[A-RP] |†| Order of the Sacred Rose |†| Chivalric Brotherhood of Knights

Moon Guard
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Order of the Sacred Rose

“Knighthood lies above eternity; it doesn’t live off fame, but rather deeds.”

“The Knights of the Sacred Rose are the unbridled embodiment of strength, gallantry, and nobility. Chivalrous warriors forged from blood and steel, we stand undaunted among the ashes of the thousands dead, our blades drawn to combat the teeming hordes that plague our beloved kingdoms. Embittered by the woes of ages past, those adorned in our crimson heraldry have pledged a sacred oath of duty to the lands and people of Lordaeron, one unfulfilled until the day human sovereignty is reclaimed. In adherence with the sacrosanct tenets of the Three Virtues, we serve as the shining sword of the north, cutting a swathe through our enemies with the remorseless fervor and unrelenting fury of our forefathers.”
– Lord William Davenmoore, 11th Baron Aldenwall and Grand Master of the Sacred Rose

Jagged bolts of lightning streak across the sky as deafening thunder roars high above, serving as the benchmark of an unforgiving storm brewing tumultuously overhead. Heavy raindrops cascade down upon the beleaguered frames of faceless knights, assailing their armoured forms as they stand motionless atop a great mountain, collectively staring down upon an immense valley laden with verdant woodlands, rolling hills, and flowing rivers. An ominous silence grips the tongues of those present, the only audible sound that of the punishing barrage of rain pummeling against such intrepid souls and the howling wind thrashing against their sodden, rose-crested banners.

Among the dauntless few, a lone man emerges, his face indiscernible with a longsword gripped firmly in hand. His infallible demeanor and forthright resolution speaks where words would otherwise fail as he steps forth, his boot sinking into a marshy earth endrenched by water. An indomitable gaze pierces the duplicitous veil and, with a single gesture and a thunderous shout, the amassed army echoes his fearsome call, surging across the waveless sea to the promise of a better tomorrow.

We are the Order of the Sacred Rose.

What is the Order of the Sacred Rose?

The Order of the Sacred Rose is a brotherhood of knights that functions as an errantry in the northern kingdoms of Lordaeron. Publicly avowed to serve and defend the interests of humanity north of the Thandol Span, the Knights of the Sacred Rose have pledged an oath of duty that transcends all others. Seeking to preserve the integrity of human sovereignty in a land torn asunder by constant war, we combat the various threats that plague the following kingdoms, fallen or otherwise: Alterac, Gilneas, Kul Tiras, Lordaeron, and Stromgarde.

From the Witherbark trolls of the Arathi woodlands to the undead Scourge roaming the foothills of the Eastweald and Tirisfal, we launch campaigns (known as errantry wars) to purge these dangers and facilitate the resettling and subsequent prosperity of each kingdom. As an errantry funded solely through the tithes of affiliated villages and fiefs, we abide by a strict code of chivalry under the guidance of the Holy Light.

The Order’s chapterial home is found within the barony of Aldenwall, a Stromic fiefdom nestled within the highlands of Eastern Arathi ruled over by the Baron-Knight, Lord William Davenmoore.

Ranks & Hierarchy

Grand Master // The Grand Master serves as the leader of the Order and its ruling council, though the position is considerably less feudalistic than the traditional relationship between lord and serf. Though they hold immense influence, they lead moreso as shepherds than sovereigns.

Council // [OFFICERS] The Council of the Sacred Rose is comprised of esteemed individuals tasked with governance over select elements within the brotherhood. Answering only to the Grand Master, they are beholden to their own set of responsibilities and hold equal influence in their assemblies.

  • The Grand Treasurer serves as the minister of finance, directing the administration of finances and property within the Order.
  • The Grand Hospitaller serves as the minister of humanitarian and charitable activities, in addition to governing the Order’s menders.
  • The Grand Chancellor serves as the minister of foreign and internal affairs, as well as the Order’s ambassador and chief diplomat.
  • The Grand Commander serves as the chief militant officer of the Order and as an interim lieutenant during a vacancy in the office of the Grand Master.

Knight-Champion // The Knight-Champions of the Order are not only stalwart adherents to the Code of Chivalry, but serve as standard-bearers for the edicts and proclamations of the Grand Master. Only a select few may ever hold the title of Champion, as the trials are particularly daunting. They answer directly to the Grand Master.

