> [!infobox]+ Pelor's Swords > > <div class="infobox-coat-of-arms"> > <div class="coat-of-arms-layout"> > <a href="Pelor.md" class="internal-link coat-of-arms-link"><div class="coat-of-arms-obsidian"><img src="PelorSymbol.png" alt="Coat of Arms" class="internal-image"></div></a> > <div class="character-name-container"><div class="character-main-name">Pelor's Swords</div></div> > <a href="Pelor.md" class="internal-link coat-of-arms-link"><div class="coat-of-arms-obsidian"><img src="PelorSymbol.png" alt="Coat of Arms" class="internal-image"></div></a> > </div> > </div> > <div style="text-align: center; padding: 0.2em;"> > <img src="pelorsSwordsCOA.svg" alt="Pelor's Swords" style="max-width: 250px; height: auto;" class="internal-image"> > </div> > <table class="infobox-table"> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Founded</td><td class="infobox-data"><a href="Age of Founding.md" class="internal-link">Age of Founding</a> - Approx. 8300 BD</td></tr> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Founder</td><td class="infobox-data">Pelor</td></tr> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Headquarters</td><td class="infobox-data">The Hall of the Sun, <a href="Goldhearth.md" class="internal-link">Goldhearth</a></td></tr> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Allegiance</td><td class="infobox-data"><a href="Pelor.md" class="internal-link">Pelor</a></td></tr> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Ranks</td><td class="infobox-data">• Squire<br>• Knight<br>• Dawnwarden<br>• Paragon<br>• First Sword</td></tr> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Current Leader</td><td class="infobox-data">First Sword <a href="Lyonel Goldenmead.md" class="internal-link">Lyonel Goldenmead</a> of Justice</td></tr> > <tr><td class="infobox-label">Size</td><td class="infobox-data">~420 Sworn Members</td></tr> > </table> ### About The Swords of Pelor are a holy order of knights founded by [[Pelor]] in the [[Age of Founding]], dedicated to serving the [[Pelor|Dawnfather]], light, and virtue. They are defenders of the faithful, champions of justice, and beacons of hope to all who dwell in darkness. From humble squires learning the ways of honour and devotion, to the legendary Paragons of Light who embody [[Pelor|Pelor's]] virtues, each member swears to uphold the principles of compassion, courage, charity, devotion, justice, wisdom, hope, and honour. Led by the First Sword of Pelor, wielder of the fabled [[Plate of the Dawnmartyr|Dawnmartyr's armour]], the order serves both as a martial force and a spiritual guide, intervening in times of war, oppression, and calamity. Their presence is a symbol of Pelor's radiance in [[Aeborhia|the world]], and their actions inspire both awe and devotion among the peoples of [[Aeborhia]]. Pelor's Swords currently boasts just over four hundred sworn members, with around twenty being Dawnwardens and then the eight Paragons. Approximately two thirds of the order is made up of [[Aekaciran|Aekacirans]], who have [[Knighthood|knighthood]] as a core part of their culture. ### Organisation #### Structure The Swords of Pelor are organized in a strict hierarchy, each rank reflecting both martial skill and devotion to [[Pelor|Pelor's]] virtues. Progression through the ranks is earned through service, courage, and demonstration of the god's teachings. ##### Squires Squires are the entry-level members of the order, often apprenticed to Knights or Dawnwardens. They learn the ways of [[Pelor]], train in combat, and assist senior members in both martial and ceremonial duties. Squires do not hold a voice in council and serve primarily under observation and guidance. Exceptional squires are sometimes left to their own devices and checked upon regularly. These are often pre-established faithful warriors that are only serving as squires as a formality, and often rise to Knight quickly. > [!info] **The Rite of the Dawn's Rising** > By the light of the Dawnfather, and beneath the Eight-Pointed Star, you are called to kneel. > One point for compassion, that your hand may shield the helpless. > One point for justice, that your blade may fall true. > One point for charity, that your heart may never harden. > One point for devotion, that your faith may not falter. > One point for hope, that you may bear it into the darkest night. > One point for wisdom, that your judgment may not be clouded. > One point for courage, that fear may never master you. > And one point for honour, that your word be unbroken as steel. > > Rise now, child of the dawn. Rise as a Squire of Pelor's Swords, to serve not yourself, but the Light that shines for all. ##### Knights of the Dawn Knights of the Dawn are fully knighted in the light of [[Pelor]] and blessed by the clergy. They hold a voice in council and participate in the decision-making of the order. To become a Knight, a current Sword of rank Knight or above must vouch for a Squire and perform a ceremony in a temple of [[Pelor]]. In this ceremony the Squire