A History of the Order of the Knights of Stormwind (Part 1)

Brethren,

On the occasion of the New Year's celebration in part of the Feast of Winter Veil, I humbly offer to you all a perspective of the past with this current brief history of the Order. I commend the following to any and all who are desirous to learn of our great honourable chivalric order.

The Founding

The Order of the Knights of Stormwind was founded by a lone paladin by the name of Sir Unther Winterwolf on August 26, 2007. The founding members were a few of Sir Unther's own brothers-at-arms. Among these, one would become Sir Unther's right-hand; Sir "Richardd" (sic) as he called himself.

The Untherian Era

Sir Unther Winterwolf, having succesfully created the guild proceeded to strengthening its structure. Taking upon himself the title of "Lord-Protector" and granting his right-hand the title of "Lord-General", they both continued the Order's recruitment process, recruiting only paladins and noble knights. Shortly after the founding, the guild counted for itself 12 members and continued to expand.

Among this dozen of paladins joined a Second and Third War veteran, Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard of Stormwind City, former reclusive monk of the Brotherhood of Northshire. He would become the young guild's source of structure and strength along with its Guild Master.

It is with the coming of this new member that came the suggestion to expand the outreach of the guild to bolster its numbers and diversity that we know of today. At the founding, the guild would accept only Human paladins. With the coming of Bartholomeo's suggestion, this expanded into accepting all races of the class of paladin and priest (to act as chaplains of our cause - the first non-paladin member and first chaplain priest(ess) to join us was the silent Sister Frizzie that we all know of today). Eventually the expand took the toll of accepting all races and all classes (including those classes usually shunned by the Light-worshipping people, i.e.; warlocks and rogues), rendering the diversity that we know of today.

Participating in the recruitment effort of the guild, Bartholomeo was elevated to the rank of Honour Guard and then Honour Guard Captain, earning the trust of Sir Unther and Sir Richardd with his fervent desire to establish the guild and protect it and its membership.

As the guild was growing, it needed to grow not only in size and strength, but in credibility. It is due to his lack of valour* and lack of honour that Sir Richardd the Lord-General was banished by Sir Unther the Lord-Protector (Guild Master) after a trial of judgement which was carried out with respect and with dignity.

*Note: Sir Richardd used to beg on the public streets to buy an official tabard design for the guild.

With this small schism in the administration, Sir Unther needed to reconsidere and rethink the general structure of the guild. It is in the catacombs of the Cathedral of Light (where Unther often used to go to meditate) that he declared his desired new structure for the young guild, introducing the concept of "Chapters" to the guild's structure.

"Chapters" were a structural concept simular to "sub-guilds" within one general guild. The leader of each chapter was to be known as a "Chapter-Master" and had the power and perrogative to choose for his chapter a headquarter, call meetings and events, and etc. They were designed to organize and accomodate a guild with massive numbers. The very night this structure was dictated by Sir Unther, Sir Bartholomeo was installed as first Chapter-Master. He would call his chapter the "Guardians of Freedom".

From this restructuring of the guild began the golden age of the Untherian era, with the Order's greatest moment of growth in membership.

Among these members arose the Kaldorei, Dame Xaify whose loyalty to the Lord-Protector elevated her to the rank of Honour Guard Captain and the Draenei, Dame Jaibles who was found worthy by the Lord-Protector to become a Chapter-Mistress. She would name her chapter, the "Chapter of Hope". Later on, a young aboriginal Human by the name of "Onepaw" (renamed "Ragnar" by Sir Unther) would become the Lord-Protector's own pupil and future Chapter-Master of an untitled and empty chapter.

These five, Unther, Bartholomeo, Xaify, Jaibles and Ragnar would become the administrative body during the Untherian era.

With much already established, it was felt that the Order needed a change in its divisive structure and a constitution, and thus with Unther's dictation of policies, rules and laws, Sir Bartholomeo quickly proceeded to the formulation of a charter which would later earn the recognition of the King and His Majesty's royal seal. This charter would become the objective basis of the Order, thus giving it an independant character of its own, instead of being of a subjective nature, the creation and dictation of one individual.

New members, new alliances with other guilds, this was the original and young days of the Order.

The Usurping

As the Order continued to grow in numbers and character, it needed for its leader a certain charisma, a certain sociability and certain work-ethic as being Guild Master is not at all an easy responsability.

One evening as Sir Bartholomeo was doing his usual work, he was disheartened and desired to leave the Order as he felt his work of bulding the guild was going unappreciated. Upon sharing his concern with the members, they were alarmed and began telling him that he was their true leader and that they knew nothing of this "Lord-Protector" who sat on the thrown wearing the crown of mock-nobility. Also, the membership had recently began to voice subtle but steady their dissatisfied opinion with Sir Unther Winterwolf. Some members left altogether or considered leaving soon.

Bartholomeo, energized and enthused by this unsuspected number of supporters, called for an urgent meeting at the Westbrook Garrison (the Order's headquarters) where nearly all of the currently available members came and joined in the movement to voice their desire. Some desired to break away and create a new guild. Some desired to stay and simply remove the leader. Some were absolutely confused. Some were frustrated. The contraversy and confusion aise, only one left the guild that evening: The Lord-Protector himself, Sir Unther Winterwolf.