Knight-Captain // The Knight-Captains of the Order serve as lieutenants under the Grand Master and the Council. As senior members of the brotherhood, they are responsible for delegation and guidance of their lesser subordinates.

Knight // Barring royal allegiance, any man or woman of lawful age that has endured the tribulations of squireship may ascend to the ranks of knighthood within the Order. Anointed by the Grand Master, Knights are fully-recognized members of the brotherhood.

Bannerman // Not all who pledge their allegiance to the banner of the Sacred Rose take the oath of chivalry. To those who do not venture down the path of knighthood, including men-at-arms, armigers, priors, chaplains and others not mentioned; these are the Order’s Bannermen.

Aspirant // Aspirants are the initiates of the Order, eager to prove their worth and loyalty to the Council. Before taking the oath, they must demonstrate their merit through whatever means necessary while adhering to the tenets of chivalry and gallantry.

Squire // Squires have ascended beyond their station as pages in pursuit of Knighthood and are subsequently mentored by a senior Knight to further their training. They are tutored in all areas of chivalry and gallantry, including swordplay, courtly etiquette, military strategy, and kingdom law.

Who is the Order of the Sacred Rose?

Like many guilds, we began as a close-knight group of friends that have roleplayed with each other over the past few years. Recently, we have expanded that group to include newer members, while our GM pair (Davenmoore and Brynholdt) has extensive experience in creating and maintaining guilds and communities of all sizes, backgrounds, and themes. Our goal is to promote quality roleplay in a friendly and creative environment while helping to establish a golden standard in the RP community. Additionally, we are an 18+ guild due to prevalent mature themes.

For all intents and purposes, we adhere to a low fantasy, high realism setting where we explore political, cultural, and moralistic intrigue. We’ve invested countless hours into researching human lore within the Warcraft universe, the relevancy of knighthood throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and the precepts of both historical and romanticized chivalry in order to cultivate a unique image and culture for the Order. Although we expect to evolve over time, we take pride in the solid foundation we’ve established.

As a sidenote, many of us are members of the armed forces. Though being in the military certainly isn’t a requirement, those enlisted or commissioned may find solace with likeminded company.

Why join the Order of the Sacred Rose?

This is a simple question, but one that holds immense weight. As a prospective recruit, we understand that picking a home for your character is a meticulous process. As such, we’ve devised several points that we hope will persuade you into choosing us, provided that you meet our criteria. An important note to consider is that we reserve the right to remain incredibly selective, given our desire to ensure the best possible environment for our members.

Listed below are the seven reasons that we believe make us exceptional.

The Code of Chivalry

We have created a unique order structure built upon the foundation of the Code of Chivalry, whose principles were founded in adherence to ancient traditions of gallantry dating back to Lordain of Arathor. All of the oaths, customs, and ceremonies of the Order can be attributed to this sacred code, which governs the actions of everyone within the brotherhood.

Quality of Writing

We place a heavy emphasis on lore-abiding immersion and high quality roleplay. Our core is filled with eloquent writers with a natural propensity for paraposting and novella writing. Our expectation is that all new members share in this collective passion and capability, and are able to match the emote quality of guildmates when the situation calls for it.

Quality of Roleplay

We provide an unmatched knightly and order-based roleplaying experience. We immerse ourselves into the world of chivalrous roleplay with a progression system marked by different rites and trials, including our unique (but largely traditional) path to knighthood. Moral ambiguity and realistic consequences, additionally, are our bread-and-butter.

Frequency of Events

Frequent, weekly events are planned throughout the coming weeks and months. Although our preeminent priority is to establish ourselves as a permanent entity in the RP community, we offer a rich, detailed storyline that promotes character development and organic growth, both of which are propagated upon active participation from all members.

D&D-based D20 System

We have created a highly-detailed, in-depth D&D system utilizing the DiceMaster add-on, featuring customizable traits, attributes, and a simplified D20 rolling system explained comprehensively in a 20-page guide. The intention of this system is to perfect the balance between D&D-style campaigns and Warcraft roleplaying, allowing members to customize their character’s potency and capabilities.

