The Order of the Gauntlet
“Evil Must Be Purged With Unflinching Courage”
Overview
The Order of the Gauntlet is a militant, faith-driven organization dedicated to one singular purpose: the destruction of evil in all its forms. Where diplomacy fails and shadows gather, the Order marches forth with sword and holy symbol to bring light to the darkness.
They are not peacekeepers or politicians—they are warriors of righteousness. Their faith is their shield, their conviction their weapon, and their courage unwavering.
Founding and Philosophy
The Order was formed relatively recently in response to rising demonic and undead threats across Faerûn. Unlike older knightly orders tied to single temples, the Gauntlet is a coalition of faithful warriors from multiple good-aligned deities:
- Torm (God of Courage and Self-Sacrifice)
- Helm (God of Protection and Vigilance)
- Tyr (God of Justice)
- Bahamut (Dragon God of Good)
- Lathander (God of Dawn and Renewal)
- And others who champion righteousness
Core Beliefs:
- Evil cannot be negotiated with—it must be destroyed
- The strong must protect the weak
- Faith and action are inseparable
- Courage in the face of darkness is the highest virtue
Structure and Ranks
The Order operates through a loose hierarchy based on deed and faith rather than rigid military structure:
Leadership:
- Marshals - Regional commanders who coordinate large-scale operations
- Exemplars - Heroes whose deeds inspire others, often leading smaller chapters
Members:
- Gauntlets - Full members who have proven themselves in battle against evil
- Chevalls - Initiates training to join the Order
- Faithful Auxiliaries - Clerics, healers, and support who march with the Order
The Order has no single leader—decisions are made collectively by the Marshals, guided by faith and the counsel of high priests.
Who Serves the Order
- Paladins - The backbone of the Order, living embodiments of holy wrath
- Clerics - Channeling divine power to heal allies and smite enemies
- Battle Priests - Warriors trained in both blade and prayer
- Crusaders - Zealous fighters driven by faith more than formal training
- Lay Knights - Common folk who take up arms in the Order’s name
Unlike mercenaries, members of the Order serve for faith and righteousness, not coin. They may accept donations to support their cause, but will never abandon their mission for payment.
Goals and Methods
Primary Objectives:
- Hunt and destroy monsters, demons, undead, and other evils
- Root out cults and dark magic
- Defend the innocent from supernatural threats
- Reclaim corrupted holy sites
- Stand as a bulwark against the forces of darkness
How They Operate: The Order acts with swift, decisive force. When they identify a threat, they assemble a war party and march to confront it directly. They favor open battle over subterfuge, believing that righteousness should be proclaimed, not hidden.
This directness can be both their greatest strength and their weakness—they are predictable, but unstoppable when committed.
Reputation and Perception
Among the Faithful: The Order is seen as heroic, inspiring, and worthy of deep respect. Temples and common folk often aid them freely.
Among the Pragmatic: Some view them as inflexible zealots who see the world in stark black and white. Their unwillingness to compromise can create problems when situations require nuance.
Among Villains: The Order is feared. Cultists, necromancers, and demon-worshipers know that once the Gauntlet marks you for destruction, they will not stop until you are dead or they are.
Among Adventurers: Respected for their courage and conviction, though some find their rigidity limiting. The Order makes powerful allies but demanding companions.
Current State (1491 DR)
The Order has been extremely active in recent years. Demonic incursions, undead plagues, and the resurgence of dark cults have given them no shortage of foes to fight.
On the Sword Coast, they maintain a presence in most major cities, with strongholds in:
- Waterdeep - Recruiting center and armory
- Baldur’s Gate - Active chapter fighting threats from the south
- Neverwinter - Recently reinforced to combat threats in the frontier
The frontier regions, including the area around Phandalin, have seen increased Order activity as they work to purge the wild lands of monstrous threats.
What the Order Wants from Adventurers
The Order frequently seeks brave souls to join them in righteous battle:
- Assault demon-worshiping cults
- Investigate reports of undead activity
- Defend villages from monstrous raids
- Recover holy relics from corrupted sites
- Hunt specific notorious evils (liches, vampires, fiends)
- Stand as guardians while the Order prepares larger campaigns
Unlike most factions, the Order rarely “hires” adventurers—they recruit allies to a shared cause. Those who prove themselves may be invited to join formally, or at least earn the Order’s gratitude and support.
Allies and Rivals
Allies:
- The Lord’s Alliance - Shared interest in protecting civilization
- Good-aligned temples and priesthoods
- Communities threatened by evil
- Individual members of other factions who share their values
Rivals:
- Evil cults and dark priesthoods (their primary enemies)
- The Zhentarim - The Order sees their methods as morally corrupt
- The Harpers - Tension over methods; the Harpers prefer subtlety, the Order prefers direct action
- Sometimes The Emerald Enclave - When natural balance conflicts with destroying evil creatures
Enemies:
- Demons, devils, and fiends
- Undead and necromancers
- Evil dragons and their cults
- Any who would prey upon the innocent
Symbol and Recognition
The Order’s symbol is a golden gauntlet—a clenched fist representing strength, protection, and the willingness to strike against evil.
Members often wear silver or gold gauntlets as part of their armor, and many bear holy symbols of their patron deity alongside the Order’s emblem.
A Warning
The Order’s righteousness is real, but so is their zeal. They can be quick to judge and slow to forgive. Those who walk morally grey paths may find the Order’s scrutiny uncomfortable—or dangerous.
But for those who truly fight against evil, there are few better allies. When darkness comes, the Order of the Gauntlet will stand between the innocent and annihilation, unflinching and unafraid.
Related: Factions, The Lord’s Alliance, The Emerald Enclave