Leaving in an absolutely shocking act, Sir Unther resigned, assigning his right-hand, Sir Bartholomeo as Guild Master, and simply left, not desiring to speak to the members, hear their desires or face changing his ways. He left that evening with a concealed anger, which would later bring about in him a desire for vengeance for an act he would later perceive as a betrayal.

Thus, with the departure of its founder and the elevation of a new leader, begins the next era of the Order of the Knights of Stormwind.

To be continued...

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlgaurd
Secretary.

On Celley the Fel III - An Important Message to All Members of the Order

Brethren,

On command of our gracious Guild Mistress, Lady Anira Theranarr, the following message addresses an important matter which must, once and for all, be dealt with.

The Order has reason to believe that the influence of Celley the Fel has seeped among the confraternity for far too long. The time has come to take the righteous measures to thwart this threat and banish it for the good of all. Celley the Fel has recently gained grounds over the minds of our members, having convinced a few to join her. We believe this continues today as some within our ranks appear uncaring of the law of the Kingdom and the law of the Order, contrary to their solemn pledge to the virtues of honour and loyalty.

Let it be reiterated: Any member who has been found cooperating with the sinister schemes of Celley the Fel or are in any way cooperate with her agents will be found guilty of the crime of high treason and treason to the Order, which will entail immediate banishment from the Order of the Knights of Stormwind.

Brethren, we pray you, heed this warning and do what is right under the guidance of the Light.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

On the Guild Seal

Brethren,

Recently, many have surfaced a desire to know more of the origins of this small device every member of the Order carries with him to hear or give out communications.

The Guild Seal is of my own personal commission. I had heard of such a device existing on the forefronts of the Stormwind Army and I believed it would be important for a guild such as ours to be able to communicate with eachother at all times. This of course would keep the Order together and aware of it's membership. Originally, the idea was to have a Guild Seal for the Guild Master and his officers only, but it soon became obvious to us that entire membership of the Order should be in possession of this device.

A brilliant Gnome and engineer, Springspindle Fizzlegear of the Gnomeregan Exiles took charge of producing these Guild Seals by the hundreds with his fellow engineers. He went beyond my expectations when he gave me a Guild Seal and told me of its features in his usual Gnomish jargon: an intertelepathical spriggletranslocator, a jizzlematic alarm-o-meter, a drillsprocket energizer, an autodestructocommandulation detonator, and most importantly, a bicklebockle megatranscending transemitter.

It has been ever since the beginning of the Untherian Era of the Order that we have been utilizing this Guild Seal. Any of the members of the Order who are not in possession of a Guild Seal may procure for themselves one such device at any dispensing Guild Vault.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

On Being New to the Order

Brethren,

Recently, with a new influx of new members, I believe time is ripe to re-affirm the requirements and things to do once you are new to this honourable chivalric Order.

To join the Order, all you must do is meet with a full-member of the Order (thus, a member in the rank of Knight or higher) this member will and should lead you through the requirements and get you through the ordinary recruitment manner, or transfer you to an officer. Please note that Dame Laern is the main officer in charge of recruitment and human ressources.

First and foremost, the question should be asked why is he or she interested in joining our Order. It question of how he or she has learned of our Order is equally of importance, as it indicates through which via we gain the more members (thus enriching our recruitment tactics).

Second, it must be made certain and clear that the prospective member is a proud member of the Alliance, a staunch defender of the Kingdom of Stormwind and/or any of its allied Kingdoms, and that he or she has to his person chivalric virtues such as honour and loyalty to an ideal.

Third, the prospective member must give his solemn word of promise that he or she will be respectful of the Order's membership, its administration and its the Order's constitutional laws.

Once the member has joined the Order, he or she should be furnished with a leaflet or an otherwise permission to withdraw a Guild Seal from our Guild Vault, with which he or she will be able to communicate and hear our communications.

A new member will immediately become a Page, and it is of course natural that a member is desirous to obtain a higher rank and we encourage this. It is therefore suggested that the new member seeks for him or herself a tutor which will show the Page's desire to obtain a higher rank. The Page's tutor can only be someone who is of the rank of Knight or higher. Once the Page has requested pupilship from one of the Knights, and the Knight agrees, he or she will be known as a Squire of that Knight and he or she should bare in mind that the lessons that will be taught to him relate, for the most part, on what being a Knight of Stormwind is all about. It is equally a chance to measure one's aptitudes. The tutor may of course teach various lessons, teaching what he or she sees fit to learn and of use to the pupil.

Tutorage of a pupil should eventually end, at a sensical length (on average, two weeks), and the tutor should report to the administration his desire to impart graduation on his pupil. The administration of the Order will then set a date for the Squire to granted admission into the full-membership of the Order through a ceremony of knighting which is ordinarily performed by, either the tutor of the pupil in question, or a celebrant officer, or the Guild Master. The bulk of the membership should be present at such an event.

After the ceremony, the Squire will be promoted to the rank of Knight where he will be able to wear proudly his Guild Tabard and gain access to several of the Order's benefits, such as increased credibility and identity.

A new Knight is a new defender of our nation(s).

For the method of attainment of the ranks beyond the rank of Knight, please consult the Official Royal Charter of the Order of the Knights of Stormwind, included in these very archives.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

On the Wedding of Lady Anira and Brother Jorrik

Brethren,

It is an honour and a previlege for me to pronounce the first official announcement of our Guild Mistress, Lady Anira Theranarr's coming union in holy matrimony with one of our own Order, Brother Jorrik. It is equally a great honour for me that I have been chosen by the future bride and groom to preside over the wedding ceremony.

