Blade of the Old Watch

The rank and honour of Blade of the Old Watch is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or for most conspicuous courage in circumstance of extreme danger to both the Watch and the City. Recipients must display gallantry, valour, honour, and integrity in the presence of enemies to the Watch and the City of Fuldair. They must show dedication to both the City and to their companions in a situation that puts themselves, their associates, and the City of Fuldair, at risk of great harm.

Recipients of Blade of the Old Watch must be active Watchmen or have been in active service as a contractor at the time of the triggering incident. This can include advisors, envoys, contracted mercenaries, and external support staff operating on behalf of the Watch.

The rank and honour are usually conferred during an awards ceremony, which according to decree is to be held on the anniversary of the People's Revolt of Fuldair, the 17th of Firewane, as and when needed. The ceremony should take place under the witness of at least six of the eleven members of the Court of Sails, as well as any members of the Watch ranked Sargeant or higher. Traditionally, honours of this nature are also open to witness by members of the Aristocracy, though there is no formal requirement for any to attend.

As yet, no additional recipients have been awarded the rank since the conferring of the honour to the original members of the Old Watch.

Recipients are permitted to wear a sash that denotes their title of Blade of the Old Watch. They also receive a medal to wear for ceremonial occasions.

The honour can be rescinded in cases of dishonourable conduct or discharge. Contractors who receive the award may have it revoked if they engage in behaviours that are unbefitting of the honour, such as criminal activity.

After the success of the People's Revolt of Fuldair, it was agreed by the Aristocracy and other notable figures within the rebellion that the Watchmen of the Old Watch should be honoured for their resilience and bravery in the face of extreme hardships. The specifics of the honour were suggested by House Fenbrook, the Alderwick Family, and the Blue Wolf Mercenary Group in a collaborative effort; House Fenbrook and the Wolves because of their own experiences in the issuing of such honours, and the Alderwick Family because of their close association with the Watchmen during the time of the Annexation.

The first honours were conferred upon the members of the Old Watch on the morning of the 30th of Firewane by the newly elected First Minister Aelyx Everbright and the Head of the House, High Lord Talyn Fenbrook, though legislation dictates that further ceremonies to confer this award should take place on the 17th of Firewane. The ceremony was witnessed by the entirety of the newly elected Court of Sails, as well as Lord Caius Westport, Lord Lucan Aeristale, Lords Brydlon and Feyryn Caelyndyr, Family Steward Honey Goodfellow, Mercenary King Bevyn Kayne, and a large crowd of civilians who gathered outside the Court to witness the event.

After the issuing of the honour, it was decided that all 43 original recipients should be allowed to stand out from all following recipients. These 43 were issued a special badge, an Emblem of the Revolt, which features a shield with an upright sword behind a star. The shield represents defense of the City, the sword representing the honour of the Blade, and the star representing Sybil, the omen that blessed the City's fortunes. The original Old Watch all wear this badge upon their sash as a symbol of their involvement with the rebellion, and their status as the first recipients of the Blade of the Old Watch honour.

Of the current 43 holders (one deceased), the most notable are those who made up the command of the Old Watch during the rebellion. These include Watch Captain Ezra Carter, Watch Lieutenant Fianna Carter, Watch Lieutenant Fedir Dmitro, Watch Sargeant Giselle Lightwhistle, Watch Logistics Chief Daryn Broderick, and the former Circle Envoy Ernest Greenwood.