The Phoenix Order

Phoenix order guardsman

## **Founding of The Phoenix Order**

They are loyal only to the Suffete and they would rather see the entire regiment wiped out of existence rather than see the Suffete off the throne. They were needed at this time as time was passing and the soft sheets of reality were unraveling, only to show death, torture and destruction. These are three things that the people of Kartaga are well accustomed to as former slaves themselves. The strong arm that Arturo I was looking for to bolster his army was found when a large band of warriors had come to Zenkar, about 100-300 men between the ages of 30-50 wanted to see if the rumors were true. A large man asked the gate guard if it is the "De Léon" family who rules these lands. The guard, intimidated by the small army in front of him answered; "yes, Arturo De Léon rules these lands. Beloved by all." Talk and whispers were heard from the warband and the leading man gasped and looked shocked. He asked for an audience and Arturo, very curious, welcomed the man into the keep to speak. The large man says his name is Matías Morales, but the men call him the bear for his ferocity in battle. Soon after, the Suffete had a new elite regiment for the army...

## **The Bear and the Lion**

Matías Morales speaks to Arturo I with glistening eyes as he explains where him and his men have come from. He speaks tales of fields covered in blood, uprisings and to break the bloody chains off their hands. Arturo believes this is all metaphors but he cannot help but find the similarity between the tales his father spoke of about liberating themselves from the oppressors and taking off the chains to let our warm blood flow freely once again. Arturo asks the man to show his wrist, which is covered in armor, as the man takes off the wrist armour Arturo doesn't believe his eyes, he stands up shocked to look at the man. Scars of an iron chain can be seen around the man's wrists and Arturo realises he is speaking to a man who one day fought to free the Karteese people from our former oppressors. "Do you now know why we are here, my liege?" the bear says. "There is nothing I can ask of you and your men, you have already done everything for us." Arturo says. "We have traveled very far to come back to the land we once had to bury our brothers, fathers and friends in. Just so we can fight for a just cause once again, being petty mercenaries for greedy kings is tiresome. I beg you my lord, let me and my men serve you. I have undying loyalty for you, your wife, your son and the entire city state of Kartaga." Matías Morales is on his knees. The young lion Arturo I walks up to Matías and puts his hand on his shoulder, "You have proved yourself to everyone here, it would be my honor to have you serve me. As the elite unit of the city state.” Matías responds, “Thank you, my liege. We will not disappoint you, like the tales of Amiral Cortez we will all take an arrow to the chest for any of our people.”. You shall henceforth be known as “The Phoenix Order”, Cesar has guided you well my friend.

## **The phoenix keep**

When The Phoenix Order had officially been recognized by the state as a military order working for Kartaga Suffete Arturo I ordered the construction of a keep in the capital region of Zenkar where they could safely rest and eat in peace without fearing a knife at their throat in the middle of the night. Anyone who dares to be hostile and do unprovoked harm towards these honorable and strong warriors has to answer to the Suffete. The keep is a large stone building, a solid outer wall, a small outer yard with a horses stable and enough space for a duelling ground. The phoenix hoplites were often seen duelling men from Suffetess Chimeg’s personal guards as honor and duels is part of their culture, it always gives everyone a good laugh as the warriors share their skill and respect with one another.

## **The orders’ mission**

The Phoenix Orders’ mission is simple, do anything the Suffete demands. The question of success is never a worry for the warriors as in their belief they know that if they are to die it is meant to be so, nothing can change it so give Cruz a smile as you pass to his realm.

## **The order of the phoenix saying**

“Et phoenix natus est” or “The phoenix has been born” as it is in the common tongue. It stands for the birth of a state to fly higher and more ambitious than any other. It will fly high and graciously, but when any predator threatens it’s home and it’s security; death shall strike them down.