Purple Dragon Army

Purple Dragon knights were the officers and warrior elite of the Cormyrian army,[3][8] the bulk of which was known as the Purple Dragons.[2] Being awarded knighthood within the Purple Dragons was a great honor for anyone from the Forest Country.[9] The knights' name came from Thauglor, an ancient black dragon who once dominated the area encompassed by the present kingdom. As Thauglor matured, his scales faded from ebony to violet .[10]

Structure

Blade, Armsman: Blades make up the bulk of the Purple Dragon army and can be seen patrolling most large towns in Cormyr. In times of war, Purple Dragon Blades form the backbone of Cormyr’s infantry. Telsword, Sergeant: Telswords are junior officers of the Purple Dragons and typically command a patrol of four to six blades. They command the respect of their men, and keep order in the ranks. First Sword, Sergeant Major Swordcaptain, Lieutenant Lionar, Captain: Lionars are the lowest commissioned rank of the Purple Dragons and they are responsible for commanding and training companies of up to one-hundred Purple Dragons. A lionar is among the highest ranks that can be attained by a commoner, and thusthe rank is full of grizzled veterans. Officers of thisrank also make up the bulk of the royal guard that defends the royal family and the palace. Ornrion, Major Constal, Colonel Oversword, General Battlemaster Lord High Marshall While Purple Dragons composed the majority of the Cormyrean army, the knights often served as their battlefield officers. Each knight would assume command over between ten to one hundred Purple Dragon soldiers.[9] Others served as knight-errants, surveying the lands of Cormyr as a means to ensure the protection of its people. Their mere presence could frighten away those who may have sought to prey upon an otherwise vulnerable settlement.[3]

Culture

As knights of the crown, members of the Purple Dragons put their honor before anything else and would not bend it for any purpose and the order had high ethical standards for all its initiates. As such, Purple Dragon knights were servants of law and of good, though not always of both. But regardless of a Purple Dragon's individual feelings all were expected to do what was best for Cormyr and to serve justice, giving no rest to evil nor corruption.[5] In return for this devotion Purple Dragon knights were well rewarded and the training of the Purple Dragon knights was as legendary as their discipline. Purple Dragon knights were excellent soldiers by any measure, with intense martial prowess that exceeded most enemies they were likely to face. But more important than their own physical strength was their ability to command and Purple Dragon knights were not only the best soldiers in Cormyr's service but its most impressive leaders as well and leadership capability was a major aspect of the training a knight receives.[5]

Public Agenda

Defend Cormyr and the Crown from all foreign threats.

History

All loyal Cormyrean citizens were eligible to join the Purple Dragons by taking an oath. Although the oath was available to non-humans provided they are Cormyrean citizens, extra measures may have been imposed on non-humans to ensure their loyalty, due to the fact that Cormyr was predominantly human.[3] Nobles were actively expected to take the oath, and would generally be given positions of leadership. Non-nobles would form part of the militia with an initial service of two years.[3] The first six months consisted of an extensive training regime, before starting active duty, such as patrolling Cormyr's borders or guarding its cities and towns. After the two-year service came to an end, the Purple Dragon may choose to continue his or her role, or return to his or her former life. In times of conflict the individual could be called back into service.[3] An elite knight of the Purple Dragons. Training could take one of three paths, including basic combat training, leadership training, or training in the protection of key personnel, often War Wizards.[3] Training was conducted in a range of weapons, and covered subjects such as defense of others and battlefield awareness, in addition to basic combat training.[4]