recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Heavy horse

The **heavy horse** is an equine classification recognized and used on the continent of Gilderas. It denotes a type of horse with powerful musculature, slow movement, and great weight.

Heavy horses are much larger and weigh far more than light horses and war mounts. They are well-muscled and powerfully built. They are designed more for strength than speed and travel well over far distances, possessing high stamina and endurance. They were bred to pull heavy loads.

This type of horse is primarily utilized in outdoor labor and heavy warfare. They are useful for plowing, hauling logs, and drawing wagons or drays. They travel well over several levels of terrain, though they possess inferior speed to the leaner light horses. They may pull heavy carts and sledges loaded with materials.

### Heavy horse breeds

* Dafton Draft Horse
* Frisian Cross
* Quartz Stallion
* Stormer Stallion

### Kinds of heavy horses

* Drafter
* Heavy warhorse
* Logger
* Sledder
Novice

A **novice** in the cannon law and tradition of the Faith is a prospective member of a clergy or religious order who is being tried and being proven for suitability of admission.

Novices are the second-lowest ranking religious leaders within the Faith's hierarchy, above acolytes.

## Membership

Novices may start training at the age of eighteen, the traditional age of adulthood on Gilderas. Men of any rank may begin training. All novices are male, as women do not hold positions of leadership within the Faith clergy.

Those who do not follow the Faith and nonadherents are forbidden from becoming novices. While a novice may come from any rank, they must be literate and well versed in the teachings of the holy texts.

## Novitiates

Novices undergo periods known as novitiates of six months to a year during which their piety and devotion to the Faith are tested. They must demonstrate proficient knowledge in the holy texts of the Faith, the White Tenets, the history and terms of the Faith, and prayers and hymns. They must display piety, compassion, generosity, and veneration for the Faith.

Novices train and study beneath a priest or cleric. At the end of the novitiate period, their actions and characters are evaluated and studied. If they are deemed to have displayed sufficient piety and devotion, they may be permitted to become clerics.

## Activities

At the beginning of their novitiate, a novice does not preach or address a congregation. Much of their time is spent in study and quiet contemplation. As they demonstrate more of their knowledge of the Faith, they are given duties around a sanctum or cathedral assisting their master. They may light candles or braziers, sweep aisles, anoint sculptures, or complete other such simple tasks.

Once they are further into the novitiate period, a novice may speak a small part within a priest or cleric's sermon. As they progress within the novitiate, their smaller sermons grow longer and they are permitted to take a greater role within the clergy leadership.

Novices may travel from settlement to settlement, speaking of the Faith and the goodness of the Light. However, unless they have spent time within their novitiate, they will not have the authority to preach within sanctums.

Novices do not have formal authority to perform marriage or death rites, baptisms, anointments, initiations, or knighthood ceremonies.

## Uniform

The uniform of the novice consists of a long gray robe and cowl. They may also wear a gray surcoat or cloak. Novices may wear belts, but this the extent of their permitted ornamentation.

Their clothing is made of wool or linen. They are also entitled to wear leather. They may not wear silks, goldcloth, or similarly expensive fabrics. Furs, velvets, and elaborate trimmings are not permitted.

Robes and surcoats are often sewn with a white star set across the chest. The star may be stitched to the back of the clothing as well. Not all novice uniforms display such stars, and this type of decoration is not restricted to the novice rank.

Novices begin to maintain beards which they may not cut.
House Moth

**Standard:** A field of silver moths on ardent. Centered is a squat, rounded stone tower in black.

**Motto:** Unknown

**Lord:** Errahim Moth

House Moth is one of the lesser noble houses sworn to House Vallorian. Its seat is the Starlight Stronghold in Vallon.

The house is led by Lord Errahim Moth, who is also the head of the Starlight Guard.
House Blackwood

**Standard:** Dark green evergreen tree on a black field.

**Motto:** "Ever-Strong."

**Lord:** Harden Blackwood

**House Blackwood** is a vassal house of the North. It is sworn to House Honorhall of Blackhorn Stronghold.

The house is led by Harden Blackwood.

## Seat

The seat of House Blackwood is Blackhorn Stronghold in the Greywolf Wood.

## Traits

Blackwood is the newest vassal of Honorhall. They are the traditional rivals of the vassal house Forestpike.

## History

House Blackwood controls Lumberfall Logging Camp
Sledder

A **sledder** is a type of heavy horse on Gilderas. It is primarily used for pulling heavy sleds or sledges over various levels of terrain.

A sledder is not a specific breed of horse. Any horse may be categorized as a sledder. However, most horses chosen for sledding are very large and powerfully built with the muscle strength to pull massive amounts of cargo. Sledders may haul wood or logs, stone, and other raw materials.

They are distinguished from loggers due to their use of sleds or sledges to transport good loads.
Assyran (mount)

The **Assyran mount**, otherwise called the **Assyran horse** or simply the **Assyran**, is a breed of warhorse which originates on the continent of Assyra.

It is the national breed of Assyra and considered divine, as its ancestor was believed to have been created by a deity.