A Supportive Community

We are a close-knit community that looks after our own. Not only do we encourage growth as roleplayers, but as people too. We’re a family, one that sticks together both in- and out-of-character; we frequently utilize our guild Discord throughout the day, play other games outside of WoW, and much, much more.

IC and OOC Content

We are an RP/PvX guild seeking to run end-game content in both PvP and PvE. When numbers permit it, we fully intend to compete in RBGs, delve into raiding, and push Mythic+ dungeons as a supplement to roleplaying. Depending on our focus, we may pursue RP-PvP plotlines in the future with Horde-based guilds.

Because we hold ourselves to an incredibly high standard — and perhaps as an attribution thereof — we aim to explore everything the game has to offer both individually and as a guild. No facet of gameplay will remain untouched, regardless of the obstacles that hinder us.

How can I join the Order of the Sacred Rose?

Firstly, anything and everything you could ever hope to know about the Order can be gleaned from reaching out to either GM. We do NOT require prospective recruits to submit applications, but we do require everyone to undergo an IC interview process to determine and confirm overall compatibility. So long as interviews adhere to the following requirements, joining the guild is as simple as contacting a GM or officer to schedule a time and date.

Listed below is the current criteria that all IC members are subject to.

  • Must ICly be a member of one of the original races of the Alliance of Lordaeron (Humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, or Quel’dorei).
  • Must ascribe to the thematic principles of the guild; your character’s allegiance must make sense.
  • Must be capable of posting multiple paragraphs on a consistent basis with proper spelling and grammar.
  • Must possess a detailed roleplaying profile add-on with a fleshed-out character, as well as DiceMaster and an emote splitter.
  • Must not ICly be a witch, warlock, necromancer, or any other class archetype beholden to inherently evil tropes.

The Order of the Sacred Rose is incredibly selective. Not all who are interested will be permitted to join for a wide variety of different reasons. We implore those who are interested to contact either of the GMs for more information or to inquire about joining.

GM Information

Lord William Davenmoore
Username: Davenmoore
Battlenet: Swoony#1431
Discord: Swoony#1431

Sir John Brynholdt
Username: Brynholdt
Battlenet: ijustatefood#1932
Discord: ijustatefood#1932

Additional Information

This section is reserved for any additional information that may not necessarily fit within other sections. Presently, we are a relatively new guild that formed a month prior to the Shadowlands pre-patch, but nearly two months later, we are finally opening up recruitment. Although we have no particular limit to membership in mind, our focus is quality over quantity; as such, and as was mentioned before, we are incredibly selective.

Beyond that, if you are a representative of another guild that would like to pursue a potential collaboration with us, please feel free to reach out using the aforementioned contact information. We would love to interact and cooperate with interested parties. We will likely be more amenable to those with a similar thematic aesthetic.

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Really looking forward to being part of such an exciting project!

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GUILD UPDATE

This past Saturday, we just hosted our first event and tested out our new D20 system! Although this was simply the prologue to our story and moreso a means of testing in-system balancing, it flowed incredibly smoothly and we’re looking forward to kicking off the story with a bang. We’ll be jumping into Chapter I of our guild story this Thursday, with our first oathing ceremony (our unique conceptualization of an accolade, or a dubbing ceremony) scheduled for this Saturday.

We’re looking forward to the new expansion and exploring more grounded topics of roleplay. While we’ll love venturing through the Shadowlands on our toons for OOC content, the kingdoms of Lordaeron are still plagued with countless threats — the Scourge above all else. Personally, I’m looking forward to roleplaying with all of these insane writers we’ve recruited into our ranks.

If you’re interested in joining, refer to the GM Information dropdown in the original post. Otherwise, enjoy a recap from our last event.

Prologue: Defense of the Abbey

”Burn the corpses and bury the dead.”

The pungent stench of undeath permeates the crisp, Elwynn air, assailing the senses and irrevocably blemish of the idyllic valley of Northshire. Mountains of fetid corpses are stacked upon each other, lining the cobbled road leading directly to the abbey. Impossibly voracious ghouls, once fumbling over one another in an unrelenting state of bloodthirsty gluttony, inflicted their grievous wounds upon the clergy of Northshire before succumbing to the militant might of the Order. Though the bannermen of the Sacred Rose had suffered some casualties, they were otherwise relieved that the fearsome threat had been quelled.

