The Aurelia Raed rose last among the great factions, born from dreams of justice and honor during eras when warriors upheld chivalric codes or defended sacred causes. From their great keep of Kerre Karadel, these champions dedicate themselves to protecting Grimmloch from darkness and maintaining balance through martial strength and chivalric ideals.
The Aurelia Raed organize themselves around five core virtues, each represented by a distinct knightly order. These virtues derive from chivalric traditions across Oikoumene but are given universal expression within the faction.
Valor - Courage and honor in battle, standing up for what is right, showing bravery in adversity.
Justice - Fairness and duty, maintaining moral integrity, ensuring laws are applied equitably.
Compassion - Empathy and healing, showing mercy, caring for the weak, helping those in need.
Loyalty - Fidelity and integrity, faithfulness to oaths, unwavering devotion to sworn companions.
Strength - Endurance and discipline, willingness to endure hardship for the greater good.
The great keep of Kerre Karadel rises from a hilltop, its banners visible for miles across the surrounding lands. Built of pale stone and reinforced with steel, the fortress serves as both military stronghold and symbol of the Aurelia Raed's commitment to order and justice.
Within its walls, knights train in the courtyard while scholars debate points of law and honor in the great hall. The keep's chapel serves all five orders, with separate alcoves dedicated to each virtue. Here, new knights swear their oaths upon sacred ground, binding themselves to their chosen virtue and to the greater cause of the faction.
The Regent at Karadel serves as coordinator and counselor to the five orders, managing the practical necessities of maintaining the faction while the orders pursue their respective missions.
King Arthur has not yet returned from Avalon to the known islands of Grimmloch. The Once and Future King is assumed to still be on Avalon, though none can say with certainty where that mystical isle lies or what keeps him there. His absence creates both longing and purpose within the Aurelia Raed. They prepare for his return by expanding the realm's influence and upholding the chivalric ideals he represents.
In Arthur's absence, his influence is felt most strongly in places of sacred oath-making: stone circles where knights pledge their service, ancient burial cairns where heroes rest, and anywhere oaths are sworn and kept. These spaces resonate with the weight of binding promises and the honor of those who fulfill them.
The Aurelia Raed believe Arthur will return when the realm most needs him. Until then, they work to make the world worthy of his return, expanding civilization's reach, championing justice, and proving that chivalric ideals can thrive even in his absence.
Timber halls and stone circles, equals bound by oath around the Table
Courts of law and pageantry, justice revealed in banner and blade
Monastic warriors of frontier strongholds, iron discipline and sacred vows
Salt-stained oath-keepers whose word binds tighter than iron
Sacred hospitality and compassion, strength found in sheltering the weak