Knights of the Silver Order - Dungeons of Drakkenheim

# Intro The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] are an organization of oathbound paladins and devout warriors sworn to combat supernatural evil, dark magic, and otherworldly incursions. The questing knights normally travel the realms in small bands and companies, and adhere to the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]], the dominant religion across the continent. %%They believe delerium is a contaminating blight borne of the darkest chaos, and have resolved to annihilate the corrupted crystals, slay every monster it has created, and hunt down diabolical mages who would wield its power to work evil magic. Now an entire regiment has been dispatched to Drakkenheim to carry out this righteous task, led by Knight-Captain [[Theodore Marshal]]. “These evil crystals are the stuff of dark magic; anathema to order and life itself. No goodness can come from their corrupt power, and those foolish enough to believe delerium can be turned to useful purposes are truly lost.“ — Knight-Captain Theodore Marshal %% %% # Key Figures Knight-Captain [[Theodore Marshal]] is faction leader of the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] in Drakkenheim. He keeps close counsel with High Flamekeeper [[Ophelia Reed]], the faction lieutenant. - Knight-Captain [[Theodore Marshal]] - High Flamekeeper [[Ophelia Reed]] - Knight-Lieutenant [[Cassandra Wyatt]] - a human cavalier who leads the aerial units. - Ser [[Virgil Underwood]] - a human knight. - [[Austin Edwards]] - A young knight, eager to leap into battle for his cause. - [[Adam]] - A stoic and thoughtful paladin with a cautious attitude towards Drakkenheim. - [[Claudia]] - A determined knight with the qualities of great leadership. - [[Delilah]] - An aspiring Flamekeeper with a fiery attitude and strong will. - [[Quinn]] - A new recruit, optimistic and eager to impress her team. - [[Elijah]] - A paladin who takes great pleasure in defeating monsters in combat. - [[Buddy Knox]] - A guitar strumming bard who sings the deeds of the Knights of the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]]. - [[Noah]] - An aging man with a big white beard who takes things in stride. - [[Ruth Oppenfuir]] - a Flamekeeper who takes her job as a healer very seriously. - [[Zacharias]] - An arrogant knight who fears no monster or abomination in Drakkenheim. %% %% # Roleplaying Characteristics %% **Symbol** A burning chalice upon a shield. Their colours are silver and gold. %% ### Personality Traits - We conduct ourselves iwht honour and respect. We do not speak falsehoods, and we show compassion and courteousness for all, even our enemies. - We bravely stand up for what is right, and expect others to do the same. - We profess our faith openly, so all may bask in the warmth of the [[Sacred Flame]] ### Ideals - We are united by faith in the [[Sacred Flame]]. All are called to uphold its tenets, and all must heed its wisdom. We cannot be divided by ancestry, nobility, or national creed. - We will never abandon the righteous to torment and death. Not while we have strength left to act. - Elyria has become a mighty realm though its faith in the [[Sacred Flame]]. It is a shining example that all other monarchs and rulers should emulate. ### Bonds - We are oath-bound to protect those who cannot preoect themselves from supernatural evil, cosmic terrors, and malevolent sorcerers. We are the shield of the faithful and the torch against the darkness that comes from beyond. Evil must be uprooted before it can spread. - We are called to act by the [[Divine Matriarch]] of the [[Sacred Flame]], and will always follow her decree. - It is our duty to protect the relics and holy places of our faith, and ensure they do not fall into wicked hands who would use them for vile purposes. ### Flaws - We never back down from a fight. If you challenge us, we will never surrender. - Those who do not follow the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]] are misguided, especially those who worship other gods or twist the message of our faith. They have turned away from the light through deception and falsehoods spread by charlatans. - Power corrupts, and nothing corrupts like arcane power. We don't trust arcane spellcasters, and we are prepared to strike against them should they work evil magic or trafffic with fiends. %% # Background The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] was founded several centuries ago as a militant arm of the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]]. These knights and paladins act by the decree of the [[Divine Matriarch]] to defend the faithful from demons and monsters, and are called up as witch-hunters when wayward mages dabble in forbidden arcana. Their holy missions transcend sovereign borders, but the order is headquartered in the Holy City of [[Lumen]] in [[Elyria]]. Paladins are revered figures in the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]], as the founder of the faith was herself a paladin (See [[Saint Tarna]]). Though not every warrior in the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] is a paladin, each