jcatscacittcc,

_catoaic gaigats
c ]Iqht ]or thc honor o] thc most qIorIous IrqIn,
thc mothcr o] out _ora _csus hrIst,
]or thc honor ana ac]cncc o] thc oI hurch
ana ]or aII thc hrIstIan ]aIth
ana ]or thc c+puIsIon o] thc cncmIcs o] thc ross,
Teutonic initiation vow
oott tt __IIt t __nnss//
"God is with us"
A supplement Ior Church Knight: the Cainite Crusade otherwise known as Militia Christi
Written and compiled by: Jamie Seidel (omicronadelaide.dialix.o:.au) October 1996
[cc|ac,
_tcaagcc ia a _tcaagc jaa
sa|cioscoc o[ azz|iag gcccas taccatcac to aaotizc acotacc _cssia oa _aca|ia as ac coc ais
vac-aocsc aac tacoaga tac cimca| [occst, acsiag tac gaost| [coas ccacaiag oat to a|| aim [com tac
sa|c, _ac cccic g|ov o[ [i|tccc sammcc saa|igat aa tacac tac saccc vaitc o[ tac _catoaic ccc maat|c
ac vocc to a agaa gccca ~ a|most as taoaga tac sicit o[ tac [occst itsc|[ vas sccsiag to smotacc ais [aita,
_ac aocsc saoctc, tvistiag its aca to coatcst _cssia's ccias as ac [occc it to [am a [a||ca |og, _ac
[icccc| svcatiag acast sti|| saoos [com tac aoccoc tac aa stama|c aoa a|most i miaatcs cac|icc,
oc tca miaatcs ac aa oac |itt|c mocc taaa c|iag to tac aocsc's accs as it stamcc tacoaga tac
aaccgcovta, ait actvcca its tccta, jt toos |oag miaatcs ac[occ tac vac-aocsc ccsoac to _cssia's ccia
commaas, ov, tac aaima| tottccc aastcai| to a aa|t oa its vcascac |imas, _ac cxcctioa o[ its sciat
aaiag caiac a|| ccscccs o[ caccg, _cssia s|i o[ tac sta||ioa's aacs, )is sit co|| aa |oag siacc acca c|aimc
a tac [occst's c|atcaiag acaacacs,
jcotacc _cssia vas cc|atic| acv to tac ccc, aaiag tasca ais ovs ia tac _catoaic caita| o[
_acicaaccg oa| tvo cacs ago, jt vas tcoaa|c timcs vitaia tac ccc, a| taccc cacs cac|icc tac
_cm|acs aa acca coaictc o[ acccs a tac jaqaisitioa, ov, tais [aaatica| ao aa attcmtc to ccss
caacgcs agaiast tac _catoacs ia tacic ova aomc|aa( igatiag agaas oa tac castcca [coaticc aa sccmc a
mocc com[octaa|c otioa,
)c aa acca so vcoag,
joosiag acoaa aim, _cssia cca|izc ac aa ao ica vaccc ac vas, _ac [occst's sccs|c g|ov vas
coasistcat, tac caao too taics to gic aa iaicatioa o[ tac saa's ositioa, ji[tiag a caaia-mai|c coi[ occ ais
aca, jcotacc _cssia ccacc aimsc|[ as acst ac coa| [oc tac iacitaa|c assaa|t taat voa| comc [com tac
tcccs,

)aiag accomc scacatc [com ais atco| vaca ais aocsc aa saacc its tacs|c ia a tccc, jcotacc
_cssia aa attcmtc to [ia ais va oat o[ tac agaa ia[cstc [occst a [o||oviag a stccam, )c aa |ca ais
aocsc a aaa a|| aigat to ccacc ais co[i|c aa, aoc[a||, aoisc, jt vas a [ati|c attcmt - ais voocca[t vas
|imitc, to sa tac |cast,
_aoct| ac[occ ava, tac sta||ioa aa accomc[cct[a|, saiag ava [com tac ovastccam iccctioa it
vas aciag |c, cctaia ac vas acaciag tac [occst's aoaaac, tac _catoaic gaigat ccssc oa ~ sootaiag tac
istccssc acast vita sia vocs aa gcat|c stcoscs,
)c aa stama|c iato tac c|caciag vitaoat vacaiag, jc[occ aim vas a saocsiag sigat, ac o[ tac
sto|ca catt|c ais atco| aa acca scaccaiag [oc |a tacasaiag vcas| oa its sic as its |i[ca|oo caiac ava,
_ac aci[ccs tacoat aa acca acat| cat, vita its |cgs tic so it coa| aot tvist o[[ aa aacicat, caac cagcac
a|tcc, _ac a|oo tcics|c s|ov| ova tac sics o[ tac a|tcc to [oac aov| -saac cotcasioas, _ac aicoas|
c[ocmc cccataccs taat ccoacac, |aiag a tac a|oo [com tacsc coataiaccs vccc aa|isc aataiag _cssia aa
scca ia ais vocst aigatmaccs, _ac cmoa [aciag _cssia [com tac oositc sic o[ tac a|tcc stoo si|cat| - a|oo
cc ccs g|oviag [icccc|, _ac otacc taccc acsitatc, |oosiag acoaa ac[occ [o||oviag sait, _ac sta||ioa ccacc
io|cat|, tacasaiag its [occ|cgs ia tac aic aa a|most tacoviag _cssia [com ais [cct, _ac saocsc jcotacc
maaagc to tacov aimsc|[ oa tac aaicsiag aaima|'s aacs as it tvistc ava [com tac aocci[ic sccac,

jcotacc _cssia stama|c tacoaga tac vaist-aiga vatcc o[ a stccam, vaiag ais svoc ac[occ aim [oc
aa|aacc, _ac g|ittcciag gccca saaovs aa tasca oa aa omiaoas acs toac, aa _cssia sacv saasct vas
immiacat, )c aa acca acsac [oc most o[ tac a a tac stcaagc| tattooc mca o[ tac [occst, catcaiag acic[
g|imscs o[ tacm actvcca tac tcccs as ac [|c oa [oot, _ac sta||ioa vas |oag ca, )xaaastc, it aa aot scca
tac ca acaaca amoag tac [ccas taat aa toca oat its stomaca,
