The Radiant Knights (Lawful Good)

Note 1: This faction is only available for human characters. No monster can be a Radiant Knight unless a good background is submitted beforehand.

You are a holy knight of the Empire. You adorn a beautiful and shiny armor and brandish your blade against the enemy of man. The Radiant Emperor is a wise and resplendent father and you are his child, ready to die to protect the warm light he wields with such benevolence. You are sent to the Land of Stillness on a sacred mission, praised by all. There, a gap to Limbo is open and if left rampant, that which will eventually devour the entire world and all it’s warmth. You will encounter monsters and dangers on your journey but your loyalty to the Light is unyielding and you are honored to have a chance to make a difference and put and end to the spread of evil that blights the land, threatening to consume all in it’s path of chaos and destruction.


Political Structure: Autocratic Democracy or Adversarial System

A Military from the Radiant Empire and performs the will of the Radiant Empire itself to protect and enact the will of the Light. The Radiant Knights follow a strict Military structure and protocol of Ranking, the higher the Rank, the more authority one has. Absolute power resides within the Commander for the Radiant Knights, however, there is also the council. Select officials by the Commander himself in which council members can discuss and organize various problems as well as advise.
The Radiant Knights is a military that ultimately refers to the rules of the Radiant Empire and in turn, the Emperor and Praetors.


Religion:

They follow the Eight Divine Praetors, beings who represent principles and who worship the Light. The Praetors are those who gave mortals warmth, technology and magic. Believing that since human beings were here first, that they should rule over all and have the most power and that monstrous species are second class. But nevertheless, the Radiant Knights uphold innocence and covet life above all else. They will not kill anyone unless they are deemed to have done wrong in some manner. (Ex: Tortured, killed someone, etc.)
Radiant Knights have taken oaths once becoming the Rank of Knight, swearing fealty to the Light and the Divine Praetors.



Punishment:

Punishments are carried out for varying reasons, most often than not, the Commander would discuss the matter with their council to decide a verdict. The Radiant Knights have the power to arrest people and place them in the stockade within the basement of the Bastion’s main tower.
-Crimes are varied in degrees from small/petty crimes to high crimes. Small crimes can vary from paying fines or staying within the stockades and possibly physical punishments. High crimes can be anything from the stockades to physical punishments(ex: lashings) to execution.
If citizens from the Radiant Empire (sometimes even knights) commit high crimes, they may be transported to the Radiant Empire for trial and judgement. This can be enacted to people under Radiant Knight jurisdiction.
-For Knight and Staff personnel, desertion, insubordination, and being a traitor can be enacted on spot if there is enough evidence to incriminate them.


History:

In the days of old, when the army of the United Empire faced Vidler's armies of new world zealots and Drakenford's endless mass living dead, the lack of leaders weakened the forces of humankind and the faith began to quickly dwindle with doubt and despair. As Vidler and Drakenford had already invaded half the continent and built their infamous towers, the kingdoms of man were on the brink of annihilation. That is when Leonix Peacecraft made his move. Still respecting the absent Praetors but refusing to see his beloved home destroyed, Leonix too under his command the Imperial Army and trained them to become warriors of light while the 211th Radiant Emperor united not only mankind but the forces of the Borderlands as their freedom was in jeopardy. with Peacecraft's help, the tide turned in favor of the traditionalists and with Solace's and Kruuga's followers, they managed to stage a spectacular advance in the enemy's territory, reaching God's Reach in only a decade. A phenomenal feat as the war had been raging for already centuries.

Alas, misfortune befell on mankind after such a glorious turn of events. Leonix, in a grand sacrifice, perished in a divine flame to protect his allies and those he loved, annihilating 1/4th of Vidler's entire zealot army. Before his death, Lord Peacecraft bequeath some of his force and title of Grand Commander to Martin Marienkäfer who would later lead the allied forces of Light to victory against Vidler in the Land of Stillness.

Upon the return of the Praetor of the Sun and Justice, the Radiant Knights were made official elites of the Empire of Man and Martin would officially be made Grandmaster of the newly formed division shortly after.


