Zaveron

An empire which stands as the beacon of light within the continent containing the self imposed responsibility of suppressing the endless tide of Cursed Abominations. Within this nation are knights which can dispatch Cursed Abominations with the help of neither spirits or cursed energy, but rather rigorous training and a stalwart will. Zaveron is a long standing nation with centuries worth of achievements throughout its existence, with The knights of Zaveron representing their pride and glory. Every individual who manages to obtain the title of knight gains a rank equal to a noble of other countries, but such a title is no easy feat to obtain, as these knights are put through hellish training as early as 6 years old in order to learn and master the secret fighting style of Zaveron called the Aeternum, or more commonly referred to as Knight Arts by the rest of the continent.
Zaveron is ruled by a king, who has absolute control over the entire empire of Zaveron, however, unlike nations of old, this king is not decided by blood and inheritance, but rather power and tact. As such, a special tournament is held once every five years, in which the five Zavrisian generals who serve the king combat one another in a round robin style tournament, the victor is then allowed to challenge the king should they believe themselves confident. Should the king be defeated they will become an aid to the new King in order to teach them about the responsibilities and powers that the King holds, after a year of which, the previous king then fills the new king's previous position. The current King Luthor Helferik, who is relatively young, and allegedly had relations to the previous king "Lucas", whose actions has lead to the citizens and knights of Zaveron alike to refer to him as the "traitor king". 
Some Nations and humans on the mainland do not view the Spiritfolk favorably, however, Zavrisians don't mind the humanoid creatures and in fact trade with Spiritfolks of the fire element as with their inclination of fire they are told to be some of the best smiths within the world, through these spiritfolk Zaveron gains exceptionally well crafted swords and armor to be given to their knights.
== History ==
== Hierarchy ==
King :
The leader of Zaveron beloved by their people and respected by their soldiers, how one becomes king, and the power the king holds, epitomizes the ideals of Zaveron as a country. The King is chosen by a special round robin tournament that only the Generals may join, the victor of the tournament is then allowed a match against the king, should they succeed they will become the king. The previous king will then become an aid to the new King in order to teach them about the responsibilities and powers that the King holds, after a year of which, the previous king then fills the new king's previous position. Should the current king die before the tournament either the Generals come to an agreement for a temporary king, or, in times of relative peace, the tournament is held immediately. While the king's responsibilities primarily consists of administrative work, such as making sure the training regiment of soldiers and knights are adequate. Nonetheless, the King as the strongest Zavrisian other than the Soulblade holds the important task of defending against the most dire of threats from Cursed Abominations. 
Soulblade :
A living legend, said to hold the soul of all that represents Zaveron contained within their blade. It is said that the Soulblade is chosen amongst a Zavrisian child, this child will come across a blade which they will carry with them their entire life, and in a time of crisis, the blade will shed its form and grant its wielder monumental power. Not much is known about the exacts of the Soulblade, but it is believed that the moment a Soulblade dies, the next has already been chosen, and the moment the blade grants its wielder power, that power is with the wielder forever, and grows exponentially. The Soulblade is the only knight capable of magical abilities, but do not let this downplay their martial skill, it is said that each and every Soulblade could easily defeat the king of their time, but in respect Zaveron which they truly cherish in their hearts, they remain to be commanded by the king. Under command of the king the Soulblade has no true power to command or order others, while to some this may seem cruel, it is so that the Soulblade can spend as much time as physically possible training and fighting, instead of being bogged down by paperwork or the responsibility of a high position. Despite this, the respect and admiration of a Soulblade is so astronomically high within Zaveron, that should the Soulblade ever declare a Command, all nearby Zavrisians will obey it without a second thought, regardless of their previous orders.
General : 
The apex of knights who serve directly underneath the king and lead his armies, alongside having a chance to become king themselves. There are always 5 generals, the number of generals never exceeds this, and should a general die, he is replaced with a fitting successor, the five generals are given the following titles : General of Blades, General of Bows, General of Steel, General of Insight, and General of Impact. A general is chosen by the previous general, either through a will should they die, or by direct proclamation while they live. Alternatively, should no successor be chosen, or should the successor prove incompetent, the king himself will choose an individual to become general. 
