The Knightly Orders

It is no secret that spirits walk among man, that there is an afterlife of which souls are judged accordingly. It is also no secret that pure force of will and belief, can alter the world in a way unimaginable. When one seeks to elevate a man to a station of immortality, of godhood, it is never easy. But within the nation of Vastime they have established a 'religion' to praise the efforts and sacrifices of individuals of note. One which is meant to inspire their citizenry and, if need be, strike dread into the hearts of their enemies.

This would be the Knightly Orders.

Divided by colors these knightly orders are established in the name of Sainted Martyrs, individuals who lived lives encompassing those knight values or died a death worthy of those values. While there are numerous color'd orders, the three main factions break down to Red, Blue, and Green.



The Soldier who dies raging against an impossible foe, The Warrior who lived a life of battle and honor, and the Fighter whom has tasted defeat a thousand times but rises yet again. That is what a Knight of The Red is, those who lived martial lives or died gloriously upon the field of battle. These knightly orders was fostered in the names of those unique individuals, often tied to the military of Vastime or historical persons adopted into common mythos. While not directly a military organization, they hold heavy sway within the military circles of Vastime with a Knight or Squire often gaining their reputation in the military.

The three largest orders are as follows: The Order of Saint Marcus (T.O.S.M), The Order of Saint Hannibal (T.O.S.H) , and The Order of Saint Shaka (T.O.S.S.). T.O.S.M was founded in remembrance of a roman legionary fairly unknown to history, but having great importance to the mythos of Vastime. Said to be a centurion whom served Caesar, was a warrior with such distinction and loyalty to his commander Desmond Hayden himself took the Grand Master position within his order. T.O.S.H was founded in remembrance of Hannibal of Carthage, a brilliant warrior and strategist including being a native of Africa. His campaigns against Rome and embodying of warrior values was a clear candidate for sainthood. Finally, T.O.S.S, another African Native whom distinguished themselves in history with an enduring warrior legacy.

Knights of The Red often spend time as a squire under a knight, being trained in all manners of warfare and learning discipline. A squire is often picked from the ranks of Seekers, people whom dedicate themselves to maintaining the Orders head quarters and assisting with Knights in battle. Knights of the Red are the only order which holds the position of Battle-Master, a ceremonial position given by the Grand Master of an order to the most martially and strategically inclined Knight.



The Scholar who commits their life to knowledge, The Explorer who dies in the unknown, and the Philosopher whom seeks to understand the world. These academic orders are wholly dedicated to the pursuit and cultivation of the knowledge of the collective realms. Often comprised of Scientists, Scholars, and Philosophers these men and women seek to foster the values of diligence, study, and the pursuit of knowledge above all else.

Knights of the Blue often find themselves in the roles of professors, teachers, and advisors of Vastime when not pursuing their own grand research. It is through the Knights of the Blue Vastime has been able to establish it's self in bio-genetic research and the cultivation of Reishi powered equipment.

The three largest orders are as follows: The Order of Saint Imhotep (T.O.S.I), The Order of Saint James (T.O.S.J), and The Order of Saint Plato (T.O.S.P). Imhotep is widely considered the true father of medicine in Vastimian culture, not to undercut their brother sect , The Order of Saint Hippocrates. James Cook, the explorer, epitomize Vastimian dedication to diligence in his life and tragic death. Including his other achievement such as combating Scurvy, he was a clear pick. Finally, Plato needs no explanation. His philosophy is regularly called upon in Vastimian Governance.

Knights of the Blue often start off as Seekers assisting in the research or tasks of a given order, until they themselves are picked as a Squire upon submitting an academic essay. A knight of the Blue is often considered an Honorary PhD in a given field, and their small numbers are a testament to their exclusivity.



The Martyr who dies for another, The Volunteer who dedicates their life to the betterment of others, and The Reformer who changed society for the better. A Knight of the Green is an individual dedicated to the betterment of the world, and those less fortunate then them. Sometimes this comes as a sacrifice to themselves including their life, or merely a life lived humbly. Those individuals remind the hardened hearts of Vastime, that ultimately, everything they do is to lay the foundations of a better world.