You will be updated as to the precise time and place of this grand event in the coming days.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

On the Departure of Sir Lethan Teradial and Sister Morena Shadowsong

Brethren,

It is with a heavy heart that I wish to announce the indefinite departure of our Past Guild Master and Knight-General, Sir Lethan Teradial and his Night-Elven companion, Sister Morena Shadowsong. These two have been with us since the post-Untherian era and have been veritable pillars of support for the Order.

Also departing from the Order is Sister Mograi, Sister Kaisia and Brother Ronove. We wish these, as with Brother Lethan and Sister Morena, the Light's choicest blessings.

We are in your dept.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard.
Secretary.

Post-script note:
Please note that Sir Lethan Teradial has been responsible for such guild developments such as the definition of the guild rank-structure, the guild vault, the new design of the guild tabard and much, much more.

On the Feast of Winter Veil

Brethren,

Yesterday evening, beginning at 6:00 PM (Server Time) at the Westbrook Garrison was held the Order's celebration of the Feast of Winter Veil. After a short greeting wishes by our Lady Anira, the members went downstairs where a good meal was served. Along with good food and good wine, the members present for the evening delightfully exchanged gifts and stories.

Indeed, after all the grim happenings surrounding the Order, we have been able to sit and enjoy a time of light-hearted fraternity.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard.
Secretary.

On the Commander's Health - A Letter to all Members of the Order

To all members of the Order,

Brethren,

I write to you today this expressed letter concerning a most horrible sacrifice our Commander, Lady Anira Theranarr, has made for the protection of the general membership of the Order. Due to the disobedience of a few members (on our Commander's expressed demand that Erolith Brightwind is not be harmed), Celley the Fel's anger has known exceeding limits, and thus caused her to seek revenge.

Lady Anira, now critically injured and robbed of her Draenei pride (in other words, one of her horns has been seemingly removed), is resting and recovering from her wounds in safe location.

Those who have defied the command of Lady Anira Theranarr will reap its legal and constitutional consequences, unless pardoned by the Commander herself.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

Post-script note:
It should be noted that Erolith Brightwind has been banished from the Order of the Knights of Stormwind for having decided to join with Celley the Fel. Though he may be seen by a few as a traitor, the Commander's explicit command still rules over his head: No member of the Order is to attack this man. A representative of the General Council has destroyed his Guild Seal and pronounced the license to depart. The membership should be reminded, that if ever a member of the Order is banished, he may only return if the General Council, in harmony with the Guild Master/Mistress unanymously agree.

Note on the Ranks of the Order

Ranks of the Order of the Knights of Stormwind:

1. Reserve. A member who has been reserved in association with the Guild but is not active. Is not in possession of a Guild Seal.
2. Page. A newly entered member of the Order.
3. Squire. A pupil of a full-member of the Order.
4. Knight. A full-member of the Order.
5. Captain. A full-member of the Order who has earned this honorary title for his or her deeds.
6. Guard. ((A Knight's alternate character[s]))
7. Guard-Captain. ((A Knight-General's alternate character [s]))
8. Knight-General. A full-member of the Order and a member of the General Council. An officer.
9. Commander. The Guild Master.

To be noted that these are the current guild ranks (of the Aniran Era).

Celley the Fel's Threatening Letters

Brethren,

I hereby publish two letters that were given to my by Sister Laern and Brother Sythren. They should be taken as clear proof of Celley the Fel's threat to the Order. Please note that both letters were written in blood and the originals are stained and dotted with the liquid.

First letter - To Laern:

One. Two. Celley's coming for you...
Three. Four. Lock the door...
Five. Six. Better stay up late...
Seven. Eight. Grab your crucifix...
Nine. Ten. Never sleep again.

From,
Celley.

Second letter - To Sythen:

Little Celley took an axe.
Gave Rizzy 40 whacks.
When she saw what she did...
She gave Sythren 41.

From,
Celley.

End of the letters.

If any of the brethren have in their possession such a threat from Celley the Fel, please entrust them to me for their safe-keeping in our archives. These are valuable and valid evidence of Celley's threat if ever a trial be issued.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

On Celley the Fel II - A Report to Lady Anira Theranarr

To Lady Anira Theranarr,

Sister. I send you now a report, as promised, of what I was able to decipher from a prolonged seance of mind control (an ability well known for Priests) I conducted on our young Brother in the Order, Erolith Brightwind during the time he was in private meeting with Celley the Fel in lair which does not appear to be entirely part of this reality.

Erolith Brightwind appears to be studying books on Fel and topics relating to this manner of dark litterature, in order to better understand what has taken hold of Celley. When Celley perceived that Erolith desired to cure her of the Nightmare, she appeared to find it quite amusing. This is where Celley revealed a key element which may assist us in the future if we are ever to face this diabolical fiend: Celley's third eye, says she, controls the Nightmare. The third eye therefore, must be some form of focal point for Fel.

Erolith also related to Celley his dilemma, between the Order and Celley. Though Celley offered him shelter, he said that he did not want to choose between sides, as he wishes both parties to be satisfied and peacefully recounciled. He equally said that he was able to convince Brother Sythren to help cure Celley.

