[b]Dream[/b], I'm shocked the Disney reference escaped you, but I'll post this link if you haven't already recognized the movie: [youtube]wclC51VoObQ[/youtube] I'm happy that you've included a character with mixed Sarifen - Valanian heritage and was actually hoping someone could take up the reigns for that sort of individual. I feel like political plotlines have remained a bit untapped in many fantasy stories save several such as Game of Thrones, Mistborn, or Codex Alera. You're on the mark in that there will be heavy inclusion of all three! I will, of course, be testing the waters for certain plot arcs so as to find what works because the least thing I want to do is make this a tedious experience rife with historical essays and overwhelming/unnecessary world building tidbits. I will say that, for however far we push the story, there will be themes and incidents with mature themes and graphic violence. Some of the unfolding events won't be easy to stomach and like you said, drama, tragedies, and suffering on an unprecedented scale. When the OOC and IC launch (mutually exclusive), you'll know what I mean 8). [b]babbysama[/b], no worries man and I'm happy to help! I look forward to the inclusion of a mercenary captain with all the notable characteristics you just described and it's good to know that you're keen on history and literature so keep plugging away at the keyboard. When I do throw up the OOC, you'll already have something to work off 8). [b]Ivory[/b], the Holy Order of St. Melita, or better known by its formal name the [i]Sororitas Melitas[/i] draws its inspiration from the Knights Hospitaller and the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. As you probably already guessed, it's a proto-religious military order, a branch from Augurianity, and shares similarities with Ahmenmnism and its associated Orders. They generally safeguard roads for Augurian pilgrims or worshippers from other denominations and offer sophisticated hospital and medicinal services to beleaguered individuals or followers of Augurianity. Proven members of the St. Melitas Order are generally very capable fighters and mainly excel at mounted combat and close quarters engagements, making them extremely dangerous adversaries. Principally, they owe some of their financial survival to generous sponsors in Vorst, but are by no means worse off given their self-sufficient services in medicines and armed escort aboard seagoing vessels and land routes. Additionally, the presence of a small Vorstan advisor liason preserves their fighting abilities in horse and bladesmanship. Keep in mind with the existence of stirrups, mounted warriors are not to be under-estimated, not especially the Sisters of St. Melitas due to their incredibly versatility. The Order fields a purely female membership has seen better days and is a shadow of its former self due to heavy Sarifen taxation, the city's forced Policing Demands, and Governor Conqvist's chartered membership limitations. Some parts of the [url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dehwp_dRlYQ]Citadel Headquarters[/url] would likely have fallen into disrepair due to shortages in membership and in a sense, this is also a good thing in that not only would there be competition with join the Order, but only the cream of the crop would gain entry. Shield Maidens of the Order would be afforded greater protection and higher regard from Sarife and the turncoat aristocrats residing within Valania. Generally there are varying ranks within its citadel headquarters in Voltas, however, I haven't fully drafted a rank system so I can't supply you with any substantial hierarchies or subculture other than that there is a notable Female [i][b]Grand Master[/i][/b]. This list will be updated in the near future, however as of currently, this is what I have: [b]Grand Master[/b] - Currently held by Eugenia of Domenica [b]Knightess Commander Captain[/b] - Currently held by Lady Rosellia Vaan Lionheart [b]Grand Baliffs[/b] - Considered the Senior Leading Officers over various Dame Knight Companies and lead Battalions of up to 600 - 800 Shield Maidens [b]Dame Knights[/b] - Officers within a company 200 or more Shield Maidens [b]Valkyrie Apostles[/b] - Subordinate Officers under the Dames and leading sectional authorities for 50 - 70 Shield Maidens [b]Shield Maidens[/b] - The backbone of the Order's Primary Fighting Forces. Women are assigned different roles and carry different titles for various specialties, both combat and non-combat related. [b]Sister Initiates[/b] - Untested Recruits in training and the up-and-coming generations ... --- If it helps, Ivory, dream, I have this clip for added inspiration. Not my first choice of music, but I felt like your potential characters could at some point share some kick-assery like what I'm posting below :lol. [youtube]fkUYQ_5IqkY[/youtube] --- [b]Update:[/b] [i]Expect the OOC to be going up later today![/i]