_cssia aa acca tacova [com tac aocsc, aat aa [octaaatc| |aac ia a taics ta[t o[ moss, )c aa asc
ais svoc to isatca tac iti[a|| scccamiag aaima| ~ soaaiag vocs o[ taaass [oc its svi[t cscac,
ov _cssia vas a|oac,
_ac vatcaccs aa accic saoct| a[tcc tac vac-aocscs cata, aa aa ccmaiac ccc siacc, _ac
saigat aa acac aov tac accacsc amiccs coa| ao| tac soa|s o[ mocta|s ia tacic gcas, _acsc agaas vccc
oaioas| amac( s tac gccca |igat ccccc, _cssia sacv ais timc aa comc, _oaigat, ac voa| [igat ~ aa
ic ~ ia tac aamc o[ ais ccc, tac _catoaic gaigats, _tcaigatcaiag tac aov tattccc maat|c oa ais saoa|ccs,
_cssia |acc ais aacs agaiast tac ccoc aaass o[ tac stccam - aota aaas c|asiag tac svoc vaica ccstc
vita its oiat amoag tac caa|cs, joviag ais aca, _cssia cac [oc tac stccagta acccssac to sc|| ais |i[c
cac| to tac ci|s taat coatco||c tac aigat,
joos ac,
gaigats o[ tac coss
jatcoactioa
"The brothers of a militarv order have been assigned the task of defending the church of Christ with the material
sword, especiallv against those who are not Christians, namelv the Saracens in Svria, the Moors in Spain and the pagans in
Prussia, Livonia and Cumania, but also at the command of their superior against schismatics in Greece and against heretics
wherever thev exist in the universal church. . . "
James de Vittry
Never has humanity's struggle to assert selI-control over its destiny been as clearly deIined as the
Teutonic Knight's struggle to establish their own Christian empire: an empire Iree Irom the depredations
oI corruption. Eor more than 300 years this dream was carved out on the battleIields oI Poland,
Lithuania, Latvia and Russia. The white surcoats oI the Knights oI the Cross where bright examples oI
what could be achieved through Iaith and determination. No other religious Order be it Militant,
Monastic or the Inquisition achieved as much as the Deutschritter. Their oligarchic empire was a
massive incorporation, run by a "board oI directors" (Grosscomtur) with its statutes and laws upheld by
knights oI justice, honor and service.
The Teutonic Knights, at the height oI their strength, were more than just a thorn in the side oI
Europe's "Iorces oI darkness". They were a scythe that reaped a rich crop oI Kindred and Lycanthrope
heads. It used centuries oI dominance to establish a deep understanding oI its opponents. But these men
are more than humans with useIul inIormation: they are warriors oI God wielding the powers oI Heaven,
here, on Earth.
Theme
The theme oI Deutschritter is one oI "the cleaner". The Knights oI the Cross are dedicated to the
eradication oI all vampires and lupines Irom God's earth. It is an on-going Crusade that has become all
the more desperate in recent centuries aIter the supernaturals almost gained the upper-hand. The
Teutonic State was destroyed and the Order itselI almost vanquished.
It is not a lonely struggle: the Templars and Hospitallers share this quest. But none are have their
goal as clearly in Iocus as the Teutones. The Hospitallers appear easily distracted by "side issues" and
humanitarian concerns. The Templars can be accused oI paranoia and uncertainty suspecting every
shadow, investigating every lead in painIul detail: and then Iailing to act. Some Iactions oI the
Inquisition share the Teutone's urgency in eradicating the Ioes oI the Church though their complete
disregard Ior innocent liIe makes them almost as bad as the Iorces they are supposed to oppose. The
Teutones, like all warrior-monks, are removed Irom the society they are vowed to protect. Their very
knowledge oI the dark-side oI the world is dangerous. Mixing with Iamily and old Iriends serves only to
expose them to danger. Every knight is hunted: just as they are themselves hunters.
It is a long war, this struggle.
Centuries are but battles, millennia but a campaign in an eternal war. Now, the tide oI blood is
turning once again. The Teutones are experiencing a resurgence. Almost destroyed during the 1920s, the
Order's numbers are growing. The IaithIul oI Eastern Europe and the theological outcasts oI the rest oI
the world are Ilocking to its ranks. The time oI reckoning is at hand.
When it comes, the Teutones will be ready.
