Order of the Prevailing Shield

=Overview= The Order of the Prevailing Shield is a new order of chivalry in the realm of Terre d'Ange, created by King Augustine de la Courcel to honor those who have shown great bravery in defense of the kingdom.

Only the ruling monarch, the royal commander, the royal admiral, or the grand master of the order can induct new chevaliers into the order.

Virtues
The virtues of the order are Fidelity and Fortitude. This Order is made up of those who have put the safety and security of the realm before their own concerns, to the point of risking their lives. Only those who have devoted themselves to the safety of the realm and proven that devotion on the battlefield are awarded a place among them.

Grade and Officers
The Grand Master is the leader of the order, and reports to the royal commander. He is chosen by the ruling monarch, and serves in his post for life or until he steps down.

Below this are the Warden Masters, of which there are four, one for each of the primary compass directions, and they are named by the Grand Master. They also serve for life or until they step down.

Finally, Masters of the Order are named by the Warden Masters, and are the lieutenants of the order, serving for life or until they step down.

Knight Companions of the Order are the rank and file knights of the order, and they hold this position for life. Retired officers are referred to as Honored Knight Companions.

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, a trio of gold and silver shields in a row. 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 and silver rings, with a shield pendant made of both metals.

The Star of the Order is four pointed, with the three shields inlaid in the center.

The Mantle of the Order is a great cloak of silver-white silk, with white cloth of gold trim, facings, and ties. On the breast of the mantle are the three golden shields of the Order, larger and embroidered.

The Riband of the Order is a band of gold silk running from the left shoulder under the right arm, with a smaller medallion of the Order hanging from it at the base and 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
Alair de la Courcel - Awarded posthumously, first knight awarded a place in the Order, 1207 Thayer Valliers - 1208 Florentin de la Courcel - 1208 Fontaine de Trevalion - Awarded posthumously, 1208 Pierre Blays l'Envers - Awarded posthumously, 1208 Maslin d'Aiglemort - 1208