This Brotherhood is located at the Golden Glade, in the Barony of Nettlemist in County Faer of the Duchy of Dunstrand. When Linnis Faer (known as “The Golden Axe”), the brother of the Count of Faer, lost his leg and nearly passed away in CY 9147 battling Gwinnish forces in Cabella, his heroic sacrifice was honored by the establishment of a permanent corps of elite soldiers, based on The Golden Company of about 30 of his best warriors that fought with him in the heart of all battles. Linnis was a knight, well-loved by all (common and noble alike), and the pride of County Faer and its ruling family. Based on Linnis’ one armed fighting style (he had lost his left arm in battle at a young age fighting Orrish), the Brotherhood of the Golden Stag was founded by his two youngest sons who trained and served under him. His tactics, maneuvers, discipline and perspective were woven into a regimen and documented. Half of his companions were common soldiers he promoted himself; A fund to search for talent among soldiers ranks was also established to carry on this tradition. He did live to see the first woman among his group – a pair of Umbakian sisters – though there has not been any since. The brotherhood are technically Ducal forces, but as an elite squad, they are not used in common ways. The vanguard, the tip of the spear – in front in operations requiring aggression, movement and courage. They number anywhere between 20 and 60, operating in platoon and 5 man squad groups in the field. Their officers are all master tacticians. If the soldier survives 10 years after their 2 years of training, they can muster out – half the time of normal ducal forces due to the heightened level of danger and shorter lifespans they typically have.
Symbol/Heraldry: A Golden stag head facing right on a red background with a pine tree on the right and left borders.
Sacred Oath: “I will not falter, I will not succumb to despair, I will stand tall and be the last man to leave and the first to go into a situation.”
All soldiers are literate in Gladnorean (they commit any written orders verbatim to memory), and speak Orrish.
d20 [specific] Requirements: Requirement: Kinetic Aptitude 1 or 5 [Kinetic] Allotted Essence; Uniform: [golden] medium armor (scale), battle axe (1 hand), no shield/2nd weapon; Ability: intelligence 10, strength 14; Class: Fighter w/dueling style
It is not required, but human [variant] Brotherhood members often begin play with the Fell Handed Feat.
Equipment: (Uniform Worn) Golden scale mail (+1 Resilience), golden helm, golden axe; 5% cost of items per month of use to keep electrum coating in pristine shape.
These sayings are collected to examplify the spirit and outlook of Linnis, that all of the company are intended to live by.
“Rank and title mean nothing on the butchers block. Death comes to everyone equally, face it with the same grace as you face life.”
“There’s many good soldiers in the ranks of friend and foe alike – their muscles will wield a blade and carve you like a feast bird all the same. It’s the brains and courage of a man that keep him off the carving block. ”
“I don’t want a bunch of automatons I have to shout orders to, I want men I can set a goal for and trust him to find the best way there given his specific obstacles.”
“It matters not the breast, hips, or size of the hand that wields the blade with the worst of intent. Never underestimate your foe or friend for any reason.”