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====== The Order of Chivalry ======

**The Most Excellent Order of the Thorn** is the only order of chivalry awarded in Tacera. It was established on the 1st day of Primus, 1576 Post Obstructio by King Audley I of Tacera in the aftermath of the Five Front War to honour those who had defended her so gallantly during that conflict. Today it is awarded for both civilian and military accomplishments.

The Order comprises five classes. In decreasing order of seniority, these are:

  * **Knight Cardinal** of the Order of the Thorn of Tacera (KCTT)
  * **Knight Commander** of the Order of the Thorn of Tacera (KTT)
  * **Commander** of the Order of the Thorn of Tacera (CTT)
  * **Protector** of the Order of the Thorn of Tacera (PTT)
  * **Member** of the Order of the Thorn of Tacera (MTT)

Only the highest two ranks confer the distinction of knighthood or damehood, an honour allowing the recipient to use the title 'Sir' (male) or 'Dame' (female) before his or her first name.  Honorary knighthoods, given to individuals who are not subjects of His Majesty King Carados the III,  permit usage of the honour as a post-nominal but not as a title before their name.

=== Vestments and Accoutrements ===

Members of the Order are entitled (and expected) to wear the Vestments and Accoutrements of the Order (which vary by rank) on all designated State occasions.
  * The floor length mantle, worn only by Knights and Dames Cardinal and Commander, is of green velvet lined with white silk, bound and laced in gold. On the stole that forms the collar is embroidered the badge of the order, a lozenge, chevronny argent and vert, a thorn sable.
  * For less important occasions, and by the lower classes on all occasions, the badge alone is used. Male recipients wear it suspended around their necks on a green riband with a white centre stripe, the edges bound narrowly in gold, female recipients wear it on a riband or sash, passing from the right shoulder to the left hip, or from a bow on the left shoulder.
  * For constant use is a gold ring worn on the right index finger.

{{croiduire/orbs/tacera/thornring.jpg}}

=== Medals and Awards for Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct ===

The **Emsshin Star** is the highest military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy to members of the Taceran military. It is reserved for those who distinguish themselves by conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of their lives while engaged in an action against an enemy of Tacera. It takes precedence over all other orders, decorations and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and to civilians under military command. It is presented to the recipient or their next of kin by the Taceran monarch during an investiture held at Mirus Castle.

The **Rordan Star** is the highest civil decoration of Tacera. It is the civilian counterpart of, and considered equal to, the Emsshin Star, and is the highest gallantry award for civilians as well as for military personnel in actions which are not in the face of the enemy or for which purely military honours would not normally be granted. It too is presented to the recipient or their next of kin by the Taceran monarch during an investiture held at Mirus Castle.

Due to the nature of their criteria, both decorations are often awarded posthumously.


The **Golden Dragon** is the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Taceran military, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force.

The **Silver Dragon** is the third-highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the Taceran military, its auxiliaries and adjuncts, for valour in the face of the enemy.

The **Bronze Dragon** is the fourth-highest military decoration that may be awarded to a member of the Taceran military, its auxiliaries and adjuncts, for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service.

The **Badge of Military Merit** is a military order for soldiers of all ranks who exhibit unusual gallantry in battle, extraordinary fidelity and singularly meritorious and essential service in any way, especially those who have been wounded or killed while faithfully serving their country. Those who have received this award are the only ones besides the Royal Family and the members of the Pentad who are entitled to display the Royal Purple on their persons, this in the form of a heart of silk, bound in black and affixed to a band worn around the left upper arm midway between the shoulder and the elbow.