Faceless Knight

The leader of the Nameless Swords.

Qualifications

The Faceless is chosen from amongst the Nameless Swords and is usually a former coloured knight who led one of the three teams. All of the Swords are skilled knights, but to become the Faceless a candidate must also have experience directing forces in battle. Over the years the Church of Tarin has been careful to ensure that they recruit experienced knights with extensive military careers into the Swords so that they have a pool of such talent available. Many younger knights have also been actively discouraged from applying to join the order until they have built up such experience.

Responsibilities

The Faceless is tasked with protecting the Triumphant Standard and bringing it's glory to the battlefield. Unlike the rest of the Nameless Swords the Faceless must consider where the Standard will do the most good on the battlefield, even if it means that the Standard may be lost.
As part of this duty the Faceless organises the Swords as they see fit, assigning the coloured knights and the teams, dealing with issues, and managing the support provided to the swords.
In addition to their duty to the Standard, the Faceless is also tasked with ensuring that the chain of command does not break if a Field-Commander should perish. The preferred method is for the Faceless to oversee the promotion of one of the former Commander's subordinates but where that is not possible the Faceless is expected to take command until a more solution can be implemented.

Type

Religious, Military

Form of Address

Faceless

Equates to

The Faceless is considered the equal of a Field-Commander in the Church of Tarin, though they usually defer those placed in command of an army. The Order of the Shield also recognises this position in a similar way.

Related Organizations

• Church of Tarin

Related Military Formations

• Nameless Swords

Like with the rest of the Swords the Faceless is expected to give up all sense of personal glory. In addition to the helm that all Swords are issued, the Faceless is given a cloth mask which they must wear at all times. The mask completely covers the head, and distorts the voice making it difficult for any outside the Swords or the upper echelons of the church to know who it is.
This presents some issues with the possibility of impersonation but the presence of the Triumphant Standard is usually considered enough proof of the Faceless' identity.