Order Captain :
The head knight or commander who leads a particular order, these individual are often extraordinarily strong and intelligent, only bested by the Generals, the king, and of course the Soulblade. These individuals each command roughly a battalion of knights and commanders who have at least reached the pawn rank, each of the individuals is trained and specialized to suit the needs of the order, such as the order of the spear which specializes in lightning strikes often going outside of Zaveron.
Rook Class Commander :
Commanders who reach this rank represent those who plan the destruction of every major curse, the defense of every 24 hours on the wall, and the integrity of the boarders and internal safety against Stisedo and the emperor. Leaders and Sworn allies by this point have become prominent members within orders that best fit their regiments. 
Rook Class Knight :
An extremely skilled and seasoned knight, most cities other than the capital will only have a single digit number of these knights, whereas a Cavalier class knight is equivalent to 3 pawn class knights a rook class is equivalent to 10. Occasionally, when a knight reaches this rank, they will be commanded to meet with the king, the king will then give the knight an offer to become the lead instructor of their house (assuming the role is currently empty) if they believe the knight fits the personality needed to be the lead instructor, although at times this may be ignored if the house has been missing a lead instructor for a long time. 
Cavalier Class Commander :
When a commander has shown clear combat and tactical excellence they are promoted to this rank, for leaders and sworn allies they are simply evaluated as more valuable similar to a cavalier class knight, however, for captains the promotion offers a variety of opportunities. For one captain may be given the chance to be in charge of larger cities/forts that are frequently attacked by curses, while they are primarily their for organizing strategies, supplies, and requesting the appropriate amount of forces necessary, they also fulfil a role similar to that of Nobles but on a larger scale. Additionally, some truly exceptional captains upon the wall may be given squadrons of knights to command and serve as a shocktroops for when things become dire in sections of the wall. 
Cavalier Class Knight :
A knight at this rank has proven to be combat capable to be roughly evaluated as equivalent to three average pawn class knights and as such, promoted to the rank of cavalier. As per their evaluation of skill, Zavrisian Generals or Strategists will deploy squads of Cavaliers against Cursed Abominations which would presumably take triple the amount of pawn class knights (for example if they assume a Curse would take 18 pawn class knights to take down, this is a large number of knights who may not all be able to work together perfectly, as such, 6 cavalier class knights are far more tactically apt). 
Noble :
There are two ways to become a noble within Zaveron, the first is when a knight or commander who has proven themselves takes the option of retirement. The second are individuals who have served in Zavrisian administration for at least 10 years and then pass a written exam which on average takes 4 hours to complete (should the written exam be failed it can be attempted again after 2 years). Unlike nations of the past there are no ranks of nobles, as nobles are always given the same level of authority and amount of territory. As for this territory and authority, a noble is either placed in charge of a collection of villages that are close to each other, with their abode within one of these villages or close to the center of them all, or placed within a smaller town. As a noble they are responsible for enforcing Zaveron law, collecting a minor tax, and alerting larger towns/cities about new Curse threats. Nobles have the authority to command any military personal below cavalier class knights/commanders and may utilize them for ridding threats within their territory. 
Pawn Class Commander :
The level of Commander upon being promoted from a Commander Novice through merits obtained through combat excellence, or just a consistent degree of performance over the years. Nonetheless, upon being promoted the Commander is given two options, to retire and become a noble, or to spend the majority of the rest of their life within the military, most choose the latter. Upon choosing the later the Commander is given a gift depending on their particular regiment, in the case of a sworn ally regiment the commander will be given a B rank weapon, and their chosen creature will be given B rank armor custom fitted for it. In the case of a leader regiment, they are given a B rank weapon and armor similar to knights. Lastly for captain regiments, the commander is given B rank armor, and their chosen elites are given C rank weapons and armor. After the promotion the exact role or position given to the commander largely depends on their regiment, however, in general most captain regiment commanders are kept on the wall or in garrisons to lead soldiers. 
Pawn Class Knight :
The level of Knight upon being promoted from a Knight Novice through merits obtained through combat excellence, or just a consistent degree of performance over the years. Nonetheless, upon being promoted the knight is given two options, to retire and become a noble, or to spend the majority of the rest of their life within the military, most choose the latter. Upon choosing the later the knight is gifted a weapon and armor made from B rank metals that best suit their knight house. After the promotion the knight will often have the choice of applying to one of the various orders within Zaveron, continuing to be stationed at the wall, or requesting to become an instructor at their knight house.