Mood
The mood oI Deutschritter is one almost oI an underground resistance. The Order is seeking the
liberation oI humanity Irom oppressive supernatural overlords just as the Erench resistance Iought
against the Nazi's during World War II. It is an apt analogy: One has the muscle, the numbers and the
overwhelming strength oI Iear on its side. The other relies upon determination, belieI, ingenuity and
even desperation against overwhelming odds.
It is a violent battle. All opposition must be dealt with quickly and eIIiciently. Delay only serves
to strengthen the opponent. Every opportunity must be seized, every method exploited. But the Knights
oI the Cross are shackled in a way their enemy is not. They must Iollow their Christian creed and the
governance oI their Rule. The Iight against the Dark is also a battle oI morals. The knights must resist
the temptation to adopt the brutal but eIIective methods oI their enemy, lest the knights themselves
become what they most despise.
Naat acc tac _catoaic gaigats
The Teutonic Order was Iounded in 1190 in Palestine during the Third Crusade and the siege oI
Acre. Named "The Order oI the Teutonic Hospitalier Brothers oI the Holy Virgin in Jerusalem," it was
established by the burghers oI Bremen and Lubeck Ior the care oI wounded and sick pilgrims. It was
transIormed only eight years later into a knightly Order modelled on the older Orders oI St. John and
Knights Templar. The Teutonic Order, Iormed almost a century aIter the Hospitallers and 60 years aIter
the Templars, can attribute its success to the strong sense oI nationality among the German speaking
peoples. Its very name reIlected this nationalism: Deutschritter (German Knights). The Teutones' major
eIIorts were spent extending Germanic control along the pagan Baltic coast, though it was awarded the
status oI an International Order because oI its activities and property ownership in the Holy Land. The
Teutones were periodically subject to charges oI cruelty and witchcraIt during the early 1300s
Inquisition a time which saw the Iall oI the Templars. But the Teutone's primary theatre oI operations
(Prussia and the Baltic Coast) placed them saIely beyond the reach oI any authority wanting to act
against them.
The liIe oI a Teutonic Knight was not an easy one. The 14th century was a series oI continuous
battles against the Lithuanians up to 80 expeditions in all with up to seven in one year. The Order
reached its peak oI power and reputation during this period budding some oI the era's best military
minds.
AIter more than 200 years oI expansion, the tide oI history turned against the Knights oI the
Cross. A deIeat at the hands oI the Poles and Lithuanians at the Battle oI Tannenberg in 1410
represented the beginning oI the end. In 1466 the Order was Iorced to cede West Prussia and Pomerelia
to Poland and moved their headquarters to Konigsberg. In 1525 the Grand Master converted to
Lutheranism.
The Teutonic image was hijacked by the Nazi party in World War II. The Order's Slavic Crusade
was held up as an example oI German superiority and used as an excuse Ior another attack on Russia.
Many members oI the SS styled themselves as knights oI the Militant Order.
AIter being stripped oI its Militant Chivalric status in the 1920s the Teutonic Order has emerged
once again Irom the turmoil oI eastern Europe as a vital and growing organization committed to the
eradication oI all ungodly creatures. The character oI the Order is changing Irom an institution oI the
German nobility to that oI a contemporary Iighting Iorce with a young and culturally diverse makeup.
Considered the most radical oI the three Militant Orders, its large Lutheran contingent is becoming
displaced by Eastern Orthodox and congregations popular among contemporary Christian youth.
Historical Character
Right Irom the very beginning the Teutonic Knights was a German Order. Established by
German merchants to look aIter German pilgrims, the original hospital was staIIed by German nurses
under a German hierarchy. Once it evolved into a Militant organization it took on German knights and
Iighting men. Eor a time its scope grew, taking on an international Ilavor because oI its European estates
and the diverse range oI pilgrims to the Holy Lands.
While it is not unusual to hear oI a Erench or Italian brother during the 12th century, these
knights were most certainly in the minority. But in Eastern Europe the Order's primary goal was to
eradicate the pagans on the German Irontier, replacing them with German settlers. Once this empire was
established, the Order became a rest home and proving ground Ior the German nobility. By the 15th
century, Ioreigners were being expelled simply because oI their nationality. The Germanic peoples have
always been proud oI their culture and heritage Irom the time when Caesar attempted to conquer their
lands to the present where their engineers and manuIacturing Iirms dominate world industry. This pride
is invested in the nation's nobility and is the reason Ior the creation oI the Teutonic Knights in the Iirst
place. German knights did not rest comIortably with the Erench and English dominated Hospitaller and
Templar Orders.
Eor much oI the Order's early history the other Militant Orders scarcely recognized their
existence. They were considered insigniIicant as they held only those Iew castles they had been able to
purchase in and around Acre. A great deal oI tension existed between the Teutones and Templars. This
was largely based on the Iact that the Teutones adopted a white habit a Templar "trademark."
Relations between the Teutones and Hospitallers were more cordial, based on their common provision oI
medical services to pilgrims. Even though the Teutone's successes in the Baltics Iinally earned oIIicial
recognition Irom the other Orders, it was always "looked down upon" throughout its history causing
much resentment.
However, at the height oI their Empire the Teutonic Knights were the police, magistrates,
governors and administrators oI a large and independent nation. They carried themselves with justiIiable
pride, administering God's law upon pagan and subject alike. But they were also a worldly Order
having been exposed to a strong pagan religion that had the strength to stand and Iight against
Christianity.
