Callum Saville
Court of Blades: Prince
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
- Intent: To explain the organization, along with traditions and common ranks.
- Image Credit: (x) Artist: Odysseuart (x) (Battletech)
- Canon: N/A
- Permissions: N/A
- Links: Court of Blades Company, Altiria/Anarris, the Spirt of Holowan, "COB" Alpha Batallion
- Organization Name: Court of Blades
- Classification: Company
- Affiliation: By Mercenary Contract (Currently)
- Organization Symbol: A Sword stabbing through a creature like head. Symbolizing the idea of our will over theirs to overcome.
- Description: The Court of Blades is a mercenary organization that is experts in vehicular combat, most notably Armored Walkers. Their ranking structure resembles something of nobility and their clothing reflects as such.
- Headquarters: Altiria/Anarris
- Domain: Altiria/Anarris, generally helps the community all across the planet, keeping bandits and pirates away when they attempt planetfall, local celebrities' for defeating the Spirt of Holowan.
- Notable Assets: A large industrial facility and main common hall location at Alitiria/Anarris.
- Hierarchy: The levels listed are from how the Court of Blades generally operates, more on a nobility ranking level.
Squire: The rank generally given to those undergoing training for personal walkers or newcomers of any other type. Generally trained from higher ranking members, they are generally given their next rank after their first combat deployment. This can be held back however if noting issues with command or handling orders. Until promoted, they are to follow their superiors every order to prove themselves on the battlefield though it can be on occasion, a reason to disobey.
Knight Errant: The first rank acquired after Squire or to most mechanics/crew workers after having a long enough deployment/stay in the company. It is a generalist rank that shows one having skill to perform their duties without question and have the responsibility to wield it. They have little power over Squires though they can be demoted back down to that rank if shown to disobey orders.
Knight Banneret: At this rank, the member is rewarded with a special dagger that signifies his involvement with the Court of Blades, handmade to the individual. This rank is given generally to skilled pilots on the battlefield and officers starting their training. With the Dagger during meetings, they can voice their thoughts though they have no voting privilege in the Court. These pilots are considered of more higher caliber and as such, can start training Squires into their new job roles. This rank is not restricted to pilots as these can be given to up and coming mechanics, starship officers and special administrators. This is also the honorary rank given to those who have excelled and helped the Court of Blades in their time of need.
Baronet: When given this rank, the training for officers should be completed and have completed several combat deployments and/or have done many great deeds for the Court of Blades. At this rank also, the dagger is given an ornate jewel at the bottom of the hilt to signify the weight of his thoughts during a meeting as that individual may soon join the voting ranks of the Court of Blades. In addition, the hilt for every great deed or full combat deployment will be notched with a star for a total of three times. Afterwards, the individual is then promoted to Baron. The rank can be lost for leading bad choices or even voicing horrible options to the point of questioning the individuals judgement. With this rank also, one is entrusted to lead a small group of armored walkers into combat though if a Baron is available, it will take the persons place. During this time also, the individual is to choose a sword, rapier or a form of blade to represent themselves equally among others in the Court of Blades.
Baron: When one reaches this rank, the individual should be a full ranking officer in the Court of Blades. If not, the individual will be sent to be trained afterwards. When it is called upon for a new Baron to be inducted, the individual will be called back to Altiria/Anarris for the induction ceremony. The blade that was selected during Baronet will have been made at this point and given to the Prince or Duke/Duchess if unavailable. There the individual would present the soon to be Baron with the new blade, giving signification that the new rank will be upon them and to recite the following oath:
"Through me taking this blade, I (Name Here) will take the duties of a council member of Court of Blades."
"As I carry this blade, I know that my reflections will herein be reflected upon the Court of Blades, in and out of contracts."
"As I wield this blade, I shall not spill the blood of innocents, I will adhere good faith and judgement to all."
"As I swing this blade, it will only be against our enemies, the enemies of our contractor, and the will to protect the lives of others."
"As I wipe the blood off the blade, I will see only my reflection, and know that I am my own (man/woman/person) in our own nation."
"With this blade sheathed, I am no longer just a voice, I am the voice of reasoning and judgment to all those below me and above."
"With this blade at my hip, I know I will always be welcomed in these halls in the best of times and worst of times."
"With my own words spoken, my oath given, I am ready for the rank of Baron"
At that point, the blade will be taken and tied to their waist before congratulations will be given. With this rank, the member is given a speaking voice among the councils first row and may give their votes to the Council nearby with their vote being regarded as One. With this rank also, they are allowed to form their own group of armored walkers and/or lead a company of Armored Walkers. This rank also signifies those who are now captains of starships, starfighter groups and leaders of infantry platoons. This point also, they can start requesting for special outfitting to their starfighters, personal walkers or armor in question, along with using more restricted technology.
