The Order of the Black Sword
The Order of the Black Sword has quickly become a well-known—and sometimes feared—presence across the lake towns. Having set up their main base in the heavily fortified town of Ironspire, this mercenary group has a reputation for efficiency and ruthlessness, stepping in where local law is either weak or nonexistent. Recognizable by their dark, weather-beaten uniforms and the Black Sword amulet worn by every member, the Order often serves as an unofficial law enforcement body in settlements that can't maintain their own peace.
Structure and Code
The Order of the Black Sword operates under a strict hierarchy. Led by a figure known only as the Iron Warden, they are organized into units that patrol the lake towns, often working independently but reporting back to Ironspire. Their code is simple but unforgiving: Order Above All. They view chaos as the ultimate threat to society, and their tactics reflect a cold, calculated approach to keeping the peace—swiftly, and sometimes brutally.
Members of the Order are usually recruited from hardened soldiers, ex-lawmen, and mercenaries who seek a cause that values discipline above sentiment. To join, initiates must swear an oath to uphold order at any cost, which some interpret as a commitment to stability, while others view it as an excuse for excessive control. Those who break this oath, or show signs of weakness, are cast out without ceremony, branded as Outcasts and stripped of their Black Sword amulet.
Their Role in the Lake Towns
In lake towns, the Order of the Black Sword has filled a power vacuum left by inconsistent or ineffective local governance. They've taken it upon themselves to uphold what they call "Frontier Law" -- a harsh, uncompromising code designed to maintain order in these dangerous lands. While they may not have official authority in every town, the threat of their force and the weight of their reputation often mean they aren't questioned.