Modern Character
The turmoil the Teutonic Order underwent during the early and mid 20th century eventually
proved to be the crucible that gave rise to great Iaith and renewed purpose. The Order's traditions and
Rule had been maintained by a small group oI German nobility both Catholics and Lutherans.
With the imposition oI the Iron Curtain aIter World War II, the German Order re-established
itselI in occupied Europe to protect IaithIul Germanic speaking peoples Irom the persecution oI the
Soviets. But this role soon grew. Eastern Orthodox and other Christian congregations begged Ior support
contributing recruits and material to make the underground Order strong.
With the collapse oI the Soviet Union the Order arose Irom the ashes oI Eastern Europe like a
phoenix riding the Ilames oI renewed religious Ireedom. In many ways the new Order is
unrecognizable to that which virtually disappeared only decades earlier. It is not staunchly Catholic or
Lutheran. Instead, its attitudes tend to be more contemporary and less traditional in Iorm. This is largely
due to the large number oI young Eastern European recruits who are determined to enjoy their new-
Iound access to modern Western culture.
This open-minded and modern attitude has also proved popular among the congregations oI more
modern Western Christian congregations causing an inIlux oI members Irom all over the world. This
"careIree" non-traditional character has drawn particular ire Irom the Hospitallers who staunchly believe
the old ways should be Iollowed. The Templars look upon the Order with some amusement, considering
them idealistic "innocents."
jjoo oos s __vvo o,,
iissc c aaaa aa|| ||
_ac |caasiag casac
"hhen war is waged against evil or demons bv spiritual strength, I would not sav that this is extraordinarv,
although praiseworthv, since the world is seen to be full of monks. But when a monk is powerfullv girded with both swords
and marked out noblv bv the belt of each, who would not think this worthv of all admiration, though it is certainlv unusual?"
St. Bernard de Clairvaux, De Laude Novae Militia.
ii, ccatioa o[ tac ccc
Eounded as a nursing order with little else other than a tent made oI sailcloth on the beach oI
Acre as a headquarters, the Teutonic Knight's destiny was not to be the Holy Land. Instead, it was to be
the Pagan Baltic. Using the title oI St. Mary's Hospital in Jerusalem as an allusion to the Germanic
hospital in Jerusalem that had been lost to Saladin three years earlier, the nurses were given land in Acre
by German merchant princes to continue their work, and were given resources to recruit a small police
Iorce oI about a dozen knights.
Acre itselI was besieged in the 1190s Ior eight months. During this time, the hospital had Iormed
itselI into a permanent institution. By 1196, the Teutonic nurses had several hospitals spread throughout
Christian lands and was granted recognition as an independent Order. The early chronicle oI the
Teutonic Order, Die Statuten des Deutschen Ordens, described the Iormation oI the Order:
"To many oI the German princes it seemed useIul and noble to bestow on the hospital the Rule oI
the Templars. Eor this purpose the German prelates, princes and nobles assembled in the house oI the
Templars in Acre and invited to such a salutary gathering some oI the available prelates and barons oI
the Holy land. One and all decided unanimously that the hospital should Iollow in regard to the poor and
the sick the Rule oI the Hospital oI St. John in Jerusalem as it had done until now; whereas in regard to
clergy, knights and other brothers, it should Iollow henceIorth the Rule oI the Templars. AIter this
decision was taken the prelates and the masters oI the Templars presented the new house with the Rule
oI the Temple and then they elected there a brother oI the house. Henry surnamed Walpoto, as master.
The master oI the Temple handed to him the written Rule oI the Knights oI the Temple which henceIorth
had to be Iollowed."
By 1199, Pope Innocent had granted the Order oIIicial recognition. The Order stagnated at Iirst
and could not summon more than ten knights with their retinues. There were probably no more than 20
knight-brothers until aIter 1210, when the Order recorded 12 houses in Palestine, Greece, Italy and
Germany. By 1230 the Order was capable oI Iielding about 600 military brethren in the Holy Land, but
this was to be its limit. The other Militant Orders were too well established, and the Teutonic Knights
had to buy their land and castles instead oI receiving bequeaths like the Templars and Hospitallers.
Its true position in the world was recognized by its Iourth Grand Master, Herman von Salza, a
native oI Thuringia. He realized that a German order could not accomplish much in Palestine, which was
within the sphere oI inIluence oI the Mediterranean nations. It could, however, Iind more rewarding
opportunities in regions closer to Germany.
i:i, )mccgcacc
What was essentially a small band oI policemen supporting an overworked Iirst-aid post grew
into an international militant order because it was able to capture the imagination oI a Iew key political
Iigures. The Iirst oI these was Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI who won Ior the Iledgling Order a charter
oI incorporation Irom Pope Innocent III and permission to adopt the Rule oI the Temple. But Henry's
death in 1197 stopped the early expansion oI the Order in its tracks.
When Holy Roman Emperor Erederick II "took the cross" (crusader vows) in 1215, he obtained
Iurther privileges Ior the Order and promoted its master Herman von Salza to Prince oI the Empire. The
Teutonic Knights Iormed the guard oI honor when Erederick II was crowned King oI Jerusalem.
Donations oI land were made in Italy, Greece, Germany and Palestine 18 such landholdings
being placed under their control between 1190 and 1210, with 61 handed over between 1211 and 1230.