## Legend

The Assyran mount is believed to be the creation of the god Brontus. Deity of war, bloodshed, and violence, Brontus formed the first Assyran horse from stone taken in the mountains outside the site of present day Carnum. He chiseled the horse from a pure block of stone and blessed its finished form, imbuing it with divine life. He granted the animal his holy favor, protecting it from all ailment and injury.

Brontus blessed this first horse, the ancestor of the Assyran breed, and took it for his mount in war. He named it Stellarus, from the words *stellara* [most blessed and hallowed] and *argeris* [cherished thing]. It is from this name that the Assyran word for horse, *stellanos*, is created.

After a time, Brontus created a female horse from stone for his stallion to mate with. The offspring of the divine horses became the progenitors of the Assyran breed.
Guardswatch

The men of the **Guardswatch** are the defenders of the city of Valiance and enforcers of the law. They are stationed in the Tidewatch Barracks at the mouth of the Saltstone Streets, in the lower Harbor District. Their tasks include patrolling Valiant Harbor and the surrounding district, meting out punishment to thieves and vagrants, and keeping the peace in the city's streets.

## Uniform

Members of the Guardswatch wear mail armor over layers of felt and boiled leather. Their hauberks are light enough to allow for high mobility. Guards also wear dull green surcoats over their armor. The breast of each is emblazoned with the grey anchor of Torne. Green shields painted with grey anchors may be carried as well.

Other equipment granted to each member includes a conical light helm and leather belt.

The Guardswatch are armed with maces, clubs, pikes, and swords. Their weapons, like their armor, are cheaply made and well used.

## Membership

The members of the Guardswatch are provided by the sea guilds of Valiance. They come from a variety of trades and industries. Guildsmen must be citizens of Menth to join the Guardswatch, and almost all come from the capital in Torne.

Members are required to serve for part of each year as long as they belong to one of the guilds. While on guard duty, they are provided for by their guild and paid a small wage for their services.

## Headquarters

The Guardswatch headquarters are located in the Tidewatch Barracks, a

## Culture

Members of the Guardswatch often refer to the Tidewatch Barracks as the Lowtide Barracks because of the briny smells which drift upward from the nearby harbor during low tide.

## Symbol and words

The sigil of the Guardswatch is the official crest of Torne. It displays a grey anchor on a dusty green field, often surrounded by a grey or white border.

The words of the Guardswatch are "First to last light." Not an official motto, the words are commonly repeated among members in reference to their long shifts protecting the city from dawn to sundown.

## Known members

* Brance
* Tidehand
Capital Navy

The **Capital Navy** is the force of naval captains, guards, and soldiers employed by the Eternal Council to defend the settlement at sea. Though stationed permanently in Stormsong City, the Capital Navy may go anywhere around the borders of Equis or beyond in commerce. They function both as a trade and military garrison.

All members of the Navy are skilled in fighting and living at sea. They are led by the Naval Grandmaster Anthas Wrendbrane. They answer to the king of Stormsong but are directly under the control of the Council and Grandmaster and employed to first protect the capital. They operate outside the guidelines and regulations of the royal army and navy, as they are city forces. They remain stationed in the city as monarchs come and go.

Their unofficial motto is *Defend by Sea.*
Ambermont

**Ambermont** is a small town built at the intersection of Enthor's Road and . It is located in the Fourteenth District. It is the third-largest settlement in the District and holds the seat of House Ambermont.

**Population:** 11,679

**Ruling House:** Amber

**House Seat:** Castle Amber

**Current Leader:** Alder Ambermont

### Inns

* Goldensong Inn
* Waterside Rest
* The Empty Chalice
* Redwood Inn
Unbeliever

An **unbeliever** is a person who does not follow adhere to the major religion of a continent, country, or region. They may also be referred to as a nonbeliever or heretic.

The term is principally used on the continents of Gilderas and Assyra. It is far more common in Gilderas, although it is a less common term than apostate and heretic.

Unbelievers are proponents of unbelief, also known as nonbelief.
Alliance (Paladin)

An **alliance** is a unit of organization within the paladin class. The entire rank of paladin is referred to as the order and the level of division directly beneath this the command. Alliances are any groups and companies of paladins containing less than one thousand members. An alliance may exist between only two knights, although most consist of several hundred.

The headquarters of an alliance is referred to as an alliancery. Members of a paladin alliance may be referred to as alliants or, less commonly, alliancers.

## Military Rank

The military hierarchy of the alliance is a simplified version of that which exists within the command. Because alliances are smaller than commands, they do not have as many titles and ranks. However, the three basic ranks remain and still represent the bases of the alliance's military strength.

Alliances have a separate military hierarchy than armies or other organizations that operate outside of the paladin class. Many of the ranks within the alliance hierarchy have rough equivalents within ordinary armed forces.

