On the Order - The Order of the Peacock

What year was your knighthood formed?

We don't have an exact date, but Prince Nigel says 1995 and as he was a founding member we'll agree with him. The order faded away for a while in the mid aughts, and was reformed again in the teens with Twenaria at the helm. This reboot has seen us move more towards an inclusive attitude with more OOC focus on helping grow the immersive environment of the Realms. 

What does your knighthood stand for?

We are an IC/OOC order dedicated to raising the bar of immersion, and recognizing those who have done such. Over the years we've grown away somewhat from where the order started. We have shifted our focus away from just being fancy and well mannered, and more towards adding to the overall immersion of the Realms whether that be through crafting, RP, event holding, inclusion initiatives, etc. 

What are your tenets?

N/A

What is your symbol?

While we do not have an 'official symbol', we have been using a stylized linework peacock on our awards. 

Do you have a traditional knightly power? If so, what is it?

N/A

What do you look for when selecting squires?

We do not currently have squires, so I will answer for selecting members instead. 

We look for someone who adds to the overall immersion of the Realms. There are so many ways of doing that, and we are trying to fill our ranks with that in mind. A good representation of different styles of contributions can already be seen in the order, but we want to add even more! On an OOC level we look for people who are inclusive of others, active in realms related activities, are willing to help out with projects and ideas, and who's goals for immersion in the game align with ours. On an IC level, we look for someone who is true to themselves, helps other people be true to themselves, and adds to everyone's enjoyment of activities within the Realms through their RP. 

What is your squiring process like?

We have taken squires in the past but not recently, though that is something we wish to change soon! We are in the process of reorganizing a bit under new leadership, but hopefully soon we will reveal a new and improved apprenticeship program. 

Who is your current Knight Commander?

Madam Steward Zarine is currently our Head Hen. She was elevated in the pecking order at Black and White 2022. 

Who are your currently active Knights?

Sara Jessop / Madam Steward Zarine

Kelly Bonci / Twenaria

Steven Matulewicz /Sagart

Megan Matulewicz /Kyomi

Bethany Tozier / Freesia

Derek Booke / Hygar

Amber Fox / Tarnisha

Arthur Granger / Aiden

Casey Lemay / Kharma

John Rescigno / Gordon

Do you have any interesting stories from your knighthood's past?

From Kelly 'Twenaria' Bonci: 

I mean, I got (Zarine) drunk so I could get (her) in the order to pass it on. That's a pretty great long con, if I do say so myself.

From Sara 'Zarine' Jessop: 

So there I was at Cecil's Uncle's Crazy Cabin, or whatever we called it back in 1019, and I had had quite a few to drink. I vaguely remember being honored for something. Later on in the powder room, Twen and I were in there drunk-girling and I looked down and was wearing a really nice necklace. I was all like 'this is pretty, where did this come from?', and she was all like, 'Zarine! I gave that to you!' Apparently Twen had given it to me like an hour earlier when they INDUCTED ME INTO THE ORDER OF THE GODDAMN PEACOCK! So yeah, that the story of how I became a peacock. And this is not shortened for the article, that is literally all I remember. 

Then the next year at Cecil's Discordant Cabin of Chaos (no really, it was a virtual event because of ye olde plague) and we were running a contest for the most festive background. Now, you would think being in my own home I wouldn't get so schnockered,  right? Wrong. I was trying to ask who we were liking for a winner, and well... Nothing I typed were words. So far that ridiculous post has been my greatest contribution to the order. 

Anything else you'd like to add? 

N/A

On the Order - Knights of the Sable Dragon

What year was your knighthood formed?

Our order was founded by Queen Vrille in 1989, and was at that time the first knightly order in the Realms created after the Knights of the Realms and Knights of the Eternal Flame.

What does your knighthood stand for?

Our order was conceived as an order of service rather than a martial order, which we are glad has now become common for knightly orders. We endeavor to set new members of the Realms community up for success with information, loaner armor, and encouragement to get engaged with content at events. We have also recently resumed our duty of protecting the lands of Blackavar, and maintaining the treaty with the dragons of that country.

What are your tenets?

Protect the Realms

Serve as an example of personal honor

Encourage and aid new adventurers

Promote diversity within the order and within the Realms

What is your symbol?

Do you have a traditional knightly power? If so, what is it?

Yes! Once per event, a Knight of the Sable Dragon may ask a single yes or no question to be answered accurately by the event holder.

What do you look for when selecting squires?

