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The Origins of the Knights of Britannia
Hail traveler….
Apparently you have come seeking the history of our guild. Let it be known that like all histories, our history has different ages and eras. While the individuals may have changed, as did our size, The Knights of Britannia have always upheld Justice since the very beginning of recorded history....
In October of the year of our Lord 1297 a man from the city of Minoc named Sir Clifton founded a band of Warriors. This age was an early one for the township of Minoc. Long before the Bank of Minoc was established or when mages took interest in this mining community, miners were constantly hunted by the source of rouges and villains who sought out refuge in the open county north of the city. Once noted for a bountiful variety of animals the hunting grounds became more known for human prey. It was this band of warriors that serves as protectors of this community. The calls for help were heard often. Many times in victory, other times in defeat, the Knights of Britinna responded.
Shortly before the year closed Sir Clifton decided his work was complete and leadership was passed onto Lord Bale. Not many remember those days, for the turnover of KOB has almost come full circle, but what can be pieced together, they were indeed noble. They were all battle hardened warriors and would fight until the last man fell if necessary. Under Sir Clifton’s guidance knights were taught the essential transition from being separate individuals into a force to be dealt with in the hunting grounds.
At this point KOB was modest in number, yet held to the hunting grounds where a community of simple housing supported the needs of the guild. Through Bale’s reign, KOB became established from a guild in the local area and spread out its sphere of influence. A simple two story was purchased and thus became KOB’s first established base of operations. It still stands to this day in the forest, between the moutain pass out of Britian and dungeon Shame.
As the guild grew, so did the needs of the guild. A tower was established on the Arctic Island of Deceit, also known as "PK Isle". Since that time, many guild rose and fell. And seeing the guild continue to flourish in spirit, Bale’s time drew to a close. Though Bale’s reign, KOB was allowed to explore all far corners of the world and to pursue whatever path there was to explore. A council was formed and the future of the guild would no longer rest in on one man’s shoulders.
It was Sirus that was chosen to continue in Bale’s place. Along with an outbreak of new recruits, KOB started another age of brotherhood. Without the battle hardened heroes of long ago, KOB would no longer be the force to defend the homelands of Minoc. In it’s wake, the focus of KOB has been to aid those in need. Archers, Mages, and Swordsman are more then capable to call dungeons as home. And praise also go to the blacksmiths, alclemists, scribes, and other masters of their professions that have generously donated to the good of the guild.
After a long and glorious time under the leadership of Sirus, the guild fell into a period of darkness. Sirus stepped down and after a short time with no leader at all, Bale returned to bring us back to the light. But alas, it was not meant to be. Bale was unprepared for the guild that he came back to. It had grown in size, and had already gripped a sense of chaos. This chaos that the entire guild seemed to embrace was too much of a burden for him to carry us out of. So, Bale too stepped down. This left the guild in chaos once again, and at the brink of ruin. It was then that Saliador cried out to all active members to remember what we stood for. And under his guidance, held the first democratic election for our new GuildMaster.
Perhaps it was fate that Saliador himself would win that election, and a great relief was felt almost immediately after he accepted the reigns which had been held by such honorable knights. Saliador had many ideas which would raise KOB out of darkness, and into a glory that KOB had never known. Under his adept leadership, order was restored, and an important alliance was struck, for Salidor lead us to the Union of Justice. The league of honorable guilds waged many battles against the more organized evils in the land. Salidor's leadership will always be remembered of a time of KOB prosperity. His organization skills were certainly second to none, as he organized many competitions, awards, and many wonderful ceremonies that marked memorable occasions for the guild.
Alas, as if Saliador had felt that he had done everything he could for the Knights, he humbly stepped down as leader to join the ranks of knights. His final act as GuildMaster was to officially nominate Crimson to succeed him. With the nomination of Crimson, Saliador called forth a vote so that he guild could speak it's mind, and as honorably as Saliador stepped into the high office, he bowed, and declared Crimson the 6th Guildmaster of the Knights of Britannia.
With all that the Knights of Britannia had been through, the era in which Crimson held the noble post of GuildMaster seemed quiet indeed. Now this is not to say that nothing occured during these times. Many new knights were inducted. A new system of titles was created. The Knights of Britannia dicovered an evil band known as
the Black Knights of Socaria and Crimson, himself, declared war agaist them. Interestingly, Crimson showed his true nobility during the events near the end of reign. In the twighlight of Crimsons time, an unseen force beaconed him away from the guild, and threatened to have the guild wither and decay from lack of activity. A lesser man would have rather seen that than give away any of his power. But, the noble Crimson, leader of the Knights of Britannia, could not bear to see his beloved guild fade away. During his long absence, he chose his Vice-Guildmaster to keep the guild strong while he was away.
