While there is a grain of truth in the charge that these are merely social clubs or associations for the furthering of members political plans, the standards
for entrance and membership are so high as to usually ensure that members merit whatever rewards accrue them just for belonging to the Order. The most famous
of these Orders are known Trishore-wide, and their members treated like visiting nobility virtually everywhere they go. Entrance standards are the greatest
barrier to admittance, but most also have very specific rules of conduct or a code of behavior which must be followed or risk expulsion (particularly the
Paladin "Holy" Honourary Orders).
Usually sponsored by a country to honour its most valued warriors, the Honourary Fighting Orders (e.g. Fighters and Paladins) are called "retirement clubs" by jealous younger
fighters who are out making their name...or dying to prove themselves. Still, these Orders serve as both an inducement to excel, and as a living reminder
of the glory that some of that country's warriors have achieved.
Order of the Golden Helm - with its multitude of important families and private armies, recognition of warrior excellence would seem to be
very difficult to achieve in the Denlor Plains. However, as is often the case here, they have come up with a sensible solution: stage a major
competition every other year with a large prize, and see that the best warrior wins. Initial rounds ensure that no one under tenth level is
allowed into the finals, and all finalists then meet for a full week of mock battles and contests. The winner receives a solid gold helm
(as a sort of trophy), a very large purse (a percent of the gambling stakes), and a small parcel of their own land. All finalists must be
members of a recognized house, and house hostilities are at least muted for the duration of the event. Members currently number 31.
Shield of Heroism - every year during the Harvest Festival in the Andron Kingdom, a select few of the most valorous warriors in the
land are honoured by induction into the oldest and most prestigious Order in their land. They are personally given their award by the
Kings in a lavish ceremony in Castle Belecost, and then the entire city of Belecost is encouraged to have a huge celebration. Members
are usually at least 12th level fighters of any class, but exceptional valour and skill has been recognized (often posthumously) from
those of even 3rd level. Benefits also include a +3 shield with the Order's insignia. There are currently 27 active members.
Order of the True Blade - to reach old age as a warrior (of any class) in the Kingdom of Cadorna is a major accomplishment,
and to do so without the benefits of being an officer is even more remarkable still. Founded by Pakim Dominor (first of his family
to rule the Kingdom) in 3875, he knew that the nobles could look after themselves in old age, but was fair minded enough to recognize
the common soldier's challenges. Thus, he founded the Order and gained the Army's support during his succession challenges. All
non-noble warriors in the Army of 40 years or older are granted membership, which includes a small pension, basic medical/priestly
care, and the option of lodging in one of the numerous large communal halls built for the retirees. Moreover, members are accorded
some respect, and gain +1 bonus to all Cadornian NPC reaction rolls. Finally, each is presented a truly royal gift, a beautifully
engraved and embossed +2 long sword. There are but 40 of these older warriors in the Kingdom at this time.
The Sheathed Blade - an exception to the usual definition of an Order, the Sheathed Blade is unique in many aspects. It is
known to only a very few people (almost secret, and thus accorded little respect), its rewards are dubious at best, and its members
do not really know one another. The Magedom of Dalmask is not noted for the prowess of its Warriors, but from time to time a genuine
expert emerges, and before they die of old age (or upon being killed), they are inducted into the Order, whether they like it or not.
Brought back to life (via a Wish if need be), and returned to a younger state by potions and so forth, these new members are then
subjected to a Temporal Stasis spell, effectively preserved forever for the ultimate needs of the Magedom. Only a very few of
the Magedom's elite know the locations and passwords to the Orders "homes", and there are but five "members" that have been "admitted",
but they were/are mighty indeed.
The Empty Quiver - little known outside of Lithorindinum, members of this Order are accorded the highest respect possible in virtually all elvish communities. Membership is very exclusive, with such extraordinary standards that decades may pass before a new member is inducted. Granted only to those who show exceptional commitment to the defense of elvish lands, life and values, all members of Lithorindinum must reach consensus on whether to induct a member or not. The Order predates Firefall, and interestingly has had non-elvish members on a few occasions. Even more rarely a group or team of mixed fighter classes is recognized for their combined efforts, but this has only happened twice in elvish memory. Member benefits include a +4 reaction bonus from all High Elf NPCs, a +3 reaction bonus from all other good and neutral aligned elvish NPCs, a made-to-measure suit of Elvish Chain Mail, and free passage throughout all surface elven lands. There are currently 13 elves wearing the mithral broach of the Empty Quiver, and anyone found with one who did not earn it had better have a good explanation.
Order of Furled Sail - in the face of Ocean Tribe superiority at sea, Schew is forced to rely on strong defenses for their slower ships and less skilled crews. One of the lines of defense on Schewian ships are the Royal Marines, an elite water-borne force devoted to repelling boarding parties and maintaining order aboard ship. The attrition rate is high, and those who survive ten "tours" (seasons at sea) and reach at least 6th level are eligible to join the Furled Sail. Members are accorded much respect (+2 reaction bonus from all Schewians) and after a few more tours are usually "retired" to some safer and reasonable well-paid position (harbour master, guard captain, etc.). On top of their insignia, each member usually also places a tattoo on their left wrist of three masted sailing ship. There are 39 members currently scattered throughout Schew.
Order of the Shattered Shield - many of the warriors of the Bornuvian military are filled with what might politely be termed battle-lust, and this Order serves as a reward for those who excel in this area. Technically the Shattered Shield is set up to recognize military excellence, but entrance is usually conferred upon the top warrior with the most confirmed enemy kills in that year. In years of peace (which have been few of late), contests are held to determine the victor, usually (in later rounds) to the death. As Bornu is noted for its excellent steel it comes as little surprise that one of the benefits of membership is a finely wrought +3 sword inscribed with the Order's insignia, and an increase in rank in the military (5-30 gp more pay per month). Another benefit is a +2 reaction bonus from all NPC members of Bornu's Military, Government and Printep Clergy.
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