Civilian :
Smiths, chefs, farmers, effectively anyone outside of the military is considered a civilian within Zaveron.
== Commanders ==
=== Commander Regiments ===
== Knights ==
The pillar that has proudly held atop the nation of Zaveron, Knights are expertly trained and highly specialized soldiers who are some of the only individuals who can competently face off against the Curse menace. Knights are initially as children by officials or Knights who scout the local populous of a city/town/village from promising children, these children are most commonly recruited between the age of 6-8. The exact aspect that is desired for would be Knights differs from one Knight house to the next, some prefer honest and courage, while others prefer a determination and brutality, nonetheless, all these children will be deemed Knight Cadets once recruited. While recruiting any children other than orphans requires the consent of their parents, although, due to the honor that comes with becoming a Knight, parents who turn down this offer are extremely scarce. After around a decade of training the Knight Cadets are then given a test before being promoted to a Knight Novice, it is at this point that they are sent to the wall. 
=== Knight Houses ===
Major Houses
Some houses, often those credited with the successful knightage of many high level knights, or even knights who obtain the rank of general or king. Begin to be heralded as a Major household, distinguishing them from other households as their tactics, training, and knight arts, are solidified as among the best and most successful. 
Ardentis   
Versatile, powerful, relentless, and "akin to a blaze of glory streaking across the battlefield". The following are common words and phrases used to define house Ardentis, a major household which has gained renown through countless champions of the battlefield. Of all the houses, it could be said that house Ardentis is the most physically demanding from the second one is recruited to be trained, as the warriors of Ardentis dual wield a kriegmesser together with a poleaxe, this unwieldy combination requires extreme strength and dexterity from its user to not become a bumbling nuisance on the battlefield. However, once this combat style is perfected and the user's body adapts to its rigorous requirements, they join the ranks of knights who hold the title of the most rapid destruction of curses across all of Zaveron.
House located in the city of Grennet
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/Gz24U0w.png
Dawkin 
The longsword, one of the oldest, most versatile, and deadliest weapons within the entire continent. For one to say they like to use a longsword, is akin to one saying they like to breathe air, but for one to say they excel at using a longsword, is to say one is a knight of house Dawkin.
House located in the city of Zrohaus
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/JAcVEbP.png
Ingran 
The way of the bow, and the first knight house to explore its usage heavily against curses. In the past many houses and knights were of the thought process that anything besides the bloodiest of melee fights were dishonorable and not worth consideration. Ingran trained knights and created knight arts to prove that wrong. Knights of Ingran can sometimes come off as cold and rude, but this is mainly due to harsh training which insists on a logical method to approach any situation, from how to calculate the exact location an arrow would land at any distance and under any weather, to how to deal with a curse that can close in nearly instantaneously. 
House located in the city of Viernesse
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/6lbh7b0.png
Mcgisker
One of the three oldest and most venerable of the Zavrisian houses, the Mcgisker built their reputation during the rebellion as being the only individuals capable of piercing the nigh invincible armor of the now fallen and despised empire. While Mcgisker is not nearly the strongest house such as Reynolds, or the one containing the most force such as Akriel, they by far have the highest amount of penetrative power amongst all the houses. It is for this reason that when the wall of Zaveron is faced with Cursed abominations with incredibly thick natural armors. The helmet of knights of Mcgisker are stylized to appear like that of a beetle, unlike crimen, this has no combat advantage, however, it is done out of respect, as the house was once almost destroyed centuries ago, only surviving due to the protection group of beetle esque earth spiritfolk. The Mcgisker house primarily uses Lances, Partisans, and Fauchards.