**Commandant Rank**

* Lord Commandant - The leader of the command
* Second Commandant - The second-of-command, the right hand of the Lord Commandant

**Heralder Rank**

* First Heralder
* Reverent
* Heralder of Retribution
* Sword of Light
* Fight Knight Lieutenant
* Knight Lieutenant
* **Adherent Rank**
	+ Knight Apostle
	+ Knight
	+ Attendant

**Other Ranks**

* Proselyte
* Lawbringer
House Bendarian

**Standard:** Golden lion head on blue.

House Bendarion is one of the principal noble houses of the Fourth District. It is sworn beneath the ruling house Bendorian. They rule from the trade city of Vallon, located at the head of the High Road leading to Stormsong City.

The house is led by King Robert Bendarion.
Man-at-arms

A **man-at-arms** is a soldier or guard of Gilderas who is typically well-versed in the use of arms and serves as a fully or partly armored serviceman. A man-at-arms may be a knight or nobleman, a member of a knight or nobleman's retinue, or a mercenary in a company under mercenary leadership. Such men may serve for pay or through a feudal obligation. The terms *knight* and *man-at-arms* are at times used interchangeably, but while all knights equipped for war are men-at-arms, not all men-at-arms are knights.

## Term

The term *man-at-arms* does not denote a formal military rank, but instead refers to any man who is equipped and trained in weaponry. They are also typically proficient in other aspects of warfare, such as mounted combat.

## Activities

Men-at-arms act as defensive and protective military or guard forces. They are stationed in cities, towns, castles, forts, and other locations to defend the inhabitants and watch over places of wealth or significance. They may also serve in combat, mobilizing with other ranks of professional troops.

## Military function

The military function that a man-at-arms performs may be serving as an armored heavy or light cavalry, foot soldier, or archer.
Brightspirit Stallion

The Brightspirit Stallion is a populous breed of light horse in Gilderas. Originally bred for pleasure riding, they have become a common mount for light warfare. Many are also considered to be light warhorses.

## Breed characteristics

Compact and refined in build, the Brightspirit Stallion has strong legs, an expressive head with a straight or slightly convex profile and broad forehead; large, prominent eyes; well-defined withers, laid back shoulders, and an upright, well arched neck. The back is short, and hindquarters are strongly muscled, with a long and well-muscled croup. The tail is attached high and carried gracefully and straight. Brightspirit Stallions are strong and relatively powerful horses despite their slender musculature. The breed is well known as an easy keeper and praised highly for its swift dancing gait. The standard for stallion height ranges from 14.4 to 15.1 hands, with some individual mounts over and under. Mares and geldings are generally smaller, most often standing between 14.2 to 15.0 hands.

The gait is lively, naturally quick, and high-stepping. The movements are energetic and animated. The breed has a reputation for curiosity, eagerness, vigor, and personality. Though not as brutally strong as larger heavy horses, the Brightspirit Stallion nonetheless possesses a surprising degree of stamina and endurance. It maintains a generally good and playful disposition, though it is also known for stubbornness, skittishness, and a fiery temper.

Brightspirit Stallions come in a variety of colors, although they are most commonly bay, chestnut, and white. Less common colors include grey, dun, and black, with black being the least common and rarely found.

## Uses

The Brightspirit breed is most commonly used as pleasure mounts. They are also frequently utilized within light warfare, serving most often as coursers.
Paragon

The **Paragon** is the central point of worship within the Faith and the embodiment of the Light, the eternal force of order and good in the world. He is known by many hallowed names. He is most often referred to as the Lord of Light. He may otherwise be called the Lord, the One, the Good, the Truth, and the Light.

At its core, Paragon is a genderless being made up of supernatural energy. It is not a deity or god, and is not observed as such by the Faithful. However, the popularization of Paragon's elder form has caused many outsiders to the Faith to erroneously believe that he is a god.

The Faithful believe that Paragon most often appears to mortals in the form of an elderly man with long white hair and beard, dressed in simple flowing robes of white. His eyes glow slightly with a pure white light and his facial features are high and noble.

The Light and Paragon are one. As the representation of the Light and its manifestation as an avatar, Paragon is not a deity in the traditional sense but a divine energy. His elder form, known otherwise as his mortal image as it is the image he most often appears within among mortals, is the form in which he is most widely worshipped. Statues of Paragon are believed to be instilled with the Light and thus his spirit.
Luminance Mount

The **Luminance Mount** is a rare breed of light horse originating on the continent of Gilderas. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful horses of the known world. They have a reputation for speed, endurance, and intelligence. Their coats carry a distinctive metallic sheen for which the breed has been given its name.
Command

A **command** is the central unit of organization within the paladin class. While the entire rank of paladin is referred to as the order, the level of division directly beneath this is the command. Commands are companies of paladins containing over one thousand members. A group smaller than a command is referred to as an alliance.

The headquarters of a command is referred to as a commandery. Members of a command may be referred to as commandants.

## Military Rank

Command members exist beneath the authority of the order and are further subject to the power and laws of the Faith leaders. Commands have a separate military hierarchy than armies or other organizations that operate outside of the paladin class. Many of the ranks within the paladin hierarchy have rough equivalents within ordinary armed forces.

