The Order of the Fleur de Lys

[econ21]

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[OOC: This is an in character thread for deliberations of members and patrons of the Order of the Fleur de Lys. Please do not post in it unless you wish to swear the Oath to Chivalry, to join the Order or are a member of the Order. OOC and IC inquires about the Order can be sent by PM to econ21]

The Order of the Fleur de Lys

La Patrie En Danger!

Soldiers of France! Our enemies are mobilising - even now they are massing on our borders! Every man capable of bearing arms must rally to the King!

Nobles of France! The people look to you for leadership! Swear an oath to chivalry! Let all know the code by which you will live.

Knights of France! Join the Order of the Fleur de Lys! We are a band of brothers, who will fight together to defend France! We are a company who offer our services to the King and to any Duc in need! Members of all Houses and none are welcome to join our ranks!

The Oath to Chivalry

I) To fear God and maintain His Church
II) To serve your Liege in valour and faith
III) To protect the weak and defenceless
IV) To never attack an unarmed foe
V) To speak truthfully at all times
VI) To never abandon a comrade
VII) To never refuse a challenge from an equal

Distinguished Patrons

King Phillipe - - Tristan de Castlereng
Prince Louis (Aquitaine) - Ramses II CP
Duc Hugues de Champagne (Lorraine) - Overknight (deceased)
Duc Raymond de Provence (Bourgogne) - Cecil XIX
Duc Alain de Rohan (Bretagne) - AussieGiant

Officers

Captain: Prince Henri
Steward: Gaspard de Neufville
Lieutenant: Alexandre Le Sueur

Members

Hermant Mauvoisin (Bourgogne) - econ21
* Simon de Montpierre - Ituralde
Eloi de Montferrat - TheLemongate (retired)
Gaspard de Neufville (Bourgogne) - Ignoramus
* Alexandre Le Sueur (Bretagne) - Marcus Agrippa
Robert Bouchart (Bretagne) - Northnovas (deceased)
* Prince Henri (Lorraine) - Braden
Gaetan de Rethel (Acquitaine) - YLC
* Gauthier de Beauvais - Northnovas

* = on active duty.

Charter of the Order of the Fleur de Lys

Aims
1. The Order is a company of knights formed to fight for France. Its goal is the protecting the welfare of the French people in accordance with the standards of chivalry.
2. Members of the Order will seek to fight together where possible, but offer their services wherever there is most need.

Duties
1. Order members must fight for the good of the people of France above all.
2. Order members must serve their King as their ultimate authority and any liege they swear fealty to.
3. Order members must respond to calls for help whenever the country is in danger.
4. Order members must swear an Oath to Chivalry

Membership
1. Any noble of France may apply to join the Order.
2. Applications will be discussed at Order sessions and, if there is opposition, subject to a simple vote.
3. Between sessions, the Captain may accept applications as provisional members.
4. Members can be expelled for conduct unbefitting of an Order member by a 2/3 majority at an Order session.

Leadership
1. Every session of Council, members of the Order will elect a Captain from its ranks.
2. A Captain cannot immediately stand for re-election, but can stand at later sessions.
3. Should an Order member ride with the Captain, they agree to serve under his command.
4. The Captain may ride with another noble and agree that he, and all members with him, serve under that noble's command.
5. The Captain has a casting vote at Order sessions.
6. On assuming the position, the Captain will immediately choose a Lieutenant as his second in command. The Lieutenant will assume the duties of the Captain if the Captain falls, resigns or is otherwise incapacitated.
7. At the end of his term of office, just before each regular Conseil session, the Order Captain must appoint an Order Steward. "

Order sessions
1. Each session of Council there will also be a session of the Order. Members of the Order may vote by simple majority to decide how Order units be deployed and any Order land used.
2. Between sessions of the Council, the Captain will make any day to day decisions.
3. If half the membership of the Order petition for it, an emergency session of the Order will be called where members can vote on policy or Charter amendments.
4. The Charter can be amended by a two-thirds majority of Order members.

Land and units given to the Order
1. Members of the Order may freely possess their own lands and military units; units under their personal command will not have their ownership transferred if stationed in Order lands or serving in the Order Company.
2. Any land given to the Order will be formally owned by the Order Steward.
3. Ownership of Order land can only be transferred when the Order Steward leaves office, when it must be passed to the next Steward.
4. Any units given to the Order, recruited from its settlements or assigned by the Seneschal to garrison its lands will be formally owned the Order Captain.
5. Ownership of Order units can only be transferred when the Captain leaves office, when they must be passed to the next Captain.

