BOUND BY BLOOD

The Silver Crusade is a slowly-growing herd of unicorns who have gone through the unimaginable. From violent possessions to the bloodiest slaughters, these horses have seen horrors the likes of which many have never known. Whether it be out of a desire for vengeance, need for support, or the will to spare others from meeting similar fates, members of the Crusade vow to hunt and slay monsters from the deepest pits of the underworld.

New members of the herd, known as Fledglings, are tested through the Rites of the Scourge. The rites have these new members face some sort of minor monster alongside a more experienced member of the herd to test their courage and ability to think quickly and act under pressure. Those who turn and flee at the first sign of danger or panic at first blood are rejected from the herd's ranks. While they're allowed to remain for a little while for the emotional support and mutual understanding, they typically will leave the herd after they have had time to heal. The Crusade is nomadic and seek out evils to vanquish and this lifestyle does not suit the squeamish and weak of heart.

RANKS

The Crusade is organized into ranks that, rather than being based on hierarchy, sort its members into jobs. The herd was formed to hunt monsters, certainly, but a group of warriors is nothing without people to direct them and people to heal them. Each member is tested to see where their skillset is best allocated and will be trained by a more experienced member of that profession.

LEGIONNAIRE

Legionnaires form the bulk of the herd. These unicorns are warriors with fire in their blood; they seek to destroy the evils lurking in the shadows with brute force. While their magic may not always be combat-oriented, they have trained their bodies in the art of war and know how to fight with tooth and hoof— legionnaires know that even if their magic won’t help them fell a beast, their horn is still a weapon worth using.

TACTICIAN

Tacticians are the next largest rank in the herd. Spies, scouts, and strategists, the tacticians use information gathered to guide legionnaires in their strikes against enemy forces. Hardier and skilled tacticians sometimes form the rear of attacking platoons, using magic to help support the legionnaires in battle.

ALCHEMIST

Alchemists are masters of synthesis, brewing, and medicine. Using raw materials harvested from the land and corpses of enemies, they function as doctors and scientists. Alchemists are first and foremost trained in medicine— the herd has no shortage of injuries and these horses keep the group afloat. Some alchemists take on specialties such as potion-making, enchantments, mixes, or sometimes even smithing, but all possess medical knowledge.

FLEDGLING

Fledglings are recruits inducted into the Crusade. Each fledgling will be tested on their skills to see where they would best fare before performing the Rites of the Scourge. After proving their iron will to the herd, the fledgling will be placed in a profession and communally mentored. The fledgling rank is made up of unicorns of all ages— adults joining the herd all must go through an apprenticeship just as foals born into the herd do.

REFUGEE

Technically the largest group in the herd, but on a unofficial level. Refugees are not necessarily Crusaders— while they may choose to become a full member of the herd later, the refugees are all considered outsiders or guests. Refugees come into the care of the Crusade typically after a herd’s extinction or some sort of tragedy. Unicorns who have suffered great injuries from monsters or those who have suffered the trauma of herd annihilation will follow the Crusade as a support group of sorts. While the Crusade is heavily based on action, vengeance, and is constantly on the move, they dedicate a lot of their time to helping those who have suffered similar fates. Most refugees will leave the Crusade to find their own way once they have healed enough to move on.