Some additional information I was able to note:

• Celley thinks I, Bartholomeus, am a "close-minded individual".
• Deliand, Brother Sythren's cousin, has once nearly killed Celley.
• Celley wishes for her lair's whereabouts to be absolutely secret.
• Celley enjoys Erolith's company and has proceeded to offer him tea and biscuits.
• Celley enjoys to smoke from a strange-looking contraption she refers to as "a hookah".
• Erolith coughs often due to an event occurring in his childhood.

Thus, my Lady, I conclude this report with no further commendation but to await Brother Erolith's decision and await Brother Sythren and Deliands result in attempting to redeem Celley the Fel. With your aid, the Royal Factor, Bathrilor is knowledgeable of Celley's lair (at least where we believe it is located in this reality) and now Master Wood of the Command Center is knowledgeable of Celley the Fel's whereabouts in our fair city of Stormwind. Though Celley believes herself invincible and indeed the odd of humans versus a Fel dragon may make her appear invincible, I have faith in the Holy Light, the human spirit and the strength of Stormwind's military force.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

On Celley the Fel - An Open-Letter to Dame Zsuzsa

To Dame Zsuzsa Melisovna,

My sister, I write this letter now openly to you in order to consult your wisdom. It is concerning our young brother, Erolith Brightwind.

I was invited earlier by Celley to discuss a truce with her in her lair located in the crypt beneath the Slaughtered Lamb tavern. As you would suspect, I initially refused, as she wanted me to go alone. I eventually agreed to go, but with Brother Sythren to come with me in case of danger. Brother Sythren came and was discreetly protecting me throughout.

Celley asked me to drop the charges looming over her head. I refused, being anyway powerless to drop them as they originate only from a recommendation given to the Stormwind Guard. Brother Erolith when I arrived and was present throughout our interview. It appears to me as they are somehow in cooperation.

Her efforts futile, Celley dismissed me and later dismissed Brother Erolith, whom Brother Sythren and I intercepted for questionning.

Brother Erolith agreed to swear an oath of truthfulness before the interrogation began. Basically, Brother Sythren and I measured his amount of cooperation with Celley the Fel. We concluded that he was in communication with Celley because he holds to his ideal of forgiveness and redemption and believes Celley is a redeemable to our previous state. I attempted to make him swear an oath to abandon all communication with Celley or any of her agents, and he refused to swear the oath. Instead of banishing our Brother, as would've been my constitutional right to do so (for his disloyalty to Order's purpose), I gave him a day and a night to considere, meditate and pray over the question and choose to either swear the oath and confirm his membership with us or refuse, leaving him to apostasy.

Brother Sythren informs us that he and his cousin will attempt redeeming Celley through a scheme he has developped in the Caverns of Time. Light only will tell how this ends.

May the Light ever be with you, dear sister.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard.
Secretary.

The Bounty for Celley the Fel, Eredritch Breathforged and the Book.

Brethren,

Sister Kathetara informs me that she has seen a "Wanted" Poster in Darkshire, on which the following information appears.

A bounty has been issued by the Stormwind Guard on the heads of Celley the Fel and Eredritch Breathforged as well as the Book.

For Celley the Fel:
65 gold coins for any reliable information on her whereabouts.
128 gold coins for her head.

For Eredritch Breathforged:
1 gold for any reliable information on his whereabotus.
15 gold coins for his head.

For Draxxinconius the Book:
65 gold coins for any reliable information on its whereabouts.
130 gold coins for its capture and incapacitation.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

The Recreancy of Celley the Fel and Eredritch Breathforged

Brethren,

Under explicit order of our Commander and Guild Mistress, Dame Anira Theranarr - I have alerted the Stormwind Guard of the danger that Celley the Fel (previously known as "The Emerald") and Eredritch Breathforged and his sinister tome known as "Draxxinconius" pose to the Kingdom of Stormwind and to our fair city. Celley's lair, located in the bowels of the crypt connected to the tavern known as "The Slaughtered Lamb" has been marked and seized by the Stormwind City Guard in consequence of my admonition.

These two are no longer members of our honourable chivalric order for they have assaulted a number of our members.

Celley's discarded Guild Seal has been retrieved due to a tracking feature and has been destroyed.

Thus, the Stormwind Guard have added these two (or three) to their long list of criminals.

A bounty may be issued on the head of these two in time and until our Guild Mistress and the Stormwind Guard command it so.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard
Secretary.

First Official Guild Meeting of the Aniran Era

Brethren,

On December 19th, 2007 at 6:15 PM (Server Time), at the Westbrook Garrison in western Elwynn Forest, the meeting has begun for the officers of the guild. During which:

Sir Lethan Teradial officially announces that he will step down from the rank of Guild Master, and presents Dame Anira Theranarr as his righteous successor. The motion is uncontested and unanymously approved by the whole of the General Council.

Sir Lethan Teradial proposes that each Knight-General should be assigned to a particular duty or ministry as to define the role of their officership. The proposition is approved.

Dame Zsuzsa gives recommendations on the proposed assignment of each Knight-General, on which all the Knight-Generals agree. The secretary of the Order has defined this in the Order's constitution (The Official Royal Charter).

At 6:58 PM (Server Time), the meeting in which all members were to be present is called to order by Sir Lethan Teradial. During which:

Sir Lethan Teradial reiterates that Dame Anira Theranarr is to succeed him as Guild Mistress. The members adopt the news with cheer and applaud.

Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard (Now "Bartholomeus") makes a congratulatory speech to the Dame Anira and requests that Sir Lethan installs Dame Anira, as is tradition, through the rite of the "laying down of hands". Sir Lethan did not concur.

Dame Anira Theranarr chooses for herself the title of "Commander" and concludes the meeting with a speech.

The meeting ends at around 7:20 PM (Server Time)

The Official Royal Charter of the Order of the Knights of Stormwind

Below will be found the most vital document in possession of the Order, it's constitutional royal charter. Every loyal member should read this document and be knowledgeable of its content. Please note that a few minor adjustments have been made to make the document clearer and more in tune with current constitutional procession.

Prologue:

Fellow guildsmen and women, I have recently travelled to our beloved Stormwind City to have audience with his Royal Majesty, King Anduin Wrynn. After several hours of waiting, I was able to request and obtain (again after several hours of formulation with a royal registraar) an official royal charter for our guild. Herein you will find our preambular, principles of policy, rule and law as well as all pertinent informations concerning the Order. I humble offer this to you all, in bond of brotherhood. Signed: Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard.

The Official Royal Charter for the Guild hereby known as
The Order of the Knights of Stormwind

Preamble:

We stand at a critical moment in Azeroth's history, a time when humanity and allied races must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one family and one Allied Azerothian community with a common destiny. We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace. Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Azeroth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.

The Knights of Stormwind, an honourable chivalric order stands as an enforcer of the above-mentionned values.

Anduin Wrynn, by the Grace of the Light, of the Kingdom of Stormwind and son of Varian Wrynn. To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting:

Whereas we, the Knights of Stormwind, are a circle of equal men and women of the Alliance in the world of Azeroth at the defense of, not only the City of Stormwind and the human kingdom, but of all kingdoms, cities and townships under the banner of the glorious Alliance.

And whereas we stand united against all enemies, rivals and potential external and internal threats to the Kingdom of Stormwind and its allies.

We acknowledge and recognize the succeeding principle elements of policy, rule and law.

Principles:

I. Structure of the Guild

Nota bene: Although the hierarchy of the Order may seem to be heavy, it is likened to a "practical illusion". Meaning that the hierarchical structure aid to the practical development and function of the guild, but we are, however, all equal brothers and sisters regardless of our ranks.

All forms of address are in proper chivalric terms.

The following ranks are mentionned in order of importance, from highest to lowest.

All ranks can be accessed through the ordinary and extraordinary form of democratic motion. The candidate must be nominated and seconded and from there, a vote of approval/disapproval shall take place. All formerly known trials and tests of worth may still be performed on the candidate to give material of consideration to the voting members.

1. The Guild Master* shall be known as the Master of the Guild and head of its administration.

*Note: The word "Master" is interchangeable with "Mistress" in consequence of a female being in charge of penultimate administration.

A. As the successor of the founding Lord-Protector, Sir Unther Winterwolf, his primary responsability is to see to the overall protection and well-being of the Guild and to act as its head.

B. There can only be one (1) Guild Master for the Order.

C. If the current Guild Master has not nominated a successor or an heir apparent, the future Guild Master will be elected through democratic motion by all full-members of the Order.

D. The current Guild Mistress is: Dame Anira Theranarr who has taken upon herself the title of "Commander". She was installed by Sir Lethan Teradial on December 19th, 2007.

Former Guild Masters are:

1. Sir Unther Winterwolf who has taken upon himself the title of "Lord-Protector". (August 28th to September 20th, 2007 - Untherian era).
2. Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard who has taken upon himself the title of "Grand Knight". (September 20th to October 20th, 2007 - Bartholomean era).
3. Sir Lethan Teradial who has taken upon himself the title of "General". (October 20th to December 19th, 2007 - Lethanian era).

The End-September Amendment: (All text in Orange)

Guild Master:

This position is the leader and the figurehead of the guild. The person holding this position should be one both of accomplished skill, and more importantly someone of honor. The person needs to be diplomat as well as a fair mediator, and able to show courage in battle. He is also the head of the elected ruling body of the guild, the General Council.

Responsibilities: See to the overall protection and well-being of the Guild and to act as its head. Can also be called on to be mediator, and may punish transgressions against the guild.

Method of attainment: If the current Guild Master has not nominated a successor or an heir apparent, the future Guild Master will be elected through democratic motion by all full-members of the Order. Note: This is the only rank that can be passed down by succession.

The Guild does not serve the Guild Master, the Guild Master
serves the Guild.

-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard's motto as Grand Knight.

2. The Knight-Generals shall be known as equals to the Guild Master (insofar as it is taken to coordination of the guild.)

A. As the functional equals to the Guild Master, they are selected by the Lord-Protector through trials and commendations by the members of the guild.

B. Each Knight-General is assigned to a particular ministry or officership. The assignment is given by the Guild Master, based on the Knight-General's talents.

C. There will be a maximum of five (5) Knight-Generals.

D. The current Knight-Generals are:

1. Sir Lethan Teradial - Interim officer. (Since Bartholomean era)
2. Dame Zsuzsa Melisovna - Captain of the Honour Guard, political officer. (Since Lethanian era)
3. Dame Laern - Recruiter, ethical officer. (Since Bartholomean era)
4. Dame Calixis Chandler - Treasurer, financial officer. (Since Lethanian era)
5. Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard - Secretary, archival officer. (Since Untherian era)

Former Knight-Generals:

1. Sir Ragnar "Onepaw" (Untherian era)
2. Dame Jaibles (Unther-Bartholomean era)
3. Priestess Ratele Vailor (Bartholomean era)
4. Sir Lethan Teradial (Bartholomean era)

Knight-Generals:

The five Knight Generals are the right hand of the Guild Master, they also make up the majority of the General Council. They should be as skilled in combat and as honorable as the Guild Master.

