Order of the Lion

The Order of the Lion (Also known as the Stormwind Military Order of the Lion) is the Kingdom of Stormwind's national Order of Knighthood, succeeding the mostly ruined Brotherhood of the Horse, which preceded the Order. It is formally led by the Monarch of Gilneas, who regulates new members and the Order's Activities.

Usually, the Order only holds a ceremonial purpose, though they may extend themselves to military business on occasion. It holds no combative stance, with it's primary goal to simply recognize service and dedication to the Nation of Gilneas.

The Order of the Lion was once the second-highest Order of Knighthood, tracing its origins from centuries prior as a primary military order. However, with the onset of the First and Second Wars, the Order was soon officially declared to succeed the Brotherhood of the Horse and was subject to an array of changes from each Regent and King to ascend to power in the Kingdom.

Structure
Following the ascention of King Varian Wrynn, the Order was reorgnazined to house a smaller civilian service section. While it is not as large or ceremonial as the military section, it is nonetheless an important honour for any civilian who is awarded a membership in it. The civilian section may commemorate outstanding service to the Kingdom of Stormwind, or to the House of Wrynn. With the on-going issuing of the Cross of Tiffin, this has made the civilian section lacking in membership, with the Order recieving most of its new arrivals through the military section.

As such, there are a number of key eligibility requirements which a military officer may recieve membership, though it is often due to rank seniority or greater service.

Civilian Service
The Civilian Service mostly holds Cross of Tiffin reciepients, who usually hold membership at aCompanion level, and are so, entitled to wear the order ribbon on ceremonial occassions. Despite this, they are not permitted to wear the sash or any other order accoutrements.

As many civilian Companions may already possess the Cross of Tiffin, they are also permitted to wear the medal atop the sash.

Military Service
Military Service dedicates outstanding military commanders and personnel who have served the Kingdom through a military capacity. As seen below, many Knights are awarded the low position as a commoration of their rank and service. Additionally, almost all recipients of the Cross of Llane are awarded at least a Knighthood standard in the Order.

Distinguished High Command officials, members of the Royal Family and Kingdom nobility are common recipients of higher-level awards, such as Knight-Commander.

Civilian
In order to recieve a Companion level membership, a civilian must have demonstrated capacity in one or more of the following criteria.
 * While under duress, saved the life of a citizen or a noble in an extraordinary way
 * Assisted in the defence of Stormwind against overwhelming odds during the First and Second War
 * Has shown dedication to the Kingdom of Stormwind through civil service for a long period of time
 * Is a recipient of the Cross of Tiffin
 * W.I.P.

Military
As the military service is far more comprehensive, the criteria list is far larger, but often more exclusive towards high-ranking officials
 * The Officer has served with distinguished command within the Stormwind Defence Board, Admiralty Board, or High Command
 * The Officer has, at their own peril, decisively saved the life of a noble during military action
 * Holds title and land within the Kingdom of Stormwind while serving under the military
 * Has demonstrated commendable leadership of a vital regiment, brigade or other unit in active military service
 * Is a member of the House of Wrynn
 * Is a member of the House of Nobles, having served in the rank of at least a Captain or higher
 * Is a recipient of the Cross of Llane
 * Is a recipient of the Alliance Legion of Valor

Knight-Marshal
The Knight-Marshal is the highest position an officer can take. They oversee the appointment of new members and the general affairs of the Order. Typically, the board of Knight-Marshals consist of five members, with a member of the House of Wrynn chairing the Order, often the King. Should the King decide to relinquish his chair of the Order, the responsibility is passed to another member of the family. Should no other replacement be available, a member of the House of Nobles is appointed for the honour. The chair is advised by four or three military commanders (usually retired from service).

Knight-Commander
The Knight-Commander is the second-highest appointment in the Order and is the farthest any member is likely to achieve. This rank entitles the Knight-Commanders to wear a new, inlaid ornamental sash as well as a small star.

Knight-Captain
A Knight-Captain is a senior appointment often awarded to Generals and High Commanders who have reached the rank of Marshal, or a noble who has become a Baron or a similiar nobility standard. They hold little to-no additional power or status beyond ballrooms and ceremonial functions, but is often used to commend on-going service and outstanding devotion to the Kingdom.

Knight-Captains are entitled to a number of monetary benefits often seen in senior military awards, and a new addition to the ribbon. Knight-Captains possess the same sash received as a Knight.

Knight-Lieutenant
Knight-Lieutenants are a junior appointment to the Order and may be granted to recipients of the Alliance Legion of Valor (as Stormwind citizens), or the Cross of Lane, or as for ceremonial purposes with nobility. The Knight-Lieutenant is distinguished above a Knight for their extended service through any number of capacities.

Knight-Lieutenants are also entitled to small funds, as well as an accoutrement to the Order ribbon.

Knight
Knights are the main block in the Order and are most commonly appointed solely for ceremonial purposes. Many foreign leaders may become a Knight in the Order of the Lion for ambassadorial matters. The majority of military officers granted membership in the Order is pooled in as a Knight. Many do not rise above to a Knight-Lieutenant unless holding nobility status or a distinguished command and rank.

Upon appointment as a Knight, they are awarded a sash and ribbon, with the first accoutrement to distinguish them from civilian Companions.

Companion (Civilian)
Civilians are the lowest rung in the Order and are awarded mostly for ceremonial purposes, much like the Knight. However, they are only permitted to wear the ribbon and are not to wear the dark blue sash as is customary of Knights and higher.

Companions are rarely ever raised to a Knight, only in the cases of nobility does this ever change.

Membership
Membership is decided by the Monarch of Stormwind, with consultation from the board of Knight-Marshals who assist in choosing suitable candidates for Companionship or Knighthood. Those accepted will be awarded the nomination during a ceremony at the Stormwind Keep for the official induction.

Knight-Marshals of the Order of the Lion

 * King Anduin Wrynn