**Type:** Governing Body within the [[Bronze Warriors]] **Established:** 6998 B.A., during the First Age of Solare before its destruction; reconstructed during the Age of Rebirth **Headquarters:** [[The Green Citadel|Green Citadel]], South Angoria **Primary Role:** Supreme deliberative and judicial authority of the [[Bronze Warriors]] --- ### Purpose and Authority The **Council of Knights** serves as the highest internal authority within the [[Bronze Warriors]]. Formed shortly after the **Oath of Justin** was penned, the Council is entrusted with: - Upholding the sacred Oath and ensuring its proper interpretation. - Judging matters of great moral or political consequence. - Investigating internal corruption or dishonor. - Guiding the order's response to world-shaping events and divine omens. - Confirming appointments of High Lords and the Grand Master. The Council only convenes in full during times of great need, spiritual crisis, or when internal justice must be served. In times of peace, smaller **Knightly Tribunals** handle regional decisions. --- ### Composition The Council consists of the following members: - **Grand Master of the Bronze – Sir Caedin Voskar** – Presiding head, only votes in ties. Acts as spiritual leader. - **High Warrior – Ryland Voss** – Military leader of the order and former hero of the Forsworn Rebellion. - **Wielder of [[the Knight Warrior Sword]] – [[Dame Solenya Marras|Dame Solenya]] Marras** – Chosen guardian of the sacred blade once held by Justin McCloud; serves as divine enforcer and symbol of the Council's will. - **Seven High Lords:** - **High Lord Alvenra Saelwyn** – South Angoria - **High Lord Deron Malkor** – Brensistria - **High Lady Seris Valmorra** – Polaria - **High Lord Tharnel Gorrith** – [[North Angoria|North Angoria]] - **High Lady Myraldine Faeron** – Elandra - **High Lord Braxus Tern** – Keranda - **High Lord Kelmin Strath** – The Freeholds of Lialandra - **Two Eternal Seats** – Symbolic positions representing the spirits of Justin McCloud and [[Perserphina]]. Their seats are kept vacant but are honored in every session. - **Archivist of the Oath – Master Elric Dannor** – Keeper of records, history, and interpretations of the Oath. - **Judge Ascendant – Ser Althiras Crowne** – The chief arbiter during Trials of Honor, known for his unwavering devotion to justice. In times of grave urgency, **Divine Emissaries**—priests of the Great God or [[Perserphina]]—may attend and offer guidance, though they do not vote. --- ### Duties and Powers - **Trial of Honor Oversight:** The Council judges cases where [[Bronze Warriors]] may have broken the Oath. - **Strategic Coordination:** It authorizes military engagements or alliances with outside factions. - **Internal Disputes:** The Council mediates factional disputes or philosophical divides within the order. - **Sacred Rulings:** It interprets visions, relic omens, or celestial signs that affect the order’s direction. A **Supermajority Vote** (9 out of 10 active seats) is required to: - Exile a Knight Lord. - Overturn an Oath-bound tradition. - Declare a Divine Crusade. --- ### Traditions and Customs - **Council Flame:** A sacred brazier burned only during Council sessions. Its smoke turns black if divine disapproval is sensed. - **Silence of the Oath:** During deliberation, each speaker must first recite a line from the Oath of Justin before offering counsel. - **Armor Unclad:** All members attend unarmored, to symbolize the humility of service and the burden of judgment. --- ### Recent Council Rulings - **10,099 A.R. – Forsworn Rebellion Verdict:** The Council authorized the purging of Forsworn traitors under Ryland Voss. - **10,110 A.R. – Dimming Star Deliberation:** Following divine omens, the Council investigated potential corruption within its highest ranks, averting a near-collapse of allied kingdoms. - **10,121 A.R. – Askaria Question:** In a split vote, the Council declined to declare open crusade against the Askaria Empire, opting instead for covert operations and support of rebel cells. --- ### Legacy The Council of Knights is seen as a mystical and moral anchor of the [[Bronze Warriors]]. While rarely seen by outsiders, their decisions ripple across kingdoms, shaping the fate of Solare. Legends tell of moments where the Council was visited by **angels**, **divine avatars**, or **the shade of Justin himself**, though such tales remain unverified by mortal scholars. To challenge the Council is to challenge the will of the Oath itself.