Responsibilities: A Knight General has the same responsibilities as the Grand Knight.

Method of attainment: They are selected by the Guild Master and then voted into position by the Order. A Knight-General can also be nominated by any knight in good standing, but then he/she must be at least seconded by another knight in good standing before a vote may proceed.

3. The Honour Guard Captain shall be known as the leader of the honourable guardians of, not only the Lord-Protector and the Knight-Generals, but of all members of the guild.

A. As he or she stands equal in rank to a Knight-General, the candidate shall be selected by the Guild Master through trials and commendations by the members of the guild, but especially tried in combat skills.

B. There can only be one (1) Honour Guard Captain.

C. The current Honour Guard Captain is:

1. Dame Zsuzsa Melisovna (Since Lethanian era)

Former Honour Guard Captains:

1. Dame Xaify (Untherian era)

Honor Guard Captain:

The Honor Guard is the last, member of the General Council of the Order, this person is an acting Knight General with the additional honor of appointing the Honor Guard, the knights who guard meetings and other events of the Order.

Responsibilities: The Honor Guard Captain has the same responsibilities as the Grand Knight and will also appoint the Honor Guard, and be responsible for their behavior.

Method of attainment: As he or she stands equal in rank to a Knight-General, the candidate shall be selected in the same method as a Knight General, but will also have to go through a trial of combat skill before a vote may proceed.

This rank no longer exists as seperate from the rank of Knight-General.

4. The Honour Guard shall be known as the honourable guardians of, not only the Guild Master and the Knight-Generals, but of all members of the guild.

A. The candidates for this rank will be tried and tested by the Captain of the Honour Guard through tests of combat skills and valour.

B. There will be a maximum of eighteen (18 ) Honour Guards.

This rank no longer exists as seperate from the rank of Knight. Honour Guards are assumed to be speculative associates of the Honour Guard Captain.

5. The Crusader Captain shall be known as the leader of those who, having sworn allegiance to the Order of the Knights of Stormwind, Kingdom of Stormwind and the Alliance, launch offensive raids and campaigns (known as "crusades") at the Horde or any other enemy of the guild, the kingdom and allied kingdoms. This rank is equal to the Knight-General.

A. The candidate for this rank will be selected through the ordinary trials conducted by the Guild Master or an assigned Knight-General.

B. There can only be one (1) Crusader Captain for every ten (10) Crusaders.

C. The current Crusader Captain is: Rank vacant

Crusader Captain:

These are the people whom have shown exceptional skill in both combat and organization, they will be looked at to not only lead us into battle, but to set the strategy and the times for these battles.

Responsibilities: Shall arrange and create times for crusades into various contested grounds to help the alliance hold against the onslaught of the horde. As well as into various places of power to face the ancient evils of this world or the next.

Method of attainment: This is position is appointed by the Grand Knight and ratified by the General Council.

This rank no longer exists as seperate from the rank of Knight-General.

6. The Crusaders shall be known as the ones who, having sworn allegiance to the Order of the Knights of Stormwind, the Kingdom of Stormwind and the Alliance, launch offensive raids and campaigns (known as "crusades") at the Horde or any other enemy of the guild, the kingdom and allied kingdoms.

A. The candidates for this rank will be selected, tried and tested by the Crusader Captain.

B. There will be an undefined maximum number of Crusaders allowed.

This rank no longer exists.

7. The Captains shall be known as the ones who are second-in-command and advisors to the Knight-Generals. They do not, however, hold the same powers to define the ranks as an ordinary Knight-General would.

A. The candidates for this rank will be selected after recommendations made by the members.

B. There can only be one (1) Captain for every ten (10) Knight.

Knight Captain:

These brave souls have shown exemplary skill in leadership, they are the ones that Knights and Knight Veterans can look to for what leadership is. They are accorded due to their exceptional leadership the ability to take more than one squire.

Responsibilities: Maintaining the Order of the guild, and is allowed up to two squires, and is a position of leadership.

Method of attainment: This position is given to someone who has shown they have exceptional leadership on or off the battlefield, any member of the General Council may appoint someone to this position at which point it will be ratified by the Order.

8. The Veteran Knights shall be known as the experienced, elder knights of the Order.

A. The candidate for this rank will be entitled to this honorific rank if he or she has not been promoted to the aforementionned ranks before having attained his or her 40th season.

B. This rank is ordinarily entitled to the newest recruits to the Order who are between their 40th season and beyond.

C. The Veteran Knights do not possess any more power than ordinary Knights.

D. There will be an undefined maximum number of Veteran Knights allowed.

Veteran Knights:

This is the old guard, the Knights who have proved time and time again that they are consistent. Look to these as our proud members who have earned their place in the Order, and give them the respect that they deserve.

Responsibilities: Maintaining order in the guild.

Method of attainment: This position is given to a knight by any of the General Council after showing a courageous and honorable spirit, and as a means of recognizing those that have put in time with the Order. Any person set to this rank will need to be of at least his 40th season to help qualify his veteran status.

