Revision as of 08:03, 18 September 2015

The Knights of the Shield were created in 2878 EC, when an undead horde of smaller creatures erupted from the sands around Torica and besieged the people there. The Knights of the Golden Rose and The Eternal Sentinels managed to fight back the hordes of undead along with the people of Torica, however, Sentinel Alexander Griffith tragically gave his life in the defense of Torica while leading the people of Torica to victory. Due in part to the heavy losses suffered during the attack and the demise of their leader, the Eternal Sentinels disbanded formally and were absorbed into the Knights of the Golden Rose, who chose to rename themselves The Knights of the Shield in honor of Alexander's sacrifice. Sentinel Griffith's battered shield still serves as the group's symbol, and hangs within their chapter hall.

After the division of Torica, the Knights of The Shield took up their roll as defenders nearly immediately. The oddly organized group amongst the laid-back free living style of the typical Toricans is an irony that serves a significant purpose. While they do not act as the town's police force, they do their best to protect the island from outside threats, and have a near constant presence near the wall that separates Torica from Meretokis.

The Knights themselves are organized much as a paramilitary organization, with a clear chain of command, currently led by Knight Commander Tavrin Mildstep, a Torican born man who grew up idolizing the Knights and their work. While the Knights main Headquarters and efforts remain in Torica, they Knights have begun to expand, with several smaller chapters working to defend the small villages that have cropped up around Eramere but are too far from the influence of High Reaches to enjoy their protection.

The Keep of the Golden Rose was constructed soon after the peace accord between the Halmorians, Kalimvarans, and Toricans was struck. The keep now encompasses the Torican school, as well as a hospital ran by a small sect of Leeyan Lifesworn. Limited space on the island, and the clear need for a fortified position made the construction of the keep, and it's multiple uses, an obvious choice.