Order of the Dragon
The backbone of the Empire
According to the legend, albeit scholar tend to agree on most aspects, the glorious Order of the Dragon was founded a few years before the 0MC by Rhidgaer I, who was also the first Grand Master of the Order of the Dragon. Over the centuries, it has always attracted the best and bravest horsemen among the Kharmian people, training them in strict discipline, both military and moral, thus resulting in an elite unit, at once admired and hated by the empire's enemies. It is said, that the mere sight of the Order's banners can sow dismay in the hearts of enemies and lift the spirits of the oppressed.
Order organization chart
The highest in command within the order has always been the Grand Master of the Order of the Dragon, however in the early days he would represent a charismatic leader of a handful of men who shared the same ideals. Back then, every knight was in charge of himself and, later on, of his squire and would share duties of meditation, work and study in equal measures. Strongly devoted to Nuada, the order has been supported by the Silver Hand clergy, and has accepted in its ranks many templars of the God. As the order expanded acquiring new lands and new members, this very simple system began to falter, so it was necessary to establish new ranks and divide power and responsibilities. Nowadays, the order comprises two type of members: 1) the Knights, elite riders who have received martial training and have sworn allegiance to the Order until death; 2)the minor brethren, including squires, retired knights and untrained labourers who cultivate the land, produce food and medicine for the local Order house and care for the horses. Organised into Order Houses, they answer to the commands of the Regional Master, who, in the absence of the Grand Master, takes his place, assisted in his duties by the Treasurer, who manages the finances and invests the resources of the House, and the Master of Arms, who trains the squires and organises the drills to maintain the knights' training. For every ten to twentyfive knights there's a Sergeant, who leads them onto the battlefield and makes sure they follow the Master's orders.
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