‘We are the Valorsworn…’
Bound by oaths, which transcend blood and glory, the Valorsworn are just, noble members of the Horde dedicated to defending and protecting the Horde and its people. A force steeped in the values of Thrall’s Horde, each of the Valorsworn, from the deftest of thieves, to the mightiest of warriors, to the most earnest of farmers or craftsmen, has sworn a binding vow to uphold the meek and innocent of Azeroth and attribute honour and glory to the Horde.
Founded by Torak Eagleroar and his companions, inspired by the warmth and justice of the Horde cause, the Valorsworn have risen from the ashes of the Legion invasion. With rising tensions between both Horde and Alliance, Torak felt that now is the time to take up arms and fight for justice.
From the ruins of invasion, the mountain stands firm, rising to defend its people.
'By the Wild Gods, by the Earth Mother,
By the Light, the Ancestors, and the Elements,
By the Wind, the Sun and the Moon riding high,
I solemnly swear to defend the meek,
To raise my weapon with honour,
To fight for kin and clan.
To guard against tyranny and falsehood.
Oathbound, Valorsworn,
With shields shaken,
Spears raised,
As the mountain stands firm,
We shall rise to defend our people!
We are the Valorsworn, bound by blood and oath.
For the Horde!'
Hierarchy of the Valorsworn
Guardian - As leader of the Valorsworn, the Guardian coordinates the members of the guild and meets with other guild leaders. While the Guardian’s word is not law, it is convention to respect their decisions. A learned leader and a dedicated tactician, the Guardian is expected to lead the Valorsworn while on campaign. Acting as the main representative and diplomat of the order, the Guardian oversees and participates in missions, and choses the course of the Valorsworn, with aid from the Protectors.
Protector - The most loyal and dependable members are given the rank of Protector. A small council of companions, the Protectors help organise and run the guild with the Guardian. They advise, lead and otherwise supervise the Valorsworn members. They, too, act as representatives and diplomats of the guild, and assist any and all when needed.
Valorsworn - Seasoned, trustworthy members are named Valorsworn. These veterans of the guild have seen many moons aiding and serving alongside the Protectors and Guardian. Considered respected members, the Valorsworn have gone above and beyond the scope of duty, presenting themselves as just and honorable members of both the Horde and the guild at large.
Oathbound - These staunch, proven members have served long enough to take their oaths and become bound formally to the Valorsworn. They have seen two large missions at least, or spent a month diligently following the ideals of the Valorsworn, and have dedicated themselves to honour and justice.
Recruit - As junior members of the Valorsworn, recruits are those who have newly joined the guild and are seeking to prove themselves worthy to take their Oath. This is a trial rank, allowing members to decide if they want to continue in the Valorsworn. After a month, and after attending a few missions, the recruit can take their oath.
Associate - While these members are not bound by oath, or recruits, they are akin to information gatherers and are tasked with helping the Valorsworn from outside of the guild’s reach. These members might be people from other factions, or from within the Horde who are not technical members of the guild, but will lend their aid to the Valorsworn when needed.
OOC - A rank reserved for characters who are not in the guild. These might be characters waiting for IC recruitment, alts of established members, or friends who are welcome to join our community and discord.
‘Oathbound, Valorsworn! Bound by blood and oath!’
The recruit kneels before the Guardian and the Protectors, dressed in their surcoat and armour. Head bowed, eyes closed, the brilliance of the full moon crests the nearest hill, bathing the camp with wondrous light. At the recruit’s back, the rest of the Valorsworn are stood, silent and firm as the words of their Oath passes the recruit’s lips.
‘By the Wild Gods, by the Earth mother, by the Light, the Ancestors and the Elements, I swear to defend the meek, to raise my weapon with honour, to fight only for kin and clan, to guard against tyranny and falsehood. Oathbound, Valorsworn. With shields shaken, spears raised, as the mountain stands firm, we shall rise to defend our people. I am Valorsworn, bound by blood and oath!’
The recruit raises their head, roaring the final line, ‘For the Horde!’
‘Oathbound, Valorsworn! Bound by blood and oath!’ Chant the rest, filling the night air with the lustor and splendor of the Valorsworn order.
When silence falls again, broken only by the hurried breaths of the recruit, the Guardian speaks. ‘Rise. Rise as an Oathbound. Rise as a champion of the Horde. Take your place amongst your brothers and sisters.’
The Oathbound gets to their feet, standing tall, proud to be worthy of their oath.
The Guardian speaks again. ‘Oathbound, you are to serve a night as guard for the guild. You are not to speak, nor to eat or drink, until dawn has touched the sky. We will rest under your watchful gaze, safe and secure.’ The Guardian moves to the Oathbound, and rests a hand on their shoulder. ‘Oathbound. Valorsworn. Bound by blood and oath.’
With that, the newly made Oathbound takes their place at the centre of the camp, eyes watchful, as the rest of the guild retires to bed.
The oath is an integral part of the Valorsworn. The words ‘Oathbound, Valorsworn! Bound by blood and oath’ is essentially a war cry, and can be shortened to ‘Bound by blood and oath’. These words are the crucial element of life within the Valorsworn. To protect the innocent, be they Alliance or Horde or otherwise. To only fight when needed, and to act with integrity and honour.
