Order of the Alabaster Clam

The Paladins roam the shores, waters, and rivers that protrude from the lake in groups of 5 to 10. They visit shrines and holy sites as they travel between the small towns in the area. Most people around the lake have high opinions of them as they help drive off bandits, raiders, or creatures from other lands that wreak havoc on small settlements. In the warmer months, they have been known to help get fishing boats 'lake worthy' and assist in rescue efforts out in the deep water areas.   Each group of Paladins acts as a small unit that follows a seasoned leader who is experienced in tactics and often has established relations with the community leaders in the areas that they patrol. This leader is responsible for the training, tactics, and welfare of their group and is held accountable to the main order back in Otterton. They make decisions to include the route of travel and what efforts they become involved in to better the communities surrounding Lake Idryl.   Groups of 20 or more are generally formed for specific reasons and are more common in times of conflict or during the summer months when they have a need to patrol the deep waters of the lake and watch for accidents or creatures from the depths. Their primary function is aquatic combat in these units with their secondary focus being first responders as they attempt to evacuate fishermen and travelers that are not of an aquatic species from the deeper waters. Survivors of attacks or accidents in the deep water are generally evacuated to a shrine or a small town where they receive care from the local communities. The Order thrives on goodwill, they serve the communities around the lake and can often count on being received warmly for assistance when in need themselves.   Higher ranks in the organization are given on a merit and service basis. Family lineages are not generally important though the Ilkweeds have historically led the order. The Lutrines of the Order see experience and accomplishment as the means to create a successful leader. While in small groups away from the headquarters they operate independently though they can receive taskings from waterfowl that are trained to deliver messages to members of higher rank in the field.

The number of members in the Order often fluctuates, with young members joining for a year or so and then moving on to other endeavors. During times of crisis, if these members still live in the area, they are often called upon again to help out their communities.   The signature equipment that this group is known for is a large shield created from a Giant Crystal Clam. It produces a shell that is translucent in color, they use it for acrobatic maneuvers in place of a sled and they have special training that allows them to throw it and have it ricochet back to their position. These shields appear to have a reflective quality that allows them to defend against certain types of magic. In addition to this, they often are outfitted with white gold weaponry, with the higher ranking officers being outfitted with mithril or other exotic weapons that are useful underwater.

The Order was founded a few decades after the first sightings of the Lady of the Lake, marking the Order as a little less than 300 years old. They came about in the aftermath of the Eldritch War and have rendered unspeakable amounts of aid as the world attempts to right itself after the turmoil of cosmic beings. The Lady of the Lake was seen as a sign by the demi-god that the Lutrines fall under, as a relatively young species they do not have as long of a storied history of interaction with the gods.   Their Animal Lord, Dart the Swift, falls under the patronage of Caspian, the God of the Sea. Nearly 300 years ago, the founder, Ilkweed, came into contact with the Lady of the Lake and a highly secretive exchange occurred there. However, the cultural significance of it has had a lasting impact on the Lutrine folk of the area. Legend says that the Lady of the Lake felt concerned for folk without proper whit and talent, that the lake would swallow them up. She expressed care and concern for those who lacked the tools and training, which led to the establishment of the order.