The Swords of the Sovereign

The most formidable knights of Devis. A unit of elite heroes in the Devisian Empire, Appointed by and under the direct command of the High Lord of Devis himself.

## History

The Sovereign Swords date back to the reign of High Lord Charles, with the first sword being the Lord's Hand Sir Keith. This distinction is thought to be retroactive as the Lord's Hand is technically its own title, which has not officially been in use since its origination, and the appointment of more than one such knight began in the time of Lord Henaral. Their number has historically been fluid, with Lord Everend fielding sixteen in the height of his reign with Lord Magnus only keeping five appointments for the majority of his rule. Their title is likely in reference to the living blade sworn to the monarch of Konstat.

## Capabilities

The Swords of the Sovereign are typically incredible martial warriors, though most have been known to use powerful magic relics if not combine their arts with spell casting. On rare occasion a sword is chosen for abilities beyond their martial prowess such as Sir Haberin Clare, Knight of Alchemy, appointed by Lord Henaral, who was essential in the improvement of farming techniques and the cheapening of health potions. Even when not chosen from the ranks of the military's finest it should still be assumed that these swords are as dangerous as any other, as Sir Clare also led the conquest of Volgen.

These warriors operate outside the standard Devisian military and are given special privileges and authority. Importantly, Sovereign Swords may invoke the emperor's authority without specific approval, allowing them to intercede at any level of command in the empire, civilian or military. Though there is obvious potential for abuse, this is tempered by the fact that misuse would certainly gain the High Lord's ire.

Though they often work alone or with their own personal retinues, Swords of the Sovereign are expected to work together when situation and/or the emperor's will calls for it. On their own, a sovereign sword might be responsible for leading an army or slaying a monster, but as a team they have been called to silence the Lichking under Salthallow, invade the City of Brass, and (with the assistance of Lord Everend) slay a greatwyrm that threatened Volgen.

## Public Relations

Across the Devisian Empire, the Swords of the Sovereign are heralded as honorable heroes who fight for country and crown. It is considered a great honor to work with or even simply meet one. Though the grim character of some may make them less popular than others, it is rare that any would dare speak against them, at least openly. This does not prevent rampant speculation as to their private characters, a subject of great interest to both nobles and commoners alike. Many of the swords lead fairly closed off lives. Like the Knight of Stags, Sir Bradely, who despite wielding the authority of a Grand Duke, second only to the High Lord, chooses to primarily leave the ruling of his holdings to appointed officials and politely decline almost all attempts to engage in events of noble decorum. Some of them instead maintain a constant interaction with the public, such as Sir Lancaster, the Knight of Tomes, who teaches at the academy of the arcane arts. Sir Aubrey, Knight of Souls, engages in public service so frequently she is also called Knight of the People by her dearest fans.

Some scholars have suggested that their incredible abilities and near absolute authority to leave them out of touch with the people of Devis, commoner and noble alike. Sir Lancaster purportedly once admitted to a class he was teaching that he found the sovereign swords to be "just a gathering of eccentrics," though one he was, "proud to be a part of." Still, this is a broadly unpopular opinion.

## Current Roster

* **Grand Duke** Bradley, Knight of Stags
* **Countess** Aubrey, Knight of Soul
* **Viscount** Lionel, Knight of Lions
* **Earl** Aldrin, Knight of Wisdom
* **Duke** Briston, Knight of Stone
* **Marquis** Lancaster, Knight of Tomes
* **Baron** Medraut, Knight of Vigor