The Lore of the Coalition As Told By Tay M'real [First Knight ¥ Field Marshal]

Forward

erein, thou shalt find a compendium of my encounter with San'Ral Vatursan, founder and (as of this writing) Grand Marshal of The Eastland Coalition. These works have been sanctioned by Lord Vaatursan and should be considered the sole source of accurate recount surrounding the establishment of The Eastland Coalition as Britannia's premier political and mercantile league as well as the re-founding of 'The Protectorate'. 2nd Day of the 10th Month of the Year 138 Crossroads When I was young, my father always told me that it was every man's destiny to find in what way their existance would benefit or hinder the world. For a boy learning the ways of Virtue, it was often a struggle to maintain focus on the greater good while considering the evil that must dwell in man's heart. The existance of good and evil in the world provided a platform for a consistent war of ideology that tugged at the strings of man. Were we marionnettes of our own destiny? Did every man have engrained in him the very essence of good or evil; what of neutrality? Could a man align his own stars? The very foundation of good and evil was evident in the decade old war of Order versus Chaos. When I emerged from the waterfalls west of Spiritwood, I remember thinking heavily of the family that I had left behind. How long had I been away in that black abyss? What of my brothers; what of my parents? Looking back I find it odd that at that momen, thoughts settled on my father's words - 'destiny to find in what way their existance would benefit or hinder the world'. Looking at my situation, I had just lost everything; my home was crumbled in flames, my weapons and armor were destroyed. All the things that I held dear to me were lost. I had to start anew and my father's words served as inspiration to forge a new path in the Kingdom. Upon re-establishing connection with my family, I took to Britain, working to make ends meet. In the strife of the daily wage I was finding little time with which to practice my virtues and hone my skills with the blade. It was quickly becoming apparent to me that the idea of single men impacting the world would never come to fruition with me; that was until the day I ventured to Vesper. The dealings within Britannia had left me somewhat jaded and suffocated by the girth of the large city. A local Apothecary had requested my services to delivery a cart of potion kegs to the waterway city of Vesper. The money was good and the thought of getting beyond Britain was enticing. It had been ages since I had travelled to the cooled regions of Minoc or viewed the calming waters of Vesper. Gathering what little gear I owned, I urged the horse and cart from the city and travlled the familiar dirt roads to the East. I remembered this road; the quiet path that linked Britannia's capital to the far reaches of the continent. But it had changed. Around every turn I was accosted by Orcs braver than I had ever seen. They were maddened, throwing themselves at me and the goods that I transporting. The low-life of men emerged from shadows; those wanted by the law. If it wasn't Orcs attacking me, I was being stalked by the murderers and brigands of our land. What has happened to fair Britannia? It was dusk when I finally arrived in Vesper, I was relieved. My rusty skills had barely seen me safely to the city and to be amongst the place I once called home felt like returning to the fires of my grandmother's cottage. The people however had changed. No more were they the bright faces of Lord British's subjects. It seemed the loss of the True King had taken it's toll. They were a people oppressed. On the outskirts of the Kingdom they had grown dim and hope was evidently fading from their saddened faces. It seemed this day that the town was in a somewhat chaotic mode. At north edge of town near the commerce center was a large gathering of locals armed with various farming tools, torches and rotten foods. They had surrounded and actively yelled and accosted a robed man who's back was held firm against the cold stone wall of the bank. In front of him, a young woman had attempted to be a barrier between the victim and the mob that seemed bloodthirsty at this expense. She was screeeming at them to spare the man; all the while pushing on the broad chest of a burly noble who seemed to lead the attack. I eyed the activity form atop the cart; somewhat lost and intrigued by the flurry of activity. It was then, through a break in the crowd that I watched as the figure began to slip stealthly against the wall. He moved in inches, seeming invisible to the crowd which now seemed to turn their attention the fray between the young woman and the noble. I am unsure of why I did what I did; looking back I can only consider it destiny. Without much thought, I lept from the cart and pushed my way through the mob and reached out to him. He looked up at me and through the dark cowl of his hood, I could see vague features of his face, now red with bruises. His robes were stained and stunk of rotten food; he appeared a begger amongst the others. He stared at me a moment, seemingly unsure of what to do. The toll of the attack he endured was evident by his apprenhension to trust me. But in the situation, I was his only option. He reached out and clasped my forearm and with a strong pull I helped him navigate through the web of bodies. The people were caught up in the excitement and still hadn't noticed his escape. We were at the foot of the bridge out of the city when he quickly turned and whispered a few words, tossing reagents from his bag. A wall of fire exploded behind the crowd, causing thick black smoke to envelope the area. The mob exploded into a fit of coughing and were disoriented; scattering amongst the thoroughfair. It didn't take them long to figure out what had happened as shouts rose from the few who saw us, attempting to rally the mob for an attack. I grabed the man's arm and ushered him across the bridge. We followed the path from town, turning south. It would only be a matter of time before the mob had reassembled and their attack resumed. When we came upon the local graveyard, I turned towards the looming metal gates. We rushed in, looking for a place to hide. This place was ancient. The tombs were sealed, the lack of trees provided no cover. Then I remembered the access to the lands lost to Man. We proceeded to the ancient building, climbing down into the depths of the earth. Exhausted, we dropped to the cave floor. "I....I cans't thank thee enough...", the man said with a heavy breath and a grimace of pain. "Worry not, I know not what crime ye dis't commit. But alas, no man deserves to be accosted through the streets like an Orc!" He chuckled, which lead to a heavy