Lion Knights

Established many centuries ago the Lion Knights stand as one of the oldest organizations in all of Falandas.  These fearless warriors of Naliph defend those in need while spreading the ways of chivalry and honor.  In battle the elite training of the Lion Knights provides a precision that spreads dread through the ranks of their enemies.  The Lion Knights also have reached to great heights in the political arenas as just and unyielding leaders.  It is through all of these skills that the Lion Knights established their long standing ties to the people of Alivara as the Lion Knights provided the aid needed as the nation of Alivara was established.
During the Thousand Year War between the elves and dwarves the Lion Knights stood as a shinning beacon of stability, honor, and nobility.  As the people around the knights struggled with poverty, starvation, disease, and slavery the Lion Knights worked to provide comfort, shelter, and sustenance to those that they could.  Frequently the knights would intercept and disrupt slave caravans that were attempting to ship Alivaran people to Duragle or Cultrius.  Other knights would forage for food, or build the beginnings of villages for the refugees to attempt to establish a life.  When the Thousand Year War came to an end it was the Lion Knights that provided relief to Alivara as the knights supervised the construction of many of the new buildings that would become homes of the people of Alivara.  As part of that construction the Lion Knights established training halls and recruitment centers in several Alivaran cities.
It was the War of Ascension that nearly broke the Lion Knights, however, as the war forced the knights to fall back inside the boarders of Naliph.  Orcs of Munasarja pressed further and further into Naliph and the Lion Knights losses began to mount.  A month before the Day of Ascension King Nalix gave the order for the Lion Knights to dismiss their younger members with the senior members to remain at the head of the Naliph military.  Though they were released from service and stripped of their rank the young knights retained their gear with the intention of reuniting and reforming the knights in the future.  At the time that the order was given many knights were confused and enraged by King Nalix's order, but on the Day of Ascension it became clear that the King knew that the war was lost, though in what way it would end could never have been predicted.
Lion Knights have always been looked at as defenders of the people, a role that they have filled for generations.  Though scattered to the winds the remaining members continue to uphold their code of honor and defend those that are in need.  Amongst them the knights send messages as they watch for the signal to reunite under the reformed flag of the Naliph people, though creeping doubt has started to fester as the remaining knights question if this day will ever come.

Structure

The Lion Knights use a strict rank structure to define their chain of command.  Those that complete the training program to join the Lion Knights earn the initial rank of Knight and are placed under the command of a Sergeant.  That sergeant is given a company of ten men who are charged with protecting their local area unless a call to war is issued.  Above the Sergeant is a Lieutenant who provides the orders to the sergeants below them.  Each Lieutenant commands between five to ten Sergeants.  In large cities it is not uncommon for there to be an equal number of five to ten Lieutenants stationed there.
Standing above all of the Lieutenants in a location is the Second Captain who reports directly the Captain.  At the height of its existence the city of Naliph had twenty Second Captains stationed there who reported to only three Captains with all being charged to defend the city from external threats.  Providing orders that impact the nation at hand are the Generals who hold the responsibility for all significant decisions to be made by the military.  However, these Generals do not act without guidance as the Lord Commander approves any and all orders issued by the generals and provides with the ultimate decision on any necessary strategic elements.

Public Agenda

There sense of honor and justice prevents the Lion Knights from trying to become involved in the ways of the world in some way.  Their primary goal is to reform the ranks of the Lion Knights and the nation of Naliph.  Secondary to this is to protect those that are in need.  As the Lion Knights have no formal organization at this time they are forced to provide this aid from the shadows unless they are deputies by the local authorities.  It is uncommon for the knights to be granted such legal authority and more often then not they are mocked and looked at as unworthy cast offs from a dead society.

Knighthood lies above eternity; it doesn’t live off fame, but rather deeds.

Coat of Arms:

The Lion Knights can be identified by their coat of arms made of a shield on a field of azure with a lion dormant in purple full, gyronny purple, over a chevron agent.

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Founding Date

27 AW

Type

Military, Knightly Order

Alternative Names

Knights of the Lion; Order of the Lion; Defenders of the Poor

Training Level

Semi-professional

Veterancy Level

Decorated/Honored

Demonym

Lions