by Tonberry's Lantern Staff
It is well known that here at The Lantern we publish many stories concerning the Sultansworn, and that they are often critical. A recent advertisement we accepted from Citizens Against Corruption might even suggest that we've taken a stance in direct opposition to the proud defenders of our beloved jewel, but this is a misconception.
Whatever the personal opinions of the staff here might be, The Lantern is not opposed to the Sworn as an organization. We're not sure how anyone can be. The creed of the Sultansworn of Ul'Dah is the very definition of righteousness. The Paladins exist as an organization to protect the House of Ul, but they are more than that. They are the shining examples of justice and truth in a city so often taken to a vicious mercantile survivalism and outright deceit. Sworn are meant to be the incorruptible beacon of light in this city of darkness, but they have fallen.
The most prominent of the Sultansworn at this time is Coatleque Crofte, a woman who we here at The Lantern have discussed at length, but whom few properly know. Her hard, unflappable exterior is the very definition of a Paladin. No matter the situation or struggle, she maintains a calm demeanor and fair hand. When confronted by a rebel in a refugee camp, she was assaulted with a chamber pot, but maintained her calm and dignity despite being covered in filth. She drew no weapon, and she made no threats, but even she is blanketed in the shadow of corruption.
Her relationship with Jameson Taeros, a Monetarist noble has been much discussed in our offices, but no proof has been established. Why, then, do we doubt her? The answer lies with the other Sworn, those who are threatening to bring this proud organization to its knees.
Ser Natalie McBeef, late of the Sultansworn of Ul'Dah, has been decisively linked to illegal activities in Limsa Lominsa, particularly the raid of a warehouse in Moraby where several members of The Maelstrom were engaged in battle. She lost her life in the raid, which is the only reason why Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn has not openly sought retribution against The Sworn for Ser McBeef's actions. Ser Crofte, having taken over Ser McBeef's duties, has come under The Admiral's scrutiny and could be first to walk the plank in Limsa should antagonism between The maelstrom and The Sworn continue.
Trainee Romy Leonhardt, newly accepted for the trials, is one of the most outspoken and well known of the most recent batch of prospective knights, is also the most controversial. After recently regaining the ability to speak through aetheric surgeries, has made her voice heard in ways that shame the proud history of the Sworn. In an incident in The Quicksand, a pair of zombified Moon Keepers confronted her. Romy's response, rather than seek the help of fellow Sworn, or pass on the duty to the brass Blades, chose to cast off her Sworn armor and regail herself in black. She then painted her face in a death mask, a traditional right of her people, according to her, and engaged in a one woman quest of bloody vengeance for, and we quote, scaring her.
Trainee Leonhardt is not a Sultansworn, and after that display we all hope she never will be. She conducts herself as if she is one, however, and wears their armor. The Lantern would like to make it a point that she has sworn no oaths and possesses no actual authority. She is not a member of any form of law enforcement and should not be obeyed unless in the presence of her trainer, Ser Shas Tarry.
Trainee Aiden Church is another of this batch of most recent prospects, and has embarassed the Paladins through his actions on multiple occasions. Earlier in this article we mentioned that Ser Crofte was assaulted with feces and was unfazed. Trainee Church, meanwhile, heard Ser Crofte's name insulted and immediately flew into a rage, challenging the offender to a duel in front of a dozen witnesses. During the duel he once again lost his temper and drew raw steel in what was meant to be unarmed combat. When asked about this by Lantern reporters, Trainee Church told a story of Trainee Roysia Stone's threats against his life for interfering in a romantic entanglement.
Is this what The Sworn have come to? Raucous children cast a dim light on the solemn dignity of the most noble post in Ul'Dah. Is it so hard to believe Ser Crofte capable of injustice when this is the state of the Sworn today?
We here at the Lantern do not hate the Sworn, but we despise these pretenders to Knighthood.
It is well known that here at The Lantern we publish many stories concerning the Sultansworn, and that they are often critical. A recent advertisement we accepted from Citizens Against Corruption might even suggest that we've taken a stance in direct opposition to the proud defenders of our beloved jewel, but this is a misconception.
Whatever the personal opinions of the staff here might be, The Lantern is not opposed to the Sworn as an organization. We're not sure how anyone can be. The creed of the Sultansworn of Ul'Dah is the very definition of righteousness. The Paladins exist as an organization to protect the House of Ul, but they are more than that. They are the shining examples of justice and truth in a city so often taken to a vicious mercantile survivalism and outright deceit. Sworn are meant to be the incorruptible beacon of light in this city of darkness, but they have fallen.
The most prominent of the Sultansworn at this time is Coatleque Crofte, a woman who we here at The Lantern have discussed at length, but whom few properly know. Her hard, unflappable exterior is the very definition of a Paladin. No matter the situation or struggle, she maintains a calm demeanor and fair hand. When confronted by a rebel in a refugee camp, she was assaulted with a chamber pot, but maintained her calm and dignity despite being covered in filth. She drew no weapon, and she made no threats, but even she is blanketed in the shadow of corruption.
Her relationship with Jameson Taeros, a Monetarist noble has been much discussed in our offices, but no proof has been established. Why, then, do we doubt her? The answer lies with the other Sworn, those who are threatening to bring this proud organization to its knees.
Ser Natalie McBeef, late of the Sultansworn of Ul'Dah, has been decisively linked to illegal activities in Limsa Lominsa, particularly the raid of a warehouse in Moraby where several members of The Maelstrom were engaged in battle. She lost her life in the raid, which is the only reason why Admiral Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn has not openly sought retribution against The Sworn for Ser McBeef's actions. Ser Crofte, having taken over Ser McBeef's duties, has come under The Admiral's scrutiny and could be first to walk the plank in Limsa should antagonism between The maelstrom and The Sworn continue.
Trainee Romy Leonhardt, newly accepted for the trials, is one of the most outspoken and well known of the most recent batch of prospective knights, is also the most controversial. After recently regaining the ability to speak through aetheric surgeries, has made her voice heard in ways that shame the proud history of the Sworn. In an incident in The Quicksand, a pair of zombified Moon Keepers confronted her. Romy's response, rather than seek the help of fellow Sworn, or pass on the duty to the brass Blades, chose to cast off her Sworn armor and regail herself in black. She then painted her face in a death mask, a traditional right of her people, according to her, and engaged in a one woman quest of bloody vengeance for, and we quote, scaring her.
Trainee Leonhardt is not a Sultansworn, and after that display we all hope she never will be. She conducts herself as if she is one, however, and wears their armor. The Lantern would like to make it a point that she has sworn no oaths and possesses no actual authority. She is not a member of any form of law enforcement and should not be obeyed unless in the presence of her trainer, Ser Shas Tarry.
Trainee Aiden Church is another of this batch of most recent prospects, and has embarassed the Paladins through his actions on multiple occasions. Earlier in this article we mentioned that Ser Crofte was assaulted with feces and was unfazed. Trainee Church, meanwhile, heard Ser Crofte's name insulted and immediately flew into a rage, challenging the offender to a duel in front of a dozen witnesses. During the duel he once again lost his temper and drew raw steel in what was meant to be unarmed combat. When asked about this by Lantern reporters, Trainee Church told a story of Trainee Roysia Stone's threats against his life for interfering in a romantic entanglement.
Is this what The Sworn have come to? Raucous children cast a dim light on the solemn dignity of the most noble post in Ul'Dah. Is it so hard to believe Ser Crofte capable of injustice when this is the state of the Sworn today?
We here at the Lantern do not hate the Sworn, but we despise these pretenders to Knighthood.
