Monday, December 24, 2018

The Order of the Sterling Chalice

"You've found a proper patron, friend, for I am in the business of venturesome individuals."
                                                                                                                     -Duke Sivian Sterling
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Since he was a youth, noble-born Sivian Sterling has always had a fascination with the larger than life tales of daring adventurers and their brave exploits. Spending his youthful years amassing a wide collection of lore and legend, the young, kind-hearted noble was so moved when he heard of the sacrifice of the Ardent Assembly that he was among the first to settle permanent residence there. Using his sizable fortune, the Duke decided to sponsor up and coming adventurers by founding his very own Guild to patron their careers, and so was born The Order of the Sterling Chalice.

Personally leading the Guild, Duke Sterling sent word far and wide that he was willing to fiscally back brave souls with the courage and mettle to take up the Order’s banner. It didn’t take long before those finding themselves in perilous situations came to the Order, trading whatever they could offer in exchange for the skills and talents of some agents of the Guild.

The Order of the Sterling Chalice lends out aid to those who seek it, and they take payment in either material wealth, or trade in services. Indeed, in a relatively short time, Duke Sterling’s Guild has amassed a glowing reputation with the residents of Strodenmarch, as well as a roster of colorful, promising adventurers to fly the banner of the Order.

Rules for Membership
-This Campaign is set with Player Characters being intent on joining the Order of the Sterling Chalice Adventuring Guild.

-The Order of the Sterling Chalice is a non-Evil faction, and the Duke and his staff are astonishingly good judges of character. Potential members must be of a non-evil alignment.

-Potential members are granted a formal audience with Duke Sterling, and those that impress his lordship are granted a trial task that must be completed successfully in order to gain full admittance into the Guild.

-Members are expected to represent the ideals and goals of the Order in their daily conduct. While a bout of mischief here and there can be easily overlooked, cruel, selfish acts will be heavily frowned on by the Order and its representatives. Continued violation of Order codes of conduct will result in removal from the Guild, along with all perks and benefits. Luckily, this has yet to happen, and all members are currently in good standing.

Benefits of Membership
-Those who pass the initial trial task and are formally inducted into the Order of the Sterling Chalice are granted the famed Sterling Broach, which carries the crest of Duke Sterling’s house and also acts as a magical item. The broach grants the wearer a +1 bonus to Armor Class and all Saving Throws if they are of Neutral Alignment, or a +2 bonus to AC and all Saves if they are of Good Alignment. The Broach also magically reacts to the deeds and actions of the wearer, and someone who commits vile acts will soon find the broach tarnishes and loses all its magical benefits. This allows Order representatives to gage the conduct of its members by merely seeing the condition of the broach they wear.

-Members of the Order may keep any and all magical items or treasure that they find on their missions. Guild dues are paid by the member, but this cost is negligible and won’t come out of pocket.

-Guild members are awarded 2 potions of healing (The potency of these potions depends on the task being undertaken) at the start of each of their assigned missions.

-Members of the Order find that the local populace will comply with information or other aid when they see the Sterling Broach, as the Order has far reaching influence in Strodenmarch.

-The Order of the Sterling Chalice Lodge has fully tended stables, as well as a fully stocked gear shop where members in good standing enjoy a 50% discount to adventuring gear purchases. The Lodge is also outfitted with room and board that any member may use as residence if need be.

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