Current Affairs:

Since then, Martin Marienkäfer retired from his position of Grandmaster for personal reasons but still keeps a close eye on his fervent knights who swore allegiance to the Radiant Emperor and sent to far away lands to confront the remaining faces of evil. Their current objective is to acquire information and any valuable but unclaimed artifacts within the Land of Stillness, the current nest of the Wraithwalkers and Xaphanian forces. Their main mission is to close shut the jaws of Limbo and defeat Lord Drakenford once and for all.

The Radiant Knights are currently stationed in an abandoned keep named ''The Bastion of the Jaw'' who served as a fortress of defense for God's Reach during the Bronze Age. Since Vidler was killed at the end of the war, all his followers abandoned the Land of Stillness, leaving buildings intact. The fortress is well defended and there is enough guards to prevent any intrusions. The castle is located in a chain of mountains, south of the Ashen Forest. Multiple paths and secret passages traverse the mountains, all leading to God's Reach but most are now filled with aggressive monsters and simply quarantined, collapsed or deemed to be unusable.

Also, for someone who wishes to traverse in the Land of Stillness by foot without climbing the surrounding mountains, one must inevitably pass through the Bastion of the Jaw.


The strict code of conduct:

Prime examples of Lawful Good. The Radiant Knights are paladins and clerics of the Radiant Empire, the largest human kingdom of the known world and are often hailed as being powerful holy warriors with a strong sense of justice which is absolute. Following a strict code of conduct, morals and laws to uphold the people, the knights apply their influence in a passive way but won't hold back if an enemy is deemed too dangerous. Morals, dogma and duty to the Emperor lead these holy men and women in their righteous, yet challenging, endeavors. Each knight adorns beautiful armor and coat of arms representative of their family or their leading Divine Praetor, or the God Emperor himself, and fight the forces of evil with radiant prowess.

The Knights have ranks and a commanding officer, thusly requiring utmost disciple to acquire respect and trust from the commanding officer. This leader received divine power from the Divine Praetor of justice and is undoubtedly the highest authority in this cold and harsh land for humans. His word is law and the knights are proud to undertake any mission given by him. Through missions or given tasks, they may advance in ranks and receive praise from their deity hence why it is the highest honor to accomplish tasks.

Their strict code of conduct state that they must defend the innocent and smite the wicked. This includes all living beings for both sides. This means they will defend even monsters if they are the victim of a felony and they won't hesitate to wield their blade against a human being breaking the law. Killing a human though is a harsh decision and must be not be taken lightly since all humans are the children of the Emperor... All humans are brothers and sisters. Most obviously, opinions are different with each individual, so not all knights will act or think this way. Just use this as a reference as to how most will behave.


Ranks:



✫Commander: Rank assigned to the Preator's divine chosen one. This deity is assigned the task of leading knights in the Land of Stillness as the first bastion of defense against the forces of Limbo and other atrocities. He is the undisputed leader, respected by his knights and feared by the other factions.

Seneschal: These men are chosen by the commander and are assigned the task to lead men into the wilderness to achieve missions or important tasks. They will often be the leader of an encampment stationed further into the forest. They receives orders from the Commander and act as his right hand men.

Marshall: These men are each an officer of a unit of knights. The numbers(in his unit) may vary but they are in charge of all arms and all horses of that unit. They are usually strategist as well as able warriors. They elaborate battle plans for their personal unit as well.

Knights: Honorable title of knight is assigned to men who devotes all their faith and life to the Light. They undertake missions proudly and promise to never yield to Dark.

Sergeants: Men who decided to join the knights in their holy mission. These humans do not wear beautiful armors nor do they sport coat of arms. They are simple mercenaries, freelance fighters or even mere commoners who don't even know how to wield a sword. They wish to aid the knights on their quest to purge the world of evil and protect the Emperor and his divine light. Some are paid while some others feel the need to help.

Squires: Squires. They help their knight in daily routines. You know the drill.


Many other special titles are available to players such as: Flag Bearer, Draper, Bookkeepers, Treasurer, Priests, Healers, Cooks, Scribes, Couriers, Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Stable Hands, Lay Servants. Feel free to ask for more details if interested.

✫This rank is a moderator position and unavailable to general members.






