Champion of Courage

Overview

The Champion of Courage is an Imperial title that was created by the Imperial Senate in Summer 382YE. The title confers custodianship of the artifact Pilgrim's Shield known as Torchbrand.

Responsibilities

The Champion of Courage is intended to serve as an inspiration to the Pilgrims of the faith and laity as to what it means to be Courageous, particularly in a military context. Historically the bearers of the Torchbrand formed along with the others of the Pilgrims shield the “Seven Pilgrims” band.

Powers

Regalia of the Champion of Courage

The Champion of Courage bears Torchbrand, the unique Pilgrim's Shield. If the Champion of Courage loses their position, then the item must be given to the new Champion with all appropriate haste. The Champion is encouraged to take all appropriate precautions to keep this item safe, and is expected to do everything within their power to recover it if it is lost.

Appointment

The Champion of Courage is chosen every Autumn Equinox by a judgement of appointment by the Assembly of Courage.

Any Imperial citizen may hold this title. They can be revoked by the General Assembly, the Courage assembly, and the Assembly of the Nine.

History

The shield Torchbrand was created by Ezkiah the Benefactor, greatest smith of the Highborn along with six other shields. Each was gifted to a different hero, forming a company known as the “Seven Pilgrims”.

Torchbrand was first carried by Kaya of Thornhaven, a Navarr of Briar Lineage. Passed from Champion to Champion, or selected by the priests of Courage when this was not possible, it remained an enduring inspiration to the faithful of the Empire.

At the battle of Reikos in 367 YE the Seven Pilgrims of the day charged an entire Druj army on their own, allowing the outmatched Imperial forces time to quit the field in good order. Torchbrand was lost along with the other six shields, but recovered three years later. Rumour says that it was retrieved following a tournament with heralds of the Summer Realm by nobles of House Orzel of Dawn. The Courage Assembly demanded the return of the shield, but agreed to select a member of House Orzel as Champion.

Regardless of this alleged agreement, the shield came into the possession of Horsa Tyshalt of Wintermark. A dispute over the shield ensued. In a statement of principle raised by Nina of Cantiarch's Hold the Assembly stated “The Courage Assembly will decide the fate of the Courage Shield Torchbrand” (Statement of Primciple, Autumn 381, Judgement 65, Upheld 104 - 0 ). In Summer 382 then Cardinal Jorma Steelhail retrieved the shield, and the Senate agreed to create the title of Champion of Courage.

Historically the Shield was passed from Champion to Champion; the Synod has ended this tradition through the creation of a formal title. It is likely that the other assemblies will follow suit should their namesake shields ever be recovered.