The Regal Knights
From Reydala
The Regal Knights: The Regal Knights are a large organization of 155 Members, based in the city of Passel. They are not sanctioned by the country of Kaltia, yet in times of great need they are sometimes called upon to defend the nation. In fact, the government has learned well not to stand in their way, for they are most likely the most powerful collective in the nation, more powerful than the standard military. Essentially a private army, the Regal Knights strive to rid evil from the world in all of it's forms.
History: The Regal Knights were originally founded hundreds of years ago by a group of five adventurers, who all held in common their worship of Regial. Dissatisfied with the military's ability to defend the nation against natural and supernatural threats, they formed their own union and sought only the most moral, skilled and most wise individuals to join their order. Being chosen was a great honor that was not taken lightly. Their order gradually grew and acquired a reputation: Immensely Powerful, Brave, Noble, and among naysayers, Immensely stuck-up.
Through the years, the Regal Knights have stayed away from squabbles between countries unless the basis of the attack was pure aggression (Evil intentions). They immediately respond to supernatural threats: Aberrations, the Undead, Evil or chaotic outsiders, magical beasts, and so on. They are less eager to intervene against natural threat (Animals, Beasts, so on) but will do so if innocents are in direct danger.
Hierarchy: The Order was created around a strict hierarchy, at the top are 5 individuals, known as Regal Lords, every one of them world famous for their good deeds and their prowess against evil. The power of war rests upon their shoulders, should they decide to declare it. They are trusted with a huge amount of individual power and an even greater amount when they pool their resources. Any dissent among them (which is rare) is decided through a simple majority vote. The Lords rarely enter battle themselves, but on those occaisons their enemies have much to fear. Since the order's founding, only twice have all five lords ridden into battle together.
Beneath every Regal Lord are 5 Captains, chosen by their Lord. Their primary duty is to enact the will of their superior. They also server as advisors to the Lord and representatives of their subordinates. If a problem is emerging in the ranks of the Regal Knights, the Captains duty is to communicate it to their Lord. The captains have some power over their subordinates, and most of the time are trusted enough to act independently, unless other orders are pressing.
Every Captain is in charge of 5 Regal Knights, who form the bulk of the order's membership. Despite being the lowest official rank, each of these Knights has undergone an extremely strict selection process and is far above the level of a standard militia soldier. In times of peace, Captains will often allow their Knights to work independently as scouts in the world, keeping the powers of evil in check.
The Regal knights have many more prospects than they have members. Even the prospects have a Hierarcy of 10 ranks representing their proximity to being a true regal Knight.
Organization: The most common military unit of the Regal Knights is the Lance, which consists of a captain and his subordinates. Groups of multiple lances are referred to as Greatlances, Trilances, Quadlances, Pentalances, and so on. If a lord himself rides out to battle with his captains and their subordinates, it is referred to as a Sword. Similarly, if more than one Sword is mobilized they are referred to differently: Greatsword, Trisword, Quadsword, and Pentasword. Of course, the Pentasword is the largest army that the Organization can field, comprised of the full 155 members.
Selection Process: While the original founders approached individuals they thought suitable personally, this is not the most common method used currently. Any individual can volunteer for the review process, but among those that do only 5 in 100 make it to be Regal Knights. Each Volunteer is assigned a captain, and is responsible to provide monthly reports to their captain in writing, as well as at least one personal visit per year. This visit will most likely be verifying the reports, and is often done under magical scrying to detect lies. The captain can choose to increase the rank of the trainee at any point, often Captains discuss reports with their subordinates in great detail for their own input and to greater familiarize them with one who may soon become their brother. There is an absolute minimum examination period of 1 year, though it is very exceptional for one to be accepted so soon, many take 5 or even 10 years. If, for any reason, the captain deems an individuals actions unfit he may decrease his rank or revoke rank entirely if he seems fit. If the indivudial argues the captains decision, he is allowed an audience to discuss it with the Captain's lord. If the Lord supports the Captain's decision (Usually the case), that individual is permanently unable to seek membership with the Regal Knights. If the Lord feels the Captain acted rashly, he can lessen or remove the punishment as he sees fit (And may in turn discipline the Captain).
Ethics: All regal knights are held to a strict code of conduct, the most important precepts are as follows:
1) Respect your Superior, and Protect Them with your life.
Every member of the Regal Knights is expected to follow their Superior's orders, no matter the danger or personal risk. If their superior is ever put in danger, it is the Regal Knight's responsibility to protect them at all costs. If a Knight suspects his superior of corruption, he may take it up with a non-involved lord, though he will require substantial proof. False accusations may bring their own punishment.
2) Protect The Innocent, Above yourself.
To the Regal Knights, everyone is considered innocent until proven guilty. If another is suffering because of an agressor's actions, it is the Knight's responsibility to confront this Agressor. By force, if peaceful methods prove inadequate. If this Agressor proves to be too powerful for the Knight alone, the primary concern is ensuring the escape of the innocent. While he or she can prevent harm to others, the Regal Knight is never to retreat or surrender.
3) Your Honor is Your life.
The Regal Knight never commits any dishonorable acts. Thievery, dishonesty, and cowardice are strictly forbidden. He does not attack an opponent who is unaware or defenseless, nor does he kill without justification. It is always better to die with honor than to live with shame.
Additionally, The Regal Knights are expected to follow all the tenets of Regial, and any moral codes imposed upon them by their respective classes (Such as Paladin, Monk, and so on).
Classes: The majority of Regal Knights are Multiclass Cleric/Paladins, Though there are many examples of single class Paladins and Clerics. Other classes are more rare, and when they appear they are usually combined with one of the two above. A Rogue's philosophy fundamentally contradicts with that of the Regal Knights, and therefore will be weeded out in the examination process. It goes without saying that Hexblades, Blackguards, and Assassins are inappropriate for the order.
Upon achieving the rank of Regal Knight, The Individual can opt to advance as the Regal Knight Prestiege class (This is not necessary, however)
