Name: Tristian Melegant, Marquis Gerona, Duke of the five marchesBorn: Rayda 7th, Anno Cadaris 1002, Othala
Age: 22
Height: 6'
Weight: 180
Eyes: Green
Hair: Blond
Tristian Melegant was born in the lowlands of Albigan in the year 1002. His father was the Baron of the lands and raised his only son in the ways of chivalry and war. As the only child Tristian was forced into the role of leader early in life. By the age of 18, he was commander of the boarder guards in the far reaches of the baronage.
Tristian was raised in the ways of warfare. He became a excellent swordsman, a good shot with the bow, and a inspirational leader of men. Yet, he did not give himself over to warfare entirely, he studied the ruling of the people and was a just leader, wise and fair, with a distrust of outsiders tempered by a keen wit and a deep sense of loyalty.
In the year 1023, his father succumbed to sickness and died, leaving Tristian as the Baron of the lowlands. The people of the baronage were saddened by the loss of the kind baron, but Tristian was a ruler just as good. He built the strength of the baronage, while keeping up the morale and life of the people.
In the year 1024, only days after his 22nd birthday, he went up to the great tournament to sit as a judge befitting his rank and title.
The House of Melegant has a long proud lineage of service to Clan McGreggor.
The foundations of Melegant are lost deep in the mists of time, but one can
surely say that some the House, fought along side the McGreggors during the
jedi wars.
With the recent death of his father, Morgan, Tristian Melegant has become the
Baron of the House of Melegant.
The Baron of Melegant controlls five marches within the lands of Albigan- Gerona, Argonne, Aurice, Ariege, and Correze. These lands are varied greatly. From the burning deserts to the east to the dense woodlands of the west. From rolling seas in the north, to high mountains in the south.
On the southern coast of Gerona, nestled along the mountains sweeping to the sea stands the city of Almaroth, the ancestrial home of the Melegants. The city is strong and fair, with white walls the reflect the sun, heavy wooden gates, and a sacred oak that grows within the walls of the city.
The crest and colors of the House of Melegant is a white swan emblazioned upon a blue background. The knights of the House of Melegant ride into battle with the crest upon their shields and chest, thus their title the "Swan Knights of Almaroth". These knights are powerful and fair, standing ever ready upon the boarders of Albigan to serve and protect their Lords of Clan McGreggor.
Swan Knights of Albigan
Introduction
The Order of the Swan is an ancient and noble honor. The Swan Knights are based
out of the stronghold of Almaroth in the march of Gerona in south-eastern Albigan.
The hereditary title of commander of the Swan Knights is passed to the Baron
Melegant, upon the death of his father, therefore, Sir Tristian Melegant is
the current leader of the order.
History
The Order was founded approximately 1200 sais ago by the original Baron Melegant.
It was founded as a society of western knights and was given over entirely to
the serivce of the House of McGreggor. The order fought with great fame during
the Jedi invasions and won much renown. They suffered many losses and the ranks
where thinned, but in the end they stood proud and unbent behind the McGreggors.
Induction
Any deserving person may be knighted into the order by the Baron Melegant, whether
of higher or lower rank then himself. To be induction one must be recognized
as upholding the ways of chivalry, to be well versed in combat, and to already
be living in the manner of following the code. The induction lasts for a day,
beging the day before the induction when the inductee is expected to spend the
night in meditation. The following morning he is dressed in armor and led before
the Baron Melegant. The inductee speaks the Code of the Order and then takes
the vow of knighthood. He then kneels before the Baron, who dubs him thrice
with the sword, silver spurs are given to him upon a blue pillow, and he rises
being named knight of the Order of the Swan.
The Code of the Order of the Swan
1. Thou shalt protect Sheia, thy mother, and uphold this code with thy life.
2. Thou shalt defend women and raise thy sword never against one, save in defense
or in keeping the code.
3. Thou shalt respect all weaknesses and shalt constitute thyself the defender
of them.
4. Thou shalt love Albigan, in which thou wast born.
5. Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
6. Thou shalt make war against thy enemies without cessation and without mercy.
7. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties unto thy death.
8. Thou shalt never lie, and shalt remain faithful to thy pledged word.
9. Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone.
10. Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good
against injustice and evil.
The Vow of the Order of the Swan
"I, <thy name>, doth solemly swear that I shall serve faithfully
the Order of the Knights of the Swan. That I shall live by the code, keep my
honor untarnished, and face death rather than dishonor. That I shall follow
the orders of the captains appointed over me. That I shall be fair to those
over whom I am appointed. That I shall serve ever the House of Melegant, the
land of Albigan, and the fair city of Almaroth. To this vow I shall solemly
uphold upon forfeit of mine life."
Organization
The total number of men in the Order fluctuates as times pass, but the organization has remained the same for many years. The number of knights in the order is never large, but to serve, even as a footman, is a honor.
Company - There are 10 companies in the Legion of the Swan. Two companies are there in a brigade. The companies are ordered by color, which is represented by the plumes in the helmets of the members of the Order. The companies in pairs are: Orange and Brown, Scarlet and Sable, Blue and Silver, Green and White, Gold and Grey. Each company is comprised of 1 Captain, 15 Knights, 30 Men-at-Arms, and 100 Footmen.
Brigade - There are 4 Brigades in the Legion of the Swan. Each brigade is named for one of the marches of the Barony of Melegant. The Brigades are: Correze (Orange and Brown), Argonne (Scarlet and Sable), Ariege (Green and White), and Aurice (Gold and Grey). Note that Gerona is not represented, that is becuase two companies, the Blue and Silver, are the elite of the Legion under command of the Baron Melegant himself. A Brigade contains 3 Captains, 30 Knights, 60 Men-at-Arms, and 200 Footmen.
Battalion - There are 2 Battalions in the Legion of the Swan. Each Battalion is called for its position in the Barony. The Battalions are: North (Correze and Ariege) and South (Argonne and Aurice). A Battalion is comprised of 7 Captains, 60 Knights, 120 Men-at-Arms, and 400 Footmen.
Legion of the Swan - The higest organization in the Order, the Legion is commanded by Baron Melegant. The Legion has a total of 1 Commander, 16 Captains, 150 Knights, 300 Men-at-Arms, 1000 Footmen.
Positions
Captains - To be a Captain of the Order is the greatest honor a person can recieve. All captains are considered to be equal in rank, and a brotherhood of comradeship is formed most strong between them. Captains may be given higher commands, but no position is there higher save that of commander, which only the Marquis Gerona, traditionally offspring of the House of Melegant may hold.
Knight - To be a Knight of the Order is an honor most high. It is proof that one is skilled in arms and chivalry, and sets one apart as a member of a higher cast. The number of Knights of the Order is never great, thus there is much bonding and friendship and one is quite willing to lay down his life for another.
Men-at-Arms - A man-at-arms is but a small step down from knighthood. The man-at-arms are dressed, armed, and mounted as a Knight of the Order, save for the silver spurs of knighthood. They are not a part of the Order, however, they are close to their induction.
Footmen - A footman is the basic soldier of the Order. He is not mounted, however, he is well armed with pike and sword and bow. The majority of the companies fielded are footmen, however, they are not a part of the Order.

