Knights of Solara: Holy Warriors of Thalassia
The sacred order sworn to protect the innocent, shine light upon truth, and stand eternally against the darkness. By Solara’s grace, they serve as the moral compass and martial strength of Thalassian civilization.
“I swear by the eternal light of Solara, by the dawn that breaks darkness, and by my sword and soul: I shall protect the innocent, stand against all evil, and serve with honor until my dying breath. May my deeds shine brightly, and may I never falter in my sacred duty. So I swear, so I shall be.”
Six sacred tenets bind all Dawnguard, regardless of rank or order:
Shield the defenseless from harm. Every child, every common folk, deserves safe harbor.
Honesty and integrity must guide all actions. Deception weakens the light.
Courage and moral conviction are our greatest weapons. Evil thrives where brave souls falter.
We are servants, not lords. Pride corrupts the light. Let humble deeds speak louder than proud words.
Absolute loyalty to the divine order. Our purpose is Her purpose.
All knights train in the healing arts. We mend what we must break, and restore what darkness destroys.
Entry Oath
Sworn by all initiates upon joining. The foundation of all Dawnguard service.
Advanced Oath
Abstain from worldly indulgences. Body and mind must remain sharp and pure.
Advanced Oath
Ever-watchful for signs of darkness. Sleep and rest must never dull your senses.
Master Oath
Place the lives of others before your own. This is the path of true honor.
The Dawnguard divides into three distinct orders, each serving Solara in different ways:
Holy Knights
“By Her Light, We Shine”
The rarest order. Chosen directly by Solara, these divine magic users carry the Mark of Dawn birthmark.
Martial Knights
“By Steel, We Serve”
The main military force of the Dawnguard. Exceptional warriors without divine magic, but unmatched in martial skill.
Warrior-Priests
“By Vigil, We Guard”
Protectors of sacred sites. Blend martial training with deep religious study and spiritual wisdom.
The highest rank. Solara’s chosen representative on Thalassia, wielding supreme authority.
Senior advisors and regional commanders. Guide strategy and policy across Thalassia.
Full knights who have completed all trials. Operate in formation units called “Rays.”
Initiates and trainees. Undergoing their training to become full knights.
The spiritual backbone of the order. Non-combatants focused on healing, counsel, and ritual.
Ages 7–14
Ages 14–21
Upon reaching adulthood, all candidates must pass seven sacred trials to become full knights:
Demonstrate unwavering belief in Solara’s light.
Prove martial prowess in single and group combat.
Complete a year of selfless service to the order.
Display understanding of the Dawnguard Code and teachings.
Face overwhelming odds and stand firm in duty.
Show compassion and forgiveness in judgment.
Commune with Solara and receive inner illumination.
The moral foundation upon which all Dawnguard character is built:
Honor
Courage
Mercy
Justice
Humility
Devotion
Wisdom
Generosity
Temperance
Daily sunrise prayer performed by all Dawnguard. A moment of communion with Solara.
Formal presentation of shield to newly-promoted knights. A sacred blessing and public recognition.
Pre-battle meditative watch. Knights center themselves spiritually before facing combat.
Evening reflection. Knights contemplate their actions and seek forgiveness for failures.
Every ten years, all knights undertake a pilgrimage to Solara’s greatest temples.
Annual martial competition honoring strength, skill, and chivalrous conduct.
The foundational principles that guide Thalassian society through the Dawnguard’s influence:
Wisdom
Knowledge and understanding. The Dawnguard preserves and teaches truth, ensuring future generations walk in enlightenment.
Strength
Power and protection. The martial might of the Dawnguard ensures that evil cannot take root in Thalassia.
Healing
Compassion and restoration. All knights are trained in healing arts, mending both body and spirit.
The governing body of Thalassia, blending Dawnguard authority with civil leadership:
A system measuring a citizen’s connection to the divine order:
Weekly open sessions held in the Grand Cathedral of Solara, where common citizens may petition for justice and grievances. The Sunlord and High Dawnguard preside, ensuring that even the lowest farmer may seek redress from the highest powers.
This tradition exemplifies the Dawnguard’s commitment to justice and the protection of the innocent, ensuring that power serves the people rather than oppressing them.
A specialized tradition followed by elite Radiant Paladins, representing four sacred missions:
Establish new temples and spread Solara’s faith to distant lands.
Confront evil directly. Hunt necromancers, demons, and dark forces.
Seek to save corrupted souls. Offer redemption before judgment.
Expand Thalassian influence and protect new territories from darkness.
High King Aldric holds a five-fold authority granted by Solara herself:
Rule over lands and people
Command all armed forces
Administer divine justice
Interpret Solara’s will
Treat with foreign powers in Solara’s name
“In darkness, we are the light. In fear, we are courage. In despair, we are hope.”
The Dawnguard of Thalassia — World of Asphodel RPG