cough. The pain they inflicted on him was great. But all the while we stayed in that dark hole, he maintained an air of honor and never once complained. The air was quickly becoming chilled and I had gathered kindling for a small fire. The man sat solem, huddled close to the warmth of the flame. Rubbing his hands briskly he moved to remove his hood. My heart stopped. "You........", was all I could muster. I rose slowly, my eyes never leaving the man. I drew my blade, holding out before me. That night would change my life forever. The man never had to say his name, for I knew him immediately. It was the man with whom I raced to retreive the Cross of Arutan. The man who had taken everything away from me. The man who cursed my family and sought our destruction. The man before me, was San'Ral Vatursan. I was too tired to fight, my blade was drooped before me. San'Ral bore a look of regret as he backed against the wall. "I am too old for this....", I said as I dropped to the floor. I sheathed my blade and held out a piece of dried beef. I urged San'Ral forward. He looked at me for long moments and proceeded to talk without interruption... After the failure of OSH to recover the Cross of Arutan, San'Ral retreated to the South. He disbanded his guild of mercenary soldiers and was attempting to find peace with the evil that he had done. He had become a travelling bard roaming from town to town and tavern to tavern. When I found him, he had been in Vesper for travel months. He was spending his nights performing at the local tavern where he had befriended one of the younger waitresses. On the nights she worked, she would nearly shun the patrons and watch the bard perform; even venturingto see him perform on the nights she was off. Eventually their friendship blossomed and they were unable to deny the fires of passions that raged within them. But their fire was a forbidden one; for she had failed to tell him that she was the mayor's wife. Unable to break himself away from her, he continued their relationship until the day that the mayor returned home and found the two together. This understandably, drew the ire of the jilted lover and he, along with the townsfolk, took to physical violence to punish San'Ral and the waitress for their infidelity. He was banished and ordered to never return to Vesper again. Upon the order of the mayor the townsfolk took to rushing the man from the city and to where I would eventually find him. Finding Destiny The once animosity that I had for San'Ral and that he had for me was quickly beginning to fade. He had become a changed man and our rivalry was quickly turning to a friendship. We set out to travel in search of adventure, trust grew and our friendship was strengthened. It was after many months while at a tavern in Jhelom that San'Ral told me more of his travels through Britannia. When Lord British was revealed to have gone missing and Lord Blackthorn had assumed control of the throne, he was angered by the audacity of Blackthorn. San'Ral was quickly becoming vocal politically as the opressive nature of Lord Blackthorn's laws began to stretch beyond the capital. He took to forming 'The Eastland Coalition', a collection of believers that sought to recover and return Lord British to the throne. Many a supporter had flocked to his cause and his numbers were beginning to grow. Unfortunately, as it was growing in power, the incident with the mayor had occurred and our flighty escape had left him without contact with his believers. I could tell this troubled him, and his convictions for returning Lord British to power were strong. Thus, I lended my support in helping him to build his Guild in the belief that Britannia would return to prominence. We continued to venture together, hunting throughout the land, gathering and selling resources, generating capital. I could feel that my purpose was beginning to unfold before me. When we had gathered the appropriate funds, we worked with a local contractor in Britain to erect a small office on the outskirts of the city. Establishment of the Coalition Guild During our time recruiting within the capital, we were quickly becoming friends with the local merchants. They were quick to voice their concerns over the loss of their shipments throughout the world. Pirates and the growing aggression of creatures through the land were taking their toll on goods coming in and going out of the city. The town coffers were dwindling and the worrying was beginning to economy locally and abroad. Seeking to redeem his soul after the Vesper incident, San'Ral voluntered The Eastland Coalition to serve as the Guild to monitor and establish trade routes between Britain and the rest of the Kingdom as well as provide safe escort for shipping. Rebirth of 'The Protectorate' It was also, during this activity that San'Ral studied the Lore of Britannia and came upon a similar situation that faced Trinsic during the 2nd Age of Darkness. The vile Minax and her minions were wreaking havoc on the populace and Arutan L'entael, a paladin of Trinsic, formed a local militia named 'The Protectorate' to secure the caravans of goods in and out of the sandstone city. San'Ral was encouraged by the Paladin's story and wished to honor and return this story to Britannia, thus forming the military wing of The Eastland Coalition. 'The Protectorate', also called the Legion, was created to secure and protect the Britain merchant's goods throughout the realm. It was during this time that San'Ral asked me to be the leader of the legion and be deemed First Knight ¥ Field Marshal. I humbly and gladly accepted the role and began work immediately to begin recruiting soldiers. The citizens of Britain were excited and their enthusiasm showed as our ranks were quickly populated and we began training soldiers for the field. What The Future Holds When I think back on those, I am reminded that each man has a destiny and in time, he would fulfill that destiny. Some of us are meant to die early, some are meant to lead a long life. Some are meant to be soldiers and some are meant to be merchants. Some men are good and some men are evil. My purpose has been found, and while I serve as the leader of 'The Protectorate', I am reminded that I serve not only my dear friend Lord Vatursan, but also I serve the community that embraced our cause and our purpose; the citizens of Britain. While the focus is currently on providing service to the merchants of the capital, the core of the Coalition is dedicated to search and recovery of Lord British and his return to the throne. While the oppressive Lord Blackthorn is in rule, I only fear that the growing stories of the existance of three wraiths, as black as night itself, and the tyrannical rule of the 8 laws will only lead fair Britannia towards a bleak existance.

