Tower of Ascension

• Founding: Early Fourth Age during Shattered Age
• Power Base: Thronstadt and Winterlands
• Membership: Thousands of Knights, Men-at-Arms and Squires
• Leadership: Keeper of the Light and Order Grandmasters

The Knightly Orders of Rath, serving the Church of the Flame, are ten elite martial brotherhoods, each themed after a Metallic or Chromatic Dragon type. These Orders embody the fiery wrath and disciplined justice of Rath, God of Dragons, Death and War, and stand as the church’s most devout defenders and enforcers. Each Order is led by a Grandmaster, chosen for their martial prowess, unwavering faith, and leadership. Outside of the Grandmasters of each order, only the Keeper of the Light can command the knights directly, and other cities and towns much appeal for aid; although many groups have strong ties to various orders in exchange for material support.

The Orders of Rath generally maintain a standing membership of about a thousand anointed Knights and about three times as many men-at-arms; with still thousands more civilians that serve the order as craftsman, servants and support personnel.

Each order is lead by a lead by a single Grandmaster, nominated by the Order internally and approved by the Keeper of Light. Once approved, the Grandmaster go through a private swearing in ceremony conducted by the Keeper; binding their service to the Flame itself. A Grandmaster will serve until killed or they step down of their own accord; at which point a new Grandmaster will be nominated by the officers of the order.

Under the Grandmaster are a number of Knight Captains and Commanders, and under them a variety lesser officers. Generally there are about a dozen captains in each order, with twice as many Commanders. Commanders and lower officers may commonly be spun off to command bands lesser troops in times of war.

Although there is no requirement of nobility to join, most Knights tend to come from some source of means or from a church sponsored organization directly. Another common recruitment method would be through sponsorship of a child via another member of the Knighthood or church, perhaps in recognition of service from the child's parents or in repayment of some exceptional deed.

Once the recruitment and initial training is completed advancement is generally merit based, the Orders tend to not suffer fools regardless of their background. Despite this, some political maneuvering is not unknown concerning promotion among the higher ranks of the order.

The Knightly Orders are the primary military force of the nation. In addition, each order has a generally recognized mission to fulfill or region to protect in times of relative peace. Outside the order, only the Keeper can directly command the Knights of Rath, all other aid must be petitioned or asked for, even by the most senior leaders of the Church. In practice, each order has a host of long standing “unofficial” agreements with various groups and communities. For example the Order of the Piercing Talon has a long standing policy of protecting the Bloodvine Vineyards in exchange for wine and other consideration. The Orders generally also patrol and protect the areas directly surrounding their keeps in exchange for tithes and other services; such favorable agreements for the purchase of mounts or grain.

Each Order has their own Sigil, but they only exist when separations between the orders are required or for historical documentation. The Primary Sigil of the Church of the Flame is used is almost all practical cases. They may also be used for Exiled Knights or Penitent Knights working far outside the Church's Domains.

• Grey Orc Tribes: The Knights of Rath, especially the Orders of the Piercing Talon, the Scything Gale and the Emerald Bow are dedicated to combating the Grey Orc Tribes to the Northwest of the nation. Often in collaboration with the forces of Eiselcross. The Knights of the Piercing Talon specifically tend to launch deep raids to quell these Orc raiders before they have chance to threaten those under the protection of the Church.
• Icengrim Tribes of the Wyrmscale Mountains: Although the Frost Giant tribes are generally isolationist, the Human Tribes of the northern mountains launch frequent raids for treasure and glory. The Knights of the Onyx Dawn take primary responsibility to repel these attack and centuries of animosity has brewed between the Knights and the Human Raiders.
• Denizens of the Underdark: Although the Northern Underdark is mostly safe, by Underdark standards, there are still semi-regular attacks by creatures and monsters in this darkened realm. There have also been some larger efforts made by Underdark humanoids to strike from the south, nothing significant has gained purchase yet.
• The Empire: The Holy Knights of Rath could not have a more reviled enemy than the godless pagans of the The Empire. Although distance makes direct conflict impractical, each side will take direct or indirect action against the other whenever possible.

• Fogwell Watch

• The Ebon Fort

• Lyria Sunsworn

• Maelis Darkspire

• Sylas Thornshroud

• Knight of the Flashing Blade