A day prior, Lord William Davenmoore had assembled his retinue and departed from Northshire, leaving behind only a small fraction of the Order’s forces. A handful of yeomen — most of Stromic and Stormwindian heritage, serving as faithful men-at-arms of his Lordship — and the bulk of the Order’s knights were left to trail behind as reports of mounting threats in Arathi, largely regarding the Scourge, continued to filter southwards. Flying the twin banners of the Order and Aldenwall, the Baron set out ahead of the brotherhood to secure both secure his holdings in Arathi and, consequently, a foothold for the Sacred Rose.

In a couple days’ time, those left under the charge of Sir John Brynholdt would embark upon the months-long journey to Lordaeron, trailing behind Lord Davenmoore’s retinue with the hope that whatever remnants of the Scourge still lurking within the forests of Elwynn would remain otherwise dormant and docile. Transporting those wounded from the assault on Northshire would prove troubling indeed, but entirely manageable; the true struggle would be the journey itself, during which the band would be forced to contend with whatever obstacles and hindrances face them in the dwarven kingdoms of Khaz Modan.

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I am so happy to be a part of a guild with so many tremendous roleplayers and amazing people! <3

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GUILD UPDATE

Greetings, all!

We tore through a bunch of roleplay last week, culminating in the form of two events: the beginning of our story’s first chapter AND our first oathing ceremony. Regarding the former, the Order was forced to contend with a mighty ogre just before crossing the Thandol Span; a little under two months into the journey from Stormwind, they fought valiantly against the monstrous goliath, despite the immense stress that weeks of arduous travel incites. After reigning victoriously over the blue-skinned behemoth, they looked onwards towards Aldenwall.

Upon reaching the barony, a ceremony was organized post-haste to bestow accolades upon those proven worthy during such tribulations. Two individuals ascended to the rank of Knight-Captain — Sir Darryl Denholm of Stormwind and Dame Millisandra Thelasille of Lordaeron — while two others, Sir Silas Vayne and Dame Celestriya Stradford, were dubbed by Lord Davenmoore and ordained as Knights of the Sacred Rose. All four pledged their fealty to the Order by reciting the Oath of Service in correspondence with the nine tenets of the Code of Chivalry.

We’re taking a break from events with Christmas and New Years on the horizon, but we’re not taking a break from recruiting. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested, though I recommend utilizing Discord since we regularly run content and I’m not always looking at my in-game whispers. In the meantime, enjoy a recap from our last event.

Ch. I, Pt. I: Arriving in Arathi

The earth trembles violently as a massive, grotesque corpse plummets to the ground, slamming against the dirt with tremendous force. The sickly, cobalt hide of the fallen ogre is drenched in his own blood, his corpulent frame laden heavily with arrows, sword-wounds, and other such lacerations. After unleashing a bellowing death-rattle, the troublesome Boulderfist — one whom had been guarding the entrance to the Thandol Span for weeks — finally succumbs to the collective might of the Sacred Rose.

“Tend to the wounded! We set up camp here!”

The resounding proclamation is declared by Grand Master Brynholdt as he shuffles past the Order’s injured bannermen, men hailing from the far-reaching lands of Stormwind and Stromgarde. Several lay dead amidst the ogre’s dismal onslaught, though far more survived with injuries ranging in severity. The rampaging behemoth’s enormous bludgeon — a towering tree uprooted presumably from the foothills of the nearby mountains — had dealt several decisive blows to the fortified line of shield-locking, spear-wielding yeomen. Unfortunately, their expensive chainmail and years of military training offered little protection against such a daunting, unprecedented foe.

In the morning, the errantry would resume their journey northwards, across the ancient Thandol Span into the rolling hills of Arathi. It would take them only a couple weeks before they finally arrived at the barony of Aldenwall; the lumber village of Edinstead, lorded over by Sir Oswald Hemsworth, would be the first of Lord Davenmoore’s fiefdoms to grace their sights beyond the western outposts. After journeying past the dense woodlands of the Weirweald, only a day or two stood between them and the towering walls of the eponymous burh of Aldenwall, capital of the barony.

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Happy Holidays, everyone!

We’re taking a break from organized RP from Christmas until New Years, but that doesn’t mean we’re going anywhere. Although we’ve certainly grown in the past few weeks, we’ve remained a tight-knit community that’s been tearing through content and RP alike. We’re picking events back up next year, but until then, we hope everyone has an incredible last few days of 2020.

