest proved that disciplined provincial forces could equal, and sometimes surpass, the finest troops of the Divine Legions. Today volunteers arrive from across the Empire hoping to earn the right to wear the red diamond of Everwatch. Very few succeed.

Unlike many knightly brotherhoods, the Knights Ducal do not concern themselves with tournaments, elaborate ceremony, or displays of wealth. They believe that a knight exists to protect people rather than reputation. Members are encouraged to think independently, use initiative, and employ whatever lawful tactics best defend the Duchy. Courage is admired, but reckless heroism is not. The Order values patience, preparation, discipline, and practical judgement above romantic ideals of chivalry. Membership is open to any individual of non-evil alignment whose character, loyalty, and ability meet the Order's demanding standards. Noble birth offers no advantage. Common birth presents no obstacle. Candidates must demonstrate proven courage, sound judgement, and unquestionable integrity. Every applicant requires the sponsorship of either an existing Knight Ducal or a recognised noble of Everwatch and must swear fealty to the Duke or Duchess of Everwatch. Unlike many knightly orders, membership carries genuine obligations. A Knight Ducal is expected to make Everwatch their home and answer the Duchy's call whenever required.

Whilst serving within the Duchy, Knights traditionally wear quartered red and white or blue surcoats, symbolising vigilance and sacrifice. Their shields display the Red Diamond of Everwatch in the first and fourth quarters, whilst the remaining quarters bear the Knight's personal arms or chosen device. Unlike many orders, ornamentation is discouraged. Armour is expected to be functional before beautiful. Membership of the Order carries significant responsibilities, but also considerable authority. Every Knight Ducal is provided with arms, armour, lodging, and provisions whilst serving the Duchy. Knights are commissioned officers within Everwatch's armed forces and may command military formations appropriate to their rank and experience. They possess authority to administer justice in the Duke's name, investigate crimes affecting the security of the Duchy, and call upon local officials for assistance in matters concerning the defence of the realm. Above all, they are trusted. Throughout Everwatch it is commonly said that a Knight Ducal carries not merely a sword, but a portion of the Duke's own authority.

Amongst the Legions there is an old saying: "The Rose rides for honour. The Peacock rides for glory. The Ducal Knight rides because someone must."

The Knights Heroic

Patron Virtue: Courage through Deeds,  Alignment: Any Good,  Headquarters: Glory Field Abbey, Duchy of Everwatch,  Spiritual and Temporal Head: Abbot Bysel (Human, Male, Cleric)

Motto: "Glory Through Sacrifice."

The Knights Heroic are amongst the oldest and most revered knightly orders of the Divine Empire. Founded over two centuries ago following the legendary Battle of Glory Field, the Order exists to honour those whose courage transcends duty and whose sacrifice inspires others to greatness. Whilst many knightly orders devote themselves to defending borders, serving noble houses, or preserving ancient traditions, the Knights Heroic pursue a single ideal above all others—the belief that true heroism can change the course of history. Their home is Glory Field Abbey, built upon the battlefield where hundreds of Imperial knights made their final stand against an overwhelming invasion. Though every knight upon the field fell, their sacrifice bought sufficient time for Imperial reinforcements to arrive and save the western provinces. The Abbey was founded both as a monastery and as a fortress, ensuring that the memory of those who gave everything for the Empire would never fade.

Unlike many military orders, the Knights Heroic are not led by one of their own number but by the Abbot of Glory Field Abbey. The Abbot serves as the spiritual guardian of the Order, preserving its traditions, overseeing the admission of new brethren, and ensuring that courage never becomes confused with arrogance or reckless pride. The day-to-day command of the Order's military expeditions rests with senior knights appointed by the Abbot, but the soul of the Order remains firmly within the Abbey. The present Abbot, Bysel, is widely respected throughout Everwatch for his wisdom, humility, and steadfast faith. During the Fall of Everwatch he transformed Glory Field Abbey into a sanctuary for refugees, a hospital for the wounded, and a place of prayer for soldiers marching to what many believed would be their final battle. Throughout the campaigns to liberate the Duchy and reconquer Harmonias he remained at the Abbey, ministering to the dying, organising relief for displaced civilians, and quietly encouraging those who had begun to lose hope. Although no great warrior himself, many veterans credit Abbot Bysel with preserving the spirit of resistance during the darkest days of the war.

The Knights Heroic believe that courage is measured not by victory, but by the willingness to stand firm when defeat appears certain. They teach that one act of genuine self-sacrifice may inspire countless others and that the example of a single brave soul can change the course of history. Members willingly accept dangerous missions, desperate defences, and seemingly impossible tasks, believing that glory lies not in surviving battle but in ensuring that others may do so. Unlike the Knights Ducal, they concern themselves less with strategy and practicality. Unlike the Knights of the Rose, they place little importance upon courtly refinement or diplomacy. Their purpose is simple. When darkness advances, they ride towards it.

