Order of the Griffin

The Order of the Griffin is a military order of the Church of Karameikos. Clerics, Fighters, and Paladins may be members of the Order.

The Order is a very prestigious society of warriors; its members are constantly adventuring, going on quests to help the Church, the nation, and the common man. It's held to be a great honor to be a Member of the Order, and so each year many young men and women attempt to gain membership.

The applicant appears before Lord Oliver Jowett, Patriarch of Specularum, and declares his intent. The Patrirach assigns the applicant to a members, who will test his fighting abilities in sparring matches, will question his degree of his faith in Church doctrine, and will evaluate his character. If the applicant meets all the criteria for membership, he will be invited to join the Order.

Beliefs
In order to become a member of the Order of the Griffon, a character must: These are the responsibilities of members of the Order:
 * 1) Be of a set standard of fighting ability (i.e. the character must be fifth level or above);
 * 2) Be a devout follower of the Church of Karameikos; and
 * 3) Swear a holy oath to uphold the responsibilities of the members of the Order.
 * 1) The character must tithe 25% of his income to the Church during all the times that he is a Member.
 * 2) The character must obey the dictates of the Church as regards sins and purification.
 * 3) The  character must accept missions and duties assigned by the head of the Church or by his superiors within the Order; such missions are often adventures or military missions in the interest of the Church or nation.

These are the benefits a character receives for being a member of the Order:
 * 1) The character can claim shelter from any Church of Karameikos.
 * 2) The  character has the companionship of other members of the Order, who are likely to become his friends, give him aid when he needs it, etc.
 * 3) The  character, because of the good and widespread reputation of the Order, is accorded the respect due to someone of Knight status, regardless of his true rank in society; therefore, he is often invited to dine and stay with nobles, to share his exploits with them, etc. A member of the Order wears a badge which proclaims his membership; it can be on his shoulder, as a clasp on his cloak or belt, or in any other ostentatious place on his clothing. A member may resign his membership at any time.