Order of the Hart

The Order of the Hart is actually composed of three related but semi-independent branches, each serving a different region:

• The Knights of Furyondy: The largest and most martial of the branches. These knights serve primarily in defense of the kingdom of Furyondy, especially along the northern frontiers where skirmishes with Iuz’s forces are common. They are heavily armed, well-trained, and closely tied to the nobility of Furyondy.
• The Knights of Veluna: This branch is smaller but deeply connected to the spiritual and religious life of Veluna. They often act as protectors of temples, advisors to bishops, and champions of both justice and faith. They tend to be more politically careful and spiritually focused.
• The Knights of the High Forest (Highfolk): Sometimes referred to simply as the Highfolk Hart, this group includes not only knights but also many rangers, elves, and woodsmen. They specialize in guerrilla tactics, forest warfare, and border defense. Their devotion is to the freedom of their lands and the balance of nature, making them more independent and less formal than the other branches.

The Order’s symbol—the hart (a mature stag)—represents nobility, courage, and guardianship. It also reflects their role as protectors of the wild and the innocent, and their deep ties to the natural world.

The Order of the Hart is held in great respect throughout the central Flanaess, especially in areas under threat from Iuz, humanoid incursions, or other dark powers. However, their fierce independence and willingness to act outside direct political authority sometimes make them a source of tension for rulers and generals who prefer more controlled military orders.

The Order is built on three core principles: loyalty to the land, unwavering resistance to evil, and personal honor. Members swear oaths to defend their regions against any force that threatens them—whether foreign invasion, monstrous hordes, or internal corruption. Though politically aware, the Order places its loyalty not to rulers, but to the spirit and well-being of the realm itself.

They are best known for their opposition to the dark realm of Iuz, whose demonic influence and expansionist ambitions pose a constant threat to the lands the Order has sworn to defend.

Though its numbers are fewer than in past centuries, the Order of the Hart continues to stand as a symbol of heroism, selfless defense, and unwavering resistance to evil. Whether on the battlefield, in the court, or in the shadows of ancient forests, its members fight not for conquest or glory, but for the enduring hope of a realm where good can endure and the land remains free.