Order of Saint Lucien

The Order of Saint Lucien of Savoie

The Army of the Church, Soldiers of God

http://i.imgur.com/ZMUhDUZ.png Rhodesian Cross, the insignia of the OSL

History

Before they were known as a holy order, they first went by the name of the Vandorian Order. They were a group of mercenaries who participated in a few skirmishes, before being known as the Order of Saint Lucien, who are the first military body that has sworn itself directly to the Church of the True Faith, swearing under the then High Pontiff Lucien II. They were known for a few more names such as The Poor-Fellow Soldiers of Horen and the Temple of Ard Krallackh, although less commonly used than the Order of Saint Lucien. Their goals are to exterminate unholy beings, criminals, heretics, and enemies of the church. They worship the True Faith of the Humans, dedicating themselves to Saint Lucien of Savoie, styling themselves as Lucienists. They are the only holy order to give clemency, that they found to baptize their fallen foes who are willing to repent, for a way out of the eternal punishment in human dogma. The Order of Saint Lucien was eventually disbanded when the church nulled its vows, effectively disbanding them. A majority of its ordermen went on to join other Imperial Orders, and later founded Aesterwald.

The Order of Saint Lucien was active in many battles, the following is documented proof of their participation over the years.

Siege of Shadow Castle, c. 1439 ((Saturday, November 13th, 2013))

Those that were to form the holy order were known as the Vandorian Order. This early band of mercenary soldiers fought to preserve what was left of the Human government. In record time, a defensive fortress with counter-siege equipment was formed on the flank of the castle of Schattenburg. This maneuver arguably saved the Ruskan and Stafyr defenders from being surrounded and annihilated.

Battle of the Nations' Crossing River

Shortly after being formed, the Order of Saint Lucien, with the permission of Lucien II, worked alongside the Orenian army at the 2nd Battle of Nations' Crossing. In the battle, the Order was responsible for building the entire siegeworks and most of the equipment behind the lines. A breach in the wall was also made, and the Lucienist forces effectively flanked and cut off the Dwarvern army from retreat.

Siege of Fort Indigo

The Orenian Army and Order of Saint Lucien followed up their victory at Nations' Crossing with a tactical stalemate at the Siege of Fort Indigo.

Battle of the Savoie Fields, 1453

After facing harassment from the Coal Miners' Union, the Order of Saint Lucien embarked on an investigation, finding evidence of a connection between the Coal Miners' Union and the 'Union', a group of Orenian separatists. Enraged over the findings, the Coal Miners' Union, People of Flotsam, and allies including a force of Orcs and Decterum deserters, formed and met a Lucienist force at the Savoie Fields. The Lucienists, now wielding a contingent of Elven and Kharajyr auxiliaries, decisively defeated the Union forces in a swift flanking maneuver, securing dominance over the region.

Standoff at the Old Cloud Temple, 1453

During the Church Reformation instigated by Wilfriche Buron, who threatened a schism, the Order of Saint Lucien guarded a meeting between Regulus and Wilfriche at the Old Cloud Temple. They were shortly besieged by a Ruskan-Orcish force. After sending out for help, the Luciensts managed to gain the assistance of nearby Kharajyr, and the joint force destroyed the entire Ruskan-Orcish insurrection.

Massacre of the Orcish Sands ((Saturday, April 5th, 2014))

After the Dwarves, Orcs, and Alrasians formed into a united union, known as the Krugdanistan Bloc, the Orenian Army and Order of Saint Lucien marched out for battle. While the Orenian force was dealing with confusion near the city of Vekaro, the Lucienist soldiers on the front were massacred relentlessly.

Reformation of the Holy Orenian Empire

Upon the death of King Heinrich, a successor was chosen from within the Carrion family: Franz-Joseph Carrion. As the Lucienist force was in court, Franz-Joseph attempt to crown himself king, using an impostor of High Pontiff Regulus. Noticing the action, the Order attempted to investigate. They were met with a sudden and violent Scourge attack, which they repelled. Afterwards, they were framed for attempting to assassinate the to-be King.

