Order of the Silver Stag

The symbol of the Order is a twelve-point stag representing the Twelve Virtues that the order upholds

The Order of the Silver Stag is an order of chivalry in Atamara founded to advance and uphold the Twelve Virtues outlined by Lord Macrinus Sciurus in his Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior. Membership is open to all warriors of Atamara who pledge themselves to a life in accordance with the Twelve Virtues. The Order is expressly not political in nature though members are encouraged to seek positions of leadership in their army and realm.

Treatise of the Virtues of a Warrior

Lord Macrinus wrote the A Treatise of the Virtues of a Warrior upon resuming the position of Grand Marshal of Caergoth. Intended as a statement of principles that would direct his leadership of the military, it became a general philosophy for military life.

The Treatise names twelve martial virtues grouped in six complimentary pairs. In each pair the second virtue is considered to be "primary" so that in any case where two virtues seem to contradict one another, the second is always given priority.

Equitas ("equality") and Communitas ("community")

The battlefield makes all men brothers. A sword pierces lordly flesh and knightly flesh with equal ease. Remember that every single noble is equally worthy of your respect, for you never know when tides of war may shift and your life may suddenly depend on his sword and shield at your side.

At the same time each knight is but one small part of a community of war that must move and act as one being. No knight fights alone and so the well-being of the community is of greatest importance, even above the life of one of its members. When necessary the needs of the few can be sacrificed for the sake of the many.

- A Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior, paragraphs 1 & 2

These virtues describe a warrior's duty to fellow warriors. Each knight is to be respected and valued for his own sake though ultimately the wellbeing of any battle group is valued above the sum of the individuals in it.

Pietas ("piety") and Fidelitas ("loyalty")

The gods are stronger than the coldest steel, keener than the sharpest blade, more powerful than the most thundering charge. Respect the gods at all times and pay them their due. Honor them and pray for their favor in battle to scatter your enemies like leaves.

Remember too that as a warrior your commander is the gods' representative on earth. Orders from your commander are as sacred as any holy verse. A crisis of faith has no place on the battlefield and any reward in the next life surely must depend on loyal service in this life.

- A Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior, paragraphs 3 & 4

This pair of virtues outlines a warrior's duty to superiors. In daily life a warrior is to actively worship the gods and show devotion to them. This seems to imply that membership in an organized religion is required as pagan faiths are little more than a collection of stories and superstitions. This devotion is then expanded to include superior military officers and liege lords with the indication that specific orders from a superior take precedence over articles of faith. This is important because it allows a knight to follow a religion that respects life even while killing her lord's enemies. Rather that being in conflict, loyalty is simply piety applied to the feudal hierarchy.

Industrias ("initiative") and Disciplina ("discipline")

Idle hands do the work of evil. Do not ask endlessly, "What can I do?" There are always regions to scout, soldiers to train, and beasts of the forest to subdue. When awaiting orders, look for any activity that will improve the readiness of your army, your unit, or yourself.

A knight must also know when to wait and keep still. When crossing swords you do not hack away blindly but instead look for an opening in your enemy's defense. Patience and the ability to hold back until the time is right to deal a killing blow are the keys to victory.

- A Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior, paragraphs 5 & 6

The next two virtues guide a warrior's personal activities. Whenever not busy carrying out orders, the warrior should use time wisely and not waste it. A certain amount of initiative is expected as long as all orders are satisfied. Some activities such as scouting, training, and hunting are considered to be generally useful and warriors should not need specific orders to perform them. At the same time a warrior should not overextend to the point that it interferes with other duties. Timing is everything and moving too soon ahead of the army can be as harmful as moving too late.

Clementia ("mercy") and Severitas ("severity")

A true warrior is no mindless killer, no common murderer drinking blood. A defeated enemy who offers honorable surrender must be treated with mercy out of respect for the nobility of spirt you both share. Anything less is to throw away that which makes us noble.

Justice, however, must be harsh and strict. To insult the honor of another noble, to break a sworn oath, to debase the virtues of a knight, these crimes must not be ignored. Death can not be too great a punishment for any who would disregard the very honor that gives life meaning.

- A Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior, paragraphs 7 & 8

These virtues describe how a warrior should treat enemies. In effect two classes of enemy are described: Honorable opponents and dishonorable criminals. An enemy who lives and fights virtuously is still worthy of respect and not to be abused in defeat. It is also important to realize that surrender is not inherently dishonorable and is acceptable when the battle can not be won. For those who commit crimes against honor, on the other hand, punishment must be severe. Execution is specifically allowed and torture is not expressly forbidden.

Humilitas ("humility") and Gravitas ("dignity")

The strongest knight in the world can not win a battle alone, can not even be the strongest for longer than a moment. There is always an opponent who can defeat you, always a stray arrow with your name on it. Arrogance goes before a fall and arrogance suddenly shattered on the battlefield will make a warrior useless.

Even so, there is a justified pride that comes from being the one of the finest warriors your realm has to offer. You do not need words to prove your might; your sword will speak for you. Rude behavior is as disgraceful to a warrior as cowardace. Do not act strong. Be strong.

- A Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior, paragraphs 9 & 10

These two virtues cover a warrior's overall attitude and demeanor. Excessive pride is considered harmful because it can cause a warrior to become stunned when faced with the real possibility of defeat. The proper attitude is one of quiet confidence that expresses itself by deeds rather than words.

Temperantia ("balance") and Constantia ("stability")

There are many weapons in a warrior's arsenal and all must be kept ready. To sharpen the sword only and neglect the lance will surely bring defeat in battle. So too will a warrior fail if he gives all thought to severity and none to mercy, or all to discipline and none to initiative. Balance is essential in all things.

When in doubt, however, the straightest path is the safest. Virtue does not change with the passing seasons, nor is it one thing in the north and another in the south. Trust in your training and persevere. The will to keep pushing forward through any obstacle is perhaps the most powerful weapon a warrior can possess.

- A Treatise on the Virtues of a Warrior, paragraphs 11 & 12

The last two virtues express how a warrior should manage the previous ten virtues. No one aspect of a warrior's life should be carried to extremes. If two influences seem to oppose, they should be kept in tension and moderated against each other. Even so, at heart a warrior should be conservative. A solution that worked yesterday will probably work again today. Perseverance is considered more powerful, and thus by extension more important, than any other aspect of a warrior's life.

Badge of the Order

The badge of the Order is a field azure, a stag's head erased argent. The blue field represents a warrior's devotion to duty and the silver of the stag symbolizes purity of mind and purpose. The stag itself is a 12-point, or "royal", stag. Each point of the antlers represents one of the Twelve Virtues with the right antler holding the "primary" virtues. Therefore the virtues of equality, piety, initiative, mercy, humility, and balance are counted on the left and community, loyalty, discipline, severity, dignity, and stability are placed on the right.