Blades of Hakir

The Blades of Hakir are named for the first Human Negus of Straka. When Straka rebelled against their elven overlords the Human Hakir had a cadre of dedicated warriors who helped his rebellion.
After Hakir was named Negus he made his blades into a form of royal bodyguard, and they took on the name The Blades of Hakir.
As years passed the Blades of Hakir went from a highly trained royal guard to something a bit more. Instead the Blades of Hakir became equal parts royal guard, city guard, and priests. They were, in essence, the hand of the Negus, and performed whatever role he or she needed them to.
As the years went on and Tarkus took control of the Strakan Empire, the Blades Evolved to serve him and the state instead. Despite the advancement of technology though, the Blades still fervently practice swordsmanship over all weapon arts. To make up for their lack of firearm training and usage, Blades are gifted magically enchanted armor that makes them all but immune to gun fire when they rise to rank within the order.
The Blades of Hakir are known as peerless swordsmen, and renowned the world over for their skill in battle and dueling ability.

Structure

The order is actually rather simple in terms of organization. Most of the Order is made up of individual Blades, who are all technically equal to each other, though tenure and seniority plays a large respect role. 
Under the general blades are aspirants, who are chosen by a member of the Order to aspire to become a full member. Aspirants train under the sponsoring member, and they then undertake a pilgrimage of martial strength where they wander the world learning and dueling others in preparation for their final test, the details of which are a closely guarded secret. Those who fail to become Blades are never seen again, those who succeed are given armor of the order, and become fully fledged Blades of Hakir.
At the top of the order is the Grandmaster, who serves as the direct Liaison to Tarkus, as well as the leader of the all the blades.

Culture

While heavily martial, the Blades are also ultimately a monastic order. They spend much of their free time studying, praying to, and revering Hakir and his spirit. Their temple in Straka is well known for the hymns and chants that can be heard reverberating from its ancient stone halls.

Type

Religious, Monastic Order

Alternative Names

Blades of the Empire

Demonym

Blade

Parent Organization

Strakan Empire