**Commandant Rank**

* Lord Commandant - The leader of the command
* Second Commandant - The second-of-command, the right hand of the Lord Commandant

**Heralder Rank**

* First Heralder
* Reverent
* Heralder of Retribution
* Sword of Light
* Lord Captain
* First Knight Lieutenant
* Knight Lieutenant
* Lesser Lieutenant

**Adherent Rank**

* Knight Apostle
* Knight
* Attendant

**Other Ranks**

* Proselyte
* Lawbringer

## Organizational Rank

Although commands are at their base military organizations ordered to defend and protect the Faith and its followers, they are also societies which exist during peaceful times and support themselves with their own finances and resources. The organizational hierarchy within a command is similar to the administrative hierarchy found within a township or castle.

## Hallowed Rank

The hallowed, sanctioned, or holy rank consists of those within the command who are completely dedicated to the study and instruction of the Faith. Members of this rank include priests, clerics, and lesser members. Although members of the other ranks may also hold titles of the holy rank, those belonging to this hierarchy do not hold other titles. They do not fight and do not participate in battles or outside conflicts. They may not act in positions of administration, government, trade, or any other position within the command that exists outside the sphere of the Faith.

* Devout
* Priest
* Cleric
* Lesser Cleric
* Novice

### Words

All paladins who are members of a command may be called adherents. The name refers to their status among those who have sworn official oaths over the White Tenets within the Faith. Most commonly, the name "adherent" refers to any paladin who is not a commandant or one of the heralder rank.
Adherent

Within the Faith, an **adherent** is a follower of the religion who has sworn formal oaths over the White Tenets. Any age or rank may become an adherent.

The adherence ceremony may be conducted anywhere by a religious leader of the Faith. However, it is most often held within a cathedral or sanctum. A priest or cleric leads the ceremony and oversees the swearing of the oaths. Novices and acolytes are not permitted to conduct adherence ceremonies.

Throughout history, proselytes have been denied the title of adherent. However, there have been periods when they were permitted this status after formal conversion. The subject is still tumultuous and one of contention among leaders of the Faith.

The number of adherents within the Faith is not known. Most adherents are members of the noble classes.

Adherence status is a precondition for becoming a member of the religious clergy, joining most orders of the Faith, and entering the paladin order. However, it is not a requirement to worship in cathedrals or sanctums. One may be baptized, married, and commonly knighted without the status of adherent.

The throne of Gilderas and most of the highest positions of national government must by law be held by adherents.
House Maellor

**Standard:** Gray fess over a blue field.

**Motto:**

**Lord:** Penthis Maellor

**Seat:** Arthane Stronghold

House Mallor is one of the sworn noble houses of the Fourteenth District. They are sworn to House Snow. They rule from the small town of

The house is led by Lord Penthis Maellor. He is known to be a
Courser (mount)

A **courser** is a swift light horse, frequently used as a mount for hunting or war. It is ridden by knights and men-at-arms on the continent of Gilderas.

The term usually does not refer to a specific breed, but a type of horse defined by its build, temperament, and speed.

## Type characteristics

Coursers are known most for their smooth, easy ride and naturally swift gait. The speed is the most significant characteristic of the courser.

A horse must be swift of gait, agile on various terrain, and uncommonly nimble to be classified as a courser. It should display a lively, high-stepping carriage and lithe, sure movements.

Though lacking in the determined endurance of the charger and the brutal stamina of the destrier, the courser distinguishes its type by superior general swiftness and rare speed over shorter distances.

Coursers are highly versatile, though less generally useful than the more powerful chargers. They are not capable of pulling exceptional weights and are not disposed to heavy work. The slow, menial tasks of logging and agriculture are not well suited to coursers.

These horses are best suited to carrying lightly armored riders over those heavily armored or equipped. They may pull light carts or sledges.

### Disposition

The temperament of the standard courser lies between cold and hot-blooded. They are often quite spirited, but are not as short-tempered or aggressive as chargers. They are lively and energetic, though less vigorous than chargers.

Coursers are naturally adventurous and inquisitive. However, they are not reckless. They startle to loud noises and display restlessness when frightened.

Coursers are less prone to volatility and ill tempers than chargers. They have inherently good-natured dispositions and are highly tolerant of riders. They are gentle enough to be handled by children. They are generally amiable, highly curious mounts without the irascibility and vicious streaks found in other types of horses.

Due to its energetic character and penchant for running, the courser enjoys frequent exercise and long runs.

## Coursers in warfare

The courser is more common than the charger and destrier. They are beneficial in battle as they are light, fast, and surefooted. They are valuable horses, but less expensive than the prized charger and rarer, highly prized destrier.

Coursers are most often utilized in light cavalry.

## Other uses

The most common use for the courser is hunting. Adventurous, eager, and swift, this mount makes an excellent companion for the hunt and is the favorite of the nobility.

Coursers are also highly favored for pleasure riding.

## Common breeds

There are several Gilderan breeds which are commonly used as coursers. The build and musculature which typifies the courser excludes the breeds beneath the draft category.

Several lines of horses have been bred specifically to be good, reliable coursers.

* Gild Courser
* Abyssian

Other breeds which frequently produce good coursers are:

* Bay Red
* Brightspirit Stallion
Cathedral

A **sanctum** is a building where followers of the Faith worship. They can be located in villages and urban settlements, castles, strongholds, and monasteries.

