Guild:Knights Of The Redeemer (Blackwater Raiders US)

The Knights Of The Redeemer are a semi non-monotheistic religious order who’s stated goals are the destruction of the Undead Scourge and The Burning Legion from the lands of Azeroth and beyond, the betterment of the Alliance and (For the Holy Members of the Knights) the strict adherence to the Three Virtues of the Holy Light.

They are considered a “semi” religious order in that many of their practices and traditions come from the practices of the Holy Light and the traditions of the Cathedral of Light, Northshire Abbey and the libraries of Lordaeron, however they also accept those with no affiliation to the Holy Light or even those in direct opposition to it, so long as such members adhere to at least two of the stated goals.

The Knights of the Redeemer base themselves on the teachings of Uther the Lightbringer, whom they have come to see as “The Redeemer”. As such, Uther is the most revered person in their structure and the only true “law”, next to the three virtues.

Ranking Structure
The Knights of the Redeemer have a rigid rank structure which ensures those who hold a rank are of the proper caliber to handle its responsibility.

Grand Duke;

The Grand Duke is the leader and final authority with in the Knights. His words are law and have the final veto or order in all matters spiritual and temporal. While no Knight would made the mistake to question the Grand Duke’s absolute authority, there is a tradition of democracy with in the Knights which strongly encourages the Grand Duke to take heed of, and accept the advice of the Privy Council and his Lords.

The Grand Duke is styled as “His Grace Lord” and is properly addressed as “His Grace Lord NAME, or simply as either "His Grace NAME or Lord Name”

The Current Grand Duke of the Knights of the Redeemer is His Grace Larsiam, by decree of the Privy Council of the Knights of the Redeemer.

Grand Duchess;

The Grand Duchess is the wife/consort of the Grand Duke. While it preferable for the Grand Duchess to be the wife of the Grand Duke, the Grand Duke may appoint his woman Consort, until such time as marriage can take place.

The Grand Duchess sits as "Second in Command" within the structure, and is a highly respected member of the Court, her opinions and wishes are taken very seriously by the Knights.

As "Second in Command", the Grand Duchess shall rule on any issue, spiritual or temporal as she sees fit in the absence of the Grand Duke, by which, the Grand Duke shall be bound, with respect to his right of Veto.

By Tradition and right, the Grand Duchess may introduce members to the Knights of the Redeemer and may promote any member as far as the Privy Council, subject to the wishes of the Grand Duke himself. The Grand Duchess is also largely responsible for the spirit of the Membership. She is a shining example of the image the Knights wish to convey to the world and as such, commands a great deal of respect in her own right.

The Grand Duchess is styled “Her Grace Lady” and is properly addressed as “Her Grace Lady NAME”, "Her Grace NAME or "Lady NAME".

The Current Grand Duchess of the Knights of the Redeemer is Her Grace Elindria, by decree Privy Council of the Knights of the Redeemer.

Lord Chancellor;

The Lord Chancellor is responsible for all decision making that does not require the direct attention of the Grand Duke in Temporal matters, subject to the approval and acceptance of the Grand Duke himself. As such, it is a coveted position with a great deal of influence and respect with in the Knights.

When there is more than one Lord Chancellor, it is preferable to have an odd number of them, so that if a disagreement is made among the Lords Chancellor, a simple majority between them shall make the decision. In such cases as there is an equal number of votes, the most senior Lord Chancellor shall have the final say in any such Temporal matter, subject to the Grand Duke's wishes.

The Lords Chancellor sit as “Leaders of the Privy Council”, or more traditionally, as "Firsts among Equals" and is the Privy Council’s first contact in all matters of the Knights. Should the Lorda Chancellor be given an issue that he feels should be decided by the Grand Duke he will bring it to his attention. Conversely, if enough members of the Privy Council feel an issue is of the Grand Dukes attention (That being a simple majority) they may bring such and issue forth.

Lords Chancellor are styled “Lord” or “Lady” and are address as “My Lord NAME” or “My Lady NAME”

The Current Lords Chancellor are Lady Faithe and Lady Ciriphia by decree of His Grace Larsiam.

Lord Chamberlain;

The Lord Chamberlain is responsible for all matter Spiritual that does not require the direct attention of the Grand Duke. The Lord Chamberlain is seen as the Spiritual Leader of the Knights and commands a great deal of respect from them. His duties are such that even the Grand Duke is likely to submit to his will, further showing the power of this position.

The Lord Chamberlain over sees all matters of a Spiritual nature, including, but not limited to the Investiture of the Grand Duke and Duchess, weddings, blessings upon those that have been Knighted by the Grand Duke and the leading of vowards and prayers before a battle, opening of meetings or simply the request of a Knight.

