Templars of Menxvan

Menxvan Worship

Religion Information
Type	Duotheistic
Deity(ies) Worshipped	Menxvan
Symbols	The Letter "V", Ouroboros, Starburst, Sword

The Templars are an order of knights dedicated to defending the Menxvanic faith, protecting Menxvan's followers, and safeguarding Menxvanic temples, shrines, and other holy sites. Traditionally, they have been dedicated supporters of the Arangothian monarchs, formed an elite corps in the Arangothian armies in times of war, and been used in prior decades to put down particularly troublesome rebellions.

The symbol of the Templars of Menxvan is a green serpent swallowing its tail, surrounded by a sunburst, with a sword in the center. The Templars display this symbol on their armor, or wear a pendant around their neck when unarmored.

Code of Conduct

All Templars swear eternal loyalty to Menxvan and vow to protect his followers and his holy sites. Furthermore, they are dedicated to spread the teachings of Menxvan as far as possible, and to teach by example. Templars realize that they are looked up to by most people, and strive to be role models for those around them. Humility is also a particularly stressed virtue, as arrogance makes it easy to slip from the Templar's path. Templars, like any followers of Menxvan, do not believe in forced conversions.

The Templar's Oath

"Menxvan is my lord and the father of my order as well as my first and foremost duty. His followers shall be my brethren, his temples my home. Those who would threaten these shall be my foes. Those who are not my brethren nor my foes are those who I must strive to demonstrate the rightness of Menxvan's ways to. In trying to teach his ways, I will remain humble. Never shall I let my arrogance overcome me, lest it lead me off Menxvan's righteous and just path."

Structure of the Templars of Menxvan

Initiate

This is the rank at which all Templars of Menxvan begin their service to the order. Initiates are new recruits and those who have yet to be tested in combat. Initiates have not yet earned the right to call themselves Templars, but rather refer to themselves as Initiates of the Order. Advancing beyond the Initiate state requires that the Initiate measure up to very exacting standards of physical, mental, and spiritual discipline. It is strength of body, strength of mind, and strength of faith that allow Templars to call upon their unique gifts. Many of the Templars' special skills require the Templar to enter a meditative state, focusing the will, and opening the mind to receive Menxvan's favors. Only a few individuals can walk this path, and fewer still can remain upon it without slipping. Initiates are just beginning to learn the ways of the Templars, still learning to harness the supernatural-seeming powers of the Templars, and making their first contact with ancestral spirits.

Knight Templar

The majority of Templars of Menxvan are at this rank. This rank is for veterans who have proven themselves in the field. As a Templar gains experience in the Templar disciplines and has sustained the intense, disciplined devotion necessary to follow the Templar ways, he or she is awarded the honored rank of Knight once their mettle in battle has been proven. Achieving this rank is a sign that the Templar has the talent and determination to remain upon the path of the Templar disciplines without faltering. Templars at this rank are fully ordained priests of Menxvan and have full authority to conduct religious rituals and lead congregations in worship.

High Templar

High Templars serve as commanding officers of forty man detachments. Members promoted to this rank are always selected from members of the Order who have attained the rank of Knight. Attainment of this rank is reserved for experienced Templars that have mastered the Templar disciplines. All High Templars are mystics and visionaries at least to some degree, having a very strong connection to the otherworldly. For this reason, many people find the presence of a High Templar intimidating, as they seem to look through one, rather than at one. High Templars serve as teachers to the Templars, guiding them on the path of Menxvan.

Master

The spiritual leaders of the Templars, Masters represent the zenith of the Templar disciplines. Each Templar stronghold is led by a Master, who provides guidance and instruction. Masters rarely leave the temples to take the field of battle, only doing so in times of great peril. Though Masters are often advanced in years (rarely younger than fifty), they are still more than a match for a score of ordinary soldiers. Masters are considered prelates of the Menxvanic faith and command considerable respect from the faithful.

Abilities

Not all Templars are capable of many of the abilities for which the Templars of Menxvan have become legendary. Most are able to enter into a trance-like state to accelerate the body's natural healing process. Through rigorous training, many come to learn the ability to enter the first tier of the underworld, the Dreamworld, to commune with the spirits of the recently deceased. Use of this particular ability is taxing. As such, conversations with the dead are generally brief.

Some Templars are able to perceive the mental auras of sentient beings around them, while masters of this ability have such acute senses that they are able to replace ocular vision entirely. During the Sherkhen War, Master Nimpe ul-Alathar was able to lead her troops into battle, despite being blind from birth. Others are able to stand as a rock in spite of whatever assault might be leveled against them. Master Illhurst, in his last stand, was able to stand upright through all manner of blows.

All Templars learn certain skills, such as turning undead and using basic healing magics, and prayers to enhance one's speed, strength, and reflexes are not uncommon among Knights.

Templars are generally longer lived than most members of their species, and with their excellent physical conditioning and iron discipline, they are able to continue their military service long after mundane knights would have left their arms and armor behind. It is not unknown for a Templar to continue his or her service well into their seventies before retirement.