The Crimson Templars

:"Look not to those who would preach salvation through ignorance and bliss. The world is a harsh place, as you know from your own lives. You pray to St. Pelor, but the harvests still fail. You pray to St. Heironeous, but still the bandits come. You pray to St. Moradin, but still your homes are burned to the ground. Your faith is not rewarded by a Church that claims to hold your best interests at heart, yet delivers little but empty promises. At best, they are incompetent, and at worst, they lie bitterly to hide their true intentions.
:"Do not suffer those who obfuscate the truth with cowardice and platitudes. Those who root out weakness in their neighbours are richly rewarded by Asmodeus. Those who show the courage needed to do what is right are given great power, while those who hide from their responsibilities are shown no mercy! Praise be to Asmodeus!"
~Uricht Renfeld, Crimson Prior of Asmodeus
The Crimson Templars are a dark order of warriors and priests, empowered by infernal powers from the worship of Asmodeus. Karl Menthman declared them legally responsible for both civil enforcement and military operations within his lands. His vassals were understandably less than enthused by the idea, so the order established monasteries close to the centre of each lord's power, preaching words of devil worship and siphoning the support of the people. Criminals, including those accused of heresy, were taken as slaves for use in their construction projects, and for fighting in the pits.
The Templars issued their flaming sword to all vassals who proclaim their loyalty to Asmodeus, to arm their footmen. Their own troops, by contrast, are much more heavily armed. They are also known to employ hell hounds both for tracking and as war beasts.
After the Crusade the Templars lost much of their power, though roving bands may still remain and the occasional stockpile of infernal weaponry can still be found. The Hellhounds run loose in the North.
==Notable NPCs==
Amala Dieter, Former Captain of the Crimson Templars
Originally married to a rebellious vassal of House Menthman, Amala somehow ended up in a position of supreme power after her husband was executed. Little was known about her for a long time, save that she terrified everyone. After the Crusade, Amala was beheaded, and her living head was taken to be held by the Knights of the Mailed Fist in La Frasca. She still terrifies everyone, though not everyone admits it. Her body would not burn and so has been buried in an unmarked grave in the hopes that it will remain lost.
Reinbert Schmidt, Lieutenant
Ludwig Von Spreichner, Lieutenant
Gerald Sonberg, Lieutenant