Master Exemplar
Master Exemplar is a title given to the leader of the Shining Blade. The leader is hand-picked by the current ruling monarch of Kryta. Countess Anise is the current Master Exemplar.[1]
The Master Exemplar, like the rest of the Shining Blade's membership beyond the rank of recruit, takes the magically binding Oath of Confidence and vows to give their life for Kryta and, by extension, the reigning Krytan monarch. However, should conflict arise and the Master Exemplar needs to choose between the well-being of the nation and the royal family, their priorities will fall in the following order: Kryta, Krytan royalty, Krytan citizens.[2]
While the leaders of the Shining Blade generally serve Kryta until they either die or retire because of old age, some of them have stepped down in their younger years to pass on the mantle to their successor while taking on new duties.
List of Masters Exemplar[edit]
- Evennia (founder in 1072 AE) — Stepped down after the demise of the White Mantle's high council to become Princess Salma's personal advisor. Disappeared after leading a Krytan delegation to Ascalon City to ask for King Adelbern's aid against the White Mantle during the Krytan Civil War. Her fate remains unknown although White Mantle propaganda claims that King Adelbern viewed her as an assassin and had the entire delegation hanged.[3][4]
- Bartholos (1072–1079 AE) — Stepped down to become the first Captain of the newly established Seraph after the decisive victory against the White Mantle in the Battle for Lion's Arch and the establishment of the Shining Blade as Queen Salma's official royal guard.[5]
- Livia (1079–1157 AE) — Retired and retreated into seclusion in the Shining Blade Headquarters where she was reported to have died at the age of 93.[1]
- Laurelai (1157–1225 AE)[1]
- Marla (1225–1300 AE) — Retired at the age of 90 after overseeing an official trade agreement between Kryta and the Free City of Lion's Arch.[1]
- Eive (1300–1320 AE) — Stepped down some time after the Ogre Revolt (caused by the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik's awakening) due to other responsibilities that took her away from her duties as Master Exemplar.[1][6]
- Anise (1320 AE–Current)[1]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f Shining Blade Secrets
- ^ The Shining Blade Manual (complete)
- ^ War in Kryta dialogues
- Councilor Vaylor: Ascalon sends a single unit and calls that aid? Where is Evennia? Obviously she failed to clarify Kryta's needs, your highness.
- Captain Langmar: Ascalon has sent no one, yet. As I told Evennia, it is not the Ebon Vanguard's place to formalize such an alliance. She now travels to Ascalon to seek audience with King Adelbern. He decides where to send Ascalon's troops. [...]
- Captain Langmar: I have faith that Evennia's strong persuasive skills and the promise of support in our war against the Charr will sway King Adelbern in Kryta's favor.
- Captain Langmar: Until Ascalon joins in full force, you have our knowledge at your disposal.
- Princess Salma: I see. Then we accept your council for now, but hope that King Adelbern doesn't take too long to commit to alliance. Kryta will need more than this to win the war against her oppressors.
- ^ Open Letters
- Posted Message in Ascalon Settlement: My brothers and sisters from Ascalon, you know my history. I fought with you against the charr! I bled with you, I wept with you as the once-great country was consumed by the ravenous beasts. And this is not the first time the White Mantle aided Ascalon in their fight with the charr. Generations ago, Zain the Merciful brought food and clothing for your countrymen. What did the Shining Blade send? Assassins, who your king had hanged from Ascalon City! Join me, and the White Mantle will reclaim your home from the charr, and we shall form a grand human empire the likes of which has never been seen before! —Lord Caudecus Beetlestone
- ^ Lion's Arch (War in Kryta)
- Princess Salma: Guided now by our loyal servant Livia, the Shining Blade will continue to serve Kryta, not as a rebel group nor as a militia, nor even as an army, but shall henceforth serve as the royal guard for all kings and queens of Kryta. [...]
- Princess Salma: In that spirit, we hereby announce the formation of a new army for the defense of the whole of Kryta and for all humans who call Kryta their home.
- Princess Salma: Honoring the winged goddess who protected us in our final battle against the fiends who had usurped our kingdom, this new group will be called the Seraph, and the valiant Bartholos shall be their commander.
- Princess Salma: In this new army, common citizens and former members of the White Mantle and Shining Blade will serve side-by-side. You will know the Seraph by the wings that adorn their helms and shields, and by their resolute defense of our land. They shall be the protectors of Kryta.
- ^ When Kralkatorrik's rise led to the Ogre Revolt in Edge of Destiny in 1320 AE, Anise was still stated to be an exemplar.