Order of the Crimson Fist

The Order of the Crimson fist is a chapter of the Order of the Silver Hand, based in the Arathi highlands. All paladins of the highlands are encouraged to join the order, regardless of guild affiliation, so long as they meet a few simple requirements. The chapter was formed by officers of  with the purpose of fostering role-play in the Arathi highlands.

About the Order
The Order of the Silver Hand is the order of paladins created shortly after the first war by Uther the Lightbringer and Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Seeking to create an order that would suffer less attrition in battle, Faol recruited Noble knights to train in the ways of the Light and members of the priesthood to train in martial combat. In Alonsus Chapel in Stratholme, Uther the Lightbringer was appointed the first of the paladins.

Years after its decimation by the corrupted Prince Arthas, some of the remaining Knights of the Silver Hand traveled elsewhere and the order began to take root again, throughout the Eastern Kingdoms. Today, there are many chapters of the order throughout the Kingdoms and a new chapter has been created by Melysa Marwyn-Ashvale for paladins of the Arathi highlands. The Order of the Crimson Fist is based from the Sanctum in Stromgarde and serves as the first line of defense against the evils that plague the people of the highlands. Through adherence to the Light's virtues, the Knights of the order bring hope to the battered Kingdom of Stromgarde while its clerics serve as the spiritual advisers of the realm.

Hierarchy
The order's hierarchy is as follows:

The Bishop of Stromgarde
The Bishop serves as the chief spiritual adviser of the realm and the other leaders of the order answer directly to him/her so as to maintain a link to the Church of the Holy Light.

The Grand Master
(Sometimes referred to in other chapters as the Highlord) The Grand Master leads the Order of the Crimson Fist and serves as chairperson during all meetings of the order. He/she leads the Knights into battle and serves as exemplar of the order.

The High Cleric
The High Cleric is responsible for teaching aspiring paladins the Light's virtues and guiding them on the path to Knighthood. The High Cleric oversees the training of all the order's clerics, ensuring that those who rise to such a position are ready for the responsibilities demanded of them.

The Knight's Code
Before an aspirant can be inducted, he/she must swear to uphold the honor and code of the order.

Courtesy

 * A knight of the order carries him/herself proudly, maintains self control, and accepts ill-mannered behavior with grace.


 * A Knight of the order considers the feelings of others and takes care not to offend them.


 * A Knight of the order demonstrates proper manners and keeps him/herself immaculately groomed, bathing regularly and wearing clean clothes.


 * A Knight of the order speaks tactfully and kindly, refraining from emotional outbursts, excessive eating and drinking, foul language, and other such acts.

Honesty

 * A knight of the order always speaks the truth as they know it, even if it may lead to their death. (They may decline or withhold information, but will never intentionally mislead anyone, even an enemy.)


 * A Knight of the order does not make promises lightly, but once their word of honor has been given, it is kept.


 * As a marriage vow is a promise, a Knight of the order cannot consider a divorce. (The only exception to this is if a spouse commits an evil deed, abandonment, etc. If this is the case, the Knight may consider dissolving the marriage.)

Honor

 * A Knight of the order conducts him/herself with integrity regardless of circumstance.


 * A Knight of the order shows mercy to the repentant, and refuses to inflict undue suffering, even on the most vile evildoer. They face their foes with courage and honor, never turning their back on an enemy or attacking a foe whose back is turned.


 * A Knight of the order must accept all challenges to duel given by those of comparable status and must not shrink from defending the honor of those who cannot defend themselves. (A challenge from an arrogant youngster or a drunken fool may go unheeded.)


 * A Knight of the order defends the weak, vanquishes evil wherever it may be found and obeys all just orders from their superiors without hesitation or question.


 * A Knight of the order shall not, in any manner, bring shame upon themselves, their Kingdom or the order.


 * Though all beings are inherently flawed, a Knight of the order strives at all times to exemplify the virtues of the Holy LightL--respect, tenacity and compassion.

Excommunication
Excommunication is a rare and harsh punishment, used in only the most extreme cases. If a Knight of the order has broken his or her vows, brought shame to the order or committed an act of treason against the Kingdom of Stromgarde, they may be excommunicated from the order.

No Knight may be excommunicated without a trial, where the Regent herself and the Bishop of Stromgarde shall be present.

The Knight will be given ample opportunity to plead his or her case and be judged by a jury comprised of their fellow Knights.

If found guilty of the charges against them, the Knight may face excommunication, though the final decision as to whether a Knight is to suffer excommunication is at the Grand Master's discretion.