swears an oath upon the Eight Pointed Star and promises to live in [[Pelor|Pelor's]] light always. The priest of that temple will then bless the newly named knight with holy water and oil. Knights of Pelor's Swords use the title "Ser" _Name_ "of the Dawn", to differentiate themselves from other knights of [[Aeborhia]]. They serve as soldiers, peacekeepers and mentors to Squires while defending the faithful. Their presence embodies [[Pelor|Pelor's]] virtues, and they are expected to exemplify honour, courage, and devotion in all their deeds. ##### Dawnwardens Dawnwardens are the commanders of the Knights and senior officers within the order. Roughly twenty dawnwardens hold this rank at any given time, chosen for their merit, ability, and devotion. They no longer use the prefix “Ser,” going instead by "Dawnwarden" _Name_ "of Pelor". Dawnwardens lead military units, maintain discipline and order within the ranks, and represent the order in noble and political matters. They are both strategic leaders and role models, respected for their experience and judgment. The ascent from Knight to Dawnwarden is much like the ascent from Squire to Knight. A Knight is noticed by a Paragon of Light or a High Priest or Priestess. They are then invested in a ceremony in a temple of their choosing - usually the Hall of the Sun in [[Goldhearth]] - ran by the temple's most senior priest or priestess. Their armour is then emblazoned with the golden sun of [[Pelor]], their badge of office. ##### Paragons of Light The eight Paragons of Light are the elite warriors of the order, each chosen to embody a specific virtue of [[Pelor]]. These legendary figures inspire all who serve alongside them and lead the most critical missions of the order. In their bright white armour, emblazened with [[Pelor|Pelor's]] golden sun. Each Paragon carries a unique title reflecting their virtue: - **Compassion:** The Heart of Dawn - **Justice:** The Radiant Scales - **Charity:** The Open Hand - **Devotion:** The Shield of Faith - **Hope:** The Flame of Morning - **Wisdom:** The Guiding Star - **Courage:** The Blade of Dawn - **Honour:** The Bastion of Truth A Paragon is chosen after the funeral games of another Paragon who has passed away. After their funeral, numerous duels and competitions take place, with any Knight or Dawnwarden allowed to compete. At the end of the games, the replacement paragon is chosen by the remaining members of the eight. The new Paragon then swears an oath in their chosen temple, swearing their lives forever more to Pelor's Swords. Now sworn to never inherit lands or titles, they remain a Paragon until the day they die and join [[Pelor]] in the fields of [[Elysium]]. ##### First Sword of Pelor From among the Paragons of Light, one is chosen as the First Sword of [[Pelor]], the supreme leader of the Swords. Their white armour is replaced by the legendary [[Plate of the Dawnmartyr]], symbolizing their role as the head of the order. They oversee all members of the Swords, lead holy campaigns, and perform the highest ceremonies. Chosen for unmatched skill, devotion, and wisdom, the First Sword stands equal in authority to the High Priests and Priestesses of [[Pelor]], embodying the god's light and justice in the world. The First Sword keeps their title of "Paragon", though often they choose to replace it with "First Sword", and then keep their name and paragon name. [[Duana]] was styled as First Sword [[Duana]] of Hope, the Flame of Morning. This was until her death, when she was then remembered as the Dawnmartyr. The First Sword is chosen by a vote between the remaining Paragons. They then take part in a ceremony much similar to the others, but they swear their oath upon the original Eight Pointed Star given from [[Pelor]]. If the candidate chooses to be invested in a temple other than the Hall of the Sun, it is transported with a holy retinue. At this ceremony, after they swear their oath, they pray in private for an hour to attune to the holy [[Plate of the Dawnmartyr|armour]] of [[Duana]], with it changing its form to match their chosen armour type. #### Leadership The Swords of Pelor are governed through a council system in which every Knight of the Dawn holds a vote, ensuring that the order's decisions reflect the collective wisdom and experience of its members. The First Sword presides over these councils, guiding discussion and acting as the deciding vote in the event of a tie. In day-to-day matters, the Paragons of Light, together with the First Sword, manage the operations of the order, overseeing missions, training, and administration. Beyond the order itself, the First Sword holds a prominent role within the wider Church of [[Pelor]], standing as an equal - and in some matters slightly senior - to the High Priests and Priestesses, representing [[Pelor|Pelor's]] martial and spiritual authority throughout [[Aeborhia]]. ### Customs #### Duties The Swords of Pelor serve as both the martial and spiritual arm of the [[Pelor|Dawn Father's]] will, tasked