When considering potential squires for the order, we tend to refer heavily to our tenets. Does the person play a good (or mostly good) character? Do they conduct themselves well in and out of character, not just when others are watching but also when alone? Do they appreciate and respect newer folks' contributions to the community, and encourage them to continue growing as adventurers? Do they provide or elevate underrepresented perspectives in our community? Does it seem like they will grow into a 'Yes' for each of those questions if they aren't yet? 

What is your squiring process like?

We don't have a prescribed process for squires to move through. Each knight will have their own ideas of what a squire needs before being recognized as a knight, so the process will vary depending on who a person is squired to. However, we'll discuss as an order whether a squire is ready for knighting, at which point all active knights' opinions will also be considered.

Who is your current Knight Commander?

Our current Knight Commander is Dame Kindrianna, Queen of Voraniss and High Priestess of Vandor. Her First Knight is Lord Sir Torolf of Blackwood.

Who are your currently active Knights?

Diamond, Avendar, Grindin, Guilliam, Kovaks, Torolf, Kindrianna, Saka, Hygar, Aelias, Gordon, Elwin

Do you have any interesting stories from your knighthood's past?

Yes!

Anything else you'd like to add? 

You may have noticed loaner armor bins at most events! Our order maintains these as a resource for folks who can benefit from wearing armor but aren't in a position to make or acquire their own. If you have unused armor kicking around that's in decent condition or can be repaired with reasonable effort, we'll be happy to add it to what we carry from event to event for loan!

On the Order - Templars of Vandor

1. What year was your Knighthood formed?

May 1st, 2005.

2. What does your knighthood stand for?

The Templars of Vandor are an IC religious order founded by Sir Avendar at the request of the mortal god himself to promote his domains: Protection of the Innocent and Vengeance. They are a group of Knights who will do whatever it takes to uphold the principles of their faith, seeking neither glory nor personal gain, instead concentrating their efforts on service to the greater good. Templars collectively serve as the Mortal Avatars of Vandor.

3. What are your tenents?

1. Thou shalt protect the Innocent.

2. Thou shalt seek vengeance against the wicked and carry thyself with enough fortitude to see the cycle of vengeance through to its end.

3. Thou need not kneel before any man or King, for it is Vandor, and Vandor alone, who may judge the character of a Templar. Let no law or oath of earthly fealty come between thyself and thy charge.

4. What is your symbol?

Three silver chevrons upon a field of black.

5. Did you have a traditional Knightly power, if so what was it?

No.

6. What do you look for when selecting squires?

It varies from Knight to Knight, but we largely look for Squires, aka Acolytes, that are both willing to learn and are vocal in their worship and praise of Vandor whether they take on the role of a warrior or caster. Additionally, we try to identify those with the potential for heroism and moral courage who understand sacrifice and that being good doesn’t always mean being nice. We need people whose values and morals align with our own and those of our deity, folk of faith who will stand their ground even when it is difficult or intimidating.

7. What is your squiring process like?

Again, this will vary depending on the needs of the Squire/Acolyte. Each of us has different lessons to learn so that we might grow into the best versions of ourselves. Each Acolyte will face tasks and challenges uniquely designed to help them evolve and progress as both members of the community and leaders within it. Generally speaking, each Acolyte will also undergo three major or overarching tasks themed to Vandor’s domains and origins to earn the chevrons upon their belts. One task oriented toward Protection, one towards Vengeance, and one towards Remembrance, as it was the telling of Vandor’s story and the gathering of additional followers that originally restored his divinity.

8. Who is your current  Knight Commander?

High Priestess Kindrianna Athame of Voraniss

9. Who are your currently active Knights?

High Priestess Kindrianna

Templar Avendar

Templar Hygar

Templar Malaki

10. Do you have any interesting stories from your Knighthood's past?

Yes. We have many tales that you should ask one of us about sometime. We could tell you the story of Clan Defender during the assault on Wayland’s Fortress, or the story of the Ascension of Sir Vawn Coupant, Immortal Avatar of Vandor, to name a few. Find us at a bonfire, and we’ll be happy to spread the word of the order.

Knights of the Hinterlands

Greetings People of the Realms!

I would like to officially introduce our Order to you, to let you know who we are and what we stand for.  Our mission is to protect, to aid and cultivate, to fight and to die, in defense of any threat that may destroy the Realms.   The Knights of the Hinterlands are both In Character and Out Of Character. It is not bound to a specific country, but to an ideal. We are here to seek truth wherever it may be found.

