Heraldry and Knighthood in Thunder Rift
by Håvard Faanes.I finally decided to buy the Sword and Shield pdf!
I was surprised to find that on each side of the map, heraldic symbols were displayed:
* A Black Dragon
* A Golden Lion
* White and red chequered pattern
* Golden Griffon on Blue
* White Griffon Head on Black
* Two-headed Eagle
* Red and white pattern
I will provide scans of these later, but I figured these would be linked to the various towns and settlements of Thunder Rift:
Avenal – Order of the Black Knight – Black Dragon – Sir Argyl
Melinir (Lawful) - Golden Lion – Sir Brion and Sir Erik
Kleine (Neutral) – white and red checkers – Lady Taris
Torlynn (Lawful) – Golden Griffon on Blue – Sir Tristram
Kraal (Chaotic) – White Griffon Head – Sir Stimdum
Longmane (Chaotic) – Two headed Eagle – Sir Renk
Edgewater (Neutral) – Red and White pattern – Lady Rianna
The Knights mentioned at the end are knights featured in the module. Longmane is an unknown location, but perhaps the source of the fiefdom of Sir Ursus Longmane, the Vampire from Haunted Tower. Barrik was also a candidate for the Two headed eagle one.
Thunder Rift no longer has a king and there is no mention of nobility outside Sword and Shield. The Knights mentioned are also low level so they have nothing to do with the Fighter's option available at 9th level, although that may be an intended path for some of these warriors. My idea is that the title Knight in Thunder Rift is something awarded to the bravest warriors of each town or village, thus also granting them the privilege of wearing the insignia of that town.