Exemplars of the Vigilant Stride
Military, Religious
The Exemplars of the Vigilant Stride are a pro-active, heavily-funded fighting force, dedicated to eradicating evil, not just within the walls of Essillion, but in the wide world. They are known to travel far and wide, searching for evil to defeat. The members of this order seek glory, not for its own sake but to help rid the world of threatening and dangerous things. Glorious deeds just serve to highlight the efforts of its members, with a hope to spur others on to great things.
History
The story of Erik and Arven is a very popular story told in Essillion, and throughout Lutien's Vale, even as far north as the Northguard Plains. At its heart, it tells of the nobility and loyalty of family, the sacred adherence to duty, and the perseverance to prevail. Two brothers of Essillion, orphans at an early age, held true to their noble beliefs, even in the midst of hardship and danger. They stuck with each other, and their newfound lord Curceon, being made squires under the new god. One fateful day they were separated with disparate, but equally important tasks, and Erik was chosen to stay behind and guard Essillion, and most importantly, Curceon’s wife Pristell. Arven, was chosen to accompany their lord to fight the evil sorcerer Findel. Through hardship, endurance, and force of will, the two brothers were victorious in their appointed tasks, and were reunited back in Essillion. They vowed to stay true to their calling, and were declared the head of two new arms of Curceon’s faith; The Guardians of the Watchful Eye, and The Exemplars of the Vigilant Stride. Pledging to support, rely, and cherish each other, these two organizations would empower and embolden Curceon’s faith, and the protection of Essillion from within or without. It is now a long time removed from that pledge, and the leadership of Arven. While the two orders remain civil, a schism has started to form, and the brotherhood and friendship has turned from friendly rivalry to light skepticism and contention. The Exemplars continue to go abroad, righting wrongs and fighting those who oppose nobility and honour.Current Membership
The Exemplars have their headquarters in Essillion, and they are made up exclusively of knights. Paladins and holy warriors make up the bulk of the fighting force, but the one thing they all have in common is that they are knights of Starhelm. There are a few important ranks in the order, but the majority of the membership is made up of the questing paladins known as Knights Exemplars, or more commonly Exemplars, that go out into the world to right wrongs, and gain glory. Squires are associated with the knights of the order but are not officially members. These knights in training do their best to prove their worth, but in the meantime, they are tasked with assisting their assigned knight with anything that is required. They can be found typically caring for mounts, preparing armour and weapons for combat or display, practicing and improving, but can also be found fighting alongside their master. Many of these squires start out worshipping Eriken, but will often switch to the worship of Curceon upon getting their knighthood. This is one of the rare instances where worshippers leaving one god for another does not cause any animosity.Vigilant Stride Ranks
- Field Marshal: The Field Marshal is the highest rank and the head of the Exemplars of the Vigilant Stride in Essillion. Historically this position works closely with the Lord Protector of the Guardian of the Watchful Eye, but lately these two positions have some strained relations. The current Field Marshal is Justin Whitearm, a proud man and friend of the king. He is doing very little to curb the division between the two organizations of Curceon’s church, and many of the younger members follow his lead.
- Lieutenant General: Direct ranks under the Field Marshal, there are three Lieutenant Generals in Essillion. Across the continent there are a total of seven, with one in each corner of the land. Those outside of Essillion oversee a large area, but their numbers are fewer than those in Essillion. One can find a Lieutenant General in Stonebridge, Avandar, Lake of Battered Helms, and the Steppes of Centos.
- Field Commander/Commander: This rank is held by those who lead smaller forces, and many don’t command the same units every time. Those who command their own specific units consistently take the title of Field Commander, but it does not technically hold a higher rank. There is greater glory though in the title of Field Commander, and most Commanders seek to be named Field Commander eventually.
- Knight Exemplar: The majority of the Vigilant Stride are Knight Exemplars. The major fighting force of the order seeks to quest, fight for justice, or glory, or root out evil. Any warrior accepted into the order must be knighted before taking this rank.
Goals
The goals of the members of the Vigilant Stride are rather simple. They desire to prove themselves with glory, valour, and righteous acts. The more dangerous the task the more renown it will bring. Many of the younger members are enticed to join by the fabulous stories told in their youth of the great adventures to be had. The goal of the order is to recruit members to their side, and prove to the world of the greatness of Curceon and his noble fighting force. The days of brotherhood with the Watchful Eye are slowly being forgotten, and the two sides of Curceon’s faith compete with each other more than they work with each other. Justin Whitearm is intent on increasing the ranks of Exemplars and spreading their popularity throughout all of Starhelm. Short of fighting in the streets, the two orders have become cooler to each other in recent years.Resources
Both the Vigilant Stride and the Watchful Eye are heavily supported monetarily by Essillion’s coffers. In addition to the funds they receive to keep the Exemplar’s Lodge maintained and in good repair, they also receive weapons, armour, steeds, and stipends for their journeys. The support of the king is also extremely helpful to the members of the Vigilant Stride as he was once a member in his youth. He still travels with them on his annual pilgrimage, as well as some various times throughout the year. The king has a close relationship with Justin Whitearm, which benefits the order often.Notable Personalities
- Field Marshal: Justin Whitearm (m/human)
- Lieutenant Generals (Essillion): Rostin Hightower (m/human Serafin Peacekeeper (f/human Illydios Stoutheart (m/human)
- Field Commander: Bostar Hilltop, Commander of the Mountain’s Teeth (m/goliath)
King Arndrin Starshield, Commander of the Goldenblades Battalion (m/human)
Whitley Bronzescale, Commander of the Mouse's Heart (m/bronze winged-dragonborn) - Commander: Bereth Godfrey (f/human)
Type
Military Order
Notable Members
Purpose: Paladins of Curceon dedicated to eradicating evil Membership: Paladins, Knights Base of Operations: Essillion Symbol: Golden sword, surrounded by a golden crown Important Members: Justin Whitearm (Field Marshal)
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