The Knights of the Silver Sword – The Guild of Explorers
Contents
The Knights of the Silver Sword are the trailblazers, mapmakers, and pathfinders of Velantis, dedicated to exploring the uncharted lands, lost ruins, and forgotten places of the world. They were formed from the remnants of elite ranger orders and warrior-bard brotherhoods, seeking to uncover the secrets of Velantis, map its vast wilderness, and protect travelers from the unknown.
Where others fear the dark corners of the world, the Knights of the Silver Sword venture forth, armed with steel and knowledge, to reclaim the forgotten past and secure the future.
Guild Structure & Ranks
The Knights of the Silver Sword are not a military order but a brotherhood of adventurers, scholars, and scouts. Rank is based on experience, discoveries made, and contributions to the guild’s knowledge.
The Three Grand Pathfinders (Guild Leaders)
The guild is led by three legendary explorers, each responsible for guiding its mission:
- High Captain Edric Vaelor – A Human warrior-bard, expert in combat tactics and survival in hostile lands.
- Mistress Eleri Shadowbrook – A Shadar-kai ranger, specializing in tracking, navigation, and cryptic lore.
- Old Man Hargrimm – A Duergar cartographer, responsible for mapping, recording history, and securing relics.
The Hierarchy of Exploration
- Knight-Captain (Rank 6) – Veterans who lead expeditions into the most dangerous territories.
- Silverblade (Rank 5) – Seasoned explorers and guardians of the guild’s knowledge and archives.
- Pathfinder (Rank 4) – Experienced adventurers trusted with charting unknown regions and recovering lost artifacts.
- Scout (Rank 3) – Field operatives tasked with surveying new lands and reporting back on dangers.
- Seeker (Rank 2) – New initiates who have proven themselves in at least one major expedition.
- Novice (Rank 1) – Recruits, often young wanderers, seeking to earn their place among the guild.
Each member carries a silver medallion engraved with a sword, symbolizing their commitment to discovery and protection.
Philosophy & Code
The Knights of the Silver Sword believe in exploration, preservation, and knowledge. Their guiding principles include:
- “The unknown must be explored.” Every uncharted land, every forgotten ruin, and every lost city holds secrets worth uncovering.
- “Knowledge is meant to be shared.” Maps, discoveries, and historical findings are not hoarded but shared with the world.
- “No one walks alone.” A knight must always aid fellow travelers and defend the weak against the dangers of the wild.
- “Ruins belong to no one but time.” Looting or destroying ancient sites is strictly forbidden—artifacts are recovered for study, not profit.
Despite their noble ideals, some knights disappear into the wilds, never to return. Others turn rogue, keeping powerful relics for themselves.
Missions & Responsibilities
The Knights of the Silver Sword undertake:
✅ Mapping the World – Creating accurate maps of dangerous and unexplored territories.
✅ Lost Ruin Expeditions – Recovering ancient knowledge, artifacts, and forgotten histories.
✅ Protecting Travelers – Guarding caravans, explorers, and settlers from bandits and monsters.
✅ Investigating the Unnatural – Hunting unnatural creatures, cursed relics, and sites of strange phenomena.
✅ Preserving History – Ensuring that historical sites are not defiled or plundered.
They are often the first to discover ancient dungeons, hidden cities, and lost civilizations.
Rivals & Conflicts
🔻 The Maskarrans (Thieves’ Guild) – The Knights often clash with the Maskarrans, who loot ruins for profit instead of preservation.
🔻 The Deathstalkers (Assassin Guild) – The Knights believe in truth, while the Deathstalkers operate in shadows and secrecy—their paths rarely align.
🔻 The Assembly (Mages’ Guild) – While the two often cooperate, the Assembly sometimes hides magical discoveries, which angers the Knights.
🔻 Private Treasure Hunters & Mercenaries – Many seek wealth over wisdom, looting relics for personal gain. The Knights oppose such destruction.
Despite their conflicts, the Knights are highly respected by scholars, historians, and rulers, as their work benefits all of Velantis.
Symbol & Calling Cards
- Their emblem is a silver sword over a map, representing both exploration and protection.
- Each knight carries a silver medallion—a mark of their oath to the guild.
- When an important discovery is made, the finder’s name is carved into the guild’s Great Map Hall in Creastiinta.
Recruitment & Membership
Anyone may petition to join, but only those who prove their courage and skill are accepted. Candidates must:
- Complete an expedition—they must explore an unknown land and return with valuable knowledge.
- Swear the Explorer’s Oath, pledging to seek knowledge and protect history.
- Pass a survival trial, proving they can handle the dangers of the wild.
- Demonstrate honor and integrity, as the guild does not tolerate thieves or mercenaries.
Those who betray the guild’s code are banished—and in extreme cases, hunted down as traitors.