## Layout

A sanctum is a single building traditionally built of stone or wood. It may have several rooms or a single open space. All sanctums are smaller and less ornate houses of worship than cathedrals, which are far larger and usually more extravagant. Some sanctums have stained glass windows, though most are set with more simple leaded windows.

Every sanctum houses an alter to the Paragon, the supernatural energy force worshipped within the Faith. Usually it is set within an alcove. This alter is known as the sanctorum.

Sanctorums traditionally hold statues of Paragon. The richest sanctums have statues made of marble and gilded or set with precious stones. Most often, these statues are shaped from stone. Less often, in poorer sanctums, they may be carved of wood. The likenesses of the Lord of Light may be life-sized or slightly smaller in height.

Sanctum walls are often set with niches for candles, torches, or small statues of Paragon. Braziers are common fixtures within such buildings. They may be placed on either side of the door, at intervals along aisles, or as part of the sanctorum alters.

Eight-pointed stars are a common feature of sanctum interiors, as they serve as representations of the holy Star of Light. Stars may be set into sanctum pillars, floors, walls, or ceilings. They may be carved into candles or crystals set upon alters, or engraved into braziers. Several sanctums have star-shaped windows.

Most sanctums have rows of wood or stone benches for small congregations of worshippers. Depending on the size of the buildings, there may be a single aisle between the benches or several aisles.

## Leadership

Sanctums are led by priests or clerics. The vast majority of sanctums keep a single leader of the Faith permanently appointed there. Several sanctums may have more than one leader, although this is less common than in cathedrals, which support many priests, clerics, and novices. However, the smallest buildings, which may consist of a single room with a simple alter, may not keep a permanent religious figure.

## Activities

Worshippers light candles or braziers at the alter and pray out loud or in silence.

## Worshippers

Any follower of the Faith may worship within sanctums. Members are not bound to a single congregation and may make use of any sanctum building wherever they are found. Heretics and non-believers are traditionally prohibited from entering sanctums along with any building or area designated for worship of the holy Light.
House Belith

**Standard:** Ardent unicorn statant on blue, set with three silver crescents above the animal and two below.

**Motto:** *First to Kneel.*

**Lord:** Gorren Belith

**House Belith** is one of the noble houses in the North. It is sworn beneath House Stark.

The house is led by Lord Gorren Belith. He is known to be a severe and taciturn man who harbors old resentment toward many and possesses an unfailing memory for past wrongs.

### Seat

The seat of House Belith is Blue Castle in Belithrim.

### Sworn Houses

Two vassal houses are sworn beneath Belith. The vassals are Enghril and Lorren.
Draft horse

A **draft horse**, **dray horse**, or **drafter**, is a breed of heavy horse designed to be a working animal doing hard tasks such as plowing and other field labor. There are a number of breeds with varying characteristics, but all share common traits of strength, patience, and a docile temperament which made them indispensable to agricultural laborers.

Draft horses and draft crossbreeds are versatile mounts used for a multitude of purposes, including plowing, sowing, carting, and hauling various materials. They are also used for crossbreeding, especially to light riding breeds for the purpose of creating strong, fast horses of mixed temperament. While most draft horses are used for driving, they can be ridden and some of the lighter draft breeds are capable performers under saddle.

The draft horse is not a specific breed of horse, but a type which is characterized by its musculature and disposition

## Characteristics

Draft horses are recognizable by their tall stature and extremely muscular build. In general, they tend to have a more upright shoulder, producing more upright movement and conformation that is well suited for pulling. They tend to have broad and short backs with powerful hindquarters, again best suited for the purpose of pulling. Additionally, the draft breeds usually have heavy bone, and a good deal of feathering on their lower legs. Many have a straight profile. Draft breeds range from approximately 16 to 19 hands high and from 1,500 to 2,500 lb.

## History

### Kinds of draft horses

Though most often chosen for agricultural work, the draft horse may also be used as within the freight and logging industries.

* Logger
* Sledder
Everwinter

**Everwinter** is a small town built at the beginning of the Last Road. It is located in the southeastern region of the Fourteenth District. It is the fifth-largest settlement in the District and built near Winter Keep, the seat of House Snow.

**Population:** 9,204

**Ruling House:** Snow

**Lord:** Robherd Snow II

**Current Leader:** Lord Mayor Derric Bracken.

Everwinter is surrounded by a low stone wall set with an old wooden gate. Its buildings are made of dull gray stone and the roofs covered with shingles or moor grass thatch. Its streets are narrow and dirt. Enthor's Road begins at its southernmost end.

Outside the town limits, rows of fields fill the moorland along the road. Low wooden fences surround the fields. Thralls huts and cottages dot the spaces between the fields.

There are stone windmills close to the town walls and on most days you can see several wagons approaching the mills to bring grain and flour into Everwinter. Other wagons and carts transport supplies the two miles north up the dirt track to Winter Keep.

