Post by Horsie on Jan 4, 2015 4:23:55 GMT
The Hevallic Order was originally founded during one of several wars between the Nymus and the Darsai.
Several major churches of Hevalla were located along the boarder between the two nations, and Nymus forces began to attack pilgrims travelling to these sacred sites. Darsai knights banded together to form escorts for these pilgrims and to defend the Churches in this area, and they were soon organised into the Hevallic Order, growing into a powerful military and political force.
Over time, the Hevallic order developed its own rituals and practices. It's warriors unique training means they summon red, glowing energy weapons, rather than the purple fiery weapons used by most Darsai warriors.
When tensions between the Darsai and Nymus diminished, the Hevallic Order soon came to realise it was in danger of becoming obsolete. Nobles were far less willing to donate to the cause without an active threat.
When war broke out with the Ivos Empire, the Hevallic order found a new purpose to which it could dedicate themselves. Throughout this conflict, and the one that followed with the Nameless, the Hevallic Order was heavily involved in the fighting. By the time hostilities ended the Hevallic Order had further increased its influence, but its leader were now all too aware that a lack of eternal threat would hurt their organisations support.
Widespread beliefs that the Junlocks had sided with the Nameless during the war gave them an excellent pretext for launching a series of "crusades" against the Junlocks. With an external enemy to attack the Hevallic order could gain funding from its supporters, claim loot from its defeated enemies and potentially maintain this situation almost indefinitely. Recognising the value of land in building a power base, many in the order now look to permanently settling what was previously Junlock territory with Darsai in their own settlements.
The crusades are generally very popular with the Darsai population. Even though only a minority hold strong views that the Junlocks are traitors to Vellastrom, savages, or bandits, the Darsai are a warrior race and are generally supportive of any successful military campaign. The Hevallic order are not the only Darsai warriors to take part in the crusades, though they are the main political force behind it and make up about half of the forces involved.
The Hevallic Order are controlled by the Grand Master, and the various masters below him taking various duties (the Land Master controlling the Order's holdings, for example). The leaders are selected by vote from the Masters and are appointed for life (though they can retire or be removed from office).
The Order takes a very hard line on matters of the religion. They are very hostile to the Ashalites, who they consider heathens, worshipping evil gods that are not part of the accepted Darsai Pantheon. The idea of routing the Ashalites would be considered abhorrent to most Darsai. Even those who dont like the Ashalites would not want to go against the Darsai tradition of not interfering in people's private lives ("Every Darsai is the King in his own home"). For this reason, making their main focus getting rid of the Ashalites would not work well as a cause to campaign on, compared to wars with foreign powers, though the Hevallic order uses its political influence to try to make life more difficult for the Ashalites when ever they are able.
Though their doctrine does not specifically demand hostility to other races, since their purpose is based around fighting off foreign invaders, they tend to be hostile to other nations. They do not have much contact with other races that follow Thane, like the Cansaibe or the Al-Saigal, but it is safe to assume that they would find their similar but noticeably alien religions highly offensive and subversive.
The Knights of the Order are very similar to normal feudal Darsai Knights, owning land and providing troops, but they are answerable to the Grand Master rather than the the normal feudal progression. Of course the Grand Master is answerable to the King, but he acts with a fair degree of autonomy most of the time.
The Order is always looking for ways to expand its influence politically, take new territory and raise more funds.
They consider themselves the defenders of the faith, protecting the honour of our sacred lady. As Hevalla watches over the people, so the order must fight to defend the faithful from the forces of evil.
Several major churches of Hevalla were located along the boarder between the two nations, and Nymus forces began to attack pilgrims travelling to these sacred sites. Darsai knights banded together to form escorts for these pilgrims and to defend the Churches in this area, and they were soon organised into the Hevallic Order, growing into a powerful military and political force.
Over time, the Hevallic order developed its own rituals and practices. It's warriors unique training means they summon red, glowing energy weapons, rather than the purple fiery weapons used by most Darsai warriors.
When tensions between the Darsai and Nymus diminished, the Hevallic Order soon came to realise it was in danger of becoming obsolete. Nobles were far less willing to donate to the cause without an active threat.
When war broke out with the Ivos Empire, the Hevallic order found a new purpose to which it could dedicate themselves. Throughout this conflict, and the one that followed with the Nameless, the Hevallic Order was heavily involved in the fighting. By the time hostilities ended the Hevallic Order had further increased its influence, but its leader were now all too aware that a lack of eternal threat would hurt their organisations support.
Widespread beliefs that the Junlocks had sided with the Nameless during the war gave them an excellent pretext for launching a series of "crusades" against the Junlocks. With an external enemy to attack the Hevallic order could gain funding from its supporters, claim loot from its defeated enemies and potentially maintain this situation almost indefinitely. Recognising the value of land in building a power base, many in the order now look to permanently settling what was previously Junlock territory with Darsai in their own settlements.
The crusades are generally very popular with the Darsai population. Even though only a minority hold strong views that the Junlocks are traitors to Vellastrom, savages, or bandits, the Darsai are a warrior race and are generally supportive of any successful military campaign. The Hevallic order are not the only Darsai warriors to take part in the crusades, though they are the main political force behind it and make up about half of the forces involved.
The Hevallic Order are controlled by the Grand Master, and the various masters below him taking various duties (the Land Master controlling the Order's holdings, for example). The leaders are selected by vote from the Masters and are appointed for life (though they can retire or be removed from office).
The Order takes a very hard line on matters of the religion. They are very hostile to the Ashalites, who they consider heathens, worshipping evil gods that are not part of the accepted Darsai Pantheon. The idea of routing the Ashalites would be considered abhorrent to most Darsai. Even those who dont like the Ashalites would not want to go against the Darsai tradition of not interfering in people's private lives ("Every Darsai is the King in his own home"). For this reason, making their main focus getting rid of the Ashalites would not work well as a cause to campaign on, compared to wars with foreign powers, though the Hevallic order uses its political influence to try to make life more difficult for the Ashalites when ever they are able.
Though their doctrine does not specifically demand hostility to other races, since their purpose is based around fighting off foreign invaders, they tend to be hostile to other nations. They do not have much contact with other races that follow Thane, like the Cansaibe or the Al-Saigal, but it is safe to assume that they would find their similar but noticeably alien religions highly offensive and subversive.
The Knights of the Order are very similar to normal feudal Darsai Knights, owning land and providing troops, but they are answerable to the Grand Master rather than the the normal feudal progression. Of course the Grand Master is answerable to the King, but he acts with a fair degree of autonomy most of the time.
The Order is always looking for ways to expand its influence politically, take new territory and raise more funds.
They consider themselves the defenders of the faith, protecting the honour of our sacred lady. As Hevalla watches over the people, so the order must fight to defend the faithful from the forces of evil.