The “Hinterlands” are uncharted territories.  Our goal is to explore and to push the boundaries in pursuit of the higher ideal.  To improve ourselves, to help improve others, to improve the world through our actions.  But to do so, we must adventure where others have gone seldom or not at all. We must examine and attempt to understand that which is within us and around us.  We must be willing to accept change in light of discovery.

In our world, in order to be able to defend our Realm and uphold our ideals, martial ability is one of the most important aspects. It hones the mind and thus can improve all skills. No matter your background or vocation, the ability to deftly use all tools available to you is a goal. Improvement of the mind, body and spirit is the focus.
We understand our shortcomings as individuals and seek to be vigilant and to overcome them. We seek the better version of ourselves, and to aid others to their better versions.

Any who squire under this order must swear to uphold the following tenants: Courage, Justice, Mercy, Generosity, Faith, Nobility, Hope. This order is not just for the warriors of you. It is not just for the magical of you. It is also for those that excel in craft, culture, and for those who lead in the arts of this world.
Squires who show excellence in one or more of the tenants of the Order may earn accolades and be called by a new title by those in the Order: Battle Raven (Courage), Star Rider (Justice), Shield Bearer (Mercy), Keystone (Generosity), Sky Seeker (Faith), Dragon (Nobility), and Wayfinder (Hope). One does not need to achieve an accolade to become a Knight of this Order, but such distinctions are held for those who achieve above and beyond expectation. 

When one is knighted, this is not just the beginning of the journey. It is a way of life, an ideal to continue to strive for and uphold. In that regard, knights may also earn further Accolades of distinction in weapons, in magic, and in culture. 

All questions are welcome, please approach us and inquire. We have capacity to also appoint Pages for those who are or feel they are too "young" and wish to see who we are and what we do. We may also consider you an Agent: one who supports the Order, but does not wish to officially follow the path. Our Order is new: it is subject to change and grow. As the Realms shifts and changes, support of all kinds is welcome..

We thank you for your time in learning about us.

Knights of the Order

Sir Therian

Sir Aymise, Dragon

Dame Phoenix Rose. Battle Raven

Squires
Lord Sir Radstar
Archdruid Hygar Athame

Rio Greenleaf

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Heroes of the Western Flank Update 2015 by Lani "Gwen" Grayson

This year at Feast of the Leviathan XVIII the Heroes of the Western Flank were recognized for their service to the community. When I first envisioned this group, I hoped to both publicly recognize and thank those who serve our community and inspire others who have the potential to become major contributors to the Realms as well. Anyone can become a hero, as long as they are willing to donate their time and effort. The Realms always needs monsters to keep at bay, villagers to save, and goblins to outwit. Players new and old can make a very real contribution to the game by stepping out of their usual character and into the skin of a zombie, kobold, or demon. And if combat NPC'ing does not suit you, event holders also need heroes who can organize costumes, facilitate encounters, or role-play. Although it is clear that NPCs are essential to the success of each and every quest, we as a community often forget to recognize them for their hard work. Anyone who has served on the Western Flank knows that it can be an exhausting day and those individuals that serve us regularly deserve our respect and praise.

Heroes of the Western Flank can be recognized by the black belt that they wear while NPC'ing, and it is a symbol of that person’s commitment to helping the community. In addition, members are awarded pins annually to recognize their continued service to the Realms. This year, belts and pins were awarded to people who NPC’d four or more events during the 2015 calendar year. Heroes can continue to earn pins annually, while new heroes are awarded both a belt and a pin.

In an attempt to further thank our heroes, they are invited to participate in a raffle. Each hero is given a number of tickets equal to the number of events that they NPC'd the previous year.The more the hero NPCs, the more likely they are to win in the raffle. Raffle items include items meant to help the NPC such as black pouches, slip-cover face masks, black shield covers, black-socked weapons, and black NPC tunics. Additionally, some raffle items are magic items that the adventurer could have picked up on their travels while they were away. This year, we raffled off two magic items. Each item in the raffle is a token of our gratitude.

Because pins and belts were awarded to community members who were in attendance at Feast of Leviathan and submitted a form while there, please let us know if you, or someone you know was not awarded a deserved belt or pin this year. Please contact me at lani.gwen@yahoo.com and we can arrange an event to pass along these tokens of our appreciation.

