Order of the Grail Knights

History

Deep in the annals of history, a legendary group of knights known as the Grail Knights emerges from the land of Rivermond. United by a common cause and a strong sense of duty, these seasoned warriors joined forces near the end of the fifth century of the Third Age to stand against the growing threat of the Silver Dominion. The Silver Dominion, through its faith and diplomatic maneuvers, slowly extended its influence, and Rivermond found itself succumbing to its dominion, becoming more or less a vassal state.

Recognizing the encroaching danger and determined to protect their homeland from the Dominion's military presence, the Grail Knights embarked on a noble quest. They fought tirelessly, their unwavering dedication and unwavering spirit earning them the admiration and support of the commonfolk of Rivermond. The Grail Knights became symbols of hope and resistance, defenders of freedom against the oppressive rule of the Church and the Dominion.

As their heroic deeds spread throughout the land, the Grail Knights incurred the wrath of the Silver Dominion. The Church and its knights deemed them public enemies, fearing the influence and inspiration the Grail Knights represented. This marked the beginning of the infamous Grail War, a monumental conflict in which a handful of valiant knights stood against overwhelming odds, facing countless soldiers and knights of the Dominion.

The Grail Knights fought with unparalleled courage and skill, rallying the people and leading them in the struggle for liberation. Their unwavering resolve and determination became legendary, inspiring tales of heroism that would echo throughout the ages. The Grail War became a symbol of defiance against tyranny, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Rivermond's people.

However, as the war waged on, the odds against the Grail Knights became increasingly insurmountable. In the year 604, the final chapter of their story unfolded. It is widely believed that the last of the Grail Knights were vanquished in the culmination of the Grail War. Their sacrifice and noble stand against overwhelming forces cemented their place in history, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the people of Rivermond.

Yet, despite their valor and the impact they had on their homeland, the Church and the Silver Dominion sought to erase any trace of the Grail Knights from history. The Church actively removed and suppressed all records and accounts of their heroic deeds, ensuring that their story would be forgotten or distorted over time. The mention or celebration of the Grail Knights became a forbidden act, an offense punishable by the Church.

In the shadows, however, whispers of the Grail Knights persist. Their memory lives on in the hearts of those who remember their bravery and sacrifice. The tales of the Grail Knights continue to be passed down through oral traditions and clandestine gatherings, preserving their legacy in defiance of the Church's efforts to erase them from history.

The story of the Grail Knights stands as a testament to the enduring power of courage, sacrifice, and the fight against oppression. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, a few brave souls can ignite a flame of hope and inspire a whole nation to resist tyranny. The legacy of the Grail Knights, while hidden and suppressed, continues to inspire the people of Rivermond, fueling the hope for a future where their sacrifices will be acknowledged and their memory honored.

Order Hierarchy

The Hierarchy of the Grail Knights was a tightly structured order that fostered discipline and camaraderie. At the pinnacle of the hierarchy stood the Grand Master, the most experienced and venerable member of the order. They provided guidance and wisdom to the Knights, serving as a beacon of inspiration. Commanders were knights granted the authority to lead and command specific territories, overseeing the operations and strategies of the Grail Knights in those regions. The Grail Knights themselves were seasoned warriors who had taken the Oath and gained the favor of the rivers that flowed through Rivermond.