Viscount: The stepping block before being a Count/Countess in the Court of Blades. At this point, the officers in question in their role will be granted funds to create their own unique armor, personal walker, or starfighter. Captains in current Starships at Corvette class or higher may request permission to modify their vessel to accommodate the tasks before them. At this rank also, individuals can command companies in the military and be issued as such. Otherwise, almost no real change in rank though the individual is now seen as on their way to being a Count/Countess in the next few deployments/years.
Count/Countess: When awarded this rank, a chair is brought up onto the floor made to their liking beforehand with a special spot to place their blade. At this rank, they are expected to start commanding their own individual fleet or military group to their liking aside from Armored Walker battalions. At this point, only Armored Walker pilots can advance in rank unless in extreme circumstances or things of noteworthy accomplishments. Individuals at this rank can also request designs of theirs to be reviewed before the Council in consideration and start suggesting contracts which previously were not allowed to do. At this stage, their vote counts as Two on the Council floor.
Marquis/Marquessa: This rank is almost always given to people that have retired out of active combat at the rank of Count/Countess or higher. At times also, there has been those who been rewarded the rank instead to be more of an advisor role, having more say that is of equal power to Duke/Duchess and the Prince if not allowed to advance higher due to not being an Armored Walker pilot but only in this circumstance. Regardless before they can achieve this rank, they must be nominated for it by several Dukes/Duchess or the Prince himself for recognition of duty, loyalty and other accomplishments though if one wishes to retire, they can speak privately on what terms will be required to achieve said rank.
At this rank, a ceremony is held on Altiria/Anarris after combat deployment to speak in great tales on the individuals legacy in the Court of Blades with a final presentation to the individual, a small shoulder cape like banner of their symbol. With this symbol, they command the respect of everyone below them and bare their rank in full to others to see, having some authority on other planets government wise.
At the end of the night, the individual will decide whether to retire or not and if in retirement, will be given a farewell with their own personal shuttle, gear and personal armored walker if they were an Armored Walker pilot. With that, the individual is able to depart and return whenever they wish. Once a year, they can speak in a voting procedure and have the floor to decide why it is right or wrong and then vote that counts as three. Generally when this occurs, it has significant weight on the matter and as such, some may follow those of the old guard first before the new guard.
If the individual decides not to retire, the celebration will continue for a short while longer before concluding with a small meeting of current Dukes/Duchess and the Prince to discuss their future in the Court of Blades. Generally this means their first formation of their own fleet, command an entire legion of soldiers or even start their own Armored Walker Battalion. Once it is decided, it is announced and be done so forth. While they still do not have the voting power of a Duke/Duchess, they have all the ability and power that equals them otherwise.
Duke/Duchess: At this rank, this is the furthest anyone can go without taking over for the Prince himself as it displays undeniable loyalty to the Court of Blades and shares the same virtues and values of the whole organization. With it, their votes count as three and sit near the Prince himself as potential advisors and those deemed closest. They are also the voting authority on if the Prince was to pass on, who among them will take over the position.
Prince: Only one this title can be held, currently by Callum Saville and is the de-facto head of the Court of Blades. While also being in charge of almost every aspect of the Court of Blades, his vote counts for five in all the final matters. Once a year if a vote is defeated he was in favor for, he may interject to have it thrown out and recounted. If it goes over 80% against the Princes vote, the Prince will concede and let it happen, otherwise it is rejected in entirety. So far, this has yet to been done once. Lastly, he is the general speaker of the floor unless absent.
- Membership: 40,000 of which 6,000 are Armored Walker Pilots. The remaining 34,000 is divided among mechanics, starfighter pilots, all the way down to the lonely janitor in the corner. This number goes down generally after a combat deployment and goes up after a recruiting drive with graduation therein afterwards. The number of people at the rank of Baron or above, barely reaches a hundred people.
- Climate: They are considered rather friendly though with a more of a nobility feel to them. Most individuals are kind and caring that are not Armored Walker pilots though are not afraid to flaunt rank if it is required to get past a certain obstacle. To an outsider, it may be rather confusing to figure out who is in charge based on the number of nobility like rankings in the organization to the point where it be easier to ask who is in charge versus asking who is noble.
- Reputation: People would see the organization more as of nobility and a democracy, working within to figure out what is best for business along with for portions of the galaxy. They are generally seen as a mercenary force of good though at times have accompanied the bad crowd, though not without reason. They are also considered one of the most dangerous vehicle pilots in the galaxy, most notably for Armored Walkers that are extremely specialized. They can also be seen as sometimes stuck up, but generally due to their ranking almost the same as nobility which can confuse some monarchies in the galaxy.
- Curios: Most members are seen in more regal sets of clothing outside of the Court of Blades with on their right shoulder the word in Altiria/Anarris to explain their rank. When one becomes a Knight Errant, they are expected to carry around their Dagger, even after receiving this blade. Once Barons receive their Blade, they are displayed on their hips to also ensure more of their stature in rank. Once at the rank of Marquis/Marquessa, they are allowed to wear on their left shoulder the small cape to show of their authority in near entirety of the Court of Blades. Some emulate what Callum Saville have done and have their rank tattooed on their left hand, then updated whenever they increase in rank.
