Freefencers of Saint Brandr
The Freefencers, known formally as the Freefencers of Saint Brandr is a Mentian fencing guild, and one of the most prominent in Ramul Ta.
Freefencers of Saint Brandr | |
 | |
| Formation | 778 PS |
|---|---|
| Type | Imperial Guild of Fence |
| Purpose |
|
| Headquarters | Shaslandi, Middle Mentia |
| Location |
|
Avowed Masters | 4 Unnamed Avowed Masters |
| Owned by Whey | |
History
The term Freefencer predates the actual guild as a term referring to fencers that did not belong to any guild and were proudly so, seeing their existence as one representing the ideal of free will, brought about the strength of the individual force of arms. They often were present in various conflicts of differing scales, acted as local heroes and adventurers, taught the art of combat in defiance of the guilds that sought to monopolise the teaching of the art, and often wrote and published treatises as well.
In the year 778 PS, 24 years after Adelhidh’s crowning, desiring to centralise and reforge the fencing guilds into a loyal tool for the state that would secure a well-trained citizenry and recruit skilful fighters, he gathered a large group of known masters at arms, many of them Freefencers without allegiance but often with legendary reputations due to their ventures, and named them Imperial Masters, granting them the exclusive privilege to establish guilds that could recognise, test and certify skilful fighters.
Part of the benefit that would result is a huge boost in revenue and prestige from the guild monopoly on the teaching of the art, and the public spectacles resulting from the tournament-like tests, called Fechtschulen.
Granted such great privilege, the Freefencers among them quickly banded together, seeing this reshuffle as an opportunity to spread their philosophies and make their voice known- while they would be beholden to imperial authority and some declared it antithetic to the original ideal, any trade-offs were outstripped by the benefits of organisation and imperial privilege.
Coupled with their strong folk reputation, the Freefencers of Saint Brandr rose to prominence not only in Mentia but in the entirety of Ramul Ta, rivalled only by peers like the Fraternity of Saint Speer.
Freefencers were often hired by nobles with less developed institutions to teach the art of combat and served as skilled warriors that were often granted positions of command.
In modern times the shattering of Mentia has led to the fragmenting of the Freefencers as well, with chapters throughout the powerful guild splitting away. Regardless, as the headquarters was situated in Shaslandi of Middle Mentia, the main branch remains loyal to Middle Mentia, recognising them as the rightful imperial authority, to which they are beholden.
Ranks
The primary mean of promotion within the guild is through Prizefights, a gauntlet of combat specially set up for the aspirant wishing to be promoted that was usually held publically, as a special event during a Fechtschulen, where they would demonstrate the ability to hold their own against fighters holding the rank they wish to attain using different weapons.
Requests to challenge the (Free) Scholastic Prizes were approved by Provosts, while challenging the other Prizes required the approval of those a rank above the rank they were aspiring to take, who would often judge whether the aspirant was of good character and thus could be entrusted with the privileges of a higher rank, in addition to preliminary tests to judge if they were martially and mentally capable of the trial.
Student
Newcomers. Afforded the base amount of respect for paying the fees as well as access to a normal of preliminary treatises.
- Average NPC TL: 0.5 (Bandit NPC)
- Requirements: None
Scholar
Regular member, fighter of skill. Gains access to a number of advanced treatises in the guild.
- Average NPC TL: 1 (Soldier NPC)
- Requirements: Must win a Prizefight for the Scholastic Prize, fighting multiple bouts with 1 weapon against Scholars
Free Scholar
Considered a fighter of notable skill, with a high likelihood of becoming apprenticed to a Master, or act as an assistant instructor in a school. Gains free access to any treatises in the guild.
- Average NPC TL: 2 (Level 1 Fighter PC, Elite Soldier NPC)
- Requirements: Must win a Prizefight for the Free Scholastic Prize, fighting multiple bouts with 2 weapons against Free Scholars.
Provost
An expert at arms certified to accept apprentices and act as a full instructor in a school.
- Average NPC TL: 3 (Foot Knight NPC)
- Requirements: Must win a Prizefight for the Provostial Prize, fighting multiple bouts with 3 weapons against Provosts.
Master
A master at arms certified to open Freefencer-associated schools.
- Average NPC TL: 5 (Master at Arms NPC)
- Requirements: Must win a Prizefight for the Master’s Prize, fighting multiple bouts with 4 weapons against Masters.
Imperial Master (Free Master)
Directly recognised by the state as Imperial Masters, they are bestowed the imperial privilege to open their own guilds, independent of the Freefencers and other guilds.
The Freefencers often help support Imperial Masters that are amicable with them but wish to establish their own independent guilds, holding true to the original ideals of the Freefencers, while subtly increasing their influence in a constructive manner.
Imperial Masters with an allegiance to the Freefencers are known as Free Masters and are often responsible for running Guild Chapters in a large settlement or other executive positions of high esteem.
- Average NPC TL: 10 (Level 7 PC)
- Requirements: The number of Imperial Masters is directly controlled by the Crown, and the only way to achieve the title is to participate in an Imperial List, in which one of the prizes for coming out on top is the title of an Imperial Master. Multiple Imperial Masters can be promoted at once depending on the needs of the crown and the prowess put on display, and if rejected by an eligible participant for whatever reason, the title will go to the next most eligible participant.
Avowed Master
Collectively, the Avowed Masters are Free Masters that are responsible for the leadership of the entire guild.
There are 4 seats at any given time, representing the original founders of the guild, as well as symbolising the Four Dragons of Qinism.
Outside of their executive powers, they run the largest Guild Chapters and take turns to take up direct leadership of the headquarters in Shaslandi.
- Average NPC TL: 10-20 (Master PC)
- Requirements: Appointed by the collective decision of the Avowed Masters and Free Masters, with each Avowed Master holding a vote equal to 2 Free Masters.
Training and Study
The Freefencers offer advanced arms training to their members at their guild chapters and associated schools, that have a higher chance of allowing NPCs to tap into Endomagic, but the costs required to sign-up as a student, as well as the carry-on fees to partake in sessions are considerable.
Students access a small selection of preliminary treatises, Scholars gain partial access to advanced treatises, while Free Scholars gain free access to any treatise.
With a recommendation letter from trusted friends/allies of the guild (For example, the Knights of Firmament often send their own aspirants to cross-study) or the personal attention of a Master, it is possible to receive high level instruction allowing even a mediocre individual to become a 5 TL NPC within a decade of dedicated study.
Player Roster
Master
- Kohm Fidres (Master)