In the worship of Tharon - The Order of the Falcons

[Wyvern]

The Falcons are a sect of soldiers and battlepriests devoted to Tharon and his teachings of Honor, Valor, and Duty.

Code of the Falcon
Honor - In battle, a Falcon is to behave with honor, following the accepted code of battle. Even the worst of enemies should be accorded a certain respect. Females and children are not worthy opponents and are to be spared when possible. The behavior of a Falcon should be beyond reproach when on the battlefield and in times of peace. Falcons do not drink excessively and they are to treat the populace with courtesy.

Valor - To die in battle is a glorious end, the Falcons never show cowardice in face of danger. The lives of our brother soldiers should be preserved at all cost, even if it means our own. In the event a battle can not be won, it is the duty of a Falcon to see to it that as many of the Empires soldiers will live to fight again.

Duty- Knowledge can win a war, it is the duty of the Falcons to offer advice and tactics. A Falcon's loyalty is to the Emperor, to the Empire of Varana, and to the temple of Tharon.


Ranking System:

Fledglings
Fledglings are young males recruited by the Elder Knights to be initiated into the Falcons. They are taught the basic creed of the Falcons and trained in the art of the bow and military tactics. Many times these fledglings are taken as squires or servants to members of the First and Second Rank Knights before they apply to join the Empire's military.

Defenders
Fledglings become Defenders once they are accepted into the Empire's military. They usually spend the next few years becoming accustomed to military life. It is a time for much learning and much travel. It is common practice to station these soldiers far away from their cities of birth, providing them with a broader view of the Empire.

Knight, Second Rank
When a Defender has proven himself victorious in a great battle while serving in the Empire's military, he is awarded a position in the second rank. This is the largest group within the sect. They are expected to adhere strictly to the Code of the Falcon in any situation, defend the Empire from any threat, and work for the glory of the Emperor.

Knight, First Rank
Those members of the Second Rank who win much glory on the battlefield and exemplify Tharon's teachings are asked to join the council of the First Rank. The members of the First Rank are charged with promoting the Fledglings and Defenders to the higher ranks. In a private ceremony, the oaths are administered and ranks are recorded.


Knight Prefect
The Knight Prefect is the head of the council of First Rank. It is a position held until voluntary retirement or death. The Knight Prefect is chosen from the members of the First Rank and voted on by the Elder Knights. The Position is currently held by Commander Crispus Thaven, who has ruled the council for the past 15 years.

Elder Knights
When a Falcon reaches an age that he is no longer effective on the battlefield, he is inducted into the Council of Elder Knights. They are viewed with much respect by all of the military, and it is their charage to teach the youths and recruit the best into the Falcons. In times of war, the advice of these elders is often sought by the highest ranking military leaders.