The castle building is visible on its long hill from the town's north gate. On days when the winds blow in a certain direction, the smoke from the cooking fires and forges of the Keep are brought down the road and drift over Everwinter.

Every year when the weather goes cold, a portion of the townspeople fall ill with what they call the shaking chill. Invariably the disease culls part of the population before winter is over. During the spring many will use the narrow dirt road which has been worn straight between the fields to the distant evergreen forest. The road leads through the pines to the town's cemetery clearing. Moss-covered stones mark certain graves, while others have simply been heaped with earth and left bare. Others are scattered with grain, a common local practice of respect when visiting the dead.
Six-Pointed Star

The **Six-Pointed Star** Council refers to the most important military gathering within the paladin order. The council serves as an advisory body for the Lord Commandant of a command or alliance. It consists of six members, in accordance with the symbolism surrounding the six-pointed white star of the Faith.

The Lord Commandant heads the council. The other members include the Second Commandant, the First Heralder, the Reverent, a Heralder of Retribution, and a Sword of Light.

In alliances, which do not maintain the rank of Reverent, the Lord Captain may join the council.

During assemblies of the Six-Pointed Star, the council discusses military strategy, journeys and crusades, recruitment methods, and other important matters of business concerning the organization and the Faith.
Lesser Lieutenant

The **Lesser Lieutenant**, also referred to as the under-lieutenant, is a military rank within the paladin order. It is the lowest rank of the heraldic division. Lesser Lieutenants are known to command pacts of several hundred men and act as advisors to Knights Apostle.

Alliances do not maintain this rank and the tasks of the Lesser Lieutenants are passed to Knights Lieutenant.
Mortal sin

A **mortal sin**, in the theology of the Faith, is a gravely sinful act which can lead to damnation. A sin is considered to be "mortal" when its quality is such that it leads to a separation of that person from the Holy Light. It is separate from a venial sin, which is less serious and severe.

The mortal sins outlined in the White Tenets and the other holy texts of the Faith are:

* Nonbelief; the rejection of the principles of the Faith, the lack of belief in Paragon and the Light.
* Unrighteous murder; murder not done in the name of Light. The killing of heretics is not unrighteous but is considered blessed murder.
Snowkeep

**Snowkeep** is a motte-and-bailey fortification in Greywolf Wood in the North. It is the seat of the vassal house Ardent.

## Structure

The fortification is reached by a wooden drawbridge which is lowered from a stone and wood gatehouse. A worn dirt road leads to the drawbridge. The palisade wall is made of split fir and pine logs and is twenty feet in height. Beneath the wall, a wide ditch surrounds the circumference of the bailey. This dry moat serves as the first line of defense for the keep.

Past the gatehouse, the bailey opens into a broad clearing, roughly circular. The cluster of buildings beneath the walls include workshops, a smithy, stables, a cowshed, a meeting hall, a guardhouse, and a kennel. There is also a well and pens for animals.

## Defenses

There is a single entrance into Snowkeep. It is reached by a drawbridge which may be lifted before the gatehouse. A high wall made of logs encircles the bailey. Beneath the wall is a wide dry moat which may be filled with sharpened stakes.
Gamemaster

The **gamemaster** is a position in a noble household. It is the title of a servant tasked with keeping watch over the wildlife in a forest or other area and protecting them from poachers.

The gamemaster is typically also charged with organizing the noble hunt.

### Duties

The most important duty of the gamemaster is to watch over the populations of wildlife in the wild area surrounding a castle or fort.

Most gamekeepers are also responsible for the organization of noble hunts. They work with other servants to arm the members of the hunt and ensure that each is provided a mount. He must also provide the hounds which are to accompany the hunters.

The gamemaster may also attend the hunt.

### Activities

The gamemaster makes regular rounds of the forests and other wild areas, looking for trespassers and poachers. If he encounters poachers or others who are illegally occupying the lord's land, he is to capture and punish them as he has been ordered to by his lord. Often the gamemaster will be accompanied on his patrols by several men-at-arms to assist him in the punishment of criminals.

When the gamemaster

### Known gamemasters

* The gamemaster at Winterfell was Roger Bekker
Chivalric order

A **chivalric order** or **knight order** is an order of knights usually inspired by the original Orders of Light of the White Crusades (circa 212-358).

## Paladin orders

Within the paladin class, orders are known as commands or alliances. Paladins use the term **order** to refer to their class as a whole. However, outside the class, paladin groups are known as orders.

## Dynastic orders

Dynastic orders are a type of chivalric order beneath sovereign patronage. They are often founded or maintained to reward service to a monarch, or the monarch's subsequent dynasty.
Blessed murder

Within the theology of the Faith, **blessed murder** refers to the murder of heretics by the Faithful. It is not considered a crime or sin, but is fully legal and sanctioned by the clergy.

The term is most often used in reference to the actions of paladins during war. Its first recorded usage was during the Gilderan Holy Wars.
Kingdoms of Lordoron

The **Kingdoms of Aelerynn** are the seven major regions into which the continent of Lordoron is divided. Each District holds a regional capital known otherwise known as a first city or mother city.