It’s been a rough year, but we finally made it. We’ll see you with another update on New Years :slight_smile:

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I’ve seen you lot around a few times, and I must say, I like what I see! I was curious as to if Order would have a use for someone who is on the more sneakier side of things? Someone who specializes in espionage, smuggling of supplies across enemy lines? Collecting information, so on and so forth.

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Hello there!

While we have a strong preference for characters that ascribe to a very particular theme — members of the gentry and nobility, specifically — that doesn’t mean we’re not amenable to individuals that fall beyond those spheres. So long as you fit our OOC criteria and we can make your character work within our guild’s aesthetic, I see no reason why we can’t entertain the idea. Especially since we already have a couple characters that don’t necessarily fit the knightly trope, we’re mostly concerned if aspirants are good writers and good people.

Go ahead and reach out using my contact information listed in the OP. I’d love to chat with you more about it!

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Sweet! I will be sure to send you a friend request over on discord.

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I’ve RP’d with a few of their members, and they’re a really cool bunch of folks! Check them out!

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Why do you guys stand in the Cathedral Square doing nothing so often? Whats so good about that lamp anyway???

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GUILD UPDATE

Salutations, everyone!

We appreciate the kind words, Lantos! Hopefully you Argents have been enjoying this xpac, we’ll have to link up sometime in the future for Lordaeronic shenanigans :slight_smile: Especially since one of the two reigning Grand Masters is a former Argent crusader, I imagine there’s plenty of common ground for our two orders to break bread upon.

We’ve been continuing to tear it up in the highlands. The Order has settled comfortably within the barony of Aldenwall, nestled within the rolling hills of Eastern Arathi. Between the stalwart leadership of Lord Davenmoore and the recent arrival of the knightly errantry, Aldenwall has enjoyed a period of unfettered opulence despite the abysmal state of affairs in Stromgarde. With casual roleplay conducted in Aldenwall (proxy: City of Stromgarde) every single day, we’re looking forward to bringing even more quality roleplayers as we carve out a burgeoning hub for writing in the north.

I am continuously amazed by the quality we’ve cultivated here. These are, and I say this with the utmost candor, the greatest writers I have ever had the pleasure of roleplaying with. Not only are these characters incredibly interesting and well-developed, but we’ve grown into a tight-knit community that, in the absence of traditional means of celebration (see: COVID), has comforted one another throughout the holidays. For instance, many of us were unable to visit our families over the winter break; despite this, a few of us gathered on Discord to celebrate the coming of the New Year, and it was an absolute blast.

Speaking of which, we hope everyone had a great time over the holidays. Now that 2020 is finally over, we’re looking forward to making 2021 our year, and we hope everyone else does the same. Keep an eye on this guild over the coming weeks and months; we’re looking forward to doing many great things.

Ch. I, Pt. II: Scouting Sorrows I

Silence… nothing but deafening silence.

The once-proud settlement of Falmburg lies in absolute ruin. Stone-wrought towers that once spiraled towards the heavens now crumble into disrepair, toppled by an overbearing hand and left to dust. The front gates had been smashed in, leaving splintered remnants in the destructive wake of a powerful, ravenous entity. Crimson stains are streaked across the trampled earth, splattered at multiple junctures all throughout the fallen township. Fragmented ramparts molder into a disheveled mess, tumbling downwards from walls long-since collapsed with the slightest breeze. A lone banner undulates in the unforgiving wind, torn and tattered in various spots, emblazoned with the insignia of the House of Mildenhall.

Lord Davenmoore and his retinue stumbled upon the ruins of Falmburg by chance; what had began as a scouting mission into a neighboring fiefdom had quickly turned into a horrifying revelation. Despite the era of peace and prosperity that had sparked within Aldenwall, largely due to the Order’s presence within its eponymous city, the lands east of Stromgarde suffered endlessly. The crown jewel of Pembrooke, a small barony lying upon the northern border of Aldenwall, was the fortified burgh of Falmburg; and now, in a most unprecedented fashion, the small scouting party was left to sift through the carnage amidst an unforeseen slaughter.