The Bastion of the Jaw:_{*Note: you may click on the image to follow it to the actual document with further information.*}





Associations:

Pilgrims: "They are travelers guided by the Emperor to this holy but dangerous land. They all have a reason to be here and deserve respect, guidance and protection... Until proven otherwise of course..."
The Radiant Knights preside over the Pilgrims like police, they take into the common affairs and convict criminals who violate the basic laws of the Radiant Empire.

Radiant Knights: "Brothers in arms. You will fight amongst them and you will die amongst them. We will all return to light victorious no matter what happens."
Radiant Knights follow a strict code as well as a ranking system as shown above. Overall, Knights trust one another to preform the tasks and to regulate the peace. Many Knights have become close friends with one another since most have gone through training together or even some battles and feuds.

Ordo Exorcista: "Their goal is for the greater good but stay wary of their activity as they might provoke undesired hatred and problems. The enemy is Limbo and not the inhabitants of the silent land. The Knights have the right to choose their own allies no matter what the Ordo believes."
Ordo Exorcista is another Military organization from the Radiant Empire, even though some of their ideals clash, they are allies and forever will act as such even if they may butt heads from time to time. However, the reminder is that both Ordo Exorcista and the Radiant Knights are military, meaning they cannot hurt one another without suffering the consequences of attacking another officer.

Dragon Worshipers: "They are known to acquire human followers which is odd since most humans worship light and not a forgotten dragon of stone... Not to mention most of them already underwent a horrible and impious transformation. But they do not seem to be aggressive against humans henceforth do not deserve disrespect. Still.... Be wary."
Even though Dragon Worshipers either aren't human any longer or never were, the Knights still treat them with the respect that a neutral party deserves. The Knights will not bring any harm to a Dragon Worshiper unless the situation really deems in necessary such as a Dragon Worshiper violating the laws, however, more often than not, the Knights would consult the village chief of a matter such as this.

Guardians of Silence: "They are the guardians of the Ashen Forest. They mind their own business as long as we do not disturb the established balance."
Even though the Guardians of Silence come in many shapes ways and forms, the Radiant Knights still hold respect to them and treat them the same as any other neutral party and will not blatantly attack a Guardian unless the situation really deems in necessary such as a Dragon Worshiper violating the laws, however, more often than not, the Knights would consult the Grandmaster of a matter such as this.

The Sanctuary: "The Witch is a kind mother to all creatures and is also a fearsome magic user. Visiting her domain is allowed but knights are required to remain peaceful within the sanctuary's walls."
The Sanctuary is purely neutral, so the Radiant Knights wish to keep it as such and hold respect to it's residents. Mostly. However there are criminals within the Sanctuary walls, they will not override the Witch's Authority here and would instead need to discuss such matters with her. However, nothing says otherwise once the criminal leaves the safety of the Sanctuary walls. But overall, most residence are peaceful so the Knights tend not to interfere in their affairs.

Devil's Descendants: "They pay tribute to the Primordial Demon Kruuga through rites and sacrifices. Their activities are a blasphemy to Light but sadly, they are out of the jurisdiction of the laws of mankind. Unless a human is involved, we are not allowed to interfere. Keep a close eye on their suspicious activities. Their city is also accessible but a knight should remain careful at all times."
The Radiant Knights respect the Devils especially in their own city, the Devils bring a viable resource for trade and commerce. They can also help to provide wares that are useful to the Radiant Knights. Currently, the Radiant Knights are allies with the Devils.

Xaphanians: "Xaphan has been the enemy of Light since the beginning of the Bronze Age and still is today. Their objective in the Land of Stillness is unknown but they must killed on sight. The crimes of Xaphan are not forgivable. It is the will of our Divine Emperor."
One of the Radiant Knight's enemies, Xaphan is a bane to lawful magic and full of heretics who preform necromancy, witch craft and threaten all they hold dear. Not to mention, Xaphan is allies with the Radiant Knight's worst enemy, the Wraithwalkers.

Wraithwalkers: "The enemy of man and all that has a soul. They spread corruption, chaos and death in their path. They are heartless monsters and should be stopped at all cost."
Vile beings who gave up their sou;s long ago for desire or power, some people view them as no longer really living just as their allies, Xaphan. They are the very reason the Knights train so hard to uphold the peace and seek to bring the Light to the Land of Stillness.