strives to emulate [[Saint Tarna]]’s valiant example. Though they usually operate as individual questing knights or in small warrior-companies, occasionally they are deployed as a regiment. Members of the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] have been traditionally drawn from all peoples and all levels of society. Nobles and commoners are found within the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]], and one’s station in life does not reflect one’s position in the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]]. ![[Sacred Flame.png|400]] %% In their role as witch-hunters and mage-slayers, the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] was complicit in the persecution and oppression of arcane spellcasters. To this day, the issue remains a deep stain on the order’s honour, as many observed that the injustices and persecution visited upon spellcasters stand in stark contrast against the tenets of the faith of the [[Sacred Flame]], a faith that calls out for justice for the oppressed. Nevertheless, staunch supporters of the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] argue that their deeds were indeed justified. Decisive action is necessary to defend the innocent and the faithful from wicked sorcerers who sought to dominate others with magical might, or cut down foul warlocks who spread wickedness through demonology and necromancy. The chronicleof the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] records countless heroic missions that have prevented a dire threat from growing into a far greater crisis. %% The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] answers to the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]], not to the command of any sovereign nation. However, the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] remains strongly connected to its roots, and most of its members hail from [[Elyria]]. %% Ever since the realm o[](Elyria.md)]] came under the de facto rule of the religious ministry, the order has become increasingly entangled in state affairs. Their knights have been deployed on inquisitional crusades against heretics, heathens, and other political enemies of th[](Wiki/Sacred%20Flame.md)]]. The distinction between an “enemy of th[](Wiki/Sacred%20Flame.md)]]” and an “enemy o[](Elyria.md)]]” is not entirely clear anymore. As such, some worry the Order’s presence in Drakkenheim is an invasive ploy b[](Elyria.md)]] to wrest control of [[Westemär]], rather than a righteous expedition to purify the city of eldritch [[contamination]]. %% # Attire As befits their name, the knights are clad in silver plate with gold filigree. They wear flowing tabards of white, prominently decorated with symbols of the [[Sacred Flame]], rather than any individual heraldry. The Flamekeepers who accompany the knights wear religious vestments of white and gold. ![[Cleric of the Sacred Flame.png|350]] %% # Strongholds The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] have built a military encampment known as [[Camp Dawn]] about two miles outside Drakkenheim, just on the outside edge of [[the Haze]]. Outside Drakkenheim, the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] can often find shelter in any chapel or cathedral of the [[Sacred Flame]], though not every Flamekeeper in [[Westemär]] now supports their mission. Their headquarters is the impregnable [[Vigilant Keep]] in the far city of [[Lumen]] in [[Elyria]], where the Grandmaster oversees the entire order at the behest of the [[Divine Matriarch]]. %% %% # Objectives ## Destroy delerium at its source The [[Divine Matriarch]] of the [[Sacred Flame]] has decreed [[delerium]] an unholy abomination. These chaotic seeds of evil magic must be wholly destroyed before they can take root. By her command, the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] has come to cleanse Drakkenheim of this foul taint: even if it means burning the city to the ground. Furthermore, the knights have resolved to stop others from harvesting and using [[delerium]], especially the [[Amethyst Academy]]. Thee [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] insists that Drakkenheim - and by extension, the nation of [[Westemär]] - cannot be rebuilt until the threat of [[delerium]] is entirely eliminated. While the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] does not intend to establish [[Elyria]]n rule over [[Westemär]], they want to ensure any new ruler honours the [[Sacred Flame]], commits to destroying [[delerium]], and helps them dissolve the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]]. ## Stamp out the heresy of the Falling Fire The demagogue [[Lucretia Mathias]] has fractured the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]], and twisted its noble and pure religious teachings into the debased worship of a blasphemous and evil rock from the darkest depths of the outer void. [[Lucretia Mathias]] must be captured and brought back to [[Elyria]] to stand trial for her grave sins, where she may find repentance in a burning pyre. Her misguided followers must be driven from the city. ## Preserve the holy relics in Drakkenheim Drakkenheim was