House located in the town of Emrend
(image example)
https://i.imgur.com/FaHQLSy.png
Penval 
House which focuses on raw and primal aggression is symbolized by its unique decision to have its knights as dual wielders wielding an arming sword together with a bastard sword. Despite their occasional berserker tendencies outside of combat they are often calm and stoic, if not a tad unnerving from how quiet they can be. From a young age knight apprentices often acquire the aggressive tendencies through specific training that calm and defensive techniques would easily get one killed, because of this, they are one of the few houses that has a mortality rate above what most would consider accidental, roughly 45%. At times atop the great bastion, there are times when an offense is required the knights of the Penval house are the first to volunteer and the first to reach the fight, however, due to the lack of a heavy or penetrating weapon they often require to outspeed or outskill any curse they come upon.
House located in the city of Ehrese
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/u5sGf5n.png
Reynolds 
A house known for producing large knights all with robust daunting bodies in order to wield and properly utilize the Zweihander. While fierce powerhouses in combat, those of house Reynolds are known for being rather friendly and kind. When these knights are given breaks, they are often seen taking on low ranking quests that are overlooked by most or even completing requests for free for those without enough dreons to post a request. 
House located in the city of Harstad
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/PdEA6Fg.jpeg
Tayus 
The name Tayus is sung throughout all of Zaveron for being one of the most successful houses in Zaveron, this success comes from how not less than the last 3 Soulblades of Zaveron have all been from the house of Tayus granting them immeasurable power and respect. The house of Tayus lays claim over all greatswords seen in Zaveron (zweihander, claymore, longsword) and thus trains their students in grueling sparing and exercises in order for them to properly use these massive weapons.
House located in the city of Zrohaus
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/7KHGmVt.png
Minor Houses
Akriel
Likely the most normal house that exists in the current day Akriel is known for being humble yet respected among their peers and treating their students fairly well, Akriel specializes in Warhammers ,maces, and mauls as they believe the armor penetrating capabilities to be effective among all types of enemies whether Curse,  beast, or even human.
House located in the city of Strattenborough
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/pGmuHTt.png
Blayves
A fairly unusual house, whereas most houses focus on the weaponry of Zaveron, Blayves is a rather new house that likes to train their knights in the usage of tools, from bombs and throwing knives, to the “firearms” primarily found within Stisedo. However, their knights are often trained in the usage of an arming sword, as their primary weapon for foes who do not require their tools, or for when they run out. However, due to their usage of tools, the training and acquisition of their preferred weaponry can be rather expensive, so they require any knight apprentice applicant to submit an entrance fee upon joining.
House located in the city of Helmburg
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/k97qsQl.png
Jonac
A terrifying world of kill or be killed, the house of Jonac has the highest mortality rate of any other house, as their training from day one has the possibility of killing students, additionally, students are allowed no hands barred sparring where many students compete for superiority, killing one another in the process. Jonac specializes in poleaxes and halberds, with the only reason their methods have been allowed as those who survive became extremely deadly knights, albeit, with problems working with others.
House located in the city of Viernese
(Image example)
https://imgur.com/jOHXbCD
Osamadiel
An arrogant house, one that only accepts children from already established knight families or other nobility, they teach the use of the ranseur and lucerne as they believe it to be the most elegant form of weaponry. The only reason this house is even able to still operate is the reputation of knights is enough that some nobles or former knights may be willing to part with some dreons in order to make sure their child is able to become a knight when most wouldn’t even consider them. Despite their bad reputation, those who earnestly train the knight arts and advantages of these weapons become quite the force to behold, utilizing odd and perplexing strategies with their weapon of choice.
House located in the city of Strattenborough
(image example)
https://i.imgur.com/WNK9qDr.png
Rustöter 
Back in the times when Zavrisians were majorly slaves groups of hardy men were forced to exterminate Sarwixs in the local area, they were not given any armor but instead given a blade custom made to help kill the creatures called the Winged Head Sword, alongside a hook to stop any retreat when used by multiple of these men. After the Zavrisians revolted and formed the nation which later became Zaveron, these men had passed down what they had learned through continous hardships to their families in their now calm and peaceful lives. After around a century their teachings and techniques became refined enough to be referred to as seasoned Sarwix hunters, as such, it wasn't long before the king of the time sought them out with the offer for them to turn their combat style into a knight house. As knights these warriors are quite stalwart, very rarely dodging and preferring to take on any curse or monster head on, after all, although their signature blade is good at felling beasts its range is lacking even compared to that of an arming sword. Furthermore, when a group of Rustoter knights go to take down a creature, unless it is of truly gargantuan size, it will not be able to escape their hookes.
