Order of Perseverance
The Order of Perseverance is an organization aimed at defending against Azurièl's attacks. It could be described as a non-profit paramilitary, including a think-tank-esque branch. It was founded as a reaction to the failing leadership of King Lewis1. As time passes and Azmarin defences slowly started to get into disarray, The Order of Perseverance is there to ensure it doesn't fall entirely.
Persevere in your resolve, it will lead to victory
Purpose
The Order of Perseverance is a combination of a diplomatic organization, trying to find allies in the battle against Azurièl and a paramilitary organization, training and maintaining a small army. Nowadays, they maintain good relations with King Alexander XIII (the 13th), who has a small contingent of highly trained warriors stationed in Azmarin. They're also actively recruiting elves and dwarves, although they are less forthcoming with tangible help.Ranks
Your intentness
People that sign up to join The Order of Perseverance gain this rank. It symbolizes their intent to become a part of something bigger. They aren't true members yet and will be tested before they are fully accepted members.Your committedness
Once they pass the test, they gain this rank. This rank gets access to a few trainers that give them really basic combat training, meant to make them into half-decent combatants. Recruits are strongly encourages to train hard on their own accord and help each other out, instead of relying solely on these trainers.Your continuance
Once a member has done something noteworthy for the cause, they gain this rank. It doesn't come with tangible perks, other than recognition for their service, a confirmation that their actions aren't going unnoticed.Admittance test
The test that recruits have to go through is pretty rudimentary. There are many roles that can be fulfilled within The Order of Perseverance, from fighters, archers, magic users, doctors, healers to diplomats, tacticians and supply chain workers. The test is an assessment of the skill of the recruit, to see whether there's potential. The Order has resources to train recruits, but these resources aren't infinite, so choices have to be made. Failing the test will be registered, but has no consequences. As the name of the order suggests, through perseverance anyone can become a member. Recruits are encourages to keep on improving and come back next time a group of recruits get tested.Your diligence
When one diligently works for the order and continues to be of value, they receive this rank. At this rank, they get a small discount at certain inns and portals in mayor allied cities. And at this stage, name recognition within the order is almost guaranteed.Your thoroughness
Indeed, they've been very thorough in their service of the order, it is exemplary. This either takes multiple great accomplishments or years of diligent service. At this rank, mentors and skilled trainers become available to unlock any remaining potential. Members of this rank also start to gain significant sway over lower-ranked members and can much more easily meet with the order's leadership. It's akin to a sergeant, just less codified.Your rigorousness
Only through exhaustive effort can a person's rigor be proven. It's basically impossible for someone to obtain this rank without participating in a full-on battle. This rank is akin to a lieutenant. As such, this is the first rank where people get a number of lower-ranking members under their direct command. The amount greatly depends on what is available at the time. Portal services are free within reason and many inns give significant discounts as it is an honor to have such a distinguished person working for a good cause.Your resoluteness
A person's resolve, in the face of overwhelming odds, is what sets them apart. But let's be honest, this rank isn't much different than "Your rigorousness". Only a few people can hold this rank at the same time, so a death can cause a promotion of a lower-ranked member. This rank is akin to a colonel and as such, comes with the command over more members of the order. Their effectively order leadership, part of the inner circle and have the opportunity to steer the entire order in one direction or another. This also makes it a lot more easy to use the order's treasury, without many people blinking an eye.Your persistency
It takes distinguished leadership and valor in battle to reach this rank. People with this rank surely have their scars to prove just how persistent they've been, facing down the enemy in many battles. This rank is akin to a general, overseeing entire battles. Because the order is an army with a singular purpose, only one person at a time has held this rank up until now. There simply wasn't a need to have multiple generals overseeing multiple fronts simultaneously.Your tenacity
This rank is reserved for the leader of the guild, who will be given the nickname "the Tenacious". This rank isn't necessarily earned, but bestowed upon the one deemed worthy by the preceeding leader.Footnotes
1 This is definitely incorrect and I'll likely need to decide who's the father of King Lewis... or maybe their father.
Type
Military, Paramilitary/Militia