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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