Base of Operations: Cathedral of Sune, Eisenwehr District, Altdrachen
The Knights of the Ruby Rose are a chivalric order devoted to the goddess Sune, sworn to preserve and defend beauty in all its forms—whether it be art, love, craftsmanship, or the natural grace of life itself. Based within the Cathedral of Sune in Eisenwehr, they stand apart from the district’s harsher martial culture, embodying elegance alongside martial skill. To them, beauty is not weakness, but something worthy of fierce protection.
The order teaches that beauty inspires hope and unity, and that its destruction is often the first sign of moral decay. They defend artists, protect cultural treasures, and intervene where cruelty seeks to deface or corrupt what is cherished. This includes safeguarding individuals whose beauty—physical or otherwise—makes them targets of exploitation or envy.
The Knights are organized into small, disciplined circles known as Petals, each led by a Rose-Captain. At the head of the order stands the Crimson Prelate, a figure who serves as both spiritual guide and military commander.
Members wear polished armor adorned with red enamel and rose motifs, often paired with a @Cape of the Ruby Rose Knight which is awarded to Knights of the Ruby Rose that have completed a valiant act in defence of something beautiful. Their weapons are also usually crafted with as much care for form as function, commonly etched with flowing designs and inlaid gemstones.
Among common folk, they are admired as romantic protectors and symbols of grace. Within Eisenwehr, however, some view them as overly idealistic compared to the district’s pragmatic soldiers. Despite this, their skill in combat is unquestioned.
The Vigil of the First Bloom marks the initiation of a new knight into the order. At dusk, the initiate is led into the Cathedral of Sune where they stand before a basin of perfumed water and a living rose grown within consecrated soil. They must speak aloud a personal vow defining what beauty they will protect—be it art, love, life itself, or a mixture. The rose is then gently cut, and its petals scattered across the basin, symbolizing that beauty is fleeting and must be preserved through action. The initiate is anointed with scented oils and presented with a crimson cloak, marking their rebirth as a guardian of beauty.
The Crimson Renewal Rite is held during the height of spring or after great loss within the order. Knights gather in ceremonial armor adorned with fresh roses, each bearing a token representing something they failed to protect. These tokens are cast into a sacred flame as hymns to Sune are sung, acknowledging imperfection without surrendering purpose. Following this, the knights participate in a communal feast and artistic expression—poetry, music, or crafted works—reaffirming their devotion to creation as well as protection. The rite serves as both mourning and renewal, reminding the order that beauty must be continually restored, even after it is broken.