Elite Orders

"The Way of the Shield, pg 223"

History
The twelve Elite Orders of Druthal were seen as heroes of stories and legends. When Druthal broke up into various kingdoms during the reign of Shalcer, these Elite Orders became a source of strength and stability in the uncertain centuries that followed. Because of their standards of honor and trustworthiness, the Orders were relatively free to move through the various kingdoms; keeping the idea of a united Druth alive.

Modern Day
After Druthal reunified in the 11th century, the Orders eventually declined in popularity and relevance. As of the current storyline, only two of the twelve Orders exist now: the Tarians and Spathians. The others were became part of other organizations or repurposed into something new. People of modern day Druthal know of the Orders, but are unable to recognize their uniforms or symbols. Politics have now become a part of the Orders, with Parliament giving the final approval for Candidates to advance to the rank of Adept.

Recently, a commission was created by King Maradaine XVIII for someone to act as a liasion between the Parliament, the King's Marshals, and the two remaining Orders. It is a position that has no real authority nor hierarchy. This commission is currently being held by Dayne Heldrin.

Members
For the Tarians, many (if not all) members of the Order are not from noble families. They are often children of servants in noble households.

Orders

 * Ascepian - Order of master healers. The Order eventually evolved into the modern day Yellowshields. The Yellowshields still use the Order's symbol.
 * Braighian - Order of pikeman. This Order was eventually folded into the Druth Army
 * Cascian - Order of mountain rangers. This Order was eventually folded into the Tarian and Spathian Orders.
 * Grennian - A fully armored Order.
 * Hanalian - repurposed into the King's Marshals in the 11th century.
 * Color: Blue
 * Kenalian - specialized in staff fighting, absorbed into the Tarian Order around 1150.
 * Marenian - folded into the Druth Navy when it was established.
 * Otajian - Order of mace and flail masters. This order has Scallic and Linjari origins. The order fell apart during the war between Scaloi and Linjar. St. Alexis is termed to be "the last Otajian."
 * Spathian - Order of sword masters, They are still active.
 * Tarian - Order of protectors. Stylized as the Shield of the People.
 * Color: Gray
 * Vanidian - Order of forest guardians who used axes and bows.