History of the Order
Modest Beginnings
The Order of the Sword was founded during the reign of Emperor Sonit in the early 120's of the New Age. During that period, the Confederation underwent several hardships and small natural disasters. Emperor Sonit foresaw the need for a standing Confederation army, and through conscription, he established the basis of what was to eventually become known as the Order of the Sword. In 129 NA, the Order was fully established under the firm leadership of Sir Relin Tasianant, a devout follower of the Church of Anthor, as an independent guild for training in war and command. The Order was to be a force uniting the member nations of the Confederation and drew men and women of all races into a force dedicated to the pursuit of justice.
Founding of the Order
The Order was initially located within the confines of Coopersville Forge and the largest known garrison was established there. Within two decades of its conception, garrisons had sprung up throughout the five realms, finding places in many of the towns and villages, while large contingents of soldiers were placed in the major cities. Those men and women who volunteered for this service to the Confederation covenanted to dedicate anywhere from two to all ten months of every year to maintain these garrisons, and to uphold law and order wherever possible throughout the Confederation. The Emperor and leaders in each of the realms granted these men and women the authority to act in the name of the Emperor and their respective kingdoms. They are bound by their oaths to do all in their power to apprehend those who violate the law.
Military actions over time
The Order flourished from the time of its inception, providing stability to the Confederation. The sharing of this duty between the races fostered a new age of understanding and helped the races to see through prior biases and prejudices. Upon the outbreak of the second mage war, the men and women of the Order of the Sword were the first to pick up their arms and answer the Emperor's call to join the battle. Throughout that terrible war, wherever the fighting was heaviest, there were found the members of the Order paying with their own blood for the freedom of their brethren. Due to this level of dedication, the Order's ranks suffered a heavy toll. Most of the leaders were killed during the fighting as they lead their troops against the Sythian and their magic.
During the torrid times of the Noble Wars, the Order did their best to stay out of the conflict. Where possible, they served to break up the warring parties and tried to sue for peace. If it was not for the brave actions of the Order, the Noble Wars could have gotten out of control, and instead of a few power hungry nobles grabbing for land, it may have been an all out civil war.
With the onset of the 3rd Mage War, the Order once more took a heavy toll sending its fighters into the fiercest of the fighting. Most of the Order was decimated in the first few years of the conflict and the leadership of the Order took a heavy toll. At the time of Torin Brand's surrender to the Syth, only a handful of the once swelling ranks of the Order were left standing. Sir Croclan and his aide Sir Di Arles were the highest-ranking members of the Order left, and as such rallied the remaining members of the protectorate upon Torin Brand's return with the fabled rod.
Edilar recall and Dwarf-Orc War
Since this time, the Order has seen many changes. The call for the return of the elves to Edilar was the cause for the resignation of fully 90% of the Order's Elven members. The few who remained were assigned as scouts for the active duty Infantry battalions. The Dwarf/Orc War has seen the loss of two more races' major representation in the Order. The dwarves, especially, were a great loss to the Order, and their dedication to Law will be missed.
The headquarters of The Order of the Sword, commonly known as "the Order", was originally located in Coopersville Forge, only a few hundred meters away from the Imperial Mage Guild and the Imperial castle. The Order actively enlist warriors who prove their loyalty and dedication to justice, and is the main centralized law enforcement agency in the Confederation. As such, this guild is one of the most respected in Thardferr. Upon entering the ranks of the Order, members are expected to obey and uphold all of the laws of the Confederation. All those unable to uphold these standards, in addition to any legal proceedings, are swiftly severed from all relations and benefits of the guild.
The Order has several thousand active members at any one time with at least double that number in reservists. Its members are found in all towns and villages often serving as the policing force for smaller towns and villages, and as a liaisons to the city guards, often supplementing those forces. If called to action, they are capable of producing a large fighting force well suited to the defense of the confederation. They act as the backbone for spreading the law and its teachings.