The Order of the Sword

16 points

Style Prerequisite: Hermetic Potential

Grand Council: The Red Tower, in Haleland

Locales

Predominant in the Adal-Halic lands, the Order of the Sword enjoys popularity in nations currently at war, though they are often viewed as trouble-makers in more peaceful countries.

Nickname(s): Myrmidons

Philosophy: The Order of the Sword promotes two central philosophies. The first is the concept that through discipline comes enlightenment: only those who have first learned to serve can be given the responsibility of command. The other belief is that the power over life and death is paramount to an understanding of reality and, thus, magic. These two philosophies have resulted in a highly respected Order of warrior-wizards who either serve their nations with great vigor and loyalty or operate as highly paid mercenaries, loyal to their employer and contract.

Membership: Members of the Order of the Sword must be in excellent physical shape, as well as possessed of a quick mind and the wisdom to properly channel the power that they can attain. Apprentices are expected to learn to use a sword early on in their careers and many receive training as fighters as part of their studies. The most powerful members of the Order are master strategists and can command extremely high prices for their services during wartime. Unfortunately, their propensity towards combat often leads to trouble during peacetime and this highly respected Order can easily lose that respect when times are more comfortable.

Hierarchy: The hierarchy of the Order of the Sword is strict, but it is based almost solely on the merits of the individual membership, not on politics or blood. Though most members of the Order pay a fee to become apprentices, some who show promise are allowed to become apprentices despite being unable to pay for their studies. The Order is commanded by the High Warden. Beneath him in rank are the Warden, Seneschal, Monitor, Mage-Steward, Subaltern, Mage-Commander, Serjeant, Wizard 1st Class, Wizard 2nd Class and Apprentice-Cadet. Mixed in with these ranks are titles denoting an individual specialty or responsibility. Preceptors, for example, are responsible for teaching the apprentices of the Order. Proctors oversee the tests that are given between each rank and approve an individual for a rise in rank. A Majordomo is responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the chapterhouses and a Mage-Reeve is responsible for enforcing justice within the Order. A Specialist usually refers to a Mage who has focused on a particular school of magic, particularly evocation (members of this Order tend to be excellent Evokers). This is further complicated by names for various units, such as Auxiliaries (who tend towards magical support), Lancers (who are typically horsemen), and the much-feared Bombardiers (who specialize in devastating area-effect spells).

Required Skills: Any one melee weapon skill, Architecture, Engineer, Forward Observer, Innate Attack, Mathematics, Soldier, Strategy, Tactics, Thaumatology

Required Spells: Ignite Fire, Inspired Creation, Itch, Sense Foes, Shield

Perks: Adjustable Spell (Any), Afflicted Casting (Flagellant's Blessing), Area Spell Mastery, Attribute Substitution (DX, Will), Better Magic Items, Blocking Spell Mastery, Combat Ceremony, Convenience Casting (Continual Light, Cook, Create Object, Haircut), Covenant of Rest, Extra Option (Brute-Force Spell, Fast Casting, Mass Magician, Speedy Enchantment, Stabilizing Skill), Far-Casting, Frightening Side Effects, Guild Rank, Intuitive Cantrip (Boost Enchantment, Good with Horses (or another type of steed), Gut of the Dragon, Kindle, Pebbles, Reinforce, Spark), Magical Style Adaptation, Magical Weapon Bond, Melee Spell Mastery, Mighty Spell, Missile Spell Mastery, Named Possession, No Gestures, Psychic Guidance, Sacrificial Blocking Spell, Sanctum, Secret Spell, Special Exercises (FP can exceed HT), Spell Duelist, Spell Hardiness, Standard Operating Procedure (Precision Recharger), Super-Sympathy.

Optional Traits

Attributes: None

Advantages: None

Disadvantages: None

Skills: None

Spell List

Unfinished