This rank no longer exists.

9. The Knights shall be known as the very backbone of the Order, being the the foundation of the guild's functional power.

A. This rank is ordinarily entitled to the newest recruits to the Order who are between their 10th and 40th season.

B. Unranked members between their 10th and 40th season shall be known as Knights.

C. There will be an undefined maximum number of Knights allowed.

Knight:

This is the backbone of our Order, this is the warrior who has proven they have the courage and honor to bare the title of Knight of Stormwind.

Responsibilities: This is the back bone of the Order, it is the general populace and as such they must be honorable, and uphold the spirit of chivalry that is the Order.

Method of attainment: A squire may be vouched for by his patron and one other knight, who then is voted on by the Order to become a full member. The squire must have attained some combat prowess and so should be at least of the tenth season.

Squire:

These are our new members people who have are proving themselves. They have already caught the eye of one or more of the other Knights, and have gotten themselves pledged into training.

Responsibilities: Learn about the Order, and learn what it means to be a member of the Order, also prove themself worthy of being a knight.

Method of attainment: A page may become a squire at the desire of any knight, though a knight may only have one page. As a note, the responsibility of the squires actions fall upon the knight who took him.

Addendum: There can only be one squire-knight relationship between two members. ((Meaning, you can't be the tutor of someone's alt if he is your tutor on his main. Or vice versa. There can only be one squire-knight relationship.)) A squire may approach any member on or above the rank of Knight to become his tutor, and a Knight or any member above this rank may approach a Page to become his student or Squire.

10. The Pages shall be known as the youngest, most precious, aspirant Knights.

A. This ranks is ordinarily entitled to the newest recruits who are under their 10th season.

B. Unranked members under their 10th season shall be known as Pages.

C. There will be an undefined maximum number of Pages allowed.

D. A knighting ceremony will be held as the Page enters his 10th season. After this ceremony, he or she will be promoted to the rank of Knight.

Page:

This is our trial members, citizens of Azeroth who wish to better the land by joining our order, but be forewarned many a page will not make it to the rank of squire let alone knight, one must show both courage and honor to move beyond this rank.

Responsibilities: Learn who the Order is, and prove themself both in battle and in diplomacy so that a knight might bequeath upon them the title of squire.

Method of attainment: A person is allowed to become a page by contacting any Knight Captain, or a member of the General Council and expressing their desire to become such. Though recruitment may be halted at any time by the General Council.

Beyond those of the Rank that a Knight holds there is some additional responsibilities that any individual may hold. These responsibilities can be seen in the guild roster next to their name. ((In the Officer Note))

Honor Guard: An honor guard is someone of impeccable honor, who has been given the privilege of standing guard at events, some of these events are social, but some may be meetings with the General Council, and as such they may become privy to things that should not be spoken to any, so a vow of secrecy is taken upon taking the position.

Crusader: Any knight may request to become a crusader, this request should be given to a member of the General Council or a Crusader Captain. This request allows for them to be called upon to join a crusade, and also gives them recognition as someone willing to give lay down their own life to help in such a crusade.

Sage: A sage is someone who is especially knowledgeable about a particular thing, if you need help look to your sages for they have wisdom that can only be gleaned by years of learning. A sage becomes such at the suggestion of another member who has witnessed his knowledge, then discreetly as possible the General Council will verify and then contact this person to see if he wishes to be known as such.

II. Policies of the Guild

Nota bene: Policies, as well as the succeeding rules and laws may be modified, repealed or added onto through democratic motions of proposal and vote of approval/disapproval. See the Guild's legislative branch for more information.

1. Expulsion upon inactivity:

• A. If a Page is inactive (has not activated his "Guild Seal") for over a period of twenty (20) days, he or she will be expelled from the Order.
• B. If a member ranking above that of the Page (Knight and beyond) is inactive for over a period of twenty (20) days, he or she will be demoted from one rank each time this period has been elapsed. Deletion from the guild will only happen up until the member in question has stayed over twenty (20) days in the rank of Page.
• C. Exception: If the member, however, warns the Guild Master or a Knight-General (who should inform the Guild Master) about his future inactivity, then the expulsion or demotion will be postponed.
• D. Inactive alternate characters belonging to an active main character are not subject to this policy.

2. Alternate characters: ((OOC))

• A. A member may only have one (1) alternate character allowed into the guild after each ten (10) seasons ((levels)) attained by the main character who first joined the guild.
• B. If the member has attained his 70th season, he may have all his alternate characters admitted into the guild.
• C. Alternate character's must be labelled as belonging to the member's main character.

3. Recruitment:

• A. As of today (the day on which this charter has been issued), recruitment is now open for prospective members of the Order.
• B. Recruitment tactics must not conflict with policy #2.
• C. If recruitment conflicts with policy #2, or the recruiter recruits without discrimination or discernment of the worth of those recruited, the recruiter will face penalties extending between demotion from rank to expulsion from the Order. In brief: Recruiters must not swell the Order's numbers with non-qualified members or they will suffer consequences for their actions.
• D. The Knight-General in charge of general recruitment activities should be consulted when need be.

