Issued by:
Wilhelm II Sigismund von Lichtenfelts
Moonday 9, Starfall, 1555
The Orden der Greifengarde, originally the Order of the Golden Rose, stands as the Empire’s elite knightly order, embodying the principles of honor, loyalty, and martial prowess. Re-established in the Imperial capital, Adelsburg, during the reign of Kaiser Diederick-Göbel von Lichtenfelts, the Greifengarde now operates under the direct command of the Kaiser, Reichsmarshal (who sometimes doubles as its Hochmeister) and the Hochmeister. This Order is a beacon of unity, dedicated to the Crown’s stability and glory. Each Ritter is sworn to uphold these ideals, rooting out treason and dishonor within the Empire’s borders.
Aspiring Ritters undergo the Trials of the Gryphon, a challenging series of assessments that test courage, loyalty, and martial ability. These trials, administered with the oversight of the Hochmeister, represent the final steps before a novice can become a full-fledged Ritter. Ritters must pass all trials with unwavering resolve, ensuring that each knight possesses both the skill and integrity to serve the Order and the Empire.
The Greifengarde serves not only as the personal guard of the Kaiser and the Imperial family but also as a symbol of imperial justice and stability throughout the Empire. Ritters carry a unique role within the justice system, empowered to act as judges for minor grievances under Chapter II of the Imperial Law, covering areas like II.II Criminal Law, II.III Misdemeanors, and II.IV Felonies. Knights may rule alone or alongside a fellow Ritter in these cases, with the Hochmeister reviewing their judgments to ensure the consistent application of imperial justice.
The Greifengarde is also responsible for maintaining security across the entire Empire, from the Imperial Capital to the most distant provinces, working closely with regional knight orders to maintain order and enforce the Crown’s laws. As trusted military leaders, Ritters take on critical responsibilities in coordinating defense, inspiring the Imperial army, and leading tactical operations during wartime.
Additionally, selected Ritters—often those who have proven themselves in duels—may serve as personal guards to the Kaiser. However, this duty is not limited to a separate group; any Ritter may be called to fulfill this role, ensuring the Kaiser is always protected by the very best the Order has to offer.
The Orden der Greifengarde is meticulously structured to ensure efficiency, honor, and accountability at every level of its ranks.
- Squires: At the base of the Order are the squires, young men who aspire to become Ritters and serve under the direct guidance of an experienced Ritter. Each squire undergoes rigorous training, assisting their Ritter and preparing for the Trials of the Gryphon that will determine their eligibility for full knighthood.
- Ritters: Once a squire passes their trials, they are initiated as a Ritter, a full member of the Greifengarde. Each Ritter is assigned a squire and is expected to uphold the Order’s values while acting as a judge, warrior, and protector of the Empire.
- Ritter Kommandants: Ritters are grouped under Ritter Kommandants, each of whom commands two Ritters. These Kommandants have distinguished themselves in both martial prowess and leadership, taking on additional duties in mentoring and guiding the Ritters under their command. They play a crucial role in maintaining discipline and the high standards of the Order.
- Palatinus: Above the Ritter Kommandants is the Palatinus, the pinnacle of knighthood within the Order and considered the best of the Ritters. The Palatinus is selected based on exceptional skill, loyalty, and service, representing the Order’s ideals and reporting directly to the Hochmeister.
- Hochmeister: At the helm of the Orden der Greifengarde is the Hochmeister, who oversees all functions of the Order, from training and trials to major missions. The Hochmeister’s leadership ensures that the Order operates in harmony with the Kaiser’s vision and Imperial law, guiding the Palatinus and Ritter Kommandants in their duties while safeguarding the Order’s legacy.
Ritters of the Orden der Greifengarde are outfitted with the finest black, gold-adorned armor and capes bearing the golden gryphon, symbolizing loyalty and imperial power. Their armor and weapons are marked with Order-specific heraldry, with additional decorations to signify campaigns or achievements. The Order’s colors—black, white, and gold—are worn proudly by its members, marking their dedication to the Crown and their commitment to values of loyalty, honor, and valor.
"By my blood and honor, I swear unwavering loyalty to the Empire and the Kaiser. I vow to shield the innocent, uphold justice, and serve without fear or hesitation. Bound to my brothers and sisters of the Greifengarde, we stand as the Empire’s shield and sword. Failure to uphold this vow will be met with the forfeit of my own life, for the honor of the Throne."
To enter the esteemed ranks of the Greifengarde, aspiring members must demonstrate a record of exceptional martial prowess, loyalty, and a pure commitment to serving the Empire and its people. Potential candidates may be of noble or common birth but must be of Attian or Hinterlander heritage and recommended by a respected figure, often a high-ranking knight or noble with ties to the Order. It is then ordered by the Hochmeister for a certain Knight to squire the recruit.
Hochmeister: Ser Damien von Aval
Palatinus: N/A
Ritter Kommandants: N/A
Ritters: Ser Hugo von Lichtenfelts, Ser Adelhard Tragen, Ser Markvart von Herdorf, Ser Cedryk Tzyrnowski
Squires: Karsten von Drachenfels