Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 ferratus Jun 25, 2003 21:24:13	These guys fascinate me, because they are essentially mercs hired by the Solamnics for specific tasks, yet are expected to abide by a Solamnic's code of honour. Now, we've got this situation. The wizards, once they take the WoHS prestige class, they wil neither be able to take the Eldritch Knight prestige class or martial weapon proficiencies without a lot of "tch, tch" from their superiors. Dabblers in magic (wizards 5th level or lower) are pretty much free do as they please of course. Does that mean that they might also be banned from becoming an auxillary sorcerer because the Solamnic Knighthood is harbouring renegades (sorcerers)? Can mages of Solinari work with Solamnic knights in this day and age? Are Solamnic Knights and WoHS still enemies, but sorcerers and minor wizards respected and tolerated? What do you all think?
#2 Dragonhelm Jun 25, 2003 22:01:58	The Solamnic Auxiliary has always fascinated me too, and I feel that it is an organization that has tons of potential. The first thing I would do is to expand on the roles within the Auxiliary. It's an organization that is more than just sorcerers. Sorcerers who join this group would be dedicated to the knighthood and its ordeals, and may even pay homage to Paladine, Kiri-Jolith, and Habbakuk. Wizards could join as well, although they would undoubtedly become a WoHS first. The key here would be if sorcerers are considered renegades or not. If so, then the knighthood would undoubtedly insist that there be no conflict between wizards and sorcerers, and that an oath would be sworn that there shall be no conflict. This could, of course, be a great adventure hook. Beyond arcane magic-users, I see other roles. Medic - This would be a divine magic-user (cleric or mystic probably) who would specialize in the treatment of wounds on the battlefield. Covert Agent - The knights used spies, although they didn't admit it. They're not part of the knighthood normally, but the Auxiliary may be just the place for them. Anyway, those are my basic thoughts. I hope we can see more development with this group in the future.
#3 ferratus Jun 25, 2003 22:17:27	Originally posted by Dragonhelm Wizards could join as well, although they would undoubtedly become a WoHS first. It depends on how gifted the wizard is. I could see many wizards such as Horkin from Brothers in Arms joining the Solamnic Auxillary. The key here would be if sorcerers are considered renegades or not. If so, then the knighthood would undoubtedly insist that there be no conflict between wizards and sorcerers, and that an oath would be sworn that there shall be no conflict. This could, of course, be a great adventure hook. Yep, and plus we have the question of whether or not the Solamnics like the WoHS. They have always hated the WoHS in the past, and it was never quite clear whether it was because they tolerated Black Robes in their midst, or because they hated magic, or both. Obviously since the Auxillary sorcerers have been accepted among them, then some knights at least have overcome their resistance to employing magic in battle. Have they overcome their mistrust of this secretive order that includes known practitioners of evil in their midst though? That's an adventure hook too. ;) Medic - This would be a divine magic-user (cleric or mystic probably) who would specialize in the treatment of wounds on the battlefield. Well, we already have the Sword Knights (unless they've undergone a revamp of abilities) who have healing powers. It could be a place to integrate clerics of the gods of good, and certainly mystics would be a handy addition to have as well. The obvious thing we are forgetting is infantry soldiers. Knights are expensive and elite forces. For every 100 knights, there should be a thousand or so infantry warriors. These are probably "Auxillaries" taken from the guard of various cities (such as Palanthas or Solanthas) and militias raised from the Knights' own estates. As well, we have to figure out what rank some important Auxillaries have. I can't see a high level sorcerer taking orders from a wet behind the ears 19 year old Crown Knight (and every other Knight), no matter what the 5th Age material says. Covert Agent - The knights used spies, although they didn't admit it. They're not part of the knighthood normally, but the Auxiliary may be just the place for them. I'd like to think that there are certain knights (and high ranking ones) that use spies, but that there are also knights who forswear their use. Frankly, there are many tactical and political reasons why not using spies or assassins is a good idea, particularly in the medieval era. Okay, I'm setting myself a deadline for next Tuesday. I'm going to finish a project I thought about a long time ago which consists of apologetics for the aristocratic, starched collar, self-sacrificing, honour bound knights, and why such a organization is effective. It will also include arguments that will show why using spies, pressing common soldiers into knightly roles, lying, deception, covert politics behind the scenese and such are ultimately bad decisions to make tactically and politically.