Order of the Holy Knights of Kadilia and the Eastern Temple
Leader - Grand Master Louis BercouxDemonym - The KadiliansHeadquarters - Kadilian Temple, Périyonne, Grand Kingdom of Venris
The Holy Order of Kadilia: Protectors of Faith and Agents of Justice
Structure
The Holy Order of Kadilia operates under the complete authority of the Church of the Ten Pillars. The order is led by a distinguished figure known as the Grand Master, who is elected by the Archbishop of Kadilia. Holding unparalleled authority within the order, the Grand Master serves until their death and is solely accountable to Kadilia and her appointed Archbishop. Ensuring the unity of purpose, the Order maintains several fortresses scattered across the kingdom of Venris, with its primary stronghold residing in the city of Périyonne. These fortresses act as bastions of the order's influence, while each one is commanded by a Palatinus, a rank just below the esteemed Grand Master. It is important to note that the Order exclusively recruits individuals from noble backgrounds, with commoners barred from receiving their esteemed training. The Holy Order encompasses not only paladins but also an array of knights, including landed knights, hedge knights, and devoted clerics.
History
The Holy Order of Kadilia traces its roots back to the founding days of the Holy Kingdom of Kadilian around 901 A.F.W. Its inception can be attributed to the crusade against the Empire of Sharmu, where the crusaders, in their quest to maintain order and propagate the teachings of the Ten Pillars, established an order of knights. Tasked with defending the Holy Kingdom and converting local followers of Sharmu’s tradition of the Ten Pillars, whom the crusaders regarded as heretics, these valiant knights became the stronghold against Sharmian incursions from the north. However, the fall of the Holy Kingdom in 1005 A.F.W., coupled with the assassination of King Benoit IV, threw the realm into disarray. Grand Master Louis Bercoux valiantly attempted to salvage the Holy Kingdom amidst the chaos, but faced with the relentless Sharmian army and the absence of reinforcements from Lothaycor, the crusaders' armies were ultimately compelled to retreat from Quebis, sealing the fate of the Holy Kingdom and leaving it under Sharmian rule.
Following their return to the western continent, the order found refuge in the Duchy of Antadon, where they resided for about two decades. However, their presence left a lasting impact, fraught with conflict. The multicultural city of Antadon became a focal point of tension, particularly between the Knights and the followers of the High Elven tradition of the Ten Pillars. The culmination of these hostilities came to a tragic climax in the Slaughter in the Elven District in 1025 A.F.W., when a group of fanatical Knights launched an unprovoked attack on the Elven Cathedral during a sacred service. In the aftermath of this heinous act, Duke Whyllis Argis banished the Order from his lands, forbidding their return. The guilty perpetrators of the massacre faced exile to the Hellish Realm of Drahgor, stripped of all their belongings.
Nonetheless, the Order found solace and sanctuary in Périyonne, where their headquarters stand to this day, a testament to their resilience and determination.
Public Agenda
The Holy Order of Kadilia remains resolute in their pursuit of justice, carrying the divine word of Kadilia to one day reclaim the lost Holy Kingdom. With an unwavering commitment to their cause, they strive to uphold the tenets of Kadilia's justice and righteousness, fostering a world guided by the principles of the Ten Pillars.
Summary
The Holy Order of Kadilia stands as a shining beacon of faith and justice, safeguarding the legacy of the Holy Kingdom and disseminating its teachings throughout the realm. As loyal defenders of the Church of the Ten Pillars, the valiant knights and devoted clerics of the Order remain steadfast in their mission, preserving the flame of Kadilia's justice and awaiting the day when they shall reclaim the Holy Kingdom from the clutches of darkness.
Chainmail
Standard-issue chainmail armor of the order, which includes a tabard.