By the end oI this period the Teutonic Order was a thriving miniature oI the Templars and
Hospitallers. But the Knights Hospitaller and Templars only recognized the Teutonic Order as an equal
in 1258. Palestine was not the Teutonic Knight's only battleIront against the Muslims. They also
possessed vast tracts oI lands in Armenia and this remained a powerIul provinces until the late 14th
century.
i:i:, icst oatact
King Andrew oI Hungary called upon the new Order's assistance when his lands became the
subject oI marauding attacks Irom barbaric bands oI Kumans. These tribes were ravaging Transylvania,
looting and killing indiscriminately. King Andrew oIIered estates in the district oI Burzenland in return
Ior the Order's help. Eaced with such a proIitable oIIer, the Teutonic Knights Iinanced their own
"crusade" against the Kumans.
The Knights oI St. John sent representatives to the Teutonic Knights warning them oI the rare
but extremely powerIul demons known as vampires roaming pagan lands. But the Knights oI the Cross
ignored these claims and accused the Hospitallers oI spreading Iairy tales.
It was not until The Knights oI the Cross encountered the Kumans that they came to believe their
may be some truth in these stories. Small bands oI Kumans were able to resist Iar beyond expectation,
demonstrating amazing speed and agility. Rumors spread throughout the ranks oI knights oI supernatural
happenings. Knights were being deIeated on the Iield by unarmored opponents. Hill Iorts were being
successIully deIended by mere women . . .
One such hill Iort held out despite the knights advances around it. Eearing the women and
children it contained to be the demons the Hospitallers had reIerred to, the Teutonic Grand Master called
Ior support. A small band oI the Knights oI St. John arrived claiming to be specially trained in
combating such demons. The Teutonic Knights gathered their Iorces and assaulted the hill Iort with
the Hospitallers in the van. But the speciIic prayers the Knights oI St. John claimed to have been so
successIul in the Holy Land had no eIIect. The inhabitants Iought long and hard, in no way weakened by
the Hospitaller's presence. The Teutonic Knights prevailed aIter a long and bloody battle through
strength oI arms only.
By 1212 the province had been paciIied and the Order began bringing in German colonists to its
Burzenland estates. King Andrew became alarmed at the prospect oI such a powerIul and independent
neighbor and ordered their eviction. The Order was not powerIul enough to Iight against the Hungarian
King and were Iorced to withdraw. But the campaign had one positive outcome: the Teutones realized
there were barbarian lands in need oI Crusade upon the borders oI their own nations.
i::, _ac oaqacst o[ [cassia
Crusader activity in the Baltic and Polish states had begun beIore the Teutonic Knights emerged
as a Iorce in the region. These "Iringe" lands had long been a source oI concern Ior Christian
missionaries who were constantly Irustrated in their attempts to convert the local citizenry. Major
setbacks included the almost unbearable "reversion" oI many oI the converted, including some
missionaries themselves!
The Teutonic Knights Iirst established themselves in a castle at Vogelsang on the Elbe in 1228.
In 1230 a small Iorce oI 20 knights and 200 sergeants under the command oI Erater Herman Balke began
to "paciIy" the Kulm province. The crusade was vicious and merciless. Battles were Iought in the
impenetrable wilderness oI the Baltic Coast, among the sand dunes, lakes, rivers, bogs and dark Iorests.
This gloomy and mysterious world was Iull oI danger: heathen tribes conducted regular ambushes and
prisoners were subjected to tortuous pagan rites. The Teutonic Knights systematically reduced all
organized resistance, building Iortresses and burning every village that opposed them. Every man,
woman and child who would not accept Christianity was exterminated. Women and children were not
treated merciIully as they had proven to be as skilled in arms as the menIolk.
The Iew "learned" supernaturals oI the region had been desperately seeking ways oI keeping the
cancerous growth oI Christianity out oI their lands. Though largely dominated by Garou and Gangrel, the
tribal Polish and Baltic States had been living in a comIortable balance Ior centuries. The shady Iigures
behind this structure did not want any change.
One ambitious plan was to appear to be doing the job oI "cleaning up" the pagans themselves.
This was achieved through manipulating a Iew key public Iigures. Conrad oI Masovia had built a small
castle Ior some knights on the west bank oI the Vistula in which they placed a modest garrison. In 1228
attempts were made to organize a local Polish knightly order Ior deIence against the growing ambition oI
the Prussians including the Teutonic Knights. It was called 'the Dorbrzyn Brothers' and was under the
auspices oI the abbey oI Szepatow (near Wloclawek) and led by Bishop Christian. This new order was
granted the lands between the Vistula and the rivers Skrwa and Drweca. The Knights received Irom
Conrad estates at Chelmno, but only as a vassal oI the prince. The order started "operations" by moving
down the Vistula in a careIully orchestrated parody oI crusading action. They crossed it in the Iollowing
year and built a small Iort which had a guardhouse in the branches oI a giant oak tree.
One oI the Iirst victims was a man by the name oI Pipin, who owned the small castle oI Piegza.
