Order of Mielikki

The colors of Mielikkian ceremonial garb vary with the seasons, each season having a base color and an accent. Winter is white with green accents, spring green with yellow accents, summer yellow with red accents, and fall red with white accents. The white and green of winter symbolizes evergreens and the unsleeping life of the forest, the green and yellow of spring is for the slow awakening of the forest to lush life, the yellow and red of summer represents the full splendor of flowers and burgeoning fruits and grains, and the red and white of fall symbolizes fall leaves being overlaid with snow. These colors govern capes worn with armor in times of war and ceremonial dress (chain mail). Many powerful Shadoweirs wear ancient suits of elven chain mail they have been given by elven lords for their efforts in defending the forests.
The symbol of the Shadoweirs is a giant shadowtop tree with a pair of crossed swords overlaying it, and it is sometimes stitched as a design on their clothing or worn on their shields.

History

Founded in the High Forest in the Year of the Shadowtop (1314DR), this secretive branch of the order of Mielikki which consists of the more zealous and martial paladins. Commonly called “woodland knights,” these militant paladins are mostly located within the northern regions of the High Forest. They were fanatic advocates who seek to stop civilization encroachment and deforestation. Shadoweirs served as an activist and proselytizing order who were willing to go on the offensive in the behalf of their sacred forests. Additionally, they focus on re-growing forests reduced by battles, fires, and civilizations.
Today, Shadoweir companies mostly consist of human followers and half-elves. The main company was found by half-elves in the Woods of Turlang in the northern High Forrest. After the Times of Troubles, the zeal of Shadoweir have changed and extended to actively hunting and taking preemptive actions against the forces of evil within their region. They are, without a doubt, devout warriors who believe they have heard a divine calling and that their work is sacred. As the preeminent martial fighters within the ranks of Mielikki, the Shadoweir constantly seek to improve their martial skills through training. Shadoweir take an oath to hunt their enemies, act with honor in the pursuit of the greater good, and stand against those who would upset the balance.

Tenets of Faith

Action over Words: Strive to be known by deeds, not words
Courage: Never fear to act, though caution is wise. You must be willing to do what needs to be done, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
Maintain the balance: Where life flourishes, stand against the forces that would render it barren.