Knights of the Withered Rose

The Knights of the Withered Rose are a military organization which answers pleas for help across the land. They are headquartered in old Wacked Castle. They frequently serve as a mediator in disputes between nations, and occasionally intervene directly to keep the peace when issues grow enough to attract their notice.

### History

#### The Devonian Crusades

The Knights fought and eventually emerged victorious in the Devonian crusades. However, they could do little to prevent the tainting and ruination of northern Devonia.

#### Migration

After the Devonian crusades, the Knights started a new branch in Drevhall, and took up residence in old Wacked castle. This became their new official headquarters when Chapter Master Karl Von Towerhouse himself moved his base of operations to the castle.

#### The Diamonite Schism

The Knights mediated the Diamonite Schism, drafting the treaty which led to its resolution. Were their peace offer rejected, they were prepared to stand against Thunder.

#### The Rescue of Hank, The Immortal

The Knights responded to a village's distressed missive saying that their protector, an enhanced iron golem known as Hank, The Immortal, had gone missing. A knight found Hank, who had been kidnapped, rescued him from peril, and escorted him back to his proper place as protector of the village.

#### Nashar

The Knights investigated reports of banditry, and found an army of undead calling themselves the Nashar Legion were preying on the people of the realm. The Knights set about exterminating them. During this conflict, Nashar's general Terebus murdered Karl Von Towerhouse. Leadership of the Knights then passed to Sir Davos.

### Important Figures

Sir Davos (High King David), current Chapter Master

Karl Von Towerhouse, former Chapter Master

Balator Rex, former Chapter Master

### Ceremonies and Traditions

#### Initiation

As part of a squire's initiation, they must gather one of each normal type of flower (Poppy, Dandelion, Cornflower, Blue Orchid, Azure Bluet, Allium, Oxeye Daisy, Lily of the Valley, and each color of Tulip).

They are then cut by the Withered Blade, symbolizing their willingness to bleed for the order.

#### Oaths

Each knight swears an oath when they join the order.

> "On my honour I pledge my sword to the order [and that I will follow] the code of chivalry.
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> I will not wither from my oath to defend the innocent.
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> I will not wither from the path of good.
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> I will not wither in the face of evil.
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> I am a Knight of the Withered Rose."
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### Ranks and Structure of the Knights

**Initiate:** This is not yet a member of the order and must undergo The Initiate's Trial. The Initiate is not entitled to any resources from the Order and must do the trial without wearing any armor.

**Squire:** This is the first official rank of the order that you may get after completing the initiation, representing the beginning of an individual's path to becoming a Knight. A squire is entitled to the following items: yellow leather cap, iron chestplate, chainmail leggings, blue leather boots, the official KOTWR Shield, and an iron sword. The Squire gets a place in the barracks, consisting of their own bed and chest for belongings. They get access to most of the castle, and are responsible for the upkeep of the place (like cleaning the snow off the ramparts). They are also required to use their time as a squire to learn more about the order of Knights, by reading the books in the library and familiarizing themselves with the various log books. They are allowed to accept quests. The only places where the Squire is not allowed access to are the Armory, the Chapter Master's Quarters, the Reliquary, the Evidence Room and the Knights Hall.

**Knight:** Once a Squire completes 3 different quests they may take the Knighting Ceremony and recite the Oath of Wither - allowing them to start collecting Honor from their quests, making them an official Knight of the Withered Rose. A Knight is awarded with a new custom set of armor, as well as a Special Item in the form of a custom KOTWR Blade. They are also now allowed to access the Armory, as well as the Evidence Room and the Knights Hall.

**First Knight:** This rank is awarded when a Knight has served time in the order. Though still just a Knight, they are considered a senior Knight. They are also given another Special Item - Shackles - allowing them to arrest others and lock them up in the dungeon.

**Knight Serjeant:** This rank is the first rank of the senior staff of the order and as such are allowed to preform the Knighting Ceremony on others. To achieve this rank, a First Knight must demonstrate superior knowledge of the order and take a 10 question test - also receiving an armor upgrade.

**Knight Captain:** This rank is automatically awarded to the most senior Knight Serjeant when a chapter reaches 5 members. Not including Knights above this rank. 4 Knights and a Knight Captain are called a Lance. Knight Captains receive their own private quarters on the upper floor of the castle. They are also allowed to rename their equipment to whatever they'd like.

**Chapter Master:** This rank is an elected office. All Captains stand for election and the chapter votes. The Chapter Master is the ONLY member of the chapter who is allowed to access the Reliquary and may draw weapons from it. The Chapter Master also gets his own private quarters at the Chapter Master Quarters, where no one else is allowed but him. A Chapter Master also receives the final gear upgrade.

**Lord Commander:** Once there are more than one chapter then both Chapter Masters stand for election for the whole order. One is selected as Lord Commander. They then may choose two other knights to become Knight Praetorians who will serve as their personal guards. The Lord Commander is given the Withered Blade as their personal weapon as they are now the head of the order.

Other Appointed Knights:

**Knight Praetorian:** This office is appointed by the Lord Commander to serve as their personal body guard. They may carry any equipment issued by the Lord Commander.

**Knight Chaplin:** This office is appointed by the Chapter Master and each Chapter may only have one. They are responsible for upholding the Order Traditions and rules of the order and record keeping. The Knight Chaplin will carry potions for aiding the Chapter.

**Errant Knight:** "Once a Knight, always a Knight." - If a Knight leaves the order, they remain a Knight and retain their honor, but are forbidden from carrying the order's colors. They are free to bear any equipment they wish.

**Stricken Knight:** Otherwise known as a Black Knight. This is where a knight has lost all of their honor. Thus, must take a redemption quest if they wish to regain their honor. The Stricken Knight may ONLY wear black armor and carry a Black Shield if they wish to take a Redemption Quest.