Templars of Arotha

These draconic warriors of the divine pull their power from the dragon Arotha. On the Old World, she was called to the rift, and aided in its opening. She stayed behind as the other three dragons first set foot on the new world. Armies of sin rose over the horizon. She fought at Horoth's side, and sacrificed herself so the few good people were left could make it through the rift. This sacrifice earned her a place at Deos side. Now, she grants her power to those who swear her oath, and keep it good.
To gain power from Arotha, one must swear to never seek out violence, but to protect your own. One must have a willingness to protect, and must be at peace within their mind, and heart. If one means what they say, then Arotha may just find them worthy of wielding her power. The power she grants is not of war. She grants powers of protection. One gains the ability to conjure shields of any size, or shape. Depending on how the caster shapes their shield, they can throw it to turn it into a weapon, or to black an attack against an ally. While all templars possess some healing ability, templars of Arotha gain enhanced healing powers, with no cost to their own life force.
Templars of Arotha are the second most numerous, immediately following Templars of Horoth. Only followers of the draconic religion can swear her oath, as it is the only religion that views her as a divine figure. Most of her templars reside within the draconic nation Fafnia because of their propensity to teach their citizens to defend, making her power closest to their current belief.

Qualifications

In order to become a templar of Arotha, one must have skill with blade, and a tactical mind above that of the average soldier. Most templars of any divine patron already have some sort of military experience.

Requirements

While there is no written minimum, or maximum age, the role played by Arotha Templars requires a certain level of maturity that comes with age. The vast majority of all Arotha Templars are Draconin, as they are the only ones who follow the draconic religion.

Appointment

To become a Templar of Arotha, one must enter a temple in her name, and go to the shrine in its center. They spend a day in prayer to Arotha, and swear her oath of protection. They state why they seek Arotha's power in the hopes that Arotha will deem their reasoning just, and will grant them the power they seek. If they are found to be worthy, they are surrounded by a bubble of solid golden magic. The voice of Arothat herself says to the aspiring templar: "Rise, and protect those who cannot. Become a Guardian of my name, and all who speak it."
The solid gold bubble turns into a mist, and is absorbed into the templar. For the next hour, they radiate a golden light brighter than the sun. This is to show their fellow draconin, and followers of the draconic religion that they now wield Arotha's divine power.

Duties

A templar of Arotha has sworn an oath to protect, and as such, that is what they do. They are called Guardians by Arotha, and the everyday draconin for this very reason. They are deployed onto the battlefield as combat medics, or to create shield walls with their divine magic. Like all templars, a single one has the rank, and authority to command a small squad of non-magical soldiers.

Benefits

The draconin believe that strength should be rewarded. A templar, of any divine patron is viewed as one of the strongest beings to exist. The reward for such strength is free housing for one's self, and family. Food is supplied by order of law to the families of these templars.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

If a templar of any divine patron breaks their oath, their power is stripped that very instant, and they are shunned by the draconic church.

History

Many templars have risen in Arotha's name, and have taken a vital role in many conflicts that have involved the draconic nations. They have guarded draconic churches, and have been a symbol of hope to all who follow their religion.

Cultural Significance

All templars are viewed with fear, and awe. Their power is beyond the comprehension of the normal man. To the followers of the draconic religion, they serve as a symbol of protection, and hope in even the darkest of times. Followers of the common religion view them as heretics, as they pull their power from something that is deceiving them. They view any non-arcane power pulled from anything other than Deos himself as heresy.

Alternative Naming

In more formal occasions, they are referred to as Disciples of Arotha. Non-magical soldiers, or normal draconin men, and women call them Guardians.

Equates to

The authority of any templar equates to the authority of the Knights Templar of medieval Europe.

Source of Authority

The draconic church authorizes any action taken by these templars, and gives them the agency needed to fulfill their tasks by any means necessary, with the knowledge that if they abuse this agency, their power will be stripped.