On the resignation of Regulus, the Grand Prior of the Order of Saint Lucien, Michael d' Longueville, was elected as High Pontiff, taking the name Pius II. Under his direction, with the assistance of Archbishop John of Darfey, the Order managed to trick the Decterum, a Carrion military order, into thinking that their betrayal of Franz-Joseph would lead to the reign of Lord Ailred Rutheren. The joint force attacked the city of Vekaro, killing the Carrion loyalists. Afterwards, a council of regents was made, with Grandmaster Jack Rovin acting as Governor, Lord Ailred Rutheran as the Marshal, and Bishop Viros as the Church Liaison. After two years, Peter Chivay and his men returned from the Great Exodus, and he was crowned after a saint came down from the sky to support him.

Siege of Mount Augustus ((Sunday, April 13th, 2014))

Swiftly, Grandmaster Jack Rovin attempted to end all root of Carrion loyalty. In a day, he transformed Vekaro into a massive siegework, and negotiated a joint operation with Urugan. The joint force, as well as a group of former White Rose, attacked the fortified mountain, quickly discovering it was only a massive death trap. Magically, the tower resisted collapse, and the defenders held out.

Ranks

Senior Command The organization of the Order is key to a strong military force that can respond at any threat to the Faith immediately.

Grand Master The Grand Master of the Order and the ultimate head of Order. He wields absolute authority and has full command of the order. Though keeping most of his legislative work for his priors and council of Bailiffs, all reforms and construction papers need to pass through him.

Inner Council of Baliffs The head military council of the order and the personal advisors to the Grand Master. One must be elected by the Council of Bailiffs and approved by the Grand Master to become one of the Great Bailiffs. If a Grand Master dies then the entire Council is to be kept unless commanded by the Grand Master. A council member, can be dismissed by the Grand Master freely in any case.

Grand Commander The high commander of the order. He is also the main commander of the head commandery of the Order. Wielding the highest authority on the battlefield of the order, only comparable of that of the Grand Master. The Grand Commander is an extremely skilled commander and has proven himself time and time again to be honored with such a significant position. The Head of the Council.

Grand Chancellor The Grand Chancellor is a senior bailiff and the main source of words of wisdom, the official record keeper of the order, and a very trusted order member. The Grand Chancellor also acts as a liaison to other orders, peoples, the Church, and the Kingdom.

Grand Prior The Head Priest of the Order and the head representative of the Church. He administrates the Grand Priory of Rhodos and is the senior advisor to the Grand Master. He is the head administrator to the entire order.

Grand Conservator Is in charge of making sure every single bailiwick gets their supplies to effectively feed and arm their troops. Their task is relatively simple, to work with the main work force and cooks to keep track of general logistics of the order. They also serve as Head of Labor, Agriculture and Quartermaster.

Low Command The lower commanders of the field and reside in the commander of the priories, these men’s duty are to lead the men of the priory to victory in battle if ever called for. These men have proven themselves worthy for such positions of honor.

Knight Commander A knight commander. These men are extremely skilled knights which are required to be Knights of Justice. These men have full control over all the knights on the battlefield. Only two are to be chosen.

Knight Constable

Though the term Constable is mainly associated with legal authority, the Knight Constable acts as a Lieutenant in the battlefield, only Knights of Justice can hold this office.

Sergeant-at-Arms The Sergeant-at-Arms is the last rank that one without noble blood may obtain without becoming a knight of the Church. The Sergeant-at-Arms is the head of all Sergeants and Brothers, and holds authority over regular knights only in regards to ordering the men under him.

Knight Only the best of the order can achieve knighthood of the Order. This is an extremely prestigious position. Knights are also given the authority to command any of a lower rank. Note, their rank of knight generally applies to their level of knighthood in formal situations. For example, a Knight Constable of Justice. Knights of other retinue are allowed to join the Order and keep their titles, though they must undergo the same oaths and are expected to provide a levy of five men to become Brothers.

Knight of Justice A knight that has taken the triple vow. A holy vows that is enforced for one’s life. It consists of the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. They wear a red cape.

Knight of Obedience A knight of noble blood that has taken the oath of obedience. These men are sworn into service for life and a full fledged knight of the Order. They may be married. They wear a grey cape.

Knight of Devotion A knight that does not descend from noble blood but has taken the oath of obedience. If a Knight of Devotion has proven himself enough then they may be given the option to become a Knight of Justice. They also wear a grey cape.

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