The armed monks captured him and accused him Ior reverting to paganism aIter having been baptized
earlier. They cut open his abdomen, nailed one end oI his entrails to a tree and chased him around it until
his intestines were wrapped round the trunk. But the integrity oI the Dorbrzyn knights and the Iractured
governments oI the region had long been suspect to the Teutonic Knights. In 1234 Bishop Christian was
captured by the Prussians. The Knights used the opportunity to release the Bishop Irom the hold ungodly
demons had established upon his reasoning. GrateIul Ior their service, the Bishop submitted to the Pope
a document by which Conrad oI Masovia was supposed to have granted the Teutones in perpetuity the
region oI Chelmno and all oI Prussia. The Pope declared that region 'the property oI Saint Peter' and
granted it to the Knights. A Iew years later he recognized Prussia as his IieI, thus giving legal standing to
the State oI the Teutonic Knights.
i:, octacca casac
Ordensmarshall Herman Balke was ordered to gather a band oI 60 knights and expand the
Ioothold oI Christianity already established by the Sword Brothers Iurther up the Baltic coast in Livonia.
Using the Order's navy, the knights soon advanced into Estonia. Here they Iound a third Iorce oI
supernatural opponents. Seemingly at home in the cold, icy elements that restricted the knights
campaigning activities, no prayers that had been developed Ior the vampires or shapechangers appeared
to have eIIect. What these new opponents were has not been established. They would Iight with
devastating eIIect, though, as the peoples oI the land became Christianized, they appeared to weaken and
leave.
i:o, )micc
The Order encouraged many German peasants and traders to establish settlements under the
knight's jurisdiction and protection as it gradually cleared the Baltic coast Iorests oI pagans. These
settlements proved successIul though the relationship between the populace and their governing warrior-
monks proved as erratic as that oI any government. However, the arrangement survived three hundred
years and the Empire thrived under the Teutones.
Teutonic Post:
The size oI the Teutonic Knight's bureaucracy spawned the creation oI a uniquely eIIective and
Iast postal system. It allowed oIIicers to conduct their business in Iar regions without being physically
present. Records show the precise movements oI couriers the Teutones were keen clock watchers.
Postal codes were invented and oIten letters would travel the length oI the State within two days.
Hospital Function:
The task oI running the Teutonic Order's parishes and hospitals was leIt to the priest-brothers,
halI-brothers and sisters oI the Order. These classes did not have to engage in combat, though they were
entitled to receive the protection and beneIits oI being members oI the Order. By about 1400 the
Teutones owned about 60 hospitals and leper houses where brother-priests and halI-brothers attended to
not treated the sick and inIirm. This meant providing alms, asylum and masses instead oI
medicine. Doctors Irom the general community came and leIt as they wished.
Structure Of The Empire:
As the Teutonic empire grew it was divided into three main provinces: The German lands
(mainly the south and south-western areas including Alsace and Burgundy); the Prussian Lands (newly
conquered territory governed Irom Marienburg); and the northern province oI Livonia. Each province
was governed by a Landmeister (Preceptor), while the Hochmeister (Grand Master) ruled Irom
headquarters in the Holy Land. The provinces were themselves divided into commandery houses
(komturies), each with 12 brother knights commanded by a komtur (commander). Smaller estates were
governed by Vogts (caretakers). Both had magisterial powers over the general populace.
i::, _cisiag
The early successes oI the Teutonic Knights in subjugating the pagan east was a cause Ior great
concern among both Garou and vampiric circles. In what must have been one oI the Iirst instances oI
lycanthrope and Kindred cooperation, a council oI elders was established to expand upon the subversive
resistance begun in 1228. It was a unity brought about by necessity. Eor centuries Kindred and Lupines
had walked among their peoples as gods venerated and all powerIul. The aIIairs oI Europe were oI
little concern as were clan or tribal politics. Each had been a law unto itselI. In an unprecedented act,
a Iew key Gangrel combined with Iar-sighted leaders oI the tribes Black Euries and Children oI Gaia.
They became known as the War Council. The success oI this unity is largely attributed to a pair oI
reIugees oI clan Gangrel in Erance. Driven out in the early 13th century by the Templars, the couple had
retreated to the Polish states to Iind peace and solace Irom over-zealous Christian monks and agitated
clan elders. With their peace being disturbed Ior a second time, the pair worked hard to organize a subtle
but strong resistance. It was not to be so. The constant need Ior compromise between the Iactions oI the
War Council oIten produced disastrous results.
The Iirst oI the Polish princes to Iall under the sway oI the War Council was Swietopelk oI
Gdansk in 1242. The Knights wanted to take Irom him both banks oI the Nogat branch oI the River
Vistula a region oI strong association with pagan lore. Swietopelk closed the Vistula to the Teutones
and attacked them, calling Ior a revolution in Prussia which soon broke out. The War Council had been
stirring the pot oI discontent among the not-so willing converts Ior years and called upon generations oI
loyalty enIorced through local traditions. But the inIluence oI the War Council was not as great as it had
expected. Decades oI laxity had weakened the ancient bonds the supernaturals had held over the peasants
oI their lands. The religion oI their enemies was strong while their own strength was on the wane.