As the Baron and his retainers began to investigate the wreckage, a large force had started to congregate upon the horizon, just beyond the walls of the fallen city. Before any could react in a timely fashion, a warhorn is sounded, piercing the cerulean veil as an ominous harbinger of doom and destruction. It appears those responsible for Falmburg’s fate had returned to finish what they had started.

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I’m amazed at the quality we’ve found here, both in the members we have and the future members we’re recruiting. I’ve never seen nor been apart of such a talented group before, and I’m absolutely looking forward to all the incredible stories and memories that the future has in store.

Check us out if you’re interested! We’re always looking to add to the family :slight_smile:

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GUILD UPDATE

Good morning, everyone!

Here’s your weekly update on the Sacred Rose, for those keeping tabs on this thread. As always, we slammed through another story event this past weekend to great effect. Our turnouts have not only been consistent, but they’ve been fantastic — we’re seeing a lot of familiar faces with every DMed event, which is awesome to see. We’ll be continuing the story this Saturday at the regularly scheduled time, as well as facilitating more roleplay with a more casual event this Thursday.

Casual roleplay has exploded in our Aldenwall proxy of Stromgarde, where members like to frequent during the downtime in between events. It’s an incredible thing to witness when side-plots that are intertwined with the guild’s overarching story start to flourish within the community you’ve cultivated, so we definitely hope to see more of it. We’ve been churning out resources for both the Order and the barony in recent days, so I’ll keep you updated on its progress in future posts.

Also, I updated the OP with a new rank we’ve recently added to the guild: Squire. Beyond that, I hope yall have a wonderful day and rest of the week. Hope 2021 has been good to everyone over the past couple weeks!

Ch. I, Pt. II: Scouting Sorrows II

“TAKE COVER!”

An arrow whizzes past Lord Davenmoore’s head, plunging into the ground behind him as another strikes his breastplate, shredding his crimson tabard before bouncing off to the side. The Baron peers skywards with a derisive scowl plastered across his beleaguered countenance, flaring his nostrils angrily as he reaches for his sword. Unsheathing the weapon from its illustrious scabbard, the metallic schwiiing of the drawn blade outshone only by the scintillating nature of its gilded effervescence as he waves it in the air, vehemently gesturing for the retinue to heed his command. Roaring out thunderously, the Baron’s sonorous baritone is amplified within his truesteel greathelm, his fury overshadowing astonishment as a barrage of wooden, feathered projectiles descends upon them.

“ARROWS IN THE SKY! TAKE COVER -NOW-!”

An eternity passes before the volleys finally stop, peppering the rubble and underlying earth with dozens upon dozens of arrows. A foreboding silence and a looming dread blankets the fallen fortress like a suffocating obfuscation, drowning out all noise as the screams of those struck dwindle into nothingness. Fearsome destriers, adorned in the finest regalia and armoured barding, neigh with trepidation as their riders steer them astray, clearing away from the wreckage of the front gates. A warhorn sounds in the distant, piercing the silent veil with a deafening blow. Wardums are beaten in equal measure, heralding the arrival of a numberless army as guttural battle shouts and fearsome cries leap forth from the throats of hundreds.

Tattered banners depicting the twin insignias of Ar’gorok and Hammerfall are flown from wooden hafts, gripped tightly within the gnarled hands of grotesque beasts. Wooden catapults lined with metal spikes and sanguine motifs are loaded with heaping boulders, while a towering monster stands at the head of the encroaching army, peering upon Falmburg with a devilish gaze and a wicked, tusked grin.

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/jepordy wait theme plays as she thinks.

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GUILD UPDATE

Good morning, everyone!

We’re a bit early on this week’s update, but we’ve been hosting events with a little more frequence recently. Though we’re looking to continue our trend of holding a weekly storyline event every Saturday, we’re expanding beyond that scope to facilitate even more roleplay, whether or not it supplements our central plot. Whenever my trust level allows me to start posting pictures and links, I’ll do just that; I’m very proud of the roleplay we’ve accomplished and the caliber of writers that we have under our belt.

We’ve been branching out to other guilds that we feel share our values, too. I won’t disclose anything just yet, but there are other groups out there with equally fantastic writers and ideas that we’re eager to become acquainted and affiliated with. Continue to keep an eye on this thread for further updates on those developments.

I’ll be posting another update in a few days. Until then, I hope everyone has a fantastic day!

CHAPTER INTERMISSION

“Yorwich has been besieged!”