with defending the faithful, enforcing justice, and bringing hope to those in darkness. On the battlefield, they act as champions of the light, leading armies, protecting pilgrims, and confronting threats to the realms of [[Aeborhia]]. Beyond combat, they undertake missions of mercy and guidance, assisting communities in need, mediating disputes, and ensuring that [[Pelor|Pelor's]] virtues of compassion, charity, and honour are upheld in every corner of the land. Each member, from Squire to Paragon, is expected to embody these principles, demonstrating courage and integrity in both action and counsel. Within the order, duties are distributed according to rank and skill. Squires learn through apprenticeship and service, supporting the Knights and Dawnwardens in both ceremonial and practical tasks. Knights of the Dawn act as mentors and leaders, defending the innocent while advising on council matters. Dawnwardens command larger groups of knights, coordinating campaigns and maintaining order, while the Paragons of Light are sent on the most critical missions, exemplifying [[Pelor|Pelor's]] virtues in every act. At the apex of the order, the First Sword of [[Pelor]] oversees all operations, guiding the Swords in their spiritual and martial endeavours and ensuring that the order remains a beacon of light, justice, and hope throughout [[Aeborhia]]. #### Recruitment New members of the Swords of Pelor are always brought into the order as Squires, chosen by Knights or higher-ranking members. Most Squires join as children, often entrusted to the order through the temples of [[Pelor]]. From a young age they are instructed in the virtues of the [[Pelor|Dawnfather]], trained in arms and discipline, and placed in service beneath a Knight. Their duties range from the humble - maintaining equipment, aiding in rituals, and accompanying their master on journeys - to learning the skills and responsibilities expected of a Knight of the Dawn. Over time, as they prove themselves in both faith and deed, they are raised to full knighthood in a sacred ceremony. On occasion, devout warriors come to the order already bearing great skill and renown. Though they are more than capable of fighting as Knights, tradition demands that even these aspirants begin their service as squires. In such cases, the title is little more than a formality. These individuals fulfil the same duties as Knights - travelling the realm, protecting the innocent, and spreading the teachings of [[Pelor]] - until the order judges the time appropriate to formally anoint them as Knights of the Dawn. This practice ensures that all who rise within the Swords, regardless of birth or background, share the same foundation of humility, service, and devotion. #### Equipment The arms and armour of the Swords of Pelor serve not only as tools of war but as symbols of their devotion to the [[Pelor|Dawnfather]]. - Squires are permitted to wear and carry what best suits their level of training, and it is often said that one can judge how close a Squire is to knighthood by the quality of their equipment. A novice may wear little more than padded armour and carry a mace or club, while a Squire nearing their anointing may be clad in chainmail and wield a sword, standing near indistinguishable from a full knight. - Knights of the Dawn are expected to bear arms and armour appropriate to their duties, whether on the battlefield or in ceremony. The only requirement is that the symbol of Pelor must be visible - upon a tabard, a shield, or a standard - but it may never be emblazoned directly upon their breastplate. That honour is reserved for the higher ranks. Likewise, knights may not enamel their armour in white, for that mark of purity is reserved for the Paragons of Light. - Whether gilded steel or inlaid with solid gold, the armour of the Dawnwardens bear the radiant symbol of their god upon the chest, signifying their authority and prestige. Beyond this, their equipment remains much the same as the Knights they command. - The Paragons of Light are set apart by their resplendent white armour, each suit enamelled to gleam like sunlight and emblazoned with the golden sun of Pelor across the chest. Their presence is unmistakable, and their arms and armour serve as a visible reminder of the virtues they embody. - Above all others stands the First Sword of Pelor, who wears the legendary [[Plate of the Dawnmartyr]]. Forged in ages past for Duana, the Champion of Pelor, this suit of golden armour is said to be blessed by the [[Pelor|Dawnfather]] himself. It radiates divine light, a living symbol of [[Pelor|Pelor's]] protection, authority, and judgment. ### History The Swords of Pelor trace their origins back to the [[Age of Founding]], when the [[Primordials]], angered at the shaping of the world, turned their fury upon the mortal races. [[Pelor|Pelor's]] followers, bound to the land through agriculture, could neither move nor hide from these wrathful titans. To shield them, [[Pelor]] raised up an order of holy