2015 Heroes of the Western Flank:

• Cody Garcia - Kirk
• Michael Durocher - Vuel 
• Jacob Ruggiero - Grebinar
• Steven Yazinka - Kaelkatar
• Ethan Goldman - Jean-Baptiste
• Michael Zajac - Swoop
• Brian Rubenstein - Crispin Storm
• Samuel Teatum - Ezra Chandler
• Andrew Whitty - Nymbous
• *Nick Quadrini - Raynor
• *James Murphy - Sir Tao Ya Kang
• *Alysha Metcalf - Kyntela 
• *Angie Gray - Phoenix
• *Ben Hamilton - Kyro
• *David Rubenstein - Tirvanel
• *Mike Doherty - Jayne Wrath
• *Josh Learned - Shandar
• *Diana LaPierre - Kiira
• *Callahan Marsden - Syruss
• *Jason Rosa - Aeston
• Jennifer DeNardis-Rosa - Areni
• *Lani Grayson - Gwen
• *Jeremy Grayson - Nighthawk

Thank you to our heroes for your support of our community!

[Editor's Note: A (*) denotes those individuals who also received a belt and pin at last year's Leviathan and received a pin only this year. As mentioned above, this is not an exhaustive list of all those who NPC'd four or more events in 2015, but a list of those who were in attendance at this year's Feast of Leviathan and submitted the Heroes of the Western Flank survey form while there.]

Heroes of the Western Flank

 By Leilani "Gwen" Grayson

This year at Feast of the Leviathan XVII the Heroes of the Western Flank were recognized for their service to the community. This organization is brand new, and its purpose is to publicly thank those people who regularly serve as NPCs on quests. I hope that it will both show how thankful we are as well as encourage others to become heroes in their own right. The role of the NPC is a vital one to our game: without monsters to kill, the heroes of the Realms would have very little to do. NPCing is accessible to all players, regardless of skill or experience, and it is the way that many players begin their service to the Realms, and still more players continually give back by acting behind the scenes in this manner. Despite the importance of NPCs, we often forget to recognize them for their hard work. Anyone who has served on the Western Flank knows that it can be an exhausting day and those that come back again and again deserve our commendation.

Recognizing the Heroes of the Western Flank is done in two main ways. All heroes who were present at Feast of Leviathan and submitted a form that day indicating the number of events they NPC’d were called up during Rhiassan Court to receive a black belt and pin. The black belt symbolizes that someone is considered a regular contributor to the Western Flank. It is meant to be worn while NPCing, and is a symbol of that person’s commitment to helping the community. The pins will be awarded annually for those people who NPC’d a significant number of events that year. This year, belts and pins were awarded to people who NPC’d four or more events. Every subsequent year, those who maintain their status as heroes will be awarded a new pin. New heroes will be recognized with both a belt and a pin.

In an attempt to further thank and reward those who make the game a better place by acting as trolls, goblins, and quest facilitators, the Heroes of the Western Flank are invited to participate in a raffle. Each hero is given a ticket equal to the number of events  that they NPCed the previous year. Therefore, the more you NPC, the more likely you are to win in the raffle. This year, raffle items ranged from things that will make NPCing easier and more fun to things that a wandering hero might have picked up on his or her travels. For example, this year we auctioned off black slip-cover masks to be worn under hockey masks or similar, as well as black NPC shirts, black socked weapons, shield covers, and even a couple of magic items. Each item is a token of our gratitude.

If you, or someone you know, did not receive a deserved belt or pin this year, please contact me at lani.gwen@yahoo.com.

On The Order- Knights of the Tempest

What year was your Knighthood formed? 

2010

What does your knighthood stand for?

The Knighthood stands for not only the betterment of the Realms but the constant betterment of ones self.

Photo by Doug Fisher

What are your tenants? 

They are long and involved. "About two pages worth."

What is your symbol?

Our symbol is still in development as we have not hit our 5 year marker yet.

What do you look for when selecting squires? 

When selecting a squire we look for someone who is willing to work towards personal growth and willing to help the game, not just play it.

What is your squiring process like? 

Our squire process is different for every squire as each person is unique and needs to be treated as such. We evaluate the spots in the person and tailor their training to best help them grow.

Who is your current  Knight Commander?

Sir Lord Elwin O'Bearikin.

Who are your currently active Knights?

Sir Elwin, Sir Avernus, Sir Pewsadef, Sir Senna, Sir Vyx. Karn is currently a Squire to the order.

Do you have any interesting stories from your Knighthoods past? 

Our stories are as individual as each of us. Ask any knight for their personal story.

On the Order- Avatars of Chimeron

Photo by Jesse Gifford

What year was your Knighthood formed?

