Order of the Mongoose

The Order of the Mongoose (Ordo Herpestei) is the highest order of Knighthood in the Kingdom of Hu.

Symbolism

The symbolic significance of the Mongoose is clear: the mongoose is an animal that hunts and kills snakes. Next to the tiger it is the most celebrated animal and mascot of Hu. Its small size and unassuming appearance make it all the more popular as an unlikely hero.

The mongoose and mongoose iconography is particularly prevalent in Herpestes, the Duchy in northwestern Hu.

Distinction

A select few generals and officers (mostly but not exclusively hailing from the nobility) who most distinguish themselves in battle against Long are awarded the honor of appointment to the order.

Members of the royal family or of top noble families who participate in battle and display some level of competence are sometimes awarded the honor for political reasons. This somewhat cheapens the otherwise high honor.

Dragon Slayer

The kingdom's other high military distinction is the title of "Dragon Slayer" which is bestowed in recognition of the slaying of an high-ranking or formidable enemy or for having killed a large number of enemy officers on the battlefield.

Knights of the Order

Existing apart from the honor are the actual knights of the order who man the large Crossarchus fortress and other military apparatus in Herpestes. The active knights of the order are unmarried and live in the fortress in brotherhood. Some knights retire and go on to start families and live a more comfortable life. But many, including those who lack wealth or status and those with ambitions of rising to a high position in the order's hierarchy choose to stay for life. Some knights, particularly older knights, are celibate. Other have homosexual relations and/or frequent the bordellos of Galarella or take advantage of naive girls from humble families.

Herpestes

Herpestes is a relatively small province. It largest city is the lively port of Galerella and the Duke of Herpestes' seat is at Helogale.

Its northern position makes it an important strategic point of defense, particularly for the wealthy cities in Cetacia and Sirenia. Historically, several attempted Long invasions of Hu were foiled in Herpestes. In one famous incident Long abandoned its ambitions of conquest after a failed siege of the fortress. In another, over half the Long navy was lost in a naval battle.

Role in Military Campaigns

Besides manning Crossarchus, some branches of the order form battalions who participate in Hu military campaigns. After the Treaty of Natrix a large contingent of Knights of the Order established a base in Chamaeleonia and assumed a prominent role in the administration of the conquered provinces.