home to many saints of the [[Sacred Flame]]: most notably, the heroic [[Saint Vitruvio]], who fought astride the mighty gold dragon [[Argonath]] centuries ago. Both were buried beneath the cathedral that bears his name. Many relics of this mighty paladin are lost in Drakkenheim, such as [[Ignacious, the Sword of Burning Truth]]. The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] wishes to reclaim these artefacts and reconsecrate the [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral#altar of the Sacred Flame]], so it may serve as a beacon of light from which the rest of the city may be purged. It is of vital importance to the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] that these relics and places do not fall into the hands of the [[Followers of the Falling Fire]], who they fear may use them for heretical purposes. One of the [[Relics of St. Vitruvio]] is also one of the [[Seals of Drakkenheim]]: the [[Phylactery of Saint Vitruvio]]. Traditionally, this item is entrusted to the High Flamekeeper of Drakkenheim. If the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] obtains it, they can ensure the Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]] has some influence over the political destiny of Drakkenheim and [[Westemär]] by demanding who is appointed the new High Flamekeeper. %% %% # Missions ### Sceptre of Saint Vitruvio Reclaim the lost relic in the chapel of [[Chapel of St. Brenna]]. ### Dwarven Heathens Drive out or destroy the dwarven smithy. ### Witch Hunt Destroy one of the malfeasant wizards in Drakkenheim: [[Oscar Yoren]], [[the Pale Man]], or the [[Iron Banshee]]. ### Make an Alliance The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] wishes to broker an alliance with the [[Hooded Lanterns]] if possible. However, we’ll need to convince the [[Hooded Lanterns]] that it’s in their best interests to burn down the city entirely, then rebuild. ### Battle of Temple Gate We need our own means to access the Inner City. We shall assault [[Temple Gate]] and wrest control of it from the [[garmyr]]. ### Saint Vitruvio's Cathedral Mission Destroy the [[Lord of the Feast]] and retake the [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]]. Afterwards, help us relight the [[Brazier of the Sacred Flame]]. ### Root out the Heretic Capture [[Lucretia Mathias]]! ### Shattered Tower If the [[Amethyst Academy]] will not be dissuaded to give up their pursuit of [[delerium]], then we will cut them off from it entirely. Invade the [[Inscrutable Tower]] and destroy it from within! ### The Resurrection of Argonath Assembling the [[Relics of St. Vitruvio]], the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] attempts to resurrect the gold dragon [[Argonath]], but they’ll need the[[ Diamond of Mount Kadath]] from the [[City Locations/Castle Drakken#Vaults]] to complete the spell. ### Ashes to Ashes Burn Drakkenheim to the ground and destroy the [[The Crater#The Delerium Heart| The Deleirum Heart in the center of The Crater]]. %% %% # Boons **Supplies** The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] gives the party 1d4 potions of healing or spell scrolls (of a spell from the cleric spell list) of their choice whenever they begin a mission that directly advances the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]]'s goals. These will be uncommon items for missions to the Outer City, rare items for the Inner City or faction strongholds, and very rare items for missions involving [[The Crater]], [[City Locations/Castle Drakken]], or [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]]. **Stables** The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] offers each player character a warhorse. If the horse is killed, the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] offers the characters another one. **Armoury** As a reward for completing an important mission, the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] will grant the party one magical melee weapon, a magical suit of heavy armour, or a magical shield from their armoury. This will be an uncommon item for an Outer City mission, a rare item for the Inner City or a faction stronghold, or a very rare magic item for a successful mission to [[City Locations/Castle Drakken]] or the [[St. Vitruvio's Cathedral]]. This boon can be granted multiple times, once for each character in the party. The Dungeon Master can either choose the item, or allow the player to choose it. **Divine Spellcasting Services** High Flamekeeper [[Ophelia Reed]] can offer her services as a spellcaster to the characters. She can help them recover via spells such as [[lesser restoration]], [[prayer of healing]], [[purge contamination]], [[remove curse]], and [[greater restoration]]. While characters must still provide any costly material components, she does not charge them to cast the spells. **Religious Lore** The Faith of the [[Sacred Flame]] believes knowledge is a form of illumination, and keeps historical texts and religious lore. Flamekeepers can answer questions about religious practices, magical creatures such as celestials, fiends, and undead, historical facts about the past five hundred