- Rules: Rules in the organization is generally simple, do not embarrass the Court of Blades and act in the generalist of good. It means also not to spill the blood of innocents and do heinous crimes in effort of their contractor. If the contractor violates their terms in contract and their rules, they have every right to pull out and if not allowed to do so, will fight till they are let go.
When issues arise from two members that cannot be solved even through the Council floors, one will issue a challenge by backhanding the individual with their left hand. If the person has not fallen, the other can then proceed to do the same. If one has fallen over, it is generally conceded to have the better argument or being the better person in that regard, still seeking diplomacy. If both have not fallen over, they can fight with either their hands, dagger, or blade they have received through rank. It is acceptable to have cuts, broken bones and missing fingers if that is the only way for an issue to be resolved permanently with Death only the answer if the individuals just despise one another and is agreed upon by the Prince himself. Once the fight is resolved, it is expected of the individuals to get along afterwards or if this continues, possible demotion in rank. In special cases when Armored Walker pilots have disagreements, they can settle in in their Armored Walkers though generally not recommended. Only ones that still do this is Prince due to his weakened condition and is the only one allowed to have a proxy in any other case. - Goals: General goals is to expand the mercenary company to greater heights and profits. One of the current goals is to at least have four battalions before issuing a statement over larger growth, currently only at one being Alpha Battalion. In addition, there is a large request to keep expanding their current Armored Walker roster and the need to have at least two starship fleets in order to transport such a large group. Currently there is only enough for a small fleet of starships and to run their facilities. Another goal is to see to the ever constant threat of the galaxy, generally monitoring contracts that most likely benefit those before themselves though not always the case when running near broke. Lastly, it is expected to have a line of succession once the first Dukes/Duchesses are chosen to follow suit in the Princes way.
Callum Saville, Prince: The one who started it all and the hero of Altiria/Anarris at the expense of his own body. While undergoing treatment, the company had grown far beyond his original vision over nine years ago. Originally a member of the Altiria military, he founded the Court of Blades nine years ago in an attempt to destroy the Spirit of Holowan, whom he succeeded seven years later. Though at the cost of over half of his own bodies nerves being destroyed, making him nearly a cripple as a result and in near constant pain. While he still runs day to day duties and goes out into combat with others, the realization he may be able to function much longer is a concern in the Court of Blades.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
The Court of Blades was founded by Callum Saville in the wake of the disastrous Zweihander Unions attempt of unity for the Altiria/Anarris people over the constant threat of the Spirit of Holowan. The War of Two Worlds was a complete utter failure due to Altiria, Anarris and the Zweihander Union fighting amongst each other along with the Holowan AI also interfering. While it did destroy the stations in orbit, numerous satellites and communications networks with the Spirit of Holowan, the large walker was still standing. While it stood, the cities of the planet were in ruins and many were left dead. The Zweihander Union retreated off planet in defeat, in the wake of their own possible civil war brewing as Callum Saville climbed out of the ashes to restore order among the planet with both leaders of each race now dead.
Forming originally a militia group to restore order, their numbers quickly grew to over a thousand in a short year to combat the rise of crime and piracy in the region. Within two years, the governments of both species had restarted and started to hire Callum Savilles group to various hotspots of warlords in the region and pockets of the Holowans military to eliminate. With supplies starting to swell inward, the training of new Armored Walker pilots allowed them to be very unique, a small military force in a single squad of three to five Armored Walkers. Eventually it grew from a few select groups, to a small starfighter squadron with over a few dozen Armored Walker squadrons, a small vehicular tank division and several platoons of soldiers with their numbers reaching nearly ten thousand with their name chosen with the large amount of blades in the hall area, Court of Blades.
During this time, the ranking structure was strange as many called themselves nobles after the conflict, some being captured warbands that had good intentions. In the effort to resolve this, the ranking structure was comprised of Noble rankings that designate years, service and deeds. Several of the former warlords turned into Count and Countesses with far fewer becoming Dukes/Duchesses. The only rank not made but more community made was Prince, given to Callum Saville by order of the Council, outvoted no less to have special authority as they still believe in someone being the leader of the outfit. At this time, it had grown to twenty thousand.
When it came time to attack the Spirit of Holowan, Callum Saville knew he needed a large distraction and called upon both governments to act. They agreed to the plan of fighting directions in an effort of distraction while their units were dropped on top of it. The plan succeeded though at a high cost, crippling both militaries, the Court of Blades and almost the cost of Callum Savilles life, all in the effort to free the planet of the Spirit of Holowans grasp. With it defeated, Callum Saville had to step back and let others take charge as numerous contracts were made to update aging Armored Walkers on planet that were over two centuries old and in addition, a large recruitment drive. While this went on, the company expanded to having at least two cruisers to transport their mercenary company to and from planet, with several transports grabbing much needed supplies.
Present time, they are currently looking for any and all new contracts as Callum Saville is ready to take charge again as the head of the Court of Blades.
