Order of the White Swan

=Overview=

The Order of the White Swan is the premier Order of Chivalry in the Kingdom of Terre D'Ange. Within its rolls are the greatest heroes and legends since the time of the Companions.

It is given out by the King and Queen of Terre D'Ange, although in certain circumstances they may allow another member of the Royal Family to give it in their name if they happen to be present at the battlefield or front.

Virtues
The virtues of the order are Fidelity and Courage. The Order is made up of those who have put the Royal Family above all other concerns, their own welfare and even their own lives. Only those who have shown themselves to be unfailing servants of the Crown are given the order, and only those who have matched that service with steel.

Grade and Officers
The order is only given out in one grade, that of Knight Companion. While lesser Orders of Chivalry may have grades, those who stand with the Swan upon their breast are brothers, and many go as far as to address other companions as such.

The reigning Monarch is the Sovereign of the Order. They appoint, at their discretion, a Grand Master of the Order who serves either until their death, recall, or a new Monarch is crowned (though the Monarch frequently allows the Grand Master to continue to serve). The Grand Master is responsible for advising the Crown and suggesting candidates at the Crown's pleasure, and serves as a Captain of the Order when it takes the field.

The Order also has a Herald, who may be either appointed from a sufficiently knowledgeable Companion, or an outside Herald may be appointed to the task (which does not confer membership).

Accoutrements and Privileges
Induction in to the Order makes one Nobility of the Sword, granting the title of Knight Companion (Chevalier) and the style of Sir.

Members of the Order are allowed the right to bear the badge of the order, of a Swan collared with anemones to show loyalty to the Royal Family. Those without other lands will frequently wear this as a tabard with their personal arms in a small portion on their breast. Those with other lands will often wear a pin or brooch with the symbol on it.

Knight Companions are also given a uniform to wear on formal and state occasions.

The Collar of the Order is a collar of state made up of interlocking gold rings and red enameled or jeweled anemones, with a pendant of a swan hanging from it (made of gold, and often enameled or set with pearls).

The Star of the Order is eight pointed, and is gold overlaid with the silver swan.

The Mantle of the Order is a great cloak of silk in Courcel blue, with white cloth of gold trim, facings, and ties. On the breast of the mantle is the star of the order, larger and embroidered.

The Riband of the Order is a band of Courcel blue silk running from the left shoulder under the right arm, with a smaller medallion of the Order hanging from it at the base, and with the star worn on the breast. This is worn on less formal occasions than the collar; on occasions where someone wears the Collar of this Order, they may wear a different order's riband if applicable.

Many of the Knight Companions also have armor in the theme of the Order for when they take the field, with the universal feature being a pure white cloak with a silver swan stitched into it.

Known Knight Companions
Comte Guy Mereliot

Prince Arias de Trevalion, 1194

Duc Tristan D'Aiglemort, 1205 (Given presumed posthumously)

Duc Reynard d'Aiglemort, 1208

Lord Orbelain Trente, 1208