Champions of the Grail

Grand Master Thome Elderhill. Elderhill was a powerful house of Knights until Sir Thome announced himself a Knight of the River Grail year 559. The Elderhill house was divided between the new Church and the House. During the Grail War year 600 to 604 Thome held his banner high in defiance against the Church, it is believed he led the final charge against the Church. He was killed in battle according to Dominion records, his body is believed to have been displayed across the Dominion. Despite turning on their own kin, his entire family was hanged and his estate was burned down year 605 by the Church.
Commander Corvus Dane. Little is known about Sir Dane, he joined the Grail Knights year 565 and is generally known for being seen with Sir Brightheart. Records have shown them together during the Grail War. No known family and no records have been found of any other noble Dane. It is believed he met his end at the final battle of the Grail War as some Dominion records has his heraldry drawn onto some history books over the war.
Commander Nicholas Denova. Sir Denova was a wealthy Knight and Noble, records state that he was to marry Amanda Marchant. All that appear to have changed when it was revealed he was one of the Grail Knights year 597. It look as he vanished from most public records after that, his wealth was gone and his nobility was shrouded in lies. Historians can not find what happened to him.
Grail Knight Israphel Sanguin. The Knight that shall not be named, Israphel was a great Knight and even better father. At the end of the Grail War, his daughter fell severely ill however despite his faith the Rivers granted no aid in his greatest time of need. This caused his faith to waiver and he started to look for aid elsewhere, he found someone in Whitechapel that were able to help his daughter under one condition, to betray his Order which he at first refused to do however his love for his daughter pushed him over the edge. He convinced the Grand Master to strike the Dominion forces when the odds were heavily in favour of the Dominion forces.
Grail Knight Asher Karlstain. The Karlstain family is famous for their great horses and their mounted soldiers. Asher was an amazing Knight on horseback, he announced his standing with the Grail Knights year 590 after winning a grand jousting tournament in the Capital. According to some records there was an attempt at taking his life year 599, however no records shows if they found the ones behind the attempt. Theories points towards the Church or even his own kin. He would live to see the end of the Grail War, when he returned home from battle year 604, he was met with a bolt to the heart by his own wife. It is believed she did so to redeem her unborn child as she was hanged year 605 for both treason and murder.
Grail Knight Denris Dragoon. Denris was a fearsome Knight, known among others as the Bloodletterer. How or why is unknown, no records indicates any events that would point at any bloodletting or any extreme violance. Historians believe this was mere tales among men, however there are records that say he was a great swordsman. Not much else is known to him or his family, the Dragoon name is not native to Rivermond. Historians believe he might have been from the Dominion, which would make sense for the events leading to his death at the end of the Grail War.
Grail Knight Bartimaeus Brightheart. The Brighthearts were known for their chivalry, Bartimaeus was no exeption to this and he was known among the elders within the Capital city for his good deeds. Things changed when he struck down a man who turned out to be a man of the Church. Bartimaeus spent a week in prison before he was let go. He joined the Grail Knights at the beginning of year 586. No records of his whereabouts after that, there are some records indicating he took part in the Grail War however no records has been found when or where he met his end.
Grail Knight Louis Von Vandurn. Vandurn was the youngest known Knight of the Order. Records date his arrival in Rivermond year 583 and joined the Order as a squire year 585. No records of when he was granted Knighthood however the last records of his life indicates that he indeed was one of the Knights of the Grail Order. No family records, never got married or had any children. He met his end at the final battle against the Dominion year 604. His body was recovered and burried in outside the River Chapel.
Grail Knight Hildebrand Quinn. Hildebrand was one of three Knights of the Quinn family, hailing from the lands of Bellmond. He was the oldest among his brothers and was highly respected. It is believed he joined the Grail Knights early, no records date when he claimed the title of Grail Knight, it only appeared in records during the Grail War. He was killed during the Grail War, his body was recovered and brought home year 603. The Quinn family offered their own kin to atone and clear their name. Every of the Quinn family is oath bound to serve 30 years on the Dominon frontlines. The brothers and sons of Hildebrand has not been seen or heard from since year 622.
Grail Knight Aladiin Veedis. Sir Veedis was a known figure in Rivermond, an expert swordsman and merchant. Historians are unable to find where he came from however some records claim he was one of the first from the Dynasty to be granted nobility in Rivermond. The year was 599 when he announced his standing with the Grail Knights. There are several records and tales about his deeds during the Grail War, some presume to be quite exaggerated. However it was confirmed he met his end at the last battle of the Grail War. The Church brought his head back to the Capital and the Veedis family only evaded execution due to their standing with the Arch-Baron.
Grail Knight Hemish Siegeboar. Hemish was one of the cousins of the Mountainbreaker family. both hailing from Kalamar. Known for being a both warrior and knight. Records of his time with the Grail Knights or when he joined is lost. Only few papers about his time at the Grail War. He had a family but their appear to vanish after the war including Hemish. It is believed the Church captured him and his family.
Grail Knight Faremanne Von Kass. Sir Faremanne was a Knight from Greenfield, several records indiate that he sought out the Grail Knights year 580, it is unknown how long after he joined the Order however it has been written in tales that he stood among the others during the last charge against the forces of the Church. There was a statue put up in his image in Greenfield but the Church had it removed year 607.

Abilities

The Grail Knights were not ordinary warriors. They were chosen by the spirits of the rivers, the lifeblood of their land, and imbued with extraordinary abilities that set them apart from other knights. These supernatural gifts were bestowed upon them to ensure their survival in the face of great adversity and to empower them to fulfill their sacred duties as protectors of Rivermond.

One of the most notable abilities possessed by the Grail Knights was their enhanced resilience. The blessings from the spirits of the rivers fortified their bodies and allowed them to endure physical hardships that would cripple ordinary warriors. They could withstand grievous wounds and continue fighting with an unwavering spirit. Their bodies seemed to possess an innate resistance to fatigue and pain, enabling them to press on even in the most grueling of battles.

The life-giving waters also granted the Grail Knights the remarkable ability to heal rapidly. Their wounds closed at an accelerated rate, knitting flesh and bone together in a fraction of the time it would take for a regular person to recover. This regenerative power was a testament to their connection with the life forces that flowed through Rivermond. It ensured that even in the midst of the fiercest battles, the Grail Knights could bounce back from injury and continue fighting with undiminished vigor.

Beyond their accelerated healing, the Grail Knights possessed an inherent resistance to various diseases. Their bodies seemed to repel illness, making them less susceptible to the plagues and ailments that could afflict others. This resilience protected them from the ravages of sickness and ensured their ability to remain at the forefront of the ongoing struggle against the Silver Dominion.

Perhaps one of their most remarkable abilities was their immunity to poisons. The waters that blessed them granted them an inherent resistance to toxic substances. Deadly venoms and toxic brews that could fell even the mightiest warriors had little effect on the Grail Knights. This immunity shielded them from the machinations of their enemies, allowing them to confront dangers that would otherwise prove fatal.

