Knights of the Chase
| Knights of the Chase | |
|---|---|
 The holy symbol of Trithereon, as as depicted in the Living Greyhawk Gazetteer, art by Mike Schley. | |
| Alignment: | Chaotic Good |
| Founded: | 350 CY |
| Leader: | None |
| Members: | Fighters, Clerics, Rangers, any |
| Symbol: | Holy symbol of Trithereon |
| Headquarters: | None |
The Knights of the Chase is an Order made up of followers of Trithereon the Summoner, Oerth's god of individuality, liberty, retribution, and self-defense.
Description
History
When the wars raged across the Flanaess in the 580s CY, many innocents were killed; many more became refugees. Others that were less fortunate were carried away to slave for Iuz, the Scarlet Brotherhood, or some other tyrant. Some still languish in the dungeons forced to perform backbreaking labor in horrendous conditions. During this time, groups of warriors rose to the challenge of fighting the evil that still lurked in post-war Flanaess.
The order first gained popularity among those opposed to the expansion of Keoland. As the Throne of the Lion's interest in its neighbors waned, the Chasers then flocked to the southern borders so as to protect local folk from the depravities Sea Princes.
The order's legendary disregard for common laws and customs often brings knights into conflict with local rulers. Since the knights have a history of being destabilizing influences, few in positions of authority appreciate the meddling of a Chaser.
Members
Structure
Alignment
Heraldry
Ranks
No official hierarchy exists. The Order of the Chase was for many years an informal organization dedicated to following Trithereon's doctrine. The Order organized itself into its current incarnation after the independence of Nyrond in the late 350s CY. Three knights of the order took the field in the legendary Battle of a Thousand Banners in 447 CY, and Chasers have stood watch along the eastern border of Almor since the foundation of that realm.[1]
Military Organization
The Knights of the Chase are loosely organized. Most Knights defer to the views of more experienced Chasers, recognizing the authority of the senior clerics of Trithereon. Most temples deny any correlation between their belief and the knighthood; however, membership in the Order of the Chase comes only through invitation by senior clerics of the Summoner, usually as recognition of the individual's dedication to liberty and vengeance.
Knights of the Chase can be found throughout the old Great Kingdom (where they are often hanged as seditionists), Sunndi, Ratik, Old Almor, the Bandit Kingdoms, the Shield Lands, Keoland, and the Yeomanry. Many Knights of the Chase flock to free lands such as Furyondy, which offers a fairly stable base from which to attack the lands of Iuz.
Iuz and the Scarlet Brotherhood currently serve as the main foci of the order's wrath, though Knights of the Chase remain vigilant against the rise of smaller threats and petty despots. They also distrust many other religions that show the tenets of law, order, and conformity over the expression of individual thought or justice.
Tenets
A Knight of the Chase never turns away from those in need of rescue or protection. Doing otherwise is a sin in the eyes of Trithereon.
The Code of the Chase
Knights live their lives by the following four principles:
- Individuality
- Live your life as you see fit as long as you act in the cause of good. Do not force your beliefs on others. Let your conscience guide you, but do not allow unbelievers to sway you. The end justifies the means.
- Liberty
- Freedom is an individual's greatest treasure, which should be safeguarded at all costs. Laws can be oppressive whether enacted for "good" or "evil." Those who oppress or enslave others should be persecuted without mercy. Unjust laws should be denounced and opposed wherever uncovered.
- Retribution
- Avenge yourself against those who have wronged you. Justice comes from the heart and can only be truly meted out by the persecuted. The law is often inadequate and should be ignored if it fails to dispense justice.
- Self-Defense
- All folk deserve the ability to defend themselves and their property. Those who cannot defend themselves should be protected so that they remain free. Killing another is justified if he wrongs you.
Resources
Currency
Rumors and legends
Publishing History
See Also
Gallery
References
Citations
Bibliography
- Gygax, Gary. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
- Broadhurst, Creighton. ''Champions of Vengenace: The Knights of the Chase, Living Greyhawk Journal #13, Dragon #297. Renton, WA: Paizo Publishing. July 2002.
- Sargent, Carl. From the Ashes. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knights of the Chase | People Group | Martial order, | Dragon magazine #297 | 7, 92, 93, 94, 96 |
| Knights of the Chase | People Group | Martial order, | Living Greyhawk, Living Onnwal Gazetteer, D&D 3.5e | 31, 60, 61, 77 |
| Knights of the Chase | People Group | Martial order, | Rashtai's Brother, RPGA, RPGA | 4, 6, 7, 9, 10 |