Order of the Gauntlet

Faction Overview

Many paladins and clerics of Tyr, Helm, Torm, and Hoar have joined the organization, seeing it as - finally! - a way of making common cause against the evils abroad in the world. The Order of the Gauntlet is ready to lash out the moment evil acts, and not a moment before. When evil breaks laws, agreements, or commonly accepted codes of conduct, the Gauntlet strikes hard and fast, without waiting for the blessings of distant temples or the permission of rulers. Evil must be met in the field and smashed, or it will swiftly overcome all.
The Order of the Gauntlet is a coalition of morally upstanding warriors, knights, paladins and clerics who dedicated themselves to the destruction of evil in Faerûn in the 15th century DR. They were a unified group, bonded by either their fervent religious beliefs or staunch dedication to enforcing justice in the realms. To these brothers and sisters in arms, evil had to be dealt with and could not be ignored. Members of the order were strong in their faith, using it to stand against evil forces. While this faith ranged from believing in one's personal god, it extended also to those considered close friends, and especially to oneself. As part of their duties, the Order of the Gauntlet remained vigilant against any potential threats to the Realms, standing ready to stop any aggression. When necessary, they investigated potential threats or secretive organizations and watched over those creatures they saw as inherently evil.

History

In the North, the Order of the Gauntlet maintained a strong presence in the city of Neverwinter, with several members stationed in Waterdeep, and a representative in the Ten Towns city of Bryn Shander. In the Silver Marches, they maintained a small watchtower near the Silverymoon Pass known as the Hawk's Nest. It was there they bred hippogriffs, which were trained as aerial mounts. The order was well-represented in the Western Heartlands. In the devout city of Elturel, their chapterhouse operated out of the tavern known as A Pair of Black Antlers. Order members in Baldur's Gate discreetly supported those vigilantes who fought out against lawlessness.
As of 1489 DR, the Order of the Gauntlet was considered one of the newest power groups in Faerûn. When the Cult of the Dragon began amassing vast stockpiles of treasure in the 1480s, the Order of the Gauntlet went to investigate. Working with the Harpers, they tracked cult shipments across the Sword Coast to learn more about their far-reaching schemes. When the threat of the cult and the summoning of Tiamat proved to require a coalition of power groups, the Council of Waterdeep was established. The Order of the Gauntlet counted a number of influential organizations among its allies. While they operated in very different ways, the Harpers and the Gauntlet ultimately shared the same goals for Faerûn.

Membership

The Order of the Gauntlet could be of any age or profession, any sex or gender, and of any race. Humans, elves, and dwarves were most common among them, but all races are accepted. Most members were either clerics, paladins, or fighters, though bards, rangers, rogues, druids, and barbarians were also present. Priests could follow any good or neutral faiths; with the most common being Tyr, Torm, Hoar, Lathandar, Kelemvor, Helm, Tempus, Selûne, and Waukeen. Issues of faith were purposely avoided with each faith forming its own identity that would contribute to the call of the order as they see fit, though there was some friction with the lower ranks of the clergy within the field when not engaged in a form of action. Due to the youth of the Order of the Gauntlet, the leadership organization (and its commitments) lack any central authority with elder members of the clergy arranging councils as needed in given regions to organize efforts, long-term plans, and goals. These leaders and their position with the order are gained based on different methods as determined by the faith churches contributing forces. Agents of the Order of the Gauntlet are chosen by higher-ranking members of church officials that often choose representatives to serve based on their unflappable faith and ability. Members of the Order were staunch comrades, never failing to trust in each other completely. While united, they were highly competitive and strived for excellence in all of their actions.

Notable Members

• Savra Belabranta: This Tyrran knight was a noblewoman of the storied Belabranta family of Waterdeep.
• Ontharr Frume: The jovial paladin of Torm headed the Elturel chapter of the order.
• Sir Baric Nylef: Another champion of Tyr, Sir Baric lived in the far-north city of Bryn Shander.
• Lanniver Strayl: A well-known and highly respected member of the Order and an adherent of Tyr, lived in Neverwinter.
• Javen Tarmikos: The former member found fault with the Gauntlet and founded the Order of the Gilded Eye.
• Preceptor Theraclast: An order representative who operated out of the Protector's Enclave district of Neverwinter.
• Daran Edermath: A formerly active half-elf member of the Order. Retired in Phandalin and started tending an orchard there.

The Order of the Gauntlet is composed of faithful and vigilant seekers of justice who protect others from the depredations of evildoers. The organization is honorable, vigilant, and zealous. Clerics, monks, and paladins of good (and often lawful good) alignments are commonly drawn to the Order of the Gauntlet.

Goals

• Be armed and vigilant against evil.
• Identify evil threats such as secretive power groups and inherently evil creatures.
• Enforce justice.
• Enact retribution against evil actions—do not strike preemptively.

Beliefs

• Faith is the greatest weapon against evil—faith in one’s god, one’s friends, and one’s self.
• Battling evil is an extraordinary task that requires extraordinary strength and bravery.
• Punishing an evil act is just. Punishing an evil thought is not.

Member Traits

The Order of the Gauntlet is a dedicated, tightly knit group of like-minded individuals driven by religious zeal or a finely honed sense of justice and honor. Friendship and camaraderie are important to members of the order, and they share a trust and a bond normally reserved for siblings. Like highly motivated soldiers, members of the Order of the Gauntlet seek to become the best at what they do and look forward to testing their mettle. There are few, if any, “lone wolves” in this organization.

Ranks

• Chevall (rank 1)
• Marcheon (rank 2)
• Whitehawk (rank 3)
• Vindicator (rank 4)
• Righteous Hand (rank 5)

"Operas, like the gods they so often portray, are a mystery to me. They are a mystery wrapped in an enigma swallowed by contradiction and covered by a silken shroud of dark chocolate and best served with hot milk before a nap.”
— Giogioni Wyvernspur