During this time, a vote of "No Confidence" was called upon. This action could have threatened guildm and thrust it into a bloody civil war! But, rather than seeing this happen, realizing that he could not perform GM duties with such a heavy burden weighing on his mind, Crimson stepped down from the spot of Guildmaster.
Crimson is still seen from time to time, but it is obvious he can only devote a small measure of time to the guild. Still, even with his absence, all know the precious gift that he bestowed upon the guild...a chance to move on.
Before Crimson stepped down, he failed to mention who his successor should be. But, with no words needing to be spoken, everyone knew who Crimson wanted, and indeed who was right for this time of KOB. After a very short time of receiving nominations, the Vice-Guildmaster, Furie, was promoted to the rank of Guildmaster. Today we look to the strong-willed Furie for guidance. It is for history to judge her, but her strength will surely lead the guild to glorious battles, and untold honor.
CHARTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF BRITANNIA
MISSION: The Knights of Britannia seek to fight evil and injustice throughout the land of Britannia, and give aid to those in need.
MOTTO: "My sword speaks for me."
The foundations upon which the guild is built are called the Three Pillars of KOB. These are:
HONOR: A Knight does not lie, cheat or steal when dealing with other honorable folk. Those who show that they have no honor do not deserve such treatment, however.
LOYALTY: A Knight will remain Loyal to his comrades, unto death. When in time of need, orders may be given by ranking members, and these orders should be followed first, and questioned later.
JUSTICE: A Knight should pursue Justice for criminals and wrongdoers of all sorts. It is this Pillar that we must continually strive to fulfil, because by its nature Justice never ends.
The Guildmaster is the ranking member of the guild, and has the final say in determining guild matters unless otherwise noted. This position is filled by appointment from the previous Guildmaster or by a popular vote in the event no successor is appointed.
Any member may call for a Vote of Confidence in the Guildmaster. If two-thirds of the active members vote "no confidence" the sitting Guildmaster must resign without appointing a successor.
Rules may be enacted by the members, with a majority of the active membership necessary for enactment. All members, including the Guildmaster, must abide by these rules.
This Charter may only be changed if at least two-thirds of the active membership elects to do so.
KOB Crest(as shown above)
As written by Severian Silvermane the Bard
As dictated and conceived by Leon Mane Knight of Britannia
Click
to view large version of the crest.
Some notable point on the Crest.
In conclusion
As well as being an Emblem, this is also designed as a shield and as with all such items it too has a history. This is known only to Severian Silvermane (as he knows all tales in this world) and as such he will write this only if he sees that it is worth while. If the Noble Guild of KOB select this Crest then he shall do this and all shall be known that can be spoken.
As written by
Severian Silvermane the Bard
As dictated by Algorath, Lord of the Ancients.
It would take me a great time to tell you the complete tale of the making of the sword Falden’s Blade, as it is commonly known, but the ways of the new age tell me that the arts are no longer appreciated unless they are concise. So it is that I will be brief, for this Blade and its history is the history of Britannia, for it is a weapon most pure. In the days after the destruction of Old Sosaria, the days of the Shards, a great rift was created and the new worlds were sent into the far reaches of Time and space. But from the lattices of the great crystal, cosmic splinters exploded outwards. This essence of the lost worlds, escaped into the ether. Drifting into the cosmic all, these bonds of energy materialized as meteors and asteroids in the great gap between the lost worlds. These are the only pure remnants of what was once Sosaria. At times they can be seen exploding against the midnight sky, ‘falling stars’, becoming energy most pure, leaving streaks of Golden light across the winds, joining with the Shards and bringing back to the lost worlds a taste of the greatness that once was. Over the centuries this primal energy infused into the new worlds some of the older more primal Magic. There are times since then, when large portions of this solid energy, too great for the shards to absorb, break through and explode onto the world below.