The supernatural gifts bestowed upon the Grail Knights were not only physical in nature but also symbolized their sacred duty. The powers they possessed represented the vital connection between the land, its people, and the rivers that sustained them. It served as a reminder of their role as guardians and protectors of Rivermond's independence and the well-being of its inhabitants.

These extraordinary abilities set the Grail Knights apart and made them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. They were not just skilled warriors but also vessels of the rivers' power, entrusted with the task of preserving the freedom and prosperity of their homeland. The spirits of the rivers flowed through their veins, granting them the strength and resilience necessary to overcome any challenge and fulfill their sacred obligations as the defenders of Rivermond.

Beliefs & Goals

The beliefs and goals of the Grail Knights were deeply ingrained in their commitment to protect and preserve the independence and well-being of Rivermond, as well as the sanctity of its rivers. These core principles guided their actions and shaped their unwavering dedication to their cause.

Central to their beliefs was the recognition of the sacred nature of their land and its rivers. They held a profound reverence for the natural world, understanding that the rivers were not only a source of life but also held a spiritual significance. The Grail Knights believed that the rivers were gifts bestowed upon them, symbolizing the vitality and resilience of their homeland.

At the core of their mission was the unwavering commitment to safeguarding the commonfolk of Rivermond. The Grail Knights saw themselves as the protectors of the innocent and vulnerable, dedicated to ensuring their safety and well-being. They viewed the commonfolk as the heart and soul of their realm, and it was their duty to shield them from any harm or oppression.

Opposing the influence of the Silver Dominion was a paramount goal for the Grail Knights. They recognized the growing threat posed by the Dominion's expansion through faith and diplomacy, which threatened to strip away the independence and autonomy of Rivermond. The Grail Knights saw the Dominion's encroachment as a direct assault on the values and traditions of their land, and they stood resolutely against it.

Preserving the free flow of the rivers held great significance for the Grail Knights. They understood that the rivers were not only vital for the sustenance of their land but also represented the lifeblood and interconnectedness of their realm. They believed that the unimpeded flow of the rivers was essential for the prosperity and harmony of Rivermond, and they pledged to protect this natural gift from any threats or disruptions.

Order Prayer

The Order Prayer of the Grail Knights encapsulates their unwavering devotion to their cause and their deep connection with the rivers, the people, and the realm they are sworn to protect. It serves as a solemn reminder of their sacred duty and the sacrifices they are willing to make to ensure the continued existence of their land and its inhabitants.

The Grail will consecrate my Soul.
I listen to the Rivers for guidance.
Without the Rivers, there can be no Life,
I have my purpose, I protect the People.
Without the People, there can be no Future,
I have my purpose, I serve the Realm.
Without the Realm, there can be no Order,
I have my purpose, I will face Death.
Without my Death, there can be no sacrifice,
My life have purpose.

The Order Prayer serves as a unifying mantra for the Grail Knights, reinforcing their dedication, reminding them of their purpose, and instilling in them the strength and conviction needed to face the challenges that lie ahead. It is a solemn declaration of their unyielding commitment to protect and preserve the people, the realm, and the principles of order.

"The Grail will consecrate my Soul" acknowledges the profound spiritual bond between the Grail Knights and the rivers. They believe that their souls are sanctified by the power of the Grail, symbolizing their commitment and dedication to their cause. It represents their willingness to offer themselves selflessly in service to their mission.

"I listen to the Rivers for guidance" reflects their belief in the wisdom and guidance offered by the spirits of the rivers. The Grail Knights recognize the importance of attuning themselves to the natural world and drawing inspiration from the flowing waters. They seek solace and direction from the rivers, understanding that they hold the keys to their purpose and the well-being of their people.

"Without the Rivers, there can be no Life" emphasizes the fundamental role that the rivers play in sustaining life itself. The Grail Knights acknowledge the vital connection between the rivers and the land, recognizing that the health and prosperity of their realm depend on the life-giving waters that flow through it.

"I have my purpose, I protect the People" expresses the unwavering commitment of the Grail Knights to safeguard the well-being and safety of the people they serve. It reinforces their role as defenders and guardians, reminding them of the responsibility they bear in shielding the innocent from harm.

"Without the People, there can be no Future" underscores the interdependence between the Grail Knights and the people they protect. They recognize that without the thriving communities and the individuals who make up their realm, the hopes and aspirations for a prosperous future would remain unattainable.

"I have my purpose, I serve the Realm" signifies the broader scope of their mission beyond the immediate needs of the people. The Grail Knights understand that their duty extends to the preservation of the entire realm, its traditions, and its sovereignty. They are the stalwart defenders of the land they call home.

"Without the Realm, there can be no Order" acknowledges the essential role of the realm itself in maintaining stability and harmony. The Grail Knights understand that their actions are integral to upholding the principles of order and justice within their land. They recognize that without a strong and united realm, chaos and discord would prevail.

"I have my purpose, I will face Death" reflects the unwavering resolve of the Grail Knights in the face of mortality. They accept that their path is one of sacrifice and are willing to confront death itself if it means safeguarding their realm and fulfilling their sacred obligations.