The Militia Templi
The Militia Templi represents the religious arm of the Guardsmen Militia, enforcing the faith of the Avatarian Church throughout Yew. The Templi consisted of three distinct factions:
The Templars
Male warrior-monks dedicated to the protection of the faith through force of arms. Templars combined martial prowess with religious devotion, serving as the Church's military enforcers.
Oath of Templar Chivalry
- Thou shalt defend the Church above all.
- Thou shalt respect all weaknesses above thine own.
- Thou shalt love the country in which thou wert born.
- Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
- Thou shalt make war against the enemies of the Higher Being without cessation.
- Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties.
- Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word.
- Thou shalt be generous and give largesse to everyone.
- Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.
- Thou shalt obey those placed in authority.
The Clerics
Female priestesses of the Avatarian Church, dedicated to healing and spiritual guidance. Where Templars wielded the sword, Clerics wielded the power of prayer and medicine.
Oath of Cleric Holiness
- Thou shalt protect the sanctity of the Church above all.
- Thou shalt give unto all who are deserving, free of charge.
- Thou shalt never refuse a cry for help.
- Thou shalt remain pure, chaste and faithful to the Church.
- Thou shalt minister to the wounded and the sick whenever possible.
- Thou shalt never raise thy hand against another in anger.
- Thou shalt be generous with thy knowledge and skills.
- Thou shalt remember that humility is the greatest of all virtues.
- Thou shalt devote thyself to study and prayer in equal measure.
- Thou shalt obey those placed in authority within the Church.
The Inquisitors
Male spymasters dressed in black robes who served as the Church's intelligence network. The Inquisitors investigated heresy, rooted out enemies of the faith, and served as adjudicators in matters of Yewish law. They operated under the Oath of the Magistrate.
The Avatari Religion
The Avatarian Church followed a creation myth centred on the Higher Being (a monotheistic deity), with characters drawn from Ultima lore: Zog, Evah, Awindar, Avatar and Mondain. The eighth virtue "Compassion" was considered a demonic corruption introduced by the elves — reflecting the Church's institutional hostility toward non-human races.
Source: kenned.com/guardsmen (2001-2002)