[econ21]

Hermant Mauvoisin stands before the few knights in front of him and solemnly intones:

As God is my witness, I swear:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

Brother knights, I am honoured to join you in this company - the Order of the Fleur de Lys.

[OverKnight]

Hugues enters and surveys the room, a servants lingers behind him.

Well, the first thing we should do is get some better digs, isn't there supposed to be some sort of round table?

The servant leans in and whispers something to Hugues.

Right!

The Duc straightens up and solemnly intones:

I vow to:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

So help me God.

The moment passed, Hugues resumes his usual mien.

Well I think that calls for a drink.

[ULC]

Gaetan de Rethel stands, a look of determination upon his face, and he speaks with fervor.

I vow to:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valor and faith
To protect the weak and defenseless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

It is good to be amongst you brother knights! A drink for me as well my Duc!

[OverKnight]

Hugues snaps his fingers and his servant proffers a few bottles and glasses.

Ah, here we are.

He offers a glass of wine to Gaeten.

Good to see you here, Sir.

Hugues raises a glass to his lips, but then stops and glances at Hermant.

We can have a drink correct? It isn't one those orders is it? Defending the innocent is all fine and good, but a life without wine would be unthinkable.

[Ituralde]

Simons face lights up as he hears the vows that he had thought about for so long repetead in front of him. He is a small man and the trimmed moustache only accentuates the weasel like features of his face. But for now he is happy. With confidence ringing in every syllable he intones proudly.

I, Simon de Montpierrem, swear:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

Comrades in Arms, I am honoured by your presence here.
He bows to the Duc.
And of course it is a special honour to have the Lord of Champagne with us.
He raises a goblet himself.
And while our aspirations are high this definetly isn't one of those Orders.

[The Lemongate]

Eloi de Montferrat stands proudly before the assembled knights:

I, Eloi de Montferrat, solemnly swear:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal


Pour la France mes amis!

[Cecil XIX]

In the name of the Lord I, Raymond de Provence, hereby swear

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

Gentlemen, here's to auspicious beginnings!

[AussieGiant]

In the name of the Lord, I, Alain de Rohan, hereby swear;

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

Excellent work. This is going to be outstanding!!

[Ignoramus]

Gaspard de Neufville wanders in, shortly after the entrance of his Duc. At the sight of the Duc d' Bretagne, a slight frown forms upon his face.

"I am concerned about the character of the Duc d' Bretagne. I have heard reports of questionable behaviour down at one of the city's taverns. I trust the Duc will be willing to answer such reports? I am sure they must be misfounded, but I wish to make certain.

However, that aside, I will willingly swear the oath.

Before God who is my witness, I solemnly swear:

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal."

[AussieGiant]

"Ah Gaspard. 'ow bought you relax a little and wipe the frown off your face. You look like you 'ave a lance up your a'se."

[Marcus Agrippa]

Alexandre Le Sueur enters and surveys the assembled knights proudly.

In the name of the Lord, I, Alexandre Le Sueur, hereby swear;

To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

I will proundly call all of you brother and stand by you in the darkest of times.
For the King and for France!

[Ignoramus]

Gaspard turns coldly to the Duc d' Bretagne.

I will kindly ask you to withdraw that offensive mark. I would have expected better of one who has pledged to uphold the virtues of chivalry.

[OverKnight]

Hugues looks confused.

Whats all this then? Sir Gaspard, you're saying carousing in a tavern is "questionable behavior"? There's nothing in the Oath or Charter that covers that. It's not like Duc Alain is building a pyramid out of the skulls of women and orphans or strutting about in obsidian armor.

Seems like you're making a mountain out of a mole hill.

[econ21]

Hermant takes Gaspard aside and whispers earnestly to him. He then stands between the knight and the Duc of Bretagne, bowing to the latter.

"Duc, I am delighted that you come before us. It is a most welcome honour and we are in your debt. Please, avail yourself of all our hospitality."

He turns to Gaspard, beseeching:

"Brother knight, the Duc's remark was merely in jest and was not meant to impugn your honour. Please, come with me and let us drink to your joining the Company."

[AussieGiant]

Nodding back at Hermant the young Duke seems annoyed, his normally pleasant and airy demeanour is replaced by controlled fury.

"I'm not sure what you are playing at Gaspard, but stepping in here and questioning my behaviour seems a little provocative. Perhaps you need some perspective!!?"

