House of the Black Rose
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat."
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
(Paris Sorbonne,1910)
We of the Black Rose are a mixed bag of races, cultures, and people. We have warriors, apothecaries, chaplains, and many other trained peoples among our ranks. All are valued for what they bring to the unit. Being a member of the House is like being a member of a family, but for those who have joined the Thorn Corps it is more than family. This is the military side of the house. Here you are expected to follow orders and shoulder your weight of your responsibilities to the unit. Your sisters and brothers must be able to turn to you at any hour of need, and they must also be able to trust your word without a single doubt of its truth (this applies on and off the field). This is not an easy group to get into, and the ranks change more from there. Inside the Thorn Corps there are many other paths a warrior can walk.
Order of the Rose
So it has begun that a Knightly Order has been added to the ranks of the House whose sole purpose is to protect the Chaplains and Apothecaries in battle. Entrance into this order will require a squireship under any of the knights of the Black Rose.
Thorn Corps
The Thorn Corps are a tougher breed of warriors from the rest of the House. They must endure and pass a brutality test to enter into the Corps. This has taken many among its ranks multiple tries to pass. Through the Thorn Corps is the only way to advance in ranks inside the House. Titles such as Knight and Warlord can be earned without holding this rank.
Dragoon Corps
Dragoon Corps is a hard path for those in the Black Rose to walk. This Corps of people are expected to be shocktroopers: that means they are given less warning and expected to fight harder and faster than other members of the Black Rose. Entrance to those brave enough and of strong willpower requires a brutality test, a one mile run and then a fight against a shieldman while using only a polearm and a dagger. They must have status as a Thorn Corps member.
Scout Corps
The Scout Corps is a parallel rank to the Dragoons. These soldiers are the information gathering side of the House. These people work in shadows, travel lightly, and fight fast, often avoiding fights outright if they can. This is not a path focused on honor, this is a path that is meant to help our fighters find victory.
Grimlords
The Grimlords are the strongest-willed and hardest-driven souls of the Black Rose. For this is truly the only path to becoming a Chapter Master. Entrance into a position of Grimlord requires at least three years with the Black Rose (this can be changed according to needs of the unit) passing a brutality test, a two mile run, and proof of leadership, which means being a member of the Thorn Corps.
Laws and Ranks
First Company ( Veterans Company )
Second Company
Some important links
Dagorhir
