Order of the Talon

History
Since the emergence of the Aspected One, the followers of NOS have long known the strength of faith was a power that creates and destroys empires. Long years of persecution and hunting by the 'pagan' churches of the time showed the founders of the NOSian religion that a fighting order was required to defend their faith and chosen way of life. Until the Nosian religion became the official religion of the The Tawdonian Empire, ex-soldiers who were baptized into the ways of NOS were employed as its protectors. These soldiers trained, slept, ate and lived together at all times, to form a powerful bond between themselves and their place with NOS.

Eventually, Primus Vadoulli Sildor saw the potential within the soldiers of NOS – having once been a knight of the empire himself – and set about creating the Knights of the Talon, NOS’ holy knights and defenders of the faith.

Following ancient codes of honour and conduct, these noble knights were the sword arm of the Primus, performing bodyguard duties to the Imperial noble families, to guarding the holy Cathedral of NOS in Tawdic. During these times, the Talon was well-respected by all, feared by the unjust, and a growing power within the empire.

The life of a Talon knight during these times was long and arduous. Despite hours spent in prayer, training and learning, only the “cream of the crop” made it into the knighthood. Inner turmoil within the Empire and the church also led to many a Talon knight of these times being laid to rest. These sacrifices lead to the imperial decree that ANY member of the Knighthood of the Talon would be granted a full citizenship in the empire without cost. This practice holds even to this day.

Eventually, the Order of the Talon grew to command great power and influence. It could no longer avoid the political eyes of the Empire, and soon they became knights of both the church and the state when the Primus of the Nosian church was chosen as leader of both the Church and the Empire. This all-encompassing power corrupted the Emperor, and the Order of the Talon made the decision to give their fealty to the Church of NOS above the Empire. The Emperor was assassinated by his own Talon Knight bodyguard, and the Order has remained under solely the Church ever since.

The Knights of the Talon assisted the Imperial military during the Hundred Years War with the Conthestani, and as such both parties still harbour distrust towards each other.

Organization
The rank structure of the knights is based on a factor of Five.

A Regular Knight without rank is simply a Knight of the Talon. Four Knights of the Talon are lead by a fifth Knight who bears the title Templar-Knight. The group of Five is called a Fist. Five Fists comprise a Flight and are lead by an Archon-Knight. Five Flights make up a Garrison and it is lead by a Commander.

There are presently three Garrisons active within the Empire. These are commanded by the Grand-Marshal, the most Blessed of NOS’ Knights, and he reports directly to the Primus. Sildor Garrison has the distinct duty of residing within the Cathedral of NOS in the Capital City. Tannok Garrison is based in Battlekeep and maintains order on the Frontier. Sidram Garrison’s primary function is training and recruiting of new knights. They run the School outside of Tawdic.

Becoming a Talon Knight
To become a Talon Kight you must be:


 * A devout follower of NOS
 * Literate
 * A Citizen of the Empire
 * Human

This is followed by 3 years of formal squire-hood under a recognized Knight. While not a prerequisite, it is common for the squires to be younger sons from noble or rich families as the training is expensive.

All of the command positions within the Knighthood are held by knights from noble houses. Even the devout knighthood is not immune to the power of gold. Many years of schooling and expenses in obtaining the prerequisites dictate that it is so. Even finding a teacher with the ability to instruct at that level can prove an almost impossible task, thus a noble house’s resources and influence can be of no small benefit.

Spirituality
Knights of the Talon are permitted to take a “Sabbatical” once every 5 years in order to reflect upon their performance of the duties of NOS. Only during times of war can these Sabbaticals be interrupted and the knight be recalled. During these leaves of absence, the knight is expected to travel and discover if he is truly fulfilling his task in NOS’ plan.

Once a month, a Knight of the Talon must fast for a 24-hour period, drinking only water and contemplating his following of the Code and Virtues. He is not restricted to the temple but cannot travel more than a few kilometers that day. He can only engage in combat to protect himself or others under his charge. He must strive to maintain calmness in his manner and thought. It is believed that only through the monthly ritual that the Knight can truly dedicate time to bettering himself and thus better serving NOS. These fasting times are called “Cleansing” and it is believed that during these times that the Knight actually is “seen” by NOS.

Talon Knight Code of Conduct
The Knights of the Talon live by a very strict set of Codes and Virtues that they must follow in their day to day lives. Being living representatives of NOS’s teachings, they must strive to be their best and set an example for all others. Although the ancient vision of the founders of the Talon Knights seems lost due to corruption and political ambition, there are a few who still uphold the code of old, although most must do so in secrecy to prevent persecution. Scrolls dating back to the dawning of the NOSian religion list the codes that Talon Knights swear to uphold and live by even today. Most have found ways to pervert even these holy laws.


 * Defence of any charge or duty until death.
 * Lawful service rendered without question.
 * Courage and bravery in performance of duties.
 * Respect for all peers and equals.
 * Honour and obedience to those above your station.
 * Understanding and patience to those below your station.
 * Scorn for those who prove lowly, ignoble, dishonest or cowardly.
 * Courtesy to all, be they higher or lower of station.
 * Truth and honesty in all words and actions.
 * Death before dishonour or cowardice.
 * Wisdom and military prowess before and during battle.
 * Personal glories and thus glories for NOS in combat.
 * A knight’s word is their bond.
 * Loyalty to NOS before mortal matters or concerns.

Unwritten Rules
Knights of the Talon will NEVER remove their armour to hide who or what they are, or for stealth and surprise. They understand that spies are a necessary evil in times of war, but only tolerate them at a distance. They will not tolerate known thieves, liars, cheats or cowards.

Knights will never tell a falsehood, but rather use what is referred to as “Knight-speech”. This is a way of saying something so as not to offer offence or disrespect. Example, A noble lady has dyed her hair blue and placed a bird’s nest in it because it is the “Trend” in Tawdic. She asks a Knight of the Talon what he thinks, and he may respond, “My Lady, you will certainly be the talk of the other ladies you encounter today”. The receiver of Knight-speech may draw his or her own conclusion.

The Great Plague ravaged the ranks of the Knighthood as well as its pool of resources to draw soldiers from. Wasted lives or equipment is not acceptable unless for a greater cause.

The Talon Now
The Knights are a powerful force against the enemies of the NOSian religion, both outside and within the Empire. Their longstanding feud with the Conthestani was rumoured to be of more benefit to the Empire than to the NOSian Church, and that Talon lives and resources have been squandered to build a larger Empire and not to bring the truth of NOS to the Conthestani. This is only rumour and tavern talk.