years, and mythological stories about events that happened up to one thousand years ago. If you feel the matter is something that might require some deeper research, it takes the Flamekeepers one week (or 2d6 days) to unearth relevant information. **Take to the Sky** The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] grants the player characters access to their griffons and training on how to fly them. Each character gains a griffon mount. If this mount is killed it cannot be replaced. **Revive the Fallen**[[ Ophelia Reed]] will cast [[raise dead]] on a fallen player character of 9th level or higher who falls in battle fulfiling objectives of the [[Knights of the Silver Order]]. They can provide the material components for the spell. The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] will offer this boon once per player character. However, player characters of any level who are trusted by the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]], provide the material component for [[raise dead]], and make an offering of 1,000 gold pieces to the [[Sacred Flame]] may also receive this boon. **Teachings of the Faith** The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] allows characters to read from relic holy books of the [[Sacred Flame]]. They present them with a Manual of Gainful Exercise, a Tome of Understanding, or a Tome of Leadership and Influence. # Strike Teams The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] favours aggressive charges and defensive bastions, employing a “hammer and anvil” approach whether on the battlefield or in skirmishes. Their inspiring commanders drive their rank-and-file soldiers to greater acts of boldness and heroism, while the magical support of their clergy means they can tend the wounded and unravel evil magic levied against them. The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] have superlative training in combating spellcasters and fiends, and know how to recognize the magic and tactics of such foes. They target spellcasters aggressively, and seek to break their concentration or end their spells using [[dispel magic]]. Before a battle, the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] draws up a straightforward battle plan, which they execute with discipline and focus. In all matters, they operate with honor. They will often reach out in parley before engaging, and even in battle they will often implore their foes to retreat or surrender once they seize the upper hand. On the contrary, members of the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] expect no quarter themselves, and offer none to the wicked and unrepentant. ## Questing Knight A lone Knight of the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] often carries out missions accompanied by a personal retinue of 10 (3d6) guards. This knight is often mounted on a warhorse. Knights are occasionally accompanied by a smaller number of retainers who are also on horseback. ## Silver Order Cavalry This company of heroic knights consists of a group of 5 (2d4) knights all mounted on or warhorses. Such units are mustered for offensive operations on when force is certainly expected. ## Silver Order Infantry The knightly retainers sometimes form large infantry units equipped with spears and shields, pikes, or halberds: such units may include 35 (10d6) guards, perhaps more. They may be commanded by a single knight. The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] deploys such units to hold ground while their cavalry are charged with seizing it. ## Clergy Any [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] strike team may include support from a cleric of the [[Sacred Flame]]: either a priest or chaplain. They may be accompanied by 3 (1d6) acolytes. Sometimes several Flamekeepers gather together on their own for special circumstances when a great deal of divine magic is needed, or to perform religious rites. ## Sky-Cavaliers The elite air force of the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] are units of 3 (1d6) cavaliers mounted on griffons. These riders strike like heavenly thunderbolts against ferocious monsters, flying demons, and other airborne threats, or descend from the sky upon wretched spellcasters and enemy leaders. # Schemes As an honorable military regiment, the [[Knights of the Silver Order]] does not engage in subtle or stealthy schemes. Instead, they enact traditional military strategies with commensurate discipline and effectiveness. **Loyal to the Flame** The Silver Order petitions [[Flamekeeper Hanna]] in [[Emberwood Village]] to withhold her spellcasting services from the player characters. **Military Blockade** The [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] creates fortified outposts on the main roads leading into Drakkenheim. Each consists of a fortified watchtower and a palisade wall, and is garrisoned by 2 (1d4) knights, 10 (3d6) guards, and a priest. They have warhorses and ballistas. These blockades prevent outside supplies from reaching [[Emberwood Village]] or other strongholds within the city - most crucially, food. **Occupy Emberwood Village** The [[Knights of the Silver