Often times, something they never themselves get to experience.

Knights of the Green often find themselves in varied positions in Vastime ranging from charity organization, to humanitarians venturing into dangerous situations risking life and limb. Due to this Knights of The Green often serve as in profession which embolden such things such as paramedics, non-profits, or doctors without borders. Often working closely with Knights of the Blue in their pursuits at times due to the over lap.

The three most popular orders are: The Order of Saint Mirja (T.O.S.Mi), The Order of Saint Florence (T.O.S.F.), and The Order of Saint Nelson (T.O.S.N.). Mirja's Sainthood was spear headed by Her Majesty, advocating and showcasing the sacrifice of her late friend. The testaments of Her Majesty and the profound respect she had garnered had endeared the people of Vastime to the late friend, and the sacrifice she had made with her life. Saint Florence Nightingale tireless dedication to the suffering, and her pursuit to aide them, embodies the belief in aiding those in need. And finally, Saint Nelson Mandela's reforms was integral to bringing injustices to light and his tireless pursuit of societal reform.

Knights of the Green are often found in to the worst areas of Vastimian society or the world, seeking to aide and better the world as we know it. Generally a Seeker will work in some major organization tied to the Order, and receive Squirehood when a Knight deems them fit.



When matters of great importance are needed to be discussed, the Grandmasters of the Orders convene what is called 'The Assembly of Colors'. A meeting in which every order sends a representative or their Grandmaster to partake in the meeting. Usually located within the Capital city of Vastime, when a meeting is called it usually convers a variety of mundane topics. Such as grievances between orders, updating of member registry, potential Sainthood Candidates, religious rites, etc.

However, the Assembly of Colors can also convene to declare 'Pariah'. When a nation, organization, or Order is deemed against the public 'good' and safety of world they may enact holy war. Requiring a super-majority, once approved the subject in question is blacklisted from all aide the Orders can provide- and the immediate mobilization of every Order of The Red to set upon them. This radical, and dangerous, has yet to be employed.

In the event a Pariah is deemed, it can only be undone by another super majority vote or the abdication of the opposing force leadership.



Many of the Knightly Orders have their owns means of training a knight-to-be. Many of them involve some form as a seeker until a Knight picks up a Seeker naming them their Squire. With that being said, a Knight can have multiple Squires and often do. Each Squireship varies from knight to knight, and order to order. Usually, a final exam of sorts is given to a Squire in order for them to become a knight. Knights of the Red usually holding a duel with their Squire, while a Knight of the Blue may have their Squire submit an academic paper or findings.

However, the second less common way of becoming a Knight involved being granted a Knighthood by the order's Grandmaster. Usually for services rendered, or if someone is deemed to not need squiring.



A Saint represents many things, to different people. But ultimately, they serve as symbols of virtue for Vastime. Ordinary people whom did extraordinary acts, raised to Godhood by the belief in them and their actions. It is no easy process creating a Saint, and it begins with their Death. A Saint cannot be sainted while alive. If someone wishes to raise someone to Sainthood they must first submit their name to the Assembly of Colors, and if the Colors approve of the candidate the next step begins.

In the Capital city of Vastime, a Shrine Fire is lit. This massive fire must remain lit for one year without going out once. If this task is performed, then an order is created. No more than three Shrine Fires may be lit at a time. If the Shrine Fire is extinguished by any means, that person may never be sainted.

Often times a Shrine is protected around the clock, for detractors may attempt to put out the fire. As there is very little rules regarding the subject.




The Ranks of a Knighthood are as follows:

Grandmaster
Knight/Dame-Battle Master (Knight of The Red Only)
Knight/Dame-Commander
Knight/Dame-Captain
Knight/Dame-Sergeant
Knight/Dame-Companion
Squire
Seeker