Ordenstaat/Brotherhood

Rank of the Brotherhood

:Grand Master - who leads the Brotherhood, his word is law, his faith undisputed. He wear the Iron crown. Founder - this role is for the 4 founders of the Brotherhood and their sons only. The Golden Lion badge is their sign. The Hammer of Tyr - is the champion of the Brotherhood, he fights in the ritual duel. He will bring the Iron Hammer in battle. The Balance of Zisa - is the title of the main sponsor of the Brotherhood. The Iron Balance is his sign. Elder Brother - all brothers of recognized stature will become elders after 5 years of service in the Brotherhood. They will wear the Silver Lion badge. Together with the founders and the grand Master, they form the Elder Council. Inquisitor - selected brothers can become an Inquisitor. The duty of the Inquisitor is to hunt for Heresy, they will travel across the world in search of the sign of Heresy. The Black Lion is their mark. Brother - the simple soldier of the Brotherhood. The Green Lion of Ordenstaat is their sign. Each spring, the Grand Master will call the Grand Council of the Brotherhood, where all the brothers will give an account of their doings, and make a great ceremony in honour of St. Iestyn. Only the Grand Council can depose the Grand Master. Priest - Only warriors can become Brothers. Priests of the Order of St. Iestyn have the special status of priest, they have to be respected among all, their word is sacred and their orders have to be followed as an Elder Order but they can't be part of the guild. Only warrior priests or brothers who become priest can obtain the Brother status. Sisterhood Is the woman branch of the Brotherhood. GrandMother - the highest rank for Sister, can be only one, and the 5 years service is a requisite. She takes part in the Elder Council. She is the oldest sister in the Brotherhood. She wear the Golden Lion badge of the founders. Inquisitor - selected Sisters can become Inquisitors. The duty of the Inquisitor is hunt for Heresy, they will travel across the world in search of the sign of Heresy. The Black Lion is their mark. Sister - women will be allowed to be part of the Brotherhood. The Sister rank is equal to the Brother rank. They wear the Red Lion badge. Commoner Rank Hunter - the Brotherhood recognizes non nobles and commoners the status of Hunter, they will hunt the Inferi and search fo relics. If they are part of the Brotherhood they have to be respected. They are not annointed in "The Ceremony of Spiked Chalice" but only swear on the Iron Hammer of Tyr. They are still commoners and have no rights until they rise to nobility and are annointed in "The Ceremony of Spiked Chalice" and become full members of the Brotherhood.

The Ceremony of Spiked Chalice

The ceremony must be held near a waterway, deep enough to allow the aspirant to immerse himself till the waistline. In the water, the aspirant has to recite the Credo, while the running water washes away his past: all his remorse, his wishes, his bad wills, his dreams of personal glory flow away with the current, and his soul has a rebirth, reaching a new state of self-consciousness and perseverance on his devotion.

When the aspirant ends telling the Credo, he has to wash his face FIVE times, to celebrate the five martyrs (Iestyn the Wise, Tudyr the Brave, Rheinallt the Strong, Diniol the Just, Emyr the Kind) who sacrified their lives to open the eyes of the people toward the rising Chaos in the world.

This done, the aspirant comes out from the waterway and kneels in front of the Grand Master, or his substitute, with all the Brothers surrounding him in a circle.

Then, he must recite the oath of the Brotherhood: "I, (name), paladin of Ordenstaat, senses the Chaos and the Terror which surround us, and I swear, in the name of Tyr and Zisa, to protect these lands and the people who live within, as long as I have breath in my mouth. I recognize the Grand Master as my supreme leader, and under his good lead I will crush his opponents." The aspirant stands up, and continues: "From now on, my sword will fall furious on our enemies, and my shield will rise to defend my Brothers. From now on, I will become part of the Brotherhood." The Grand Master takes the spiked chalice with two hands, raises it up so everyone can see it, and passes it to the Brother on his left. He pierces one of his finger on a spike, making a drop of his blood fall into the cup, and then passes the chalice again to the next Brother on his left, who does the same.

When the chalice comes back to the Grand Master, he repeats the act, wounding himself and filling the cup another bit. Then he gives it to the aspirant and says:

"You are swearing on the blood of the Brotherhood.

Drink, and may Tyr bless your path, my Brother."