The capital of the Fourth District, Stormsong City, serves as the seat of the royal house. It is also the ruling capital and largest city of the Ten Districts.

### Ten Districts

1. Set
2. Menth
3. Tryse
4. Petra
5. Pecador
6. Era
7. Dorren
8. Pellor
9. Alloran
10. Anthem
Creative Fanfiction Talk:April Fools’ Day 2021

## Needs more pranks

Hello. This page needs more planking, like rickrolls and stuff. Misc544 (talk) 23:09, 31 December 1999

What? AshKetchum2000 (talk) 23:16, 31 December 1999
We just need more plank— I mean pranking. Misc544 (talk) 23:19, 31 December 1999
THIS IS A PRANK!!!! AshKetchum2000 (talk) 23:22, 31 December 1999
Let’s forget it, anyway... Misc544 (talk) 23:29, 31 December 1999
Hey, it’s almost the new millennium of 2000! Misc544 (talk) 23:59, 31 December 1999
5... Misc544 (talk) 23:59, 31 December 1999
4... AshKetchum2000 (talk) 23:59, 31 December 1999
3, 2... Misc544 (talk) 23:59, 31 December 1999
1!!!!! Misc544 (talk) 00:00, 1 January 2000
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2000... AND YAY!!!!! Misc544 (talk) 00:00, 1 January 2000
### That millenium new year thing, named 2000 Today was so exciting

That was super exciting!!!! Misc544 (talk) 00:34, 23 June 2005

THAT WAS 5 YEARS AGO, AND IT IS 2,000 DAYS FROM THAT DAY!!!! Devereux1565 (talk) 13:57, 23 June 2005
## Delay of April Fools’ Week because of misspelling in old page redirect

It’s delayed, the April Fools thing that was running for a week. Misc544 (talk) 23:55, 3 April 2021 (UTC)

It has to be delayed for at least 1 minute... Misc544 (talk) 23:55, 3 April 2021 (UTC)
What? Devereux1565 (talk) 00:00, 4 April 2021 (UTC)
I partially solved it, it’s clogged. The thing isn’t germinated from the misspelling. I will delete that spare page. Misc544 (talk) 00:00, 4 April 2021 (UTC)
Good, I’m checking your progress... Devereux1565 (talk) 00:03, 4 April 2021 (UTC)
Acolyte

An **acolyte** in the cannon law and tradition of the Faith is a prospective member of a clergy or religious order.

Acolytes are the lowest-ranking religious figures within the Faith's hierarchy. They are not considered leaders or figures of authority.

## Membership

Men of any age and rank may begin training as acolytes. Many start their training at a young age, most between the ages of ten and fourteen. All acolytes are male.

Those who do not follow the Faith and nonadherents are forbidden from becoming entering the rank. Acolytes are sworn into a clergy or religious order by a priest. They must have sworn oaths over the White Tenets before their admittance. However, they do not need to be literate or hold extensive knowledge of the Faith.

Most acolytes remain within this rank for several years. If a boy begins acolyte training at age twelve, he will remain an acolyte until eighteen, when he is considered old enough for the rank of cleric.

A portion of acolytes do not rise further within the clergy of the Faith, but remain in this rank for their lives.

## Activities

Acolytes work within sanctums or cathedrals as assistants to clerics or priests. They may also simply be employed within the clergy to perform tasks for several different masters. Much of the acolyte's time is spent keeping the building of Light clean and orderly. They may sweep the aisles, light candles or braziers, shovel snow around the building during winter, clean the rooms of clergy leaders,

In the clergies of sanctums or smaller monasteries, acolytes often act as servants as well as religious assistants. They may cook and grow food for the clergy, working within fields or stables and performing various menial tasks alongside their duties for the Faith.

During religious services and ceremonies, acolytes act as aids and attendants to the administrating priest.

Acolytes do not have formal authority to perform marriage or death rites, baptisms, anointments, initiations, or knighthood ceremonies.

## Uniform

The uniform of the adult novice consists of a long brown robe and cowl. Child and young adult acolytes typically wear a brown jerkin and breeches.

Acolytes may wear belts, but this the extent of their permitted ornamentation.

Their clothing is made of wool or linen. They are also entitled to wear leather. They may not wear silks, goldcloth, or similarly expensive fabrics. Furs, velvets, and elaborate trimmings are not permitted.

Robes and jerkins are often sewn with a white star set across the chest. The star may be stitched to the back of the clothing as well. Not all acolyte uniforms display such stars, and this type of decoration is not restricted to the acolyte rank.
House Vallorian

**Standard:** White star of the Faith on dark blue bordered by black. Six precious white stones are set at the cruxes of each of the star's arms. In the star center is a blue hexagon with a second white star at its center.

**Motto:** *Of Faith.*

**Lord:** Bendor Vallorian

**Seat:** Vallor's Citadel

House Vallorian is one of the principal noble houses of the Fourth District. It is sworn beneath the ruling house Bendorian. They rule from the trade city of Vallon, located at the head of the High Road leading to Stormsong City.