More and more natives were submitting to the new religion. Many, as subjects oI the Order,
Iought in the bitter war against tribes who had previously been Iriendly rivals. The uprising was initially
successIul in pushing the Teutonic Knights back over land that had taken 12 years to gain, as well as
causing the loss oI several smaller castles. It took another seven years Ior the Order to recapture these
lands. But the Council had been in too much haste. It had not garnered enough support Irom surrounding
tribes and nations. Swietopelk had against him the Teutonic Order, Conrad oI Masovia, Boleslaw the
Pious (prince oI Wielkopolska), two oI his own brothers and the Pope who had proclaimed a crusade
against Prussia. In the end it became a war oI attrition that Swietopelk could not win. A peace treaty was
signed in 1248 and Swietopelk had to yield the territories on the banks oI the Vistula.
i::, |cxaacc css
By 1242, the shadowy Iorces behind lands north oI Lithuania had also organized an eIIective
resistance. The Livonian brethren made the mistake oI attempting to enlarge their realm by moving into
districts claimed by another Christian nation the Russians oI the Eastern Church. An expeditionary
Iorce oI knights crossed the River Narva and headed towards Novgorod. It was met by a Russian army
led by Prince Alexander Nevsky. Engaged on the Irozen lake Peipus, the weight oI the Iully armed heavy
cavalry oI the Teutonic Knights proved too much Ior the ice which broke under their hooves. Many
knights drowned while many more Iell to the hands oI the lighter Russian cavalry.
i:6o, _ai[ic )micc
The push by the Livonian and Prussian brethren to conquer the coastal lands dividing them
proved successIul in 1260. The entire region oI Samland had Iallen to their organized advances. This
had taken a grand crusade called throughout Europe in 1253 and resulted in the Iounding oI Konigsberg.
But in this same year native tribesmen scored a series oI successes. Many knights died deIending Durben
Irom revolt, prompting many Lithuanians to revoke their alliance with the weakened Order. The Prussian
tribes rebelled again and more than 20 years worth oI crusades was unraveled overnight.
The War Council was elated: here was prooI that their combined strength was unbeatable. But it
was a victory that would ensure their deIeat. The Gangrel and Lupine tribes began to squabble once
again, reducing the War Council to a Iorum oI abuse, insults and agitation. It was only the vows put in
place upon the establishment oI the council that prevented bloodshed among its ministers.
Only massive assistance Irom outside the Order was able to reverse this disturbing setback. The
Church issued 22 bulls (notices) calling Ior a crusade against the Prussians between 1261 and 1264.
These pleas saved the Order through the (Iree) vigor and religious zeal oI crusading conscripts and
knights seeking adventure in Iar-oII places. The Order's strength regrew and by 1272 it was once again
able to advance. By the late 1270s the Order boasted 2000 military brethren in a well-disciplined and
provisioned Iorce. By 1290 the rebellion had been crushed. The War Council, humbled by deIeat, once
again put aside their diIIerences and sought a new answer to the advancing Knights oI the Cross.
i:i, a|| o[ tac )o| jaa
The Teutonic Knights' main stronghold in the Holy Land, Starkenberg (MontIort), had Iallen in
1271 to a seemingly unstoppable tide oI Muslim invaders. By 1291, Acre the last bastion oI
Christianity on the Holy Land was itselI besieged and captured. The surviving contingent oI 15
Teutonic Knights was all but destroyed Iighting to the last man with suicidal abandon. Only
Hochmeister Konrad von Eeuchtwangen survived the ordeal having been ordered by a Chapter held prior
to the siege to escape by ship to Venice iI the city Iell.
As the sole surviving oIIicer oI the Order, von Eeuchtwangen established himselI immediately in
Venice. New senior staII were elected among the Order's Baltic provinces and sent to Venice to Iorm a
new council. With the enemies oI the Orders exploiting their weakness to the Iull, the Teutonic Knights
managed to avoid similar allegations to those levelled against the Templars by ignoring them and
concentrating their eIIorts in their own Prussian lands. In September 1309 Hochmeister SiegIried von
Eeuchtwangen abandoned hope oI reclaiming the Holy Land and moved his headquarters to Marienburg
castle: the chieI IortiIication in Poland.
The Knights oI the Cross had work to do.
io, _ac _assaccc o[ _aass
In 1304 the War Council pooled their strength Ior another push toward expelling the
disorganized Teutonic Knights. The Council saw it as a time oI opportunity: news had reached them oI a
plot by the vampiric elders oI Erance against the Knights Templar. An attack upon the Teutones at this
time would exploit the Iact its compatriot Militant Orders would not be able to assist. The War Council
arranged an intrigue. Wladyslaw Lokietek oI the noble Iamily oI Piasts was recalled Irom exile with a
desire to restore the Polish monarchy to reunite the Iragments oI the state dissolved by the death oI its
last king in 1138.
The Teutonic hierarchy had been distracted by the startling news Irom Paris. That a Pope could
be so easily manipulated by King Philip IV shocked and Irightened the Order. It worked desperately hard
to Iend oII similar accusations aimed against itselI.
The puppet Wladyslaw was recognized in 1306 as heir to the lost throne while the Order's back
was turned. His popularity among the peasants saw him quickly depose the hierarchy oI Pomerania,
establishing a power-base Ior his triumphant reuniIication oI Poland. Eor the sake oI the strength oI a
united nation, the Lupines allowed Great Poland to Iall to him in 1314 and in 1320 he was crowned king
in Cracow.
The conIlicts oI Poland drew little attention Irom the Teutonic Knights who leIt the issue to sort
itselI out: conIident oI the strength oI the German rulers and settlers who were now well established. In
1308 Pomerania's Iormer rulers appealed to the neighboring German margraves oI Brandenburg Ior aid
against King Wladyslaw who had deposed them. The troops oI Margrave Waldemar invaded Pomerania
and occupied it all except Ior the Gangrel Iortress oI Gdansk which was deIended by "Judge" Bogusz.