here thou'rt a link in the chain of purpose...

Citizen or protectorate, Crafter or Warrior. The Eastland Coalition is proud to accept all walks of life to the collective voice seeking to return Lord British to the throne. The tyranny that has manifested in the form of Lord Blackthorn shall be removed from this Kingdom and her majesty returned to power.

We are proud of all members who proudly wear the badge of the green dragon. Below, find those who have sworn their loytalty to the greater cause and will be forever immortalized in the stone of Coalition history.

	Grand Marshal San'Ral Vatursan (founder) Little is known of the origins of San'ral Vatursan. His first appearance was during the time when The Order of the Virtue Cross, then led by Seer Tay M'real, was searching for the Cross of Arutan - an ancient relic of Virtuous power. San'Ral was a bard that led a band of mercenary mages and warriors against oVc to recover the cross. OSH was unsuccessful and eventually got their revenge when they destroyed the tower of Tay M'real and banished him away from this plane. They eventually set their differences aside and co-founded the Coalition. San'Ral became increasingly political after the dissappearance of Lord British led to the usurper Lord Blackthorn establishing his 8 Laws in order to govern Britannia.
	First Knight ¥ Field Marshal Tay M'real (co-founder) Tay M'real is a Knight of the Coalition and is a co-founder alongside San'Ral. Tay is a Veteran of Britannia and has been a part of the Community for many years. Tay's home and belongings were destroyed and his body cast to an unknown part of the world for several years before he was able to find a way back to the world of Britannia. He now serves as the First Knight ¥ Field Marshal of the Coalition and has been very instrumental in the growth and organization of The Protectorate military wing of the guild.
	Initiate James M'real James was a very young man in Britannia when Tay M'real came across him battling an Ogre. The elder man assisted the young warrior, providing him tips and helping to heal his wounds. The two quickly bonded and Tay took young James under his wing. He inducted him to The Order of the Virtue Cross where he was versed in the Virtues of the Avatar and quickly became the right-hand man of Tay. James then became an adopted son to the elder M'real and went on to serve the guilds of light including the now established Kingdom of Sanctus in Malas. James also serves as the Lord of the House of M'real.

Grand Marshal
The Protectorate	The Citizens
First Knight ¥ Field Marshal	Citizen status is reserved for the very young, elderly and those not seeking military service. Citizens are the backbone of the coalition and provide endless levels of support and activity throughout the realm. They provide the military wing with supplies and provisions as well as provide marketable goods and services to the citizens of Britannia.
*P* Knight General VVVV
*P* Knight Commander VVV
*P* Knight Captain VV
*P* Knight V
Squire
Initiate
he levels of order are traditional in military service, defining rank and responsibility in an effort to maintain balance, discipline and motivation for our soldiers. To excel and gain rank are considered an honor and should be accepted as such.. Ranks are based on time of service as well as accolades received in battle, activity in the community and superior recommendations. In service of The Protectorate, it is the primary responsibility of the individual to ensure that the citizens and ranking officials are served and protected from danger. To accept a role in The Protectorate is to commit thyself to a level of servitude befitting of rank and privelige. To serve is to represent the very best that The Eastland Coalition has to offer.