October 17th, 1992

What does your knighthood stand for?

The Avatars of Chimeron are the guardians of  the lands of Chimeron.  Chimeron is seen as an entity unto itself and it is for the Avatars to be the lands champions and  protectors.

What are your tenants?
Look to the protection of the land of Chimeron in all things

What is your symbol?

Sable, in pale a five pointed crown and a rowen branch argent

Photo by Jesse Gifford

Photo by Matt Norris

Did you have a traditional Knightly power, if so what was it?
Their Knightly ability is to be able to absorb the wound from another and take it on to themselves instead. A self sacrificial power, if the Avatar takes on the scalping of someone it is commonly believed that since it was a willing sacrifice, that the scalp of the Avatar would never be retrievable. This has never been tried.

What do you look for when selecting squires?

A person that is willing to learn, and a desire to see the lands of Chimeron hale and thriving.

What is your squiring process like?

This process is different for each Knight.    

Who is your current  Knight Commander?

The Avatars of Chimeron are a collection of peers and do not have a Knight Commander.  It is the right of the Monarch to elevate a person to knighthood.

Who are your currently active Knights?

Sir Wil Craven McKrye

Dame Cimone

Sir Callin of Folkestone

Deceased In Defense of the Realms

Dame Altana Cecil

Sir Valerie Hart

Photo by Jesse Gifford 

Past Beyond

Sir Owen Colteor McKrye

Inactive

Sir Lucas Harkon

Sir Angus Covile

Sir Dirk Covile

Do you have any interesting stories from your Knighthoods past?
Frequently the Mantle of the Avatar of Chimeon is granted for acts of great courage and self sacrifice.  See  the tales of Sir Lucas throwing himself into a Bain Gate. Sir Callin(Cosmic Ray Gun!)  throwing himself into the Cauldron, sacrificing himself to save the realms. This past year Dame Altana, and Sir Valerie(along with Kiran) sacrificed themselves so the realms could defeat the threat that was Bedlam.

On the Order- Order of the Blue Rose

What year was your knighthood formed?

Photo by Casey Lemay

circa 980 (1980)

What does your knighthood stand for?
Our order is primarily an OOC knighthood and has two main goals. First to promote the game through either throwing events or helping others to throw their events. Secondly to train squires and potential squires to both fight safely and throw their own events.

Photo by Angela Gray

What are your tenants?

Knights of the Blue Rose Work Hard:

                        • We find value in putting forth true and honest effort in everything we do.

                        • We find value in service to others and service to the whole community.

                        • We find value in throwing quality events and in helping others to throw quality 
                           events.

Knights of the Blue Rose Play Hard:

                        • We find value in having fun and contributing to those around us having fun.

                        • We find value in spending time with our friends while also interacting with the 
                           whole of the community.

                        • We find value in the time spent around the fire for its stories and camaraderie.

What is your symbol?

Photo by Angela Gray

Either a blue rose with a green stem and leaves against a black background or a blue rose (just the open flower) against a white background.

Do you have a traditional knightly power?
Yes, a Raise Dead we could use once an event.

What do you look for when selecting squires?
This can vary as it is generally left up to the knights to choose their squires, however often our
knights do confer with each other when considering someone. Examples of traits we consider are: the character of the person, what do they bring to the game, do they have the potential to contribute to the community in a positive way.

Photo by Jesse Gifford

What is your squiring process like?
Our squires undergo a process, a path as we call it and it takes a minimum of three years to complete.  Often other knights take a part in teaching the squire what we feel he needs to accomplish in order to reach the end of the path. Training involves martial arts, marshalling, NPCing, and learning the history of our order among other things. Squires are expected to NPC our events and other's as well, and take turns being an event holder for our event, Tournaments of the Blue Rose.

Photo by Angela Gray

Who is our current Knight Commander?
That is Sir Sean Aengus Who are are current active Knights?
A: PJ Gray (Sir Pj), (Ray McGuirk,JR.) Sir Radstar, (Jesse Gifford) Sir Mestoph, Matt Daviault (Sir Zula, Retired), Eddie Reed (Sir Qualoth), Kyle Vaihinger (Sir Caspian), Nik Thouin (Sir Corinth), Jason Rosa (Sir Aeston), and Jeremy Grayson (Sir Nighthawk).  As we consider ourselves an OOC order as well, if someone opts to retire their character we consider their new one a Knight of the Blue Rose as well.

Photo by Robyn Nielsen