The ragged, laboured breathing of a beleaguered courier precipitates with the alarming declaration. Beaded sweat endrenches the exhausted man’s brow, dribbling down his face and soaking his clothes as he rests his calloused hands upon bent knees. His chest heaves with every inhalation and subsequent exhalation, while a frenzied gaze is proffered to Lord Davenmoore and his assembly who, in turn, look upon the messenger with an astonished air. Some murmur amongst themselves at the stunning announcement but, after a few moments, all eyes soon turn to the nobleman standing centerfold amidst the congregation.

Silence settles in a most ominous fashion, blanketing the assembly as those in attendance patiently await the Grand Master’s decree.

Lord Davenmoore glances to his brother-in-arms, Sir John Brynholdt, with a hardened stare. Their congregation had capitulated with impassioned pleas for aid and staunch declarations for action as those gathered ruminated upon the fall of Falmburg, a northern fief in the barony of Pembrooke. The Baron’s azureus gaze manifests into palpable stoicism, rendering his indomitable disposition resolute as his umber brows knit together into a determined furrow. His nostrils flare as he draws in a preparatory breath, filling his lungs with the air needed to call the Order to arms. After exchanging silent words with Sir John, Lord Davenmoore averts his attention outwards, his sentiment echoed by his fellow Grand Master as he strides forth with unswerving purpose.

“Men of Aldenwall!”

“Knights of the Sacred Rose!”

"We ride for Yorwich!"

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Big bump, love this guild and everyone involved!

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GUILD UPDATE

Good morning, ya’ll.

We’re in the thick of our guild story after just finishing a two-part event this past weekend, where Lord Davenmoore raised the fyrd of Aldenwall to supplement the Order’s reinforcing of the Stromic township of Yorwich. The settlement was being besieged by an invading army from Hammerfall, a rampaging horde of orcs left behind following the consequential fall of Ar’gorok during the Battle of Stromgarde. The orcish army, a militant force that numbered in the hundreds, nearly reigned victorious over Lord Davenmoore and the Knights of the Sacred Rose, but all it took was a single, pivotal moment to tip the scales in their favor.

I want to iterate that our events are DMed with real consequences in mind. Unfortunately, our rolls during the event nearly cost us; had we not churned out THREE natural critical rolls during one attack phase, we likely would’ve lost that battle and the town of Yorwich would’ve fallen, leaving Aldenwall incredibly vulnerable. The decisions and actions of guild members will always affect the outcome of the story; nothing is set in stone, we only have outlines written regarding what could happen.

The Order prevailed, however, and Yorwich was saved. The orcish army was beaten back across Aldenwall’s borders, allowing the fyrds a moment of respite to collect their thoughts and lick their wounds. The Order has retreated back to the barony’s capital, where they await the Lord-Knight’s call-to-arms after a couple weeks of recuperation.

As always, a story recap will be included below. I hope everyone has a fantastic day today!

Ch. I, Pt. III: The Battle of Yorwich

Lord Davenmoore collapses to his knees, stirring the earth’s dust as bloodied steel crashes against the ground. Blackened grime has entrenched the Stromic nobleman’s countenance with a horrific amalgamation of gore and sweat; hours of toiling in endless battle have painted the man in brushstrokes befitting of chaos and war. Slowly, the insatiable tempest in his eyes dwindles, his sweltering gaze diminishing from a raging inferno to smoldering coals. Baraz’nir, the fabled Sword of Aldenwall, clatters against the cobbled thoroughfare of Yorwich as the Baron leans back, struggling to breathe from beneath a caved-in breastplate. Crimson smears streak across his ornamented plate, sanguine essence oozes forth from multiple lacerations upon his bearded visage as he peers outwards to those beneath his charge.

Beside Lord Davenmoore lies a great orcish chieftain, unnamed and unremembered in his relentless bid for conquest in Arathi. His severed head rests several feet away, his pig-like features contorted into a wicked, bloodcurdling snarl with lifeless hues permanently glowering. Sir Darryl Denholm, Knight-Captain of the Sacred Rose, lingers nearby, helping his fellow-in-arms Millisandra Thelasille to her feet as the battle rages on around them. Hundreds of Stromic highlanders flood into the town proper, descending upon the fractured remnants of an invading army laden with green-skinned brutes, hulking monsters tearing across the Arathi countryside with murderous intent. Sir Robert Grimfel, the towering mountain-man from Alterac, bludgeons through scores of his foes with his fearsome broadsword, while Sir Callias Mescudi unleashes bolt after bolt from his deadly crossbow.