In Service to the Coalition
Executive

Grand Marshal
The Grand Marshal is the supreme figure-head of the Coalition. It is within the primary duties of this position to ensure that the Coalition remains an upstanding organization within the Kingdom. While the position may not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the Coalition, they serve as the supreme decision maker as it relates to:

• Supreme Goals and Directives of the Coalition as a whole
• Treaties
• Declaration of War
• Mercantile Contracts
• Coalition Branch Expansion

First Knight ¥ Field Marshal
Field Marshal - the position title - serves as the overseer of The Protectorate, the military wing of the Coalition. The First Knight ¥ Field Marshal is hand selected by the acting Grand Marshal and only through this selection can a Field Marshal be annointed. This position holds no succession, however eligible candidates must come from the Legion and be of Knight rank. The duties of the First Knight ¥ Field Marshal include:

• Assignment of Batallians and Companies
• Legion Promotions
• Emissary to the Grand Marshal
• Chief Diplomat to the Kingdom
• Field Engagement

The Protectorate

Founded during the 2nd Age of Darkness, The Protectors were established by a paladin from Trinsic named Arutan L'entael. When the age of Minax brought terror upon the realm, the transportation of goods and services throughout Britannia was at risk. Seeing his people suffer from the lack of food and trade, Arutan gathered many of his fellow Paladins and declared themselves 'The Protectors'. Operating out of Trinsic, the guild quickly gathered militiamen from the various citystates and soon became a global organization hired by merchants to protect and secure trade caravans throughout Britannia.

'The Protectors' numbers slowly dwindled during the Age of Exodus and the Age of the Avatar as the heros of each era secured the kingdom from evil. Although Arutan was never heard from again, 'The Protectors' remained a bright spot in history during the 2nd Age of Darkness and has entrenched himself and his guild in the history that secured Britannia's future.

In honor of the service of 'The Protectors' Grand Marshal San'Ral Vatursan comissioned for the re-estblishing of the protective guild, combining it with The Eastland Coalition creating the House of the Might for warriors and the House of the Word for users of the mystic arts. The establishment of the new order serves as the protectant body of the largest trade federation in Britannia.

Knight General vvvv
Knight General's report directly to the First Knight ¥ Field Marshal. As Knight General, this individual is the figure-head of an entire Batallion under The Protectorate. The position of Knight General is assigned only by the Field Marshal and eligible candidates must come from the pool of available Knight Commanders who have achieved the required (3) vvv stripes of service. Among the duties of the Knight General:

• Recommendation of Promotions
• Overall Leadership of a Batallian
• Organization of Training
• Outfitting Requirements
• Territorial Diplomat - City/Guild Based

Knight Commander vvv
Knight Commander's are responsible for an entire Company within The Protectorate. The Knight Commander reports directly to the Knight General of the Batallion for which their Company belongs. The position of Knight Commander is assigned only by the Field Marshal and eligible candidates must come from the pool of available Knight Captain's who have achieved the required (2) vv stripes of service and are recommended by a Knight General. Among the duties of the Knight Commander:

• Recommendation of Promotions
• Overall Leadership of a Company
• Oversees Company Engagement in War
• Oversees and carries out Training of their Company
• Outfitting Requirements
• Emissary to their Knight General

Knight Captain vv
Knight Captains serve as leaders of Platoons within each Company of The Protectorate. They report directly to the Knight Commander of their Company for which their Platoon belongs. The position of Knight Captain is assigned only by the Field Marshal and eligible candidates must come from the pool of available Knight's who have achieved the required (1) v stripe of service and are recommended by a Knight Commander. Among the duties of the Knight Captain:

• Overall Leadership of a Platoon
• Carries out Training of the Platoon
• Field Engagement in War
• Emissary to their Knight Commander

Knight v
The Knights are the footsoldiers of 'The Protectorate'. These are individuals who have had recommendations for Knighthood submitted by the Knight to whom they squired and upon acceptance by the First Knight ¥ Field Marshal. These individuals will be tested via the (3) paths of Knighthood:

• Trial of Truth
• Trial of Love
• Trial of Courage

for purposes of secrecy, details of The Trails cannot be revealed here Upon successful completion of The Trails, These individuals will be allocated to an available platoon where they will serve within the ranks of the legion. Upon becomming a Knight, the Coalition brother will be given their first strip of service.

Squire
Squires are dedicated individuals who have been assigned to one of the available Knights. The squires responsibility is to serve and learn from the veteran Knight. Their primary responsibility is to provide services for the Knight such as carrying of weaponry, running errands or performing tasks befitting of the Coalition. The squires sole duty is to their Knight and to learn as much as possible in the art of warfare, field battle and tactics. During this time, the Squire will also be given instruction on Britannia Lore, Coalition Lore and Coalition objectives. The pool of initiates determine available squires and squires are assigned solely by the First Knight ¥ Field Marshal.

Initiate
Initiates are entry level individuals who have sought military service in the Coalition. The role of initiate is assigned to newcomers to the guild. It is the primary role during initiation that all higher ranking officials from Knight to Grand Marshal will evaluate the individual and determine whether they fit the mold of 'The Protectorate' or would better serve as part of the Citizens.