The Protectors of Highever

The Liege Guard

The Liege Guard is a group of Seven Knights who have proven themselves to be the bravest and fearless of warriors within Highever. Upholding the highest standard of integrity. They are known not only for their skills on the battlefield, but for their virtue and absolute loyalty to the Duchy. They are a brotherhood forged in blood and steel that places every need of their Liege Lord and Lady above anything else. The Liege Guard has sworn the most sacred and holy oaths. They are the purest of all Knights cloaked always in emerald-green with a valuable emerald embedded and sealed into their chest plate symbolic of eternal life and their steadfast bond. They bare an armor of Gold rumored by the ancients to have the power to contain the evil the Guard is forced to rid from the world.They are held as living examples of unconditional sacrifice in upholding and enforcing the Highever Knights Code of Conduct among all Knights!

The Oath of the Liege Guard

“I, _______, swear my allegiance before Gods and menn to my Liege Lord and Lady of The Duchy of Highever. I pledge to always be vigilant keeping watch by day and by night, near and far. I will abide faithfully and conscientiously to the Knights Code of Conduct adhering to the strictest of discipline and obedience in carrying out the duties entrusted to me to protect from threat and harm the liberty and life of my Lord and Lady. I shall defend and honor all whom I serve, bringing no dishonor nor shame upon myself, the brotherhood and above all the Houses Cousland and Lorraine. My word is my bond and I forge myself to the blood-brotherhood of The Liege Guard, now and for eternity!”

The Knights of Highever

The Knights of Highever are the loyal and standing Army of Houses Cousland and Lorraine first and foremost. They are charged with the guardianship of the citizens residing within the confines of The Duchy of Highever. In times of war when called upon The Knights of Highever shall do their duty and stay loyal and true to the Oaths they have sworn upon to their Liege Lord, Lady and to their King! As we are “Loyal to the End”

Order of loyalty is as follows:

• To the Duke of House Cousland.
• Then to the citizens and lands of Highever.
• Finally to the Kingdom in times of war and need. (Against another Kingdom)

History of The Knighthood

The Knights of Highever arose during the time of “The Great Cataclysm.” More than four centuries ago Elyria was seething with corruption. Abuses of power rose within the kingdoms, hatred, greed, disloyalty. With great sorrow, the deities looked upon the people of Elyria as having been irresponsible, ungrateful for the provisions from the heavens and at that moment deemed them wicked and futile. As man and kingdom began to fall, Highever battled to remain steadfast to the principals near and dear to the hearts of its citizens. As the Gods approached to destroy what was left of the last remaining duchy, Menn began. To unite for what was right, challenging the Gods to search their hearts, if any man stand before the deities corrupt, may the entire duchy be put asunder. The Gods laughed at the thought and said “ Let it be so!” Then began searching deep into the souls recognizing that indeed Highevarians had principles that were honorable. Those men that remained would forever be called the knighthood this reshaping the world of Elyria as we know it today. They have always been and will always be an enduring force of righteousness in, and for the duchy!

Oath of The Old Code

The Knights of Highever are bound to a strict code of honor known as The Old Code. They are dedicated to the service and protection of the innocence and goodness. They serve Highever and all the Gods of benevolence. But before either of those, they serve honor. They follow the Oath of the Old Code: “I________, choose the as my own the ways of The Old Code. A Knight is Sworn to Valor, his Heart knows only Virtue, his blade Defends the Helpless, his Might upholds the Weak, his Word speaks only Truth, his Wrath undoes the Wicked!

Orders of The Knights of Highever

The Order of The Shield

Is the first of the three Orders of Knights within the Knights of Highever. They are the foot soldiers of the Knighthood and where all of the Knights begin their service to Highever. This rank makes up the bulk of the Knighthood. It is here that they learn the Knightly Virtues focusing on Obedience and Humility. The highest ranking Knight of said Order,

The High Defender

Represents The Order of The Shield on The Elder Knights Council with the Elder Knights of the other two Orders.

The Order of The Sword

Is the second of the three Orders of Knights within The Knights of Highever. This Order of Knights is composed of light cavalry. While Knights usually begin their service within the Order of The Shield it is possible to begin their service here. For this to happen, the Knight would need to demonstrate not only great skill on the battlefield but a mastery of the Knightly Virtues and skills taught by the lower order. It is here that a Knight is taught the Virtues of Courage and Honor! This is also where a Knight truly begins their service to the Gods of Good. The highest ranking knight of said Order,

The High Blade

Represents The Order of The Sword on the Elder Knights Council with The Elder Knights of the other two Orders.

The Order of the Rose

Is the third of the three Orders of Knights within The Knights of Highever. Knights of this Order have had to prove themselves both in times of war and in times of peace. Due to the great requisites for becoming a Knight of the Rose, they are the smallest branch of the Knighthood. The Rose is said to symbolize the unattainable and the impossible which is what these knights are said to do, the impossible. Knights of this rank serve multiple roles, as heavy cavalry and in command roles on the battlefield. Knights of The Rose teach the Virtues of Wisdom and Justice. The highest ranking knight of said Order,

The High Justicar

Represents the Knights of The Rose on the Knights Council with The Elder Knights of the other two Orders. To enter the Order of The Rose a Knight must Complete a quest for the High Justicar as well as receiving a 2/3 majority vote from existing Knights of The Elder Council.