The Order of the Falcon


    Defenders of Aerie

    
    Founded by Jakov Malanot, the man who ordered the
 construction of the city of Aerie after a vision brought
 to him by a falcon, this knightly order is dedicated to the
 protection of his city.
    Initiation: Twice during the year, a tenday festival is held in Aerie during which prospective candidates may try out for a position as a Falconer. In addition to tests of skill, courage and strength, candidates a thouroughly questioned about their beliefs and ethics. Only the few who pass all the tests will be granted membership, although failed applicants may try again at the next festival. During the secret initiation ceremony, the new members are bonded to their companion falcons, using a variation on the Find Familiar spell. Members whose falcons have died are given new ones at the same time.
    Structure: The Order is divided into several groups, some of which are considered equal in authority, but having different duties. Talons are responsible for policing the streets and serving as footsoldiers during an invasion (the latter is very rare--only once in the city's history has an attacking force made it inside the city). Wings are sent out to patrol the mountainsides and surrounding terrain, searching for potential threats to the city's security, including bandits and creatures who prey on trade caravans and travellers. Eyes are lookouts, spending long hours at the top of spires searching for attackers and threats, both landbound and airborne. Beaks are responsible for setting and implementing policy within the ranks. An inner circle of Beaks is known as the Council of the All-Seeing Falcon. They are responsible for deciding justice and punishments for errant Falconers. Tenders are responsible for ensuring the continued supply young falcons. A Falconer whose companion has died will typically be given a leave of absence until the next initiation ceremony. Until the bird is replaced, the knight's normally ornate headress and cloak will be replaced with a simple black cape, and he will don a black mask that completely covers his features.
    Dogma: Defend the city of Aerie, and her citizens, at all costs and without hesitation. Uphold the law of Aerie, and do not put yourself above it. Let no dishonor acrue to you or any other Falconer. If a false charge is made against you or your brothers, refute it. If a true charge is made, move with all haste to correct the problem, and bring the offenders before the Council of the All-seeing. Be true to your companion bird; you are now brothers in spirit and blood.
    Game Notes: Ability Requirements: Int 14, Str 12, Dex 12 HD:d10/+2 Save/Attack as Warrior Alignment Req: Good Tendency:LG Race: Human/U, Orc/12, Elf/12, Kobold/10, Gnome/9, Dwarf/10, Aaracockra/U. Armor: Up to Chain, Sm. Shield Weapons: Any Piercing Special Abilities: Warrior: Weapon Specialization Rogue: Climb Sheer Surfaces (as Climb Walls) Wizard: 10: Cast initiation rites Other: Bond w/Falcon. As Find Familiar, plus may communicate telepathically (simple commands, visual images only) up to 1 mile. NWP: Warrior, General Level XP 2 1500 3 3000 4 6000 5 15000 6 30000 7 60000 8 112500 9 210000 +1 +225000

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