House located in the city of Harstad
(Image example minus the spikes)
https://imgur.com/RXaRaaM
Crimen 
A house with the crest of a rhinoceros and troops often clad in heavy spiked armor with a large horn-like addition to the front of the helmet. The Knights of house Crimen often fight utilizing heavy spiked gauntlets, they fighting style usually revolves around a brawler type of moves, but in a moment of worry they can utilize some grappling techniques that do not require extreme flexibility, with a signature move of the house being a headbutt which only few have survived. When deployed to a battlefield they are the first to charge into battle, even amongst knights their bravery, and subsequently… recklessness is miles beyond the rest. As those of house Crimen are often the brutish type they are usually only deployed when no questions or investigation is necessary, only extermination. 
House located in the town of Eringrad
Image example (although with spiked armor mainly on knees/gauntlet/shoulders/back)
https://i.imgur.com/b7d40zI.png
Gastol 
A house whose knights utilize a jack of all trades weapon style, while Blayves focuses on consumable weaponry and unorthodox weaponry, Gastol focuses on training with every tried and true weapon in Zaveron. Their training ranges from the simple longsword, to a measly dagger, to the largest of greatswords, and even bows. While this type of training grants the benefit of being prepared for realistically any scenario, they do not excel in any particular scenario, which has led their house to being a small, yet still respected house. However, a frequently found quirk of the knights of Gastol, is that all the knights are rather eccentric and in some way or form.
House located in the town of Knoxsel
(Image example)
Talek 
A house who trains knights in the use of javelins, both for ranged combat and melee combat. Those of house Talek are known for incredible survival skills, this is due to part of their training requiring they survive for weeks on end by themselves and required to craft their own javelins in order to hunt. However, while they are often known for this skill, in the open they are recognized by carrying large sacks easily holding around a hundred javelins.
House located in the town of Leipbruck
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/niwnIi1.png
Aldman 
All knights are used to the concept of cooperation and teamwork, however, those of house Aldman focus on concentrated and perfected teamwork within a 5 man squad. Every knight within this squad will use the same weapon, of which is a polearm of the squads selection. No matter where these knights originated from, by the end of their training the squad will treat one another like brothers, and their strategies change and adapt without a single word said. The greatest cause of concern, is if the squad is drawn apart from each other, or if one of the squad members falls in combat, while their training does include this potential and strategies for 4, 3, and 2 man squads, their combat potential drops significantly. 
House located in the town of Ballac
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/5KkxulG.png
Utarm 
A house which prides itself upon being the first bulwark of defense in any attack in which they are related to. This house specializes in the utmost of defense utilizing armor modifications to make their armor even more durable and defense oriented at the cost of a massive decrease to mobility, in terms of weaponry the house uses no real weapons, instead the knights wield dual tower shields. In times where an offensive capability is required, the knights of Utarm will equip an unusually large 1 handed warhammer instead of one of their tower shields. While most knights are expected to be selfless, they are also expected to be logical, if saving five or six peasants would cause their death, they should see it as an unfortunate sacrifice and prioritize their own safety. A majority of the armaments used by Utarm, but specifically their armor, is custom made by their local blacksmiths, in particular their armor is far thicker and larger than the average full plate. The knights of Utarm however, place such a high emphasis on the protection of Zaveron and its people, that they would without a moment's hesitation lay down their lives.
House located in the city of Grennet
(image example)
https://i.imgur.com/wjz2eKY.png
Spirache
Knights of house Spirache are known for being extremely kind, to an outright detrimental degree. They believe that regardless of birthplace and race that all should be treated equally, because of this the house is seen as quite naive as they will often aproach curse users and Stisedans without a hint of caution and treat them like any normal Zavrisian citizen. Even after a tumultous combat leaving others heavily injured or even dead, they will plead with their opponents for them to surrender and atone for their misdeeds, for this reason, they are never allowed within the order of the spear. Despite how gentle those from this house appear, it should not be assumed that they carry this personality into combat. Whilst in the midst of combat the wield two handed short spiked peasant flails, they implore a variety of knight art to build up a dangerous momentum which exponentially increases the power of their attacks, they are often viewed as relentless grinding their opponents down until they surrender (or die in the case of a curse). 