warriors to defend those who could not defend themselves, naming them "Pelor's Swords". Their first hall was his own fortress, built to guard the faithful. Though that fortress was destroyed in later wars, its foundations still stand beneath the Hall of the Sun in [[Goldhearth]], rebuilt after the [[Dawn-War]]. From the first, [[Pelor]] chose eight of his most devout and skilled warriors to serve as his Paragons, each embodying one of his virtues. Among them, he appointed his champion, Rogar, as the first First Sword of Pelor. The duties of the Swords extended beyond guarding [[Pelor|Pelor's]] worshippers - they were sworn to defend all innocents. Many tales tell of their deeds, including the vanquishing of a Primordial. In the [[Age of Founding|Schism]], the Swords marched beside the [[Pelor|Dawnfather]] in the [[Crusades of Dawn|Crusade of Dawn]], warring against the [[Betrayer Gods]] and their [[Primordials|Primordial]] allies. Later, in the [[Age of Arcanum]], they faced a different foe: the rising might of mortal mages. These so-called "ascendants", dwelling in flying cities, scorned those who still clung to faith, and often preyed upon them. Against this arrogance, the Swords stood firm as guardians of the powerless. When the [[Dawn-War]] erupted, the Swords once again rallied to [[Pelor|Pelor's]] side, their ranks numbering close to ten thousand. In what became known as the [[Crusades of Dawn|Second Crusade of Dawn]], they fought tirelessly, sealing away five of the eight [[Betrayer Gods]]. Their last and greatest trial came at the war's end, when [[Pelor]] and his champion, First Sword [[Duana]] of Hope, the Flame of Morning, marched to [[Thar Amphala]] in the [[Shadowfell]] to confront the ascended lich, now god, [[Vecna]]. In the climactic battle, [[Duana]] fell to the Betrayer, but lived long enough to see [[Pelor]] banish him. Her sacrifice earned her the name the Dawnmartyr, and her [[Plate of the Dawnmartyr|golden armour]] - blessed by the god himself - is now passed down to every First Sword thereafter as a symbol of office. When [[Pelor]] departed from the [[Material Plane]], his Swords remained. They continued to protect the weak, to oppose evildoers, and to spread his light where shadows gathered. From the ruins of [[Pelor|Pelor's]] fortress they raised the Hall of the Sun, and around it grew the city of [[Goldhearth]]. Its founding was funded by Josiah Redhayn, a man enriched by gold discovered in nearby hills. His descendants would become [[House Redhayn]], lords of [[Goldhearth]] and kings of [[Goldsgrove]], forever tied to the legacy of [[Pelor|Pelor's]] holy knights. ### Current Members ##### First Sword - First Sword [[Lyonel Goldenmead]] of Justice, the Radiant Scales - A [[Halflings|Halfling]] member of [[House Goldenmead]] and head of the order. ##### Paragons of Light - Paragon [[Ayluin Umefir]] of Charity, the Open Hand - A Sun [[Elves|Elven]] Paragon of Light, embodying charity. - Paragon [[Hugh Parsin]] of Compassion, the Heart of Dawn - A [[Humans|Human]] Paragon of Light, embodying compassion. - Paragon [[Trentyn Feller]] of Devotion, the Shield of Faith - A [[Humans|Human]] Paragon of Light, embodying devotion. - Paragon [[Zaryrr]] of Hope, the Flame of Morning - A [[Elves|Drow]] Paragon of Light, embodying hope. - Paragon [[Vorsakko Karesko]] of Wisdom, the Guiding Star - A [[Zaenovian]] [[Humans|Human]] Paragon of Light, embodying wisdom. All of his investment ceremonies took place in the Temple of the Stars in [[Khorathi]]. - Paragon [[Koryn Fischer]] of Courage, the Blade of Dawn - A [[Humans|Human]] Paragon of Light, embodying courage. - Paragon [[Kellios]] of Honour, the Bastion of Truth - A [[Leonin]] Paragon of Light, embodying honour. ##### Dawnwardens - Dawnwarden [[Tristan Baker]] of Pelor - A human Dawnwarden, once the master of Paragon [[Vorsakko Karesko]]. ##### Knights of the Dawn - Ser Bharnik Bronzekin of the Dawn - An elderly [[Dwarves|Dwarvish]] knight in his mid 400s. ##### Squires - Daran Velmor - Young [[Humans|Human]] Squire of the late Ser Lunthok of the Dawn. - [[Lewis Hound]] - Wandering Squire serving as a Scout in the [[Golden Scales]]. ### Historical Members ##### First Swords - First Sword [[Duana]] of Hope, the Flame of Morning † - Champion of [[Pelor]] during the end of the [[Dawn-War]], remembered as the Dawnmartyr. - First Sword Yenzin of Honour, the Bastion of Truth † - First Sword from 3028 until his death in 3061. Succeeded as First Sword by [[Lyonel Goldenmead]] and as Paragon of Honour by [[Kellios]]. ##### Paragons of Light - Paragon Quentyn of Justice, the Radiant Scales † - Paragon of Justice, was succeeded by [[Lyonel Goldenmead]]. - Paragon Eryndor of Compassion, the Heart of Dawn † - Paragon of Compassion, was succeeded by [[Hugh Parsin]]. ##### Dawnwardens ##### Knights of the Dawn - Ser Lunthok of the Dawn † - A Knight of the Dawn previously sworn to [[House Fischer]] of [[Gullford]]. Master of Daran Velmor. Died in [[Vangrallag]] in 3068/9. ##### Squires