Sir Geldrick Buckingston, the indomitable knight of accursed blood, sets upon the attackers in congruence with his wolfhawk companion, rending flesh from bone with every bestial strike. Mother Torena Duskbringer, Dame Willomere Dansereau, Dame Celestriaya Stradford, and the Gilnean hospitaller Roslyn Wolfe quickly proffer medical assistance to those in grave need, administering aid in a frenzied panic to save those dismembered, mutilated, and maimed by the gruesome conflict. From sharpened needles and cauterizing fires to the healing effervescence of the Holy Light, all methods of mending are exploited while the boisterous highlander Grunvaulr Trunksplitter cleaves his foes in twain with a massive Stromic claymore.

Lord Davenmoore ushers forth an exhausted sigh of relief — though many lives had been lost during the initial invasion, the large town of Yorwich had been saved. The borders of Aldenwall and the sanctity wherein of the objectively prosperous barony had been preserved; Aldenwall will continue to serve as a coruscating bulwark in the East. Though the Orcs of Hammerfall, long displaced from the Horde forces of the fallen stronghold of Ar’gorok, would continue to persist as a considerable threat, the pyrrhic victory over the orcish army has forced the greenskins to yield for the time being.

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Bump bump! It will never cease to amaze me how this guild has managed to find such a lovely growing group of like-minded individuals that I can happily call my friends. Love you guys all so much. :heart:

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GUILD UPDATE

Good evening, everyone!

About a week late with a backlog of updates, here I am! Expect a steady stream for the week as I get caught up, as we’ve been fairly busy here in the Order. Two storyline events, one social event, and an RBG night that was surprisingly successful, even though we had to bring in some outside help. We’ve been having heaps of fun with everything we do, and it’s my hope that the newer people that we eventually bring will only continue to contribute in that regard.

We’re still continuing to draw up resources and assets that will solidify our guild lore (fitting within the parameters of pre-established canon). It’s a slow and methodical process, but nothing good ever comes easy. Beyond that, I’d like to remind everyone that we are still openly recruiting. If you are interested in joining the Knights of the Sacred Rose, inquire within either here, in-game, or through Discord.

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!

Ch. I, Pt. IV: The Wooded Veil

The wintry veil besieges the once-verdant woodlands of southeastern Arathi, blanketing the forests with flocculent quilts of chilling, flaky mounds. Deep imprints are left where booted feet tread, only to be swept over by howling winds that tear across the skeletal expanse. Naked branches sway in the biting breeze, devoid of their leafy exterior as everything green and vibrant is dimmed by the foreboding lifelessness of winter. Dignitaries on behalf of the Order of the Sacred Rose, however, embark upon their journey unfettered, braving the glacial bitterness with the unparalleled discipline of a knightly retinue, determined to fulfill their mission.

The Knights of the Sacred Rose, charged by Lord Davenmoore to venture south to the Ironweald, were en-route to the splendiferous, heavily-fortified city of Sunderwic to meet with its reigning lord, the Margrave Aelethor Oathhymn. Mounting suspicion that the forest trolls of the Witherbark tribe were rallying beneath the metaphoric banner of a singular warlord have been precipitated upon the many brazen attacks levied upon countless villages and hamlets, some of which bore no survivors. Ruthless invasions upon the sanctity of Lord Oathhymn’s lands has left the proud margrave desperate for aid, culminating in a request for assistance to the Order.

Unfortunately, the Order was intercepted upon the road by one such raiding party. Over a dozen moss-skinned trolls, unperturbed by the immense snowdrifts and frostbite-inducing climate, set upon the retinue with murderous intent. Fortunately, within less than a half-hour, the ambush was repelled and a prisoner was taken for further questioning. Upon reaching the Oathhymn Manor just east of Sunderwic, the captive troll was shackled and imprisoned in the dungeons beneath the estate; attempts to interrogate him were largely fruitless. Now, the Knights of the Sacred Rose rest in Lord Oathhymn’s estate, patiently awaiting their next course of action.

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