House located in the town of Knoxsel
(Image example)
https://imgur.com/JkRCzJP
Rex 
Within Zavrisian houses are expected to deploy their knights to the frontlines or to take care of curse related threats throughout the country. This makes the existence of house Rex an oddity, for due to their weapons of choice of a sword breaker and punching dagger, they are not suited for fighting against curses who often aren't armed and have a tough hide which those weapons would struggle against. This is because House Rex serves a specialized role, comprising the majority of the ranks of the order of the spear, one of the several orders of knights within Zaveron. This order is the only force within the Zaveron military which is often given permission to leave the borders. The order often deals with skirmishes with other countries upon conflicts and tensions, alongside bandit camps who lay just barely outside the borders, with the order utilizing a lightning strike to complete their task before any problem could arise. To summarize, house Rex is not a knight house which seeks to kill curses, it is a house which seeks to kill people.
House located in the town of Leipbruck
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/NYrebUw.png
Magian 
A house of scouts, lightly armored and eyes wary for any threats to notify the rest of. Those of house Magian wield a arming sword, together with either a dagger or hand crossbow, this leads to a swift fighting style that can quickly receive most threats at a moments notice. Additionally, those of this house often bring multiple spare hand crossbows to be able to rapidly deal with ranged threats without time wasted on reloading. While not the strongest or most efficient knights, the house is still respected for the skills they specialize in.
House located in the town of Eringrad
(image example but with a bastard sword)
https://i.imgur.com/Xe5WEw0.png
Powell  
A house not known for any knight in particular but rather duos of knights, as all knights of house Powell are trained to work as a duo. The duo are split in terms of weaponry to maximize the duos potential through utilizing different weapon sets with different strengths. The first will often use a tower shield together with a polearm, whilst the second often uses a two handed hammer whilst also being armed with a bow and backup dagger.
House located in the town of Ballac 
(Image example of 1st and 2nd respectively)
https://i.imgur.com/9qdpCtc.png
https://i.imgur.com/xElXI1N.png
Acies 
A mostly enigmatic minor house which a lot is not known about, most within Zaveron have never even heard of the house nevermind meeting a knight from one. Nonetheless, those from house Acies wield war scythes and are seen fighting within mountains and forests, although due to their non-existent fame, these reports quickly devolve into rumors.
House located in UNKNOWN
(Image example)
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House Gordon 
Brash and brutish the knights of house Gordon do not have a highly thought of reputation but their ability to take down enemies with naught but armored gauntlets. Even with the attitude and negative reputation of this house their sheer power cannot be denied, although it does not reach the level of those from house Reynolds, the fact that it is of a comparable level speaks volumes. The gauntlets themselves of house Gordon are quite intricately designed devices, to the point that some speculate the founder might have been Stisedan, a truly blasphemous rumor. Although to an extent all knight arts can be considered equal, house Gordon fames themselves on three knight arts that serve as the pride of their house: Lock, Pierce, Destroy.
House located in the city of Helmburg
(Image example)
https://i.imgur.com/or07qDS.png
Glordaci 
The only still living house to exist since the very inception of Zaveron, Glordaci has over the centuries produced countless geniuses as they are willing to accept any possible applicant even those who are poor, given that they have the required physique and mindset to become a knight. The Glordaci house specializes in the tried and true weaponry tactics of the one handed double edged arming sword, although some knights of this house are also seen wielding a shield alongside it.
House located in the town of Tallengard
=== Knight Orders ===
(despite being called knight orders the orders are comprised of both commanders and knights)
Order of the shield
primarily garrisoned to protect cities, towns, or even villages of importance.
Order of the Spear
handles threats outside Zaveron's boarders, while they are known to leave Zaveron's boarders they are rarely gone for long as every mission is performed as a lightning strike.
Order of the Hammer
handles the most dangerous curse abominations within Zaveron (that aren't at the wall)
Order of the Owl
Revolves around surveillance and scouting for Zaveron, especially used to keep Zaveron notified on Stisedo.
Order of Dawn
An extremely secretive order, most within Zaveron don't even know of order's existence, even amongst high ranking knights the order is only thought to be a rumor.