When Queen Talia goes to war, she does not go alone. The queen has never been seen upon the battlefield without her own personal lancers, numbering at a single century at all times, protecting and keeping her safe. The Rose Lance is an all-women company of chevaliers, selected by the queen, not typically for their skill on the battle field itself, but instead are selected due to some merit beyond their mere skill with the lance. The queen herself holds yearly tournaments to recruit young ladies who wish to show their skill with the lance, and therefore have the opportunity to enter the military and raise their station in a way available to no others.
The Rose Lance is often considered to be an empty title in the court of Queen Talia of Aridane, many assuming it is mostly vanity. The lancers do tend to present a striking image, wearing plated mail with silver filigree, with helms plumed with the feathers of peacocks, giving many an opening to write them off as a mere vanity project. However, the Lancers are hand selected by the queen for their skills, and their order have been sent to war thrice within the reign of her majesty, each time being central to an engagement. Of course, they are often written off due to the small amount of action each lancer sees in a single battle, for that is not their purpose.
In reality, Queen Talia has selected each of the lancers to be a field general for her if she is injured or killed. She is aware of her position as the only daughter in a great house, aware that the number of people who might claim to be her successor is large. She is also aware that her son, John Extin, is unlikely to be the one to take the throne without support, since he is not yet of age to scheme amongst the courtiers. Therefore, she wishes to make sure that her soldiers, if not their commanders, respect the one who would take over her armies. And so, the Rose Lance exists to train a replacement general.
The Rose Lance is selected by tournament, the yearly tourney is held, and the women of the chevalier or greater classes may choose to compete. Many send their daughters, any many daughters arrive in disguise, hoping for the chance to escape the fate a feudal system has for them. The winner of the tournament has often, though not always, been offered a position in the Queen's Guard. Those Queen's Guard members who prove themselves exceptional will be offered a position in the Rose Lance. Of course, Queen Talia is typically looking for skills beyond mere lance and sword skills, and therefore has often offered other women position in the Guard because of this.
The most prominent members of the Lance itself are:
Michelle DeLonge: Michelle is a Paladin of the old school. Raised within the church, her Abbot purchased her a spot in one of the tournies, where she proved herself skilled with the lance. However, it was her Faith and her skills as a philosopher that had her brought into the Lance eventually.
Harper Gin: Harper is a strategist like no other. Queen Talia did not select her after watching her fight, in fact, Harper was eliminated in one of her first matches. However, it was later, speaking to Harper about battles that she was brought into the Queen's Guard. It was only after several years of creating the strategy for defending important engagements, and demonstrating those skills that she was brought into The Rose Lance. Harper has grown in her skill as a warrior, and deserves to wear her armour, but she also is likely to be the one leading the armies of Aridane when they march to war, even now.
Hattie Marsh: Hattie is a witch of the old school. She was taught by her family's cook how to brew potions and make charms to ward off the undead. Most of the women of her station are as knowledgeable as Hattie about history or poetry, able to read and write, but none are as aware of the magic that the peasants remember from ancient days.
Penelope Wall: Penelope is the face of the Lance. Most of the Lance itself is very serious, even Hattie tends to be less chatty than the rest. Penelope was chosen by Talia to do the work of actually keeping the kingdom together. Like most of the Lance, Penelope is quite dangerous as a warrior, but her true skill is her ability as an orator and as a social planner. She's the one who will successfully keep John on the throne, or so Talia hopes.
Cugeth: Cugeth is a curiosity of the court. While all the other members of the Lance are human, she is an Elf. Her reasons for attempting to join are unknown, but Talia was completely unwilling to see one as wise, and as likely to outlive her, not be a part of her project to keep her kingdom alive. Cugeth is aware of Talia's plans and goals for the Kingdom, and has sworn an oath to guide the young prince until one of them dies. Talia hopes that this will her kingdom safe.
The average member of the Rose Lance has the following stats. Every member has two more skills at B6, or a special attribute (like Faith).
If the Rose Lance is present in your world - it can be represented with the following lifepath:
The Rose Lance 7 yrs 25 rp +1 M/P Professional Soldier, City, Outcast
Skills: 9 pts: Seven Points of Agility, Etiquette, Hunting, Military Archery, Intimidation, Conspicuous, Doctrine, Strategy, Sexist Pig-wise
Traits: 2 pts: Chosen Of The Queen, Tough, Sworn Homage
Requires: Mark of Privilege
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