The house is led by Lord Bendor Vallorian. He is known to be a very pious man and a strict adherent of the Faith. He is wed to Lady Alennis Vallorian, formerly of House Caerlight in Crownmarch.

### Seat

The seat of House Vallorian is Vallor's Citadel in Vallon. It is a sprawling stone castle built on the top of a cliff at the northernmost point of the city. Its many towers and turrets are topped with tiled slate gray roofs. Due to its size it is constantly plagued by drafts. The winds skirling down from the nearby cliffs that encircle the city often make walking on the ramparts difficult. The floors of the great rooms and hallways are covered in evergreen needles that fill the air with clean, sharp scents. Before the main doors into the castle stands a large stone statue of the Paragon, built by Bendor Vallorian's great-great grandfather, Lord Renther.

### Sworn Houses

Four lesser noble houses are sworn beneath Vallorian. The sworn houses are Moth, Mergen, Slate, and Horrer.
Nonorder

The word **nonorder** refers to people, places, and things which exist outside the class or order of the paladin. Broadly, it denotes anything which is not a part of the order. One who is not a paladin is known as a *nonordered.*

While nonorder may have a disparaging connotation depending on its context or listener, in truth it is not meant as a slur or a word of disrespect. It is simply used to further isolate members of the order from the rest of the world.
Mercaras Wiki

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We're a collaborative community website about Mercaras that anyone, including you, can build and expand. Wikis like this one depend on readers getting involved and adding content. Click the "ADD NEW PAGE" or "EDIT" button at the top of any page to get started!

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Festivals and Holidays of Equis

Lunar Holidays

**Festival of Light |** First day always occurs on the first full moon day of the year. Holiday lasts three days and three nights.

**Darkmoontide |** Celebration occurs on the first new moon day of the year, when the sky is the darkest. It officially lasts that day and night and keeps going unofficially for several weeks after.
Bronze Road

The **Bronze Road** is one of the major thoroughfares in the city of Vallon in the Fourth District.

It begins at End Towers and goes southwest, running through the heart of Vallon and ending at Vallor's Citadel. It is a broad dirt road that runs almost entirely flat until it reaches the cliff on which the Citadel is built.
Stellarus

**Stellarus** [from *stellara,* most blessed and hallowed, and *argeris,* cherished thing (from *arger*, to cherish)] is a legendary Assyran stallion which is believed to be the personal mount of the deity Brontus.

The horse is also known as Stellor Morgarus, a title which translates roughly to "divine creature which has been favored."

## Legend

Brontus, the Assyran god of violence and warfare, wished to create a mount for use by the gods. Every known species of animal had already been placed on the world-sphere for mortal use. All of the large four-legged creatures were too far beneath the divine to be taken as mounts; they were considered extremely crude and primitive, and thus designated to mortal use.

After Brontus created Stellarus from stone, he decided to take out its eyes to prevent it from seeing the cruelty of mankind and the pollution in the world. The process was completely painless for the horse

## Appearance

Stellarus is described in various legends as a tall, white horse marked with a silver dappled pattern along its croup, and white mane and tail. It carries itself with a highly proud bearing and moves with superior deftness and grace. It is considered by Assyrans to be the most noble and beautiful creature of mythology.

## Abilities

Stellarus was granted immortality and the inability to suffer all known ailments, including injury, illness, and pain. As it was given a blessing from the divine, it does not require any sustenance in order to survive. It possesses superior speed, endurance, and strength. It is infallible to hunger, thirst, fatigue, and all natural elements.

Brontus used his blessing to prevent Stellarus from ever experiencing an emotion of discomfort or pain. Although the mount is blind, it moves with a surety and grace beyond the ability of any other creature.
Starcastle

**Starcastle** is a small town located along the High Road in the southwestern region of the Fourth District. The seat of the ruling House Swordstar bears the same name as the settlement which surrounds it.

**Population:** 6,846

**Ruling House:** Swordstar

**House Seat:** Starcastle

**Current Leader:** Amorren Swordstar

**Standard:** Elaborate bronze star of the Faith pierced by a silver sword against a blue background bordered silver. Two silver crescents are set above the star.

The town of Starcastle is surrounded by a wooden fence set with a heavy pine gate. A large stream cuts the cleared ground before the front gates and is crossed by a wide wooden bridge. A bronze star is set on the parapet above the gates.

There are several places of note in Starcastle, including several inns. An apple orchard is planted outside the town. There is a moneylending house, guild streets, a sanctum of the Faith, a monastery, a town hall, and a marketplace. The largest and most popular inns are the Trapper, Applewood Inn, the Starry Inn, and the Silver Quartermaster.
Clergy

**Clergy** are formal leaders within the Faith. They preside over religious services and ceremonies and teach the doctrines and practices of the Faith to the religion's followers.

Clergy perform a variety of other tasks and duties. They may practice healing and also act as scholars, tutors, governmental leaders, or envoys. The hierarchy within the clergy is led by the Hand of Light, the high figure of the Faith.

* Hand of Light
* Archcardinal
* Cardinal
* High priest
* Priest
* Anchorite, Anchoress
* Cleric
* Novice
* Acolyte