The words boom across the room, followed by a moments silence.

Cracking his neck in tension, his face returns to its boyish form, his manner again light, even flippant.

"Get yourself w'ore and work out some of your tension Neu'ville. The ride seems to 'ave addled your brains."

[Ituralde]

Gentlemen, I am honoured by all of your support, but we shouldn't desolve into infighting on our first day.

The issue does raise some questions which we should solve. We have all here sworn the Oath in front of God and our comrades. It shold be our duty then to guide our comrades in standing firm in the upcoming times and hold true to the words that were spoken here today. We should agree on passing judgement, together as equal Knights towards another equal Knight should he go astray and betray the Oath he has sworn here today.

I don't imply that anything like that is about to happen here. This is merely a misunderstanding between two of our members that should be solved between them as virtuous Knights as they are without consequence. But we can not tolerate one member tarnishing the reputation of everyone here.

[Ignoramus]

Gaspard turns to the Duc, this time with a bemused expression.

I do not know how you became Duc, but one thing is for certain, you have not learned to respect your elders or those who have proved themselves in battle.

I only questioned your behaviour, and I granted you full benefit of the doubt and the chance for you to explain. Taking me flippantly, with rather coarse language is unbecoming of your position.

I hope that some time on campaign will help you see that respect is important - even of the English.

[AussieGiant]

A smile spreads across the young mans face.

"You open your mouth Gaspard and nothing but vile and 'atred spews forth.

The qualities of jealousy, lack of respect and of course personal insults seem to be your forte.

The delusion you are living seems to indicate that I need to explain myself to you about some unexplained be'aviour, which of course only you seem to be aware of as you have failed to explain to anyone else except yourself.

W'en you 'ave managed to make sense to someone I'll be more than 'appy to discuss your problems my friend.

Until that time may I suggest you go and provoke a small dog, it might be more enjoyable to t'ose w'o wish to listen."

[ULC]

Gaetan raises an eyebrow in confusion and partial disdain.

"Gentlemen, Simon de Montpierre has a point - cease this pointless bickering. What goes on now between the two of you, is what has divide France for hundreds of years. For once, let us put France and her people ahead of our own concerns, and unite under the Oriflamme."

[econ21]

Nobles, brother knights! Peace! We have two purposes here in this place, two purposes which - while linked - are distinct.

The first is to swear an Oath to Chivalry. This is open to all and its observance is between each oath-maker and God. Merely swearing such an Oath does not open a man to our investigations or accusations over his conduct in taverns or private life.

The second is to form a company of knights to fight for France. In this endeavour, all knights must swear the Oath to Chivalry but not all who swear the Oath must join. In this company - this Order - there will be more duties and obligations than mere observance of the Oath. And we will be aswerable to each other for any untoward behaviour, although we have yet to finalise the details under our Charter.

I propose that the Ducs who swear the Oath be regarded as patrons of the Order. They must put the defence of their Duchies first and will not be expected to ride with our company. The company may, of course, seek to ride with them if their Duchies find themselves hard pressed. As our patrons, they will doubtless honour their Oath to Chivalry but will not be subject to any further strictures or obligations we may decide Order members should observe.

For the knights who wish to join the Order, I propose a voluntary fellowship. They may ride together for the King and country as a company of knights - let us call this body of men the Company of the Fleur de Lys. [OOC: the Company will be a group of knights who move together as part of a stack in the campaign map.] Or they may ride separately with their Ducs. Depending on our numbers, we may be able to organise “tours of duty” to allow all to fulfil their obligations to their Houses and still to actively participate in the Company.

For my part, I do not yet have a House and will ride with the Company in the coming campaign, whatever form it takes. I would ask my brother knights for their intentions in this matter - during the period after the Council session, do they wish to ride with me as part of a Company or to they wish to take some leave from the Company to ride with their Ducs? This matter need not be decided yet - it may depend on the precise nature of any campaigns France undertakes -but it is one that merits some thought even now.

[Ramses II CP]

Prince Louis enters the chamber entirely unannounced and glances around at those present. With a nod that seems mostly to himself he makes the sign of the cross with a practiced gesture. Then, placing his right hand on the pommel of his sword, he kneels and recites the oath in a heartfelt tone of voice,

Before the Allmighty I vow;
To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal

Rising the Prince then addresses the group,

"I cannot commit myself to true membership in the Order for reasons which I trust are obvious, but this oath and the idea of a free company of knights who ride for the King are of such importance that they must be supported. Know that for my part you have the good will and best wishes of the royal family. If the Order is ever in need of aid merely ask and what can be done, will.