It was while searching through the untamed wilds that a little known maker of weapons came across one of these rare meteors. Larger than a man but lighter than a child, he hefted this cosmic rock back to his forge. No amount of heat could smelt the rock and he was forced to engage in the use of the mystic fires, but still it was useless. It was not until a Mage of great repute, Lord Saliador of the mystic arts, taught him of the nature of the rock that he would discover how to complete his task, for only dragon fire could smelt this ore. He made a pilgrimage to the bowls of the earth, wherein he found the Ancient one, the Dragon Algorath. This tale alone is long and full of adventure, but must be set aside for another night. Suffice to say that with this young man gained the trust and assistance of the Ancient one, and from the ore came forth a metal most precious and rare, known as Silverlight. For its coloring and it’s weight. Working together with Algorath, it took one year to craft the weapon, but in truth the weapon crafted itself. It was as if the hand of the Smith were guided towards the completion of the task, the construction of something far greater than any weapon before seen. Even on completion of the forging the task was not at an end. Bringing together the magic of the Ancients, Algorath brought forth a spirit. It was older than time and it was attracted to the power of the new weapon. The Dragon infused the sword, for indeed it was a blade most ingenious, with the essence of the spirit, so that it was joined to the weapon, encased in ancient runes of power. The Young Smith did not understand all that was happening and so felt guilt at the deed, but then on lifting the sword he ‘Knew’. The Spirit had been given a material form and although joined it was still free as before and was content. The young Smith knew then that in essence the sword was as the spirit and the Spirit was "Justice". The Smith had forged many weapons in his short life, and had seen them turned to both good and evil use, but this would be the final tool of War. Sirus Falden raised the sword on high, saying onto the wind "I name thee Falden’s Blade, sword of Justice".
It was at this point that Algorath called forth his payment, for nothing is free, even among companions, for friendship itself is a great gift. Together the Young warrior and the Ancient one set forth into the Hinterlands to confront the then Lord of the Dragon host, Belmoyth. The two Ancient ones engaged and the Destruction was great. It was when they both lay near Death that the young Knight set upon Belmoyth. This was not a cowardly act, for even unto Death Dragons can destroy whole armies. The young Knight fought bravely and his body died as he plunged the sword deep into the Black Heart of Belmoyth, for he was indeed an Evil in the world. Until this time the Sword was still hot from the forging, still unfinished, but in that moment, the Evil life of Belmoyth gave birth to a greater good and his Ancient soul was saved. The Sword was complete. The Spirit of the young Knight still lay heavy in the dying body, but before it separated into the forever place, Algorath summoned forth with all the power still within him, the spirit of the Blade. It was at this point that they were joined, man and sword, and the Noble Knight knew the true name of the Blade he had help create.
Few know of the Dragon War that followed, for it was conducted from sight of most mortal men, all except those eyes of young Lord Sirus. Algorath became Dragon Lord and brought peace unto his people, except for those few lost souls who still roam this world, to be brought down for their injustices. And it saddens him for all suffer for the loss of each soul, both good and those that have lost their way.
Sirus too still travels this mortal world, the leader of a group of Noble Knights. But theirs too is another story………
The Soul Stealer and the tale of Mason
Written by
Silverian Silvermane, the Bard
As dictated by Furie, KoB Maiden of War
Aha, my friend, you have arrived. Come sit and rest your feet, relax by the fire and be warmed. I have some stew brewing and some fine wine to keep out those winter chills. So pull up a chair and be at peace. The food will take some time, as is the way of all things good, so I hope you have some patience. A story might suit the time we spend waiting. Which shall it be this time good Knight. The Tale of Lord Bale of KoB and the Ettin ‘Crom of the Northern Climes’, maybe the tale of Lady Seth of KoBand the Dragons Lair, better yet the story of Lord Sirus of KoB and his meeting with the Algorath Lord of the Ancients, or perchance the making of Falden’s blade itself. Ah, since it is stew we will be having, I will tell the tale of how one young lady got herself into a proper stew, a fatal kind of stew one might say. In truth this is something I have just been working on, as the story itself is only as young as a new-born babe. Yes indeed! Even stories need time to age and grow and develop. Some do not live past infancy, but some become legends, just as I know this will, and it shall be my immortality if I write it well. But for now I shall do my best with what I have.
‘Twas but the beginning of an another adventure that brought our Knight of Britannia heroin out to the Isle of Ice and snow. Adventures are common in these times of Heroes, so it was nothing strange for two Knights of the famous order of KoB to go out hunting villainy from its roost. She was known by many names and often travelled in disguise, but this day she wore her true name and this day she lived up to that name, Furie of KoB. For the fire burned in her eyes and she was indeed furious, as you too would be if your comrade lay before you an arrow through his throat, from whence fine words did set forth just a moment before. But Death alone was not enough for the Brigands who waylaid them. Thinking nothing of the Lady they came out from cover and their smiles were enough to turn a Priest of the Source to vengeance. They were arguing over who would have what, when the Lady finally moved. The first felt nothing but a warm liquid feeling as he lost control of his bowels and died. The second was dead before his body even hit the cold ground, his slow mind abstractly admiring the Knife embedded in his chest, before the idea of death even passed that way. The third had time to consider a defence, he just did not have time to act on it before his head was separated from his shoulders. So it was with all her battles these days. She fought, she lived but her friends died. The Knight was buried with all the proper rights, while the brigands were left to the wolves. Furie said a prayer for the soul of her friend, knowing he would be born again to this world, if not just now, but still it brought her no solace.
