Knights Ottilian
Once well respected and regularly called upon for both diplomatic and military service of the Duchy, the Order of the Knights Ottilian has been based in Talabheim for nigh one thousand years, but an unforgivable mistake has left them in disrepute. Favoured by Duke Ludwig XI, as by many of his ancestors, the Knights Ottilian provided his honour guard, yet they failed to prevent the muchloved Ottilian Emperor’s death by assassination. Ever since, there have been ceaseless rumours of conspiracy and betrayal, and unconscionable suggestions that the Order was in league with the Prince of Reikland, or powers more arcane, and willingly abandoned their duty.
Over the decades that followed the Order has dwindled, with few new recruits willing to join a knightly society of tarnished reputation. Young nobles bound by familial oaths are the rare exception, and still pledge their lives to the Order’s purple banners, intent on finding ways to redeem the good name of the ancient brotherhood.
To the people of the Empire the former triumphs of the Order are ignored and, when the knights are far from earshot, mocked. Its members still hold this shame close to their hearts, and the Order is today known for the morose nature of many of its members. Nevertheless, whenever called upon, the Knights Ottilian will ride to the defence of the Empire. Where once they were known for the yellow and black ribbons they wore in honour of the Ottilia I, today they don dark sashes and black armbands in memory of their great failure, and of their solemn vow never to repeat it.
Over the decades that followed the Order has dwindled, with few new recruits willing to join a knightly society of tarnished reputation. Young nobles bound by familial oaths are the rare exception, and still pledge their lives to the Order’s purple banners, intent on finding ways to redeem the good name of the ancient brotherhood.
To the people of the Empire the former triumphs of the Order are ignored and, when the knights are far from earshot, mocked. Its members still hold this shame close to their hearts, and the Order is today known for the morose nature of many of its members. Nevertheless, whenever called upon, the Knights Ottilian will ride to the defence of the Empire. Where once they were known for the yellow and black ribbons they wore in honour of the Ottilia I, today they don dark sashes and black armbands in memory of their great failure, and of their solemn vow never to repeat it.
Type
Civilian, Knightly Order
Ruling Organization
Parent Organization
Location
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