Order of the Stag's Horn
The Order of the Stag's Horn is a knightly order of Prasri paladins and druids, dedicated to the worship of Imon and Silvanus to a lesser extent.
Structure
The order lacks a strict hierarchy and most of its members are seen as equal; however, an individual by themselves holds no sway in the order. Members of the order work in pairs known as Plethedigs, consisting of two Entwindees: a paladin and a druid; commonly the paladin is the warrior of the two while the druid is the diplomat, though the other way around is also quite common, as the pairing is done such that the entwindees complement each other.
However, there is some sense of hierarchy; at its head stands a powerful Grand Druid that serves as Imon's prophet. Beneath him is the Clymog, the most powerful and experienced of all plethedigs; when a decision has to be made, the grand druid's vote is lesser than that of the clymog, but greater than the vote of each of them alone. In times of need, Imon bestows a paladin of the order with great power, annointing them as the Knight of the Thicket; if the Knight is within the order, the Grand Druid steps down and the knight assumes the role of leader, prophet, and enforcer.
Tenets of Faith
The core tenets of faith are divided into vows taken by the paladins and oaths taken by the druids. Both vows and oaths are taken when two entwindees are inducted into the order by practicing, experienced paladins and druids; as such, they are in addition to those already taken by the future entwindees.
Ferocity
Reverence
Mercy
Plethedig
Sacrifice
Forests
Spirits
Waters
Growth
Plethedig
Vows
ProtectionBy the shield of Imon, I vow defense of the land and all of its creatures; I vow indomitability; I vow stalwartness; I vow valiance. I vow to shield those who honor the forests and the land; to shield the weak and the innocent whoever they may be, protect them from harm and alleviate their misfortunes; I shall be an unyielding bulwark against tyranny and oppression, a mighty tower against cruelty and malice.
By the spear of Imon, I vow ferocity in battle and to never relent. I vow to hone my skills so that I shall strike down the vile; to hone my faith so that I can show compassion to my enemies. I vow to grant a swift death; to consider care before death; to consider nurture before care; to consider nature before nurture.
By the tree of Imon, I vow reverence and observation. I vow to be guided by the wisdom of Silvanus and be tempered by the will of Imon; to tend to their sites which they blessed; to keep their commendments; to ward the thresholds where fey and shadows pass. I vow to aid those who unknowingly perturbed; to watch those who carelessly troubled; to punish those who willingly harmed.
By the doe by the stag, I vow mercy and amity. I vow to care and cherish; to be just; to be true. I vow to let mercy guide my judgement; to lend the benefit of doubt; to never be blinded; to see evil and smite it. I vow to care for the orphan; for the widow; for the foreigner.
By the antlers of the stag, I vow to safeguard and speak for this plethedig. I vow to protect it by shield and spear and righteous fury.
By all that I am, I vow to sacrifice; I vow to wander into the thicket if ever the horn is sound.
Oaths
LandBy the deep roots of Awyri'rddaear, I will safeguard this land, from The Gray Shores and to the Highlands; I will see to it that the land belongs to all and none; I will see to it that the rocks shall not cause tremors; I will see to it that all can live attuned, that the hunters hunt, the scavengers scavenge, the farmers farm.
By the mighty trunk of Awyri'rddaear, I will speak for the forests; I will see to it that gifts are granted, never taken, and that gratitude is given, never demanded; I will ensure shade is granted in the sun, and shelter is given in the rain; I will see to it that snow shall not freeze, and fire shall not destroy.
By the Arcadian canopy of Awyri'rddaear, I will honor the spirits, great and small; I will see to it that flocks and schools and herds and nests and droves and packs shall gain their reverence; I will see to it that fey and coblyn are respected and acknowledged and content; I will see to it that the gods are worshipped and exalted; I will see to it the spirits are honored, by the Arcadian canopy of Awyri'rddaear.
By the deep roots of Awyri'rddaear, I will safeguard the waters, from The Gray Ocean and the swamps, through the rivers and the lakes to the streams and the ponds; I will see to it that the pure is pristine; I will see to it that drowning is by water; I will see to it that the rotten stagnates.
By the branches of of Awyri'rddaear, I will seek the advise of my better; I shall adhere to its teachings and honor its seniority; I shall branch off of my stem and stem on my own; I shall branch into branches and shed off the frail.
By the twigs of Awyri'rddaear, I will advise and guide this plethedig; serve as its caretaker; and protect it by tooth and claw and storm and wrath.
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Leader Title
Related Ranks & Titles
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
Comments