Best of Greyhawk #3

Royal Starburst - For service to the crown. Sky blue w/ white stripe & silver starburst.Keosh Crown - For conspicuous bravery. Red ribbon w/ white stripes & gold crown.Order of the Dragon - For valor. Green ribbon w/ orange stripe & gold medal.Order of Midnight - For magical service. Navy blue ribbon & silver medal.Clerical Citation - For clerical service. White ribbon w/ gold miter & silver medal.Adventurer's Medal - For good service. Black ribbon w/ blue stripes & golden crescent.Gran March: Marcher's Medal - For military heroism. Black ribbon w/ gold stripes & golden saddle.Bissel: Legion of the Horse - For victory in defense of Bissel. Gold ribbon w/ red stripe & golden horse.These decorations do not include medals for service in a particular area of conflict or war. I have also notincluded decorations from areas that, obviously, have none or those that give very different types of decorations.I use these decorations for three purposes. First, they add color to a campaign, particularly for Warrior PCs.Second, they are a way to motivate and reward PCs other than magic items or treasure, though decorations can effectNPC reactions or be magical themselves if so desired. Third, when we LARP (Live Action Roleplaying), they makeyour costume look really cool. We also game in costume every so often.From:Date:Re:Aria1395-05-14 13:41:16 EDTInvestitures in WoGI really like the posts on knighthood and military decorations in Greyhawk. I use similar institutions. Butwhether it be a knight receiving his spurs or a character receiving a noble title, I always play out the investitureceremony. It doesn't take a lot of time, unless you want to add intrigue and make it an adventure, but it adds colorand it makes receiving the knighthood or title more memorable than a note on a character sheet. Here is the ceremonyI used. It is a Greyhawked version of the coronation ceremony of King Edgar of England in 973.1st - The Preparation. This involves a vigil during which time the character takes no food, only water, and prays forguidance and strength. They may be visited by friends who may pray with the character. The vigil lasts for 24 hours.I rule that the Preparation bestows the effects of a Bless spell on the character for the duration of the investiture.2nd - The Entrance. This is the formal procession into the throne room, church or temple where the ceremony willtake place. There is a lot of pomp and finery and I usually play some marshal marching music. If you are going tomake the investiture an adventure, this is the best opportunity for an assassination attempt on the character. ;)3rd - The Recognition. This is where the character declares who he is, why he is here and what he has done todeserve investiture. The guard to the place of investiture then bids him enter, though technically he could issue achallenge if not satisfied with the character's credentials or speech. This is an opportunity for a player to roleplay anice heroic speech, of which there are too few IMO.4th - The Litany. After being recognized, the character and the procession enter the place of investiture accompaniedby choral singing . Chants are great to put on the CD for this part. This is also an opportunity for partisans insidethe place of investiture to attempt to disrupt the ceremony.5th - The Service. If the investiture has any religious service to beassociated with it, this is the place for it. This step is optional depending on the investiture. If completed, I rule thatit has the effect of a Protection from Evil spell on the character for the remainder of the investiture.6th - The Oath. This is where the presiding authority administers the oath of duty/fealty etc. to the character and thecharacter responds. If you are running an adventure of the investiture, watch the Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood,particularly Prince John's abortive coronation, to see how the oath can become very tense indeed.7th - The Anointing. The character, having taken the oath, is anointed with holy water or special ointments. Iusually give this a spell effect, sometimes permanent, but the exact effect depends on the type of investiture.8th - The Presentation. The symbols and regalia of the office are brought forward and presented to be blessed. The23