Glaive of Azharadian - Greyhawk Prestige Class
This Prestige class uses elements that may not be applicable to the Forgotten Realms Campaign
The knights of Onnwal's Order of the Golden Sun are known as the Glaives of Azharadian, taking their name from that of one of the greatest generals in the history of the Aerdi people. The knighthood consists of three ranks, ascending in importance and influence from the general Glaives Martial to the journeymen Glaives Valorous and ultimately to the Glaives Virtuous, who comprise the most puissant warriors in the order. The foremost Glaive of Azharadian (typically a scion of one of Onnwal's four Great Noble Houses) is known as the Glaive Superior. The knighthood follows the tenets of Heironeous, so most members take up an active opposition of evil through honorable combat and good works throughout Onnwal. Ever since the nation fell under the thumb of the Scarlet Brotherhood during the Greyhawk Wars, the Glaives of Azharadian have worked to free their homeland from the clutches of tyranny.
Prospective knights must be sponsored by a glaive in good standing and seconded by any member of the Order of the Golden Sun (who need not be a knight). A candidate can be granted the title of knight only by the Glaive Superior at a conclave of no fewer than four other knights or priests of Heironeous, preferably members of the Glaives Cohort (see above). At the ceremony, the candidate must swear an oath of allegiance to the Order of the Golden sun, to the Free State of Onnwal, and to the nation's rightful and just ruler, Szek Jian Destron. A second oath is sworn to Heironeous to uphold honor, justice, and the ideals and traditions of the order as outlined in the Strictures of Azharadian. Before Onnwal's occupation, such ceremonies were commonly held under the Sacred Banner of the Golden Sun, once flown by Azharadian himself. Since the fall of Scant and the presumed destruction of the banner, the knighthood has taken to using a convincing replica for this purpose.
Hit Die: d8
To qualify to become a Glaive of Azharadian, a character must fulfill all the following criteria:
- Alignment: Lawful neutral or lawful good.
- Skills: Handle Animal: 3 ranks, Knowledge (religion): 3 ranks, Ride: 6 ranks.
- Feats: Leadership, Weapon Focus (battleaxe or longsword).
- Base Attack Bonus: +6
- Language: Old Oeridian.
Other: Must worship Heironeous. Also, would-be glaives must have done a great deed in the eyes of the Order of the Golden Sun (usually some exceptional service to the Free State of Onnwal), garnering the sponsorship of two members of the order. They also must pass the first trial of membership, known as the Trial Martial.
From:
Dragon #293
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