The holder of the position MUST be a follower of the Holy Light, and as such, is largely limited to Priests and Paladins.

However, it should be clearly stated that is it NOT necessary for one to hold the rank of Lord Chamberlain to become a Lord Chancellor. Is ia not unusual, indeed, it is common practice, that if one is not a follower of the Holy Light, yet in line for a promotion from Senior Privy, to skip this rank altogether and become a Lord Chancellor.

Lords Chamberlain as styled “Lord” or “Lady” and are addressed as “My Lord NAME” or “My Lady NAME”. The Lord Chancellor is Lord Aaryon.

Senior Privy;

Members of the Senior Privy are members of the Privy Council that have proved their service to warrant a distinction with in the Council. They are seen as the “Elders” of the Privy Council and are often sought out for advice or help on any given issue.

While being a Senior Privy grants no extra rights beyond the order of precedent, it is the “stepping stone” towards becoming either a Lord Chancellor or Lord Chamberlin respectfully.

The position is entirely at the discretion of the Grand Duke and is granted upon his recognition of the Senior Privy’s contributions to the Knights.

Senior Privy’s, while technically still Knights, they are afforded the courtesy of “Lord” or “Lady” as a sign of their unique position among the Knights.

The current Senior Privy’s are Lord Wildman and Lord Genithos by decree of His Grace Larsiam.

Privy Council;

The Privy Council makes of the “main” advisory board of Knights to the Grand Duke. They are Knights who have shown their leadership and commitment to the Knights and as such, have been granted leadership roles.

The Privy Council make recommendations to the Grand Duke through the Lords for all matters both Spiritual and Temporal. They may recommend that a member among them become knighted, be elevated to the Council or even to a Lords position from among their own ranks,

Privy Council members enjoy a wide range of unilateral decision making ability, subject to the Grand Duke, Grand Duchess or his Lord’s agreement. It has been said that the “real power” of the Knights of the Redeemer lay with the Privy Council as there is a long tradition of the Grand Duke, Grand Duchess and his Lords following the advice of the Privy Council.

Knights;

The Knights of the Knights of the Redeemer make up the “backbone” of the membership. They are the examples the membership sends in to the world to show what the Knights of the Redeemer are. They are expected at all times to hold up the ideas of the membership, and to know that an attack upon one of them, is an attack upon the Grand Duke himself.

Becoming a Knight is largely considered a requirement to elevation to further office with in the membership and as such, are expected to be examples to the Squires and Pages. Knights become such by decree from the Grand Duke, which is largely brought on by advice from the Privy Council and his Lords.

Each Knight (As numbers allow) is also expected to take on one or more Squires. This is to introduce the Squire to the Knights of the Redeemer and ready them for Knighthood themselves.

Knights have a unique right, and are the only holders of this right, that they may by-pass the Privy Council and the Lords to request from the Grand Duke directly that their Squire be Knighted, if they feel their Squire has earned such a right.

Squires;

Squires are apprentices to a Knight, who seek to learn the ways of the Knights of the Redeemer from him. While the Squire might well be a capable warrior, they have little knowledge of the Knights customs and they seek to learn.

Pages;

Pages are the very newest inductees to the Knights of the Redeemer who have not yet been taken on as Squires to a Knight. Pages are generally not left in this position for a long period as there are always Knights eager to show our customs and ways.

Non RP Information
The original Knight of the Redeemer were formed in November of 2006, making them one of the oldest guilds on the server. There was a short hiatus in late 2007 during which time the guild was reborn in early 2008, with several of the original members returning.

The Knights of the Redeemer were born from a dis-satisfaction with the Crimson Knights, several of whom left to form the Knights of the Redeemer. The Knights of the Redeemer soon sought to form a partnership with the Crimson Knights, viewing them as the "parent" of the KotR, but little became of it.

We currently have in excess of 100 members, 4 tabs in the bank and around 19% of our membership are level 70 or better. We maintain regular RP events and often have impromptu RP sessions members set up on their own. Our members are also very willing to help others out on quests and instances. Most are welcome to join, but will not have access to the guild bank for a short period while we ensure you are not a "bank robber".

Just as a matter of clarity, the ranks system works as such in the "real world of WoW";

Grand Duke (The leader)

Grand Duchess (The second in Command)

Lords Chancellor (Thirds in command, Assuming an agreement among them. If there is not one, the most Senior of them will make a ruling. If the ruling isn't satisfactory,they may bring the matter before the Grand Duke or Duchess for a ruling)

Lords Chamberlin (While largely an RP role, as there are not many spritiual isses that arise for WoW players, they ARE to be considered "4th" in command)

Senior Privy (These are Council Members that warrant a distinction from the rest of the Council)

Privy Council (These are members that have shown leadership, a willingness to help)

Knights

Squires

Pages