Order of the Gauntlet

Order of the Gauntlet

The Order of the Gauntlet is a faction dedicated to destroying evil and upholding justice across Faerûn. Founded shortly after the Second Sundering in 1484 DR, the Order emerged from the unification of several knightly and religious orders who were disillusioned by the chaos wrought by the return of the gods.

Beliefs

• Evil must be crushed wherever it is found.
• Law, order, and justice are the pillars of civilization.
• The strong must protect the weak from corruption and tyranny.

Methods

• Strike preemptively against the forces of tyranny and chaos.
• Root out corruption and expose traitors within.
• Act with honor and integrity, leading by example.

Desired Outcome

The total eradication of the Cult of the Dragon and its allies, ensuring that the tyranny of Tiamat never comes to pass.

History

Founded shortly after the Second Sundering in 1484 DR, the Order of the Gauntlet emerged from the unification of several knightly and religious orders who were disillusioned by the chaos wrought by the return of the gods. The Order's founding members—paladins, clerics, and holy warriors—vowed to stand as a bulwark against tyranny, injustice, and supernatural evil.

While young compared to other factions, the Order has gained renown through disciplined action, unwavering resolve, and moral fortitude. They are particularly active in combating undead, fiends, evil dragons, and other threats that prey on the weak. The Order does not act for coin or fame, but for duty, and expects its members to uphold a sacred code of honor.

The Order has strongholds in major cities such as Waterdeep, Neverwinter, and Baldur's Gate, and maintains alliances with temples and good-aligned adventuring companies. Members are often deployed as elite strike teams, trusted peacekeepers, or defenders of the innocent.

Renown System

Gaining Renown:

• Slay a known evil (such as undead, cultists, or fiends).
• Publicly defend the innocent or the falsely accused.
• Complete a mission with honor and minimal collateral damage.
• Expose or confront a corrupt noble, magistrate, or cleric.
• Provide aid to a temple under threat.
• Show mercy when justified, and strength when needed.
• Uphold an oath even in the face of temptation or danger.

Losing Renown:

• Abandon an innocent to save yourself or your allies.
• Use deception, assassination, or manipulation to resolve conflict.
• Commit theft, bribery, or acts of revenge.
• Defy the orders of a superior without cause.
• Fail to aid a fellow member in need.
• Act with excessive cruelty, even toward evil beings.

Ranks

Rank 1 – Defender

You are welcomed into the Order, trusted only to perform basic duties such as patrols, guarding, or assisting in minor operations. Senior members will test your conviction and character through close observation.

Rank 2 – Justicar

You are respected as a reliable agent. You may lead small squads or oversee minor missions. Clergy and knights begin to trust you with local threats and offer access to Order armories, libraries, and healers.

Rank 3 – Hammer of Light

You are seen as an elite warrior of righteousness. You're trusted to act independently or with minimal oversight. You may be sent on missions to slay evil champions, recover holy relics, or challenge powerful foes.

Rank 4 – Knight Commander

You now command troops, advise temple leaders, and influence major operations. You may train squires, initiate new recruits, and have the authority to call for reinforcements when the cause is just.

Rank 5 – Paragon of Order

You are a living symbol of justice and divine will. Other factions seek your counsel. Your judgment may guide the Order's doctrine in a region. Some believe you are chosen by a god. Others simply follow, knowing that when you act, righteousness follows.

Notable Members

• Ontharr Frume – Dwarf paladin and prominent member
• Sildar Hallwinter – Veteran member and representative in Phandalin
• Daran Edermath – Semi-retired member in Phandalin
• Therezal – Inducted as Chevall in Session 06
• Xanphina – Half-orc barbarian member, hired by Sildar in Session 09
• Various paladins and clerics fighting the Cult

Relationships

• Allied and rival factions

Associated Quests

• Campaign involvement

Appearances

• Session 03 – Welcome to Phandalin – Sildar reveals affiliation and offers quests
• Session 06 – Shadows and Allegiances – Therezal inducted as Chevall
• Session 07 – Murder Hobos: Welcome to the Grind – Mixed feelings about party's moral flexibility
• Session 09 – Wave Echo Cave: The Depths Awaken – Sildar hires Xanphina to assist party
• Session 23 - The Pair of Black Antlers and the Caravan Plan (12/2/23)
• Session 34 - Messages from Beyond
• Session 35 - The Training Montage Begins
• Session 39 - Waves, Wands, and Wagon Tracks
• Session 43 - The Council of Waterdeep