Membership is open to any individual of Good alignment, regardless of race, gender, or birth. Noble blood offers no advantage within the Order, for heroism alone is considered the true measure of worth. Candidates must already have demonstrated exceptional courage and selflessness. Martial skill is expected, but character is considered far more important than talent with the sword. Every initiate must prove that they place the welfare of others before personal ambition and that they understand the true cost of sacrifice. Many members are veterans of the Imperial Legions, the provincial armies of Everwatch and Maelfasan, or experienced adventurers whose deeds have already become known throughout the Empire.

Glory Field Abbey remains both monastery and fortress. Within its ancient halls hang hundreds of shields recovered from knights who fell defending the Empire. Their names are carved into the Hall of Remembrance, whilst the Abbey's great chapel burns eternal lamps in honour of those who never returned from battle. Pilgrims, soldiers, rulers, and common folk alike travel to the Abbey seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply to remember those who gave everything so that others might live. It is said that no one leaves the Hall of Remembrance unchanged.

The recent war has only strengthened the reputation of the Knights Heroic. Their courage during the defence of Everwatch and throughout the reconquest of Harmonias has become the subject of countless songs and sermons across the Divine Empire. Young warriors now arrive at Glory Field Abbey in greater numbers than ever before, hoping to earn the right to wear the Order's white mantle.

The Knights Vigilant

Patron Virtue: Vigilance through Duty,  Alignment: Lawful Good,  Headquarters: Provius Abbey, Veston Vale,  Grand Prior: Father Alric Provius (Human, Male, Cleric of Heironeous)

Motto: "Ever Watchful."

The Knights Vigilant are amongst the oldest military orders dedicated to Heironeous within the Divine Empire. Established more than three centuries ago following a series of devastating raids along the northern marches, the Order was founded upon a simple belief: that evil is most easily defeated before it gathers strength. Whilst many knightly orders achieve fame through glorious victories, the Knights Vigilant measure success rather differently. Their greatest triumphs are often those battles that never take place, the invasions prevented, the conspiracies uncovered, and the innocent protected before danger ever reaches them.

Their home, Provius Abbey, stands upon a commanding ridge overlooking the northern roads of Veston Vale. Both monastery and fortress, it serves as a place of worship, military training, and constant watchfulness. From its towers the Order has watched over the surrounding countryside for generations, becoming as much a symbol of reassurance as one of military strength.

The Knights Vigilant believe that courage without discipline soon becomes recklessness. They teach that evil rarely appears without warning. It grows quietly, gathering strength in forgotten places whilst good people convince themselves that someone else will act. The duty of a Knight Vigilant is therefore not simply to fight evil, but to recognise it before it becomes unstoppable. Members are expected to display patience, discipline, honesty, and unwavering devotion to justice. They are encouraged to observe before acting, investigate before judging, and remain steadfast even when others lose heart. They regard vigilance as a lifelong discipline rather than a temporary duty.

Membership is open to any individual of Lawful Good alignment, regardless of race, gender, or birth. Candidates must possess proven integrity, sound judgement, and an unshakeable commitment to justice. Martial skill is important, but discipline and reliability are considered even more valuable. Every initiate must demonstrate that they can be trusted to act wisely without supervision and place the safety of others above personal glory. Many members begin their careers within provincial armies, city watches, or the Imperial Legions before seeking admission to the Order. Others are priests, judges, or experienced adventurers whose steadfast service has brought them to the attention of Provius Abbey.

Provius Abbey serves as both monastery and fortress. Its thick walls have never fallen, whilst its great library contains centuries of military treatises, legal records, and accounts of past campaigns against evil. The Abbey trains not only knights but also chaplains, military priests, and magistrates who carry its teachings throughout the Divine Empire. The Abbey's watchtower burns a beacon every night, visible for many miles across Veston Vale. It is said that so long as the beacon burns, the people of the Vale may sleep in peace. Pilgrims often visit the Abbey seeking judgement in difficult disputes, for the Knights Vigilant have earned a reputation for fairness that rivals their skill at arms.

Under the guidance of Grand Prior Father Alric Provius, the Knights Vigilant continue their centuries-old duty of guarding the northern approaches to the Imperial Heartlands. Although they seldom seek recognition, the recent wars have demonstrated the value of their philosophy. Their scouts provided early warning of several enemy movements, their riders maintained communications between isolated strongholds, and their disciplined detachments repeatedly reinforced threatened settlements before attacks could develop into disasters. The Order has little interest in fame. Its members often remark that if the people scarcely notice their work, then they have likely succeeded.

Throughout the Divine Empire, rulers and commanders value the counsel of the Knights Vigilant. Their officers are respected for calm judgement, careful planning, and an ability to remain steadfast under the greatest pressure. Many soldiers claim that no fortress is truly secure until a Knight Vigilant has inspected its walls.

Amongst the brethren it is often said:  "The battle won today began with the watch kept yesterday."