4. Group and raiding parties:

• A. All members are encouraged, as much as possible, to group together with fellow members of the guild when hunting ((grinding)) and aiding society through quests. This is enforced to strengthen fraternal bonds between members.
• B. Raiding parties should be organised and composed of Crusaders as much as possible, but this is not required. Such crusades or raiding campaigns should be held within the guild and allied guilds as much as possible.
• C. It is not required of members to assist to group hunting or crusades, however, greatly encouraged and appreciated.

5. Manditory respect:

• A. If a member is reported under various complaints of any form of abuse or severe disrespect, this member will suffer penalties as judged righteous by the Guild Master who acts as a moderator and judge in this case.
• B. In cases where the report made unto a member is of questionable origin or intent, a trial of judgement will be held with the Guild Master presiding. Furthermore, a proper investigation on the subject of the concerned members.
• C. In cases where a complaint is made against a high-ranking member (Crusader Captain and higher), a manditory trial of judgement will be held.
• D. In cases where a complaint is made against a low-ranking member (Crusader and lower), swift action will be taken which may extend to expulsion from the Order.

Note: You are innocent until proven guilty.

Thus the righteousness and justice of the Order.

III. Rules and Laws of the Guild

On communications:

• All OOC (Out-of-character) talk should be held in the proper channel, which is: TKOSooc. Guild chat must always be IC (In-character).
• Members or friends of the guild only may use the TKOSooc channel.

On role-playing: (Added as the January Reformation, an amendment approved by Anira Theranarr on January 14, 2008)

• All characters in the guild must be based on Warcraft lore and on Warcraft lore only. (You may not roleplay as a Super Saiyan, Harry Potter's twin brother or a Half-Gnome/Half-Draenei/Half-Harpy.)
• All characters must make sense*. (*"make sense", to be reasonable or comprehensible) (You may not roleplay as a Human who has seen the Sundering personally and once dated with Queen Azshara, who has wrestled with Illidan Stormrage when he was 12 or be Sargeras' bastard child.)
• All characters must be possible within the range of the aforementioned lore. (You may not roleplay as a Night-Elven mage, for example)
• While roleplaying, avoid "god-moding"*. (*roleplaying as an overpowered character. For example, you should be able to take hits during a roleplayed fight and not dodge all of them and kill the character you're dueling with in one single, goddly blow. You may not play a character who is all-knowing [omniscient], all-powerful [omnipotent].)
• All roleplaying with non-members of the guild is encouraged and falls within the perrogative and liberty of the roleplayer. How the member of the guild roleplays with the non-member is entirely between the mutual consensus of the two.
• All characters in the guild should, in some way or the other, be compatible* with the lawful good allignment of the guild and in harmony with the ideals of honour, chivalry and loyalty/service. (The Order of the Knights of Stormwind is an confraternity of knights, defenders and civil servants of the Kingdom of Stormwind and its allies [The Alliance], your character should blend into this collective identity.) (*By "compatible" we mean, any characters who can work with and within an organisation of a lawful good alligned identity. Thus, allignments such as neutral good, chaotic good and lawful neutral are acceptable, granted the character does not contradict the ideals, goals and purpose of the chivalric order and his or her role in the guild makes sense.)

On formal, official meetings:

• All members, except the Honour Guard are required to disarm themselves during meetings.
• The Honour Guard must be posted in and around the perimeters of the meeting hall. All intruders must be dealt with accordingly. If short-staffed, the Honour Guard Captain may assign Knights to act as Honour Guards for the occasion.
• All members are asked to dress and act according to the code and etiquette of chivalry. In brief: Try to be neat and nice as much as possible.

On banishment:

• Any member who does not conform to the constitutional body of the Order or who does not conform to its ideals or acts contraversely against the Order and its administration is liable for banishment.
• Any member who is in complicity with a criminal or aids an illegal cause against the Order or the Kingdom is liable for banishment.
• Any criminals or otherwise morally and politically incorrect members are liable for banishment.
• Only the Guild Master, a Knight-General, or a designated full-member may banish a member of the Order.
• The proclamation of banishment can only be pronounced once the banished member has returned to the Order his Guild Seal. Once returned, the Guild Seal is effectively destroyed. If the banished member is wearing the Guild Tabard, it must ripped asunder.
• If the banished member refuses to peacefully return his Guild Seal or any item belonging to the Order, it must be taken from him under the employ of righteous force.
• Once banished, the former member may appeal to the Order to be re-admitted.

On trials:

• The Guild Master can assign a member to a trial of whatever nature he so wishes it to be.
• There will never be a set time limit on a trial, as long as the set requirements of the trial are met.
• The Guild Master can stop, postpone or cancel a trial at any moment.
• Concerning trials of a combative nature such as duels; these will be held outside the meeting hall or perimeters, or set at a certain time and place. No healing whatsoever is allowed in trials of combat skills (duels).

On guild events:

• Guild events may include anything likened unto the following examples: weddings, funerals, judgement trials, casual gatherings or rounds at a chosen tavern.
• Events of greater importance call for greater levels of security.

Epilogue:

May the Order of the Knights of Stormwind ever bask in the pristine glory of the Holy Light.

Introduction to the Archives of the Order

Brethren,

As the Knight-General assigned to the official keeping of archives and recording of our history I graciously present this ongoing series of issues as part of my secreteriat. Herein will be recorded all important happenings of the Order. May the Light be with you all and may the Light keep the Order of the Knights of Stormwind strong and vibrant.

Yours in the Light,
-Sir Bartholomeo Burlguard.
Secretary.