Unfortunately I cannot stay to enjoy the company, but hold your heads high mighty knights of the realm, and prepare for war. Dark days are coming, days when this code and your brothers in arms may be all that preserve your own lives and the very nation of France. Be ready."

With that the Prince makes a point of seeking eye contact with Hermant Mauvoisin and giving him a respectful nod before departing as quickly as he came.

[econ21]

Hermant bows low to the departing Prince and then turns to the remaining nobility, an expression of surprise quickly replaced by a confident smile:

Ducs and brother knights, this is a greater success of our opening than we could have wished! All four of the Kingdom's Duchies have endorsed our endeavour. Surely, we may now petition the King with confidence!

Hermant grabs a quill and begins to scribble in large untidy script a list of names

Distinguished Patrons

Prince Louis (Aquitaine) - Ramses II CP
Duc Hugues de Champagne (Lorraine) - Overknight
Duc Raymond de Provence (Bourgogne) - Cecil XIX
Duc Alain de Rohan (Bretagne) - AussieGiant

Members

Hermant Mauvoisin - econ21
Gaeten de Rethel (Lorraine) - YLC
Simon de Montpierre - Ituralde
Eloi de Montferrat - the Lemongate
Gaspard de Neufville (Bourgogne) - Ignoramus
Alexandre Le Sueur (Bretagne) - Marcus Agrippa

Of which, volunteering to serve in the Company for the coming campaign:

Hermant Mauvoisin
…

He flourishes the document around the room:

Is this an accurate list? Are we all content?

Hermant looks in particular at Gaspard, then returns to scan the entire room:

And who will join me in the Company for the first campaign? [OOC: i.e. who will stack together as a Company and be deployed together in the next 10 turns.]

[OverKnight]

Hugues shakes his head and smiles.

The Dauphin is full of surprises isn't he?

He turns to Hermant.

Well, it seems everything is under control, I'm going to go before I'm accosted for my unseemly behavior or harangued by mysterious nameless Knights emerging from the shadows.

If Gaeten wishes to join the Company for this campaign, he has my blessing.

Let me know if the Order needs anything.

The Duc nods and leaves.

[Cecil XIX]

I do not believe that now is the appropriate time for Chevaliers to decide whether they will campaign with the Order. That decision will be dictated in large part by where they are likely to be campaigning, which for now we can only guess at. I suggest that for the moment we formalize the character and continue accepting recruits, then discussing campaigning concurrently with the Conseil.

[econ21]

Hermant bows before the Duc of Bourgogne:

My Lord, your wisdom guides us. You are quite right. Let us put aside the issue of deployment until we know more of the Kingdom's plans.

Hermant takes the quill and hastily strikes out the last two lines on the parchment.

[Ituralde]

Simon turns the goblet around in his hand thoughtfully. Ever since the Prince had come and left again so quickly is brow had beend slightly furrowed.

"Maybe there should be someone who watches that we keep that Oath. Otherwise it is no more than an empty husk. Just words derived of meaning.

He turns toward Hermant.

You know how important that is to me. I can see where it could cause difficulties though. But just because it isn't practical does not mean that I like it.

He gazes towards the door for a moment staring at it silently. Then shrughs, and with a smile empties his goblet in gulp!

It will be an honour for me to ride with you into battle, Hermant! I know that the Council might change some things, but for those of us who have not sworn directly to one of the Dukes it should be achievable. Of course should the King require us to separate I would do so.

[econ21]

Hermant bows to Simon.

It will be an honour to ride with you, brother knight! I would hope that we can persuade at least two others to join us on the coming campaign.

He sits down beside Simon.

On the keeping of the Oath, we have a provision in the draft Charter to expel members whose conduct is unbefitting on a 2/3 vote. Is that sufficient or do we require additional rules?

For my part, I would prefer to keep our Charter simple and I would be wary of entrusting any one man with the power to scrutinise our personal conduct. But now is the time to discuss this and any other aspects of our draft Charter.

[Ituralde]

No you are right. That is more than sufficient. I would settle for nothing less than a unanimous vote to be honest, but the Charter is fine as is.

[Beskar]

Loup de Gisors opens the door and approaches, kneeling down.

I vow to:
To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve my liege in valor and faith
To protect the weak and defenseless
To never attack an unarmed foe
To speak truthfully at all times
To never abandon a comrade
To never refuse a challenge from an equal