Order of the Phoenix

The Snake Cult had very nearly won, only a few bands of rebels remained, scattered about in the mountains and forests of the former Baccus Empire. Only one castle remained, ever defiant to the influence of the Cult, Fang Keep. Azi Dahaka sent a Snake Cult Army to deal with this last bastion against her rule. Confident that it would be unable to hold out, she cast her gaze towards Pendor and began to make arrangements to wage war against that war-torn nation. The son of the Lord of Fang Keep, a humble man known as Marneus, bravely took up arms with the few remaining Baccus Loyalists. It was a long, hard battle and most of Marneus comrades died that day, however they threw back the horde of Cultists and won the day. 

Grieved by the loss of so many of his friends, and his own father, Marneus had a massive funeral pyre built, and all the bodies burned. The flames were so hot that the survivors stood around it felt the metal in their armor begin to melt. No-one knows what happened next, but the next morning Marneus and his men awoke to find themselves properly dressed but no-longer in armor. When they went to investigate the remains of the great pyre, all could see within the bright gleam of embers, but they gave off no heat. Curious the men brushed the ash aside and found their all their armor hidden beneath, each suit seemingly made with liquid fire, but the metal was cool to the touch.

News of this victory spread and the entire region rose up in arms, mere days later Marneus was proclaimed the new Emperor of the Ashenborn Empire, and those who had served at his side at Fang Keep became known as the Order of the Phoenix.

Now, the members of the Order of the Phoenix pass their armor down to their eldest son when they die or retire, meaning that the Phoenix will forever ride to the defense of the Ashenborn Empire, their flame-touched armor glittering at the head of the army, their brilliant longswords inspiring fear in their foes and providing resolve to their allies.

Ingame details

Both soldiers of this order are considered heavy cavalry, but they feel unique in that they always have a 1 handed sword (Phoenix Broadsword for the knight and Phoenix Longsword for the sergeant) and a shield, making them worse than lance cavalry in charges but better in close combat.

Game info

Joining the Order of the Phoenix requires 10 honor. A chapter of the Order already exists in Maras Castle, Calendain Castle or Almerra castle (in one of the 3).

Knight of the Phoenix are upgraded from Empire Knight and Phoenix Risen are upgraded from Empire Light Cavalry.

Tavern talk

Knight: We are the true sons of the Ashenborn, we give our lives to defend those remain true to the remnants of the ancient Baccus Empire.

Player: Are there not two group who claim to defend the Ashenborn Empire?

Knight : Indeed, we are the visible cadre who stand proudly facing down our enemies. The Emperor also employs a rather more covert group known as the Wolves of the Shadows. I cannot speak more of them though, in case one of them overhears us.

Player: Is that man watching us?

Knight : What? No, I don't think so. Is he?

Player : No, never mind. What more can you tell me of the Phoenix? That armor for instance is quite remarkable! 

Knight : Our Order were the last guardians of Dark Pass castle, the last bastion to hold out against the Snake Cult. Our commander, Servius Petronius Sparsus has become something of a legend to our people. Some say he is the greatest commander to have ever lived. We fought so many battles that our armor become permanently stained with the blood of the Cultists we had slain. In order to preserve the memory of the sacrifices of our ancestors, we hand our armor down to those we name as our successor, this is normally our eldest son.

Player: What are the other factors that grant entrance into your prestigious order.

Knight: There are three things a prospect must do before they are permitted entrance. First, they must break and train their own horse, this may take several years to do, the horse and rider must become one in spirit. The second thing that the prospect must do is forge the sword that they will carry for the rest of their life. Lastly, the prospect must learn the history of their armor, for every suit of armor is a family heir loom; every suit has been handed down from father to sons for generations. If the prospect is not able to recite the history of the armor then they are denied entrance.

Player: Thank you, Captain, for this glimpse into the history of your order.