She was travelling through the Valley of Lost Hope when she first spied the line of Knights. So splendid they were. Armour shining as the new dawn, lances held high, banners of gold on white depicting the symbol of the true Source, their horses were magnificent beasts of the Lower plains most likely. They were in a word, perfect. It was a huge party of twenty-five, in cloaks of purest white. It was not often you would find this Lady of War without words, but this day she sat her horse, awe-struck as they passed before her. When she came to her senses they were almost out of sight. It was then that the Great Beast reared before her. It was covered from head to toe in thick fur, standing as tall as she its eyes met hers and she on her horse. She drew her sword but the creature stepped forward, encircling her hand in the hook of a sharp claw. It was only when she felt the cold touch of steal that she realised that it was a weapon that entrapped her hand, and as she looked closer, she realised that it was indeed human the creature that stood before her. A man more than 7 feet tall, with a cloak of think bear hide under which he had armour of oiled studded leader. In his hand was a huge Sword, its blade as wide as the man’s hand and it as tall as he. Just looking at it Furie felt something she knew little of, Fear.
"Are you just going to sit there, or are you going to use that toy you carry for something other than picking your finger nails clean." With these words he passed on in the direction the Knights had followed. Curiosity killed the cat they say and so it was that the Lady followed the Giant forward. A conversation of sorts was engaged in and Furie soon found out more than she wanted to know. The man was human, and he had parents, as normal as any other, but he was gifted by the source with great size and strength and an uncanny ability in the art of war. His name was Mason and he was on his way to die. At first Furie could not understand why he would do this. Until Mason explained that when you go to fight, you must remember that you are going to where you may die. If you take for granted this fact, then fear shall have no hold over you and you are already half way to winning. This logic was strangely comprehensible. He disdained to use horses as none could carry him and his legs were good enough for him until now. "A warrior," he began," must be able to run day and night, to fight without fear of falling due to a weakness of the legs from sitting his buttocks astride a beast of burden all his life."
The Knights, it seems, were of a secret order, who study the art of war all their lives before committing themselves to acts that are the makings of legends. Once the new order has begun, they leave, once they leave they never return. And to Mason there was no doubt that there was no better way to die than in the making of a Legend. When she asked why she had not heard of them before he laughed. "My Child, they are not from here, or anywhere else you will ever visit, just as I am not. The way of legends are not so easily explained, but in truth this is the first time I have set foot in your land."
Striding like a Giant, Furie was forced to bring her horse to a trot to keep up with the man. When they finally came across the Knights, battle was already engaged and I fear words would fail even the greatest of bards in describing the scale of destruction before them. Two armies had met here and two armies had died. It was near the end of the battle when the White host arrived and the two lone travellers made-up the rear. On one side were men battered and bleeding, their comrades, dead and dying in the open ground before the pass, on the other side was a host of beasts known and unknown. Great Hoards of creatures, men like Beasts or Beast like men. Their kin too lay strewn across the battlefield. But the Men only held because they had retreated to the pass, for they were outnumbered 3 to 1. The Knights ignored all that went before them, killing with swift indifference all the creatures that blocked their passage. The beasts that did not attack were left alone, those who decided to try for this new feast died with such simple gestures that were almost comical, if you had the strength to laugh. But the only one with a smile on their face was Mason, and even that took on feverish tint. The Knights were heading directly toward a hill just at the mouth of the pass and when there they dismounted.
Walking with eyes wide in wonder, the two made their way towards the hill. "‘Tis our destiny." He said and his smile was grim, his eyes burning with battle fury. Theirs was not an easy task and they were hard pressed to reach their quarry, at least Furie was. The man she met earlier had changed into a moving mountain, destroying all in its path. He was not delicate or graceful, as the Knights had been, but each sweep of his blade brought down one, two and sometimes three of his foes, they were so closely packed, and he showed no signs of tiring. Furie had lost her blade half way through, her horse fell under her with just 30 yards to go. Her Halberd was almost dragged from her by the death throws of one beast, yet they moved on. Eventually they reached the hill.