Order]] mobilize in force to take [[Emberwood Village]]. Unless the [[Knights of the Silver Order|Silver Order]] is stopped, they drive out the other factions entirely and install a strict curfew on the villagers, effectively ending all trade and services within the town. The knights fortify the town and relocate their base of operations here, retaining a small garrison at [[Camp Dawn]]. **An Honourable Challenge** Knight-Captain [[Theodore Marshal]] challenges the most martially skilled player character to a one-on-one duel to the death. This honorable combat must be conducted without any external interference. If he wins, he immediately challenges another character to a duel under the same conditions. He repeats this process until either himself or the entire party is killed. %% # Image ![[Knights of the Sacred Silver Order.png]] %% “Let the cleansing flames of the Sacred Flame purify the land and burn away the corruption that has infested Drakkenheim, for it is our holy duty to restore purity and order to the land.” “There is no future in a world tainted by Delerium. It brings us no joy, but the Silver Order are tasked with burning out this corruption upon the land.” “As the flame strips away impurity and corruption, so must we, the Divine Matriarch’s faithful knights, cleanse Drakkenheim to prevent the spread of the cursed Delerium.” “The burning of Drakkenheim is a holy act of judgment, a righteous punishment against the forces of darkness and corruption that have infested the land, and we, the Silver Order, shall be the instruments of divine justice.” “The teachings of Lucretia Matthias and her Followers of the Falling Fire are a corruption of the true faith, and they preach blasphemy and heresy that lead only to misguided folly” “The worship of Delerium is a twisted perversion of the true path of righteousness, and those who follow Lucretia Matthias are blinded by the darkness and cannot see the light of the Sacred Flame.” “Excommunication of Lucretia Matthias and her followers is a necessary act to protect the purity and the righteousness of the Sacred Flame, for we cannot tolerate heresy and corruption within our ranks.” “The path of righteousness is narrow and those who follow the heresies of Lucretia Matthias have strayed from the true faith and have become lost in the darkness, but the Silver Order shall be their guiding light to bring them back to the true path.” “Let us work together to eradicate the cursed Delerium and restore peace to the land, for we understand that each faction has its own goals and ambitions, but we must all recognize the greater good of the people of Drakkenheim.” “Our mission to cleanse Drakkenheim of the curse of Delerium is not just for our own sake, but for the sake of all who call this land home, and we invite all who share our vision of a safer, purer Drakkenheim to join us in this noble cause.” “Let us put our differences aside and work together for the greater good of the people of Drakkenheim, for we all share a common enemy in the cursed Delerium, and only by working together can we hope to overcome it.” “”We are not here to dominate or impose our will on others, but to fulfill our holy mission to cleanse Drakkenheim of the curse of Delerium, and we welcome all who wish to aid us in this noble endeavor for the greater glory of the Sacred Flame.” “We are not mere pawns in the games of kings and queens, nor do we seek to establish our own dominion. Our duty is to safeguard the world from all manner of evil, and to ensure that the righteous path is always clear for those who seek it. We denounce all worldly ambitions, and pledge ourselves to the noble cause of the Sacred Flame” “Our swords are not for the acquisition of earthly power, but for the defense of the innocent and the protection of the world” “Brothers and sisters, we implore you to join us in our righteous mission. The cursed city of Drakkenheim is a blight upon the land, and the Delerium that infests its ruins threatens to bring about untold calamity. We cannot do this alone. Join us in our crusade, and together we shall rid the world of this great evil.” “Noble lords and ladies, we beseech you to lend us your aid in this holy task. The fate of the world hangs in the balance, and the abominations that infest the ruins of Drakkenheim threaten to spill forth and engulf us all. Your swords and your hearts are needed to vanquish this menace and bring peace to our troubled world.” “People of the Continent, we call upon you to rise up and join us in this sacred undertaking. The Silver Order has always been your protector, and we now ask that you stand with us in our hour of need. The task before us is great, but together we shall prevail, and the scourge of Delerium shall be banished from our land forever.” “In the light of the Sacred Flame, all darkness shall be banished, and all evil shall be vanquished.” “Let the fire of the Sacred Flame burn brightly within your heart, and let it guide you to the path of righteousness.” “May the shield of the Silver Order protect us from all harm, and may its sword strike down all that would threaten the innocent.” ![](https://i.imgur.com/qQEqsSt.png) %%