Somehow the other soldiers had made their ways there also and now created a ring around the White Knights. Mason Swirled and let from his throat a battle cry most fierce, so that even the creatures before them stopped and some even moved back a step. Then he spoke, "I am Death, Those who stand before me as enemies shall die, come taste of my blade!". With this Battle was once again joined. The battle raged on for what seemed like an eternity. Sometimes Furie was in the heart of it all, then she would find a space to rest, to drink some water, but only for a few moments before she was back in the fray again. Mason never tired, he seemed to grow stronger with each beast he felled, his sprit fuelled by a primordial fire. The men around them started to fall, one by one, until there was no more rests for Furie, and nothing left but to fight or die. In the back of her mind something kept pushing at her thoughts but when facing death your every breath is too precious for your thoughts to wonder far.
Then the fighting stopped. The beasts suddenly pulled back, almost looking confused and soldiers with heavy arms felt the strains of so long an effort. All looked to see what was happening and off to the rear of the field stood a creature, almost manlike, yet with skin as blue as sapphire and almost double the height of Mason. From the distance with her eyes so clear, Furie could see the creature as it reached back as if holding a spear and then….
A Thousand spears of fire traced arcs across the field of battle. Creatures and men alike were struck down, and it was only pure luck that kept Furie alive, while Mason swatted an impending projectile aside as he may a fly. The spear of fire was reflected from his blade, in turn killing two beasts that stood in awe of their master. The Knights were untouched also, shields of blue light seeming to absorb the fire. Then they struck back with one powerful shaft of light, the force of which knocked all but Mason from their feet in passing. It did not follow a straight path but was directed towards its prey. The creature was hard pressed to put up a shield before the light struck and all but failed to hold death at bay, but it held.
Then one of the Knights in white handed a spear to Furie. At first she did not understand, until Mason explained that she was expected to throw it. "It’s too far", was all she said, "Try." was the laconic reply. The spear was nothing special, just plain wood with a charred point, a most primitive of weapons. It was light and well-balanced and at least 3 fingers in diameter, but the distance.
She raised the weapon and threw. The spear left her hand as any other spear. It sped forward, gaining speed instead of losing. It travelled a straight a true path, but the creature did not look afraid, it just stood there, watching the Knights, waiting, then suddenly the spear struck the beast in the chest and it crumpled over in pain and anger, and died. Furie looked on in astonishment at the feat, but Mason just looked at her and smiled. The remaining creatures with no master scattered, killing each other to get away and were soon vanquished. The day was won, but at a high cost.
The Leader of the White Knights was a man by the name of Emmanuel Tolstoy. After the battle was won they talked and White Knight talked of his order with great pride in his heart. Furie, compelled by the spirit of her own order, spoke up. She explained how she too came from a Great and honourable order of Knights, known as The Knight of Britannia, or KoB. She spoke of their noble deeds, bringing justice to needy. Protecting and serving the people of the lands from evil great and small. She spoke of their three pillars, of Honour, of Justice and of Loyalty and as she spoke her heart soared with pride. Emmanuel was impressed and acknowledged the fact that he too had heard of this noble order of Knights, for their kind were rare indeed, their spirits pure as the mountains streams, and their fame had spread across worlds, to give hope unto the lost and weary. For in them lay the seeds of salvation, the beginnings of a better future.
After wards he handed her a huge axe, saying onto Furie that this was her prize. It was a weapon of great power and was carried by the creature Ismaloc, the creature she had helped to slay. "It is known by many names he said, Moorage’s Bane, Flesh Biter, Spirit Blade, in our land it is known as Soul Stealer". He explained that Ismaloc and his brethren were the creations of the Children of the Gods, the first spawn of the Demi-Gods. They were few in existence but wherever the dwelt so did death. As it turned out this was only a minor creature and they had all managed to survive, but there were others and they had a job to do. She had been of great service to them and had been the key behind their victory. She did not really understand how this was true, but the explanation given here about perception and seeing what is and is not was too confusing for her at the time.
Mason looked down at her, admiring her new prize. Tapping his own fierce sword he grinned at her, and she knew that he too must have earned his weapon in a similar manner. But the size of the blade gave her pause to think how much more difficult his task would have been. He told her that each of the weapons carried by these children of the Demi-Gods were created for the children, and that they were a power unto themselves. Then in a more solemn note he said "Maiden of War, you are on this day gifted, but for good or ill I do not know. At times the weapon shapes the wielder, at times the wielder the weapon, but either way, hard times lay ahead of you, so be strong."
Furie looked upon this mountain of a man and asked him who was the ruler in his case. He placed his hand across the broad blade gently, "We are a team now I think, of equals." and with that he smiled and turned to leave. The Knights had already departed and Mason was once again off to face death, whistling as he passed into the distance of tomorrow’s legends.
Dragons Claw
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