Elushed with success, another German army Irom Brandenburg army was sent against Wladyslaw's only
ally in the north, Boguslaw I, prince oI Szcecin and a leader oI the Children oI Gaia. They attacked his
duchy and burnt down the city oI Kamien. Boguslaw IV was thus neutralized and the Margrave
Waldemar continued his Iutile assault against Gdansk.
The War Council was shocked: they had no idea that their intrigue Ior power would unleash a
rampaging army oI land-hungry Prussian nobles. What made it worse was the Teutones had not even
been harmed. Now several jewels oI their empire lay exposed to destruction. Some even suspected it to
be a clear act oI aggression instigated by the German Ventrue. ConIused and in disarray, the Iractured
Council abandoned King Wladyslaw who suddenly Iound himselI lacking the "inspiration" that had
come to him so easily beIore.
Judge Bogusz stubbornly deIended besieged Gdansk but his position was hopeless. The King, in
his conIusion, advised him to call on the help oI the Teutonic Knights as a last resort. The abbot oI the
Dominicans oI Gdansk endorsed that advice and Bogusz, with no other alternative in sight, appealed to
the Grand Master Herman von Ploetzke. The IortiIied castle oI Gdansk was situated in the Iork oI the
Radun and Motlawa branches oI the Vistula delta. The 'relieI Iorce' led by the komtur (governor) oI
Chelmno, Gunter von Schartzburg, advanced Irom the sea, across the coastal wetlands. The Brandenburg
Iorces retreated to the west, holding only Slawno and Slupsk.
The Teutonic Knights arrived at Gdansk thinking they would Iind a Christian city in need oI
protection. Instead, they Iound a pagan outpost at the height oI its corrupt power. The Knights Iirst
secured their hold on a portion oI the castle and then displaced the Poles Irom the rest. Delaying action
in the Iorm oI demands Ior "payment" allowed the knights to discover the extent oI occult inIluence on
the people. Komtur Schartzburg, appalled by what he saw, decided not to wait Ior orders Irom
Marienburg. On November 14th, 1308, the komtur ordered an attack on the city, slaughtering its civilian
inhabitants and burning their houses. The abbot oI Oliwa, who tried to comIort the dying, was permitted
to hear conIessions only 'when conditions allowed it.'
Aftermath
The War Council eventually regained control oI itselI aIter a Iew "compulsory" retirements oI
members. A new approach was obviously needed. Observing the success oI the legal war raged against
the Templars by their cousins in Erance, the Council determined similar tactics needed to be used against
the Teutonic Knights. The events oI November 14th, 1308 were later the subject oI protracted litigation
in papal courts. The Poles charged the Knights with the murder oI ten thousand people. The Knights
denied the charge, claiming that they only executed sixteen criminals handed over to them by the
burghers and then leIt peaceIully, while the citizens oI Gdansk set their own houses on Iire and moved
elsewhere oI their own volition. The legal bickering had no end.
In 1309 the Knights took Tczew and expelled its residents. They besieged Swiec which resisted
Iirmly. A Polish relieI Iorce was repulsed as was another rescue attempt by the princes oI Masovia. The
Knights oI the Cross Iinally secured the city by subterIuge when a man hired by them surreptitiously cut
the ropes oI the crossbows and catapults. Bogumil, the commander oI the deIence, held to the last even
though the pious Iriars threatened him with hanging iI he did not surrender. Einally he was overcome by
superior Iorces. But things did not all go the Teutonic Knights' way: On January 20th, 1320, Wladyslaw
Lokietek married Jadwiga, a Christian princess oI Wielkopolska, and were crowned king and queen in
the Cracow cathedral on Wawel hill.
The War Council plot to Iorm a uniIied and strong opponent to the Teutones had succeeded by
deIault. Encouraged, the Council set about re-establishing their intrigue with a ready ear to the long-term
plans oI the exiled Gangrel among them. In April oI 1320, an ecclesiastical court in Inowroclaw took
under advisement Poland's lawsuit Ior the return oI Pomerania by the Knights oI the Cross. The court,
appointed by the pope, heard twenty-Iive witnesses. In the Iinal stage oI the proceedings it was presided
over by Archbishop Janislaw. The verdict, given in Eebruary oI 1321, ordered the Knights oI the Cross
to return Pomerania to Poland and to pay damages oI thirty thousand thalers. The Order ignored the
verdict. But the War Council had success in its grasp. New schemes were put into place along with a
seemingly never ending series oI skirmishes along the Lithuanian borders.
iio, octacca ji[[ica|tics
AIter decades oI relative peace, the northern Livonian states once again stirred with the
rumblings oI revolution. A new sense oI nationality was inspired by a leader called Gedymin who
revived the rule oI the Lithuanian kings. Being the last heathens in the region as well as having
expansionist plans the Livonian lands became the renewed Iocus oI the Deutschritter's attention. In
the Iirst 25 years oI the 14th century the Teutonic Knights launched more than 80 expeditions against the
Lithuanians sometimes conducting as many as eight campaigns in one year. The battles were Iought
in terrain oI swamp, dense Iorest, sand dunes, rivers, lakes, snow and ice. The knights were oIten unable
to Iight as cavalry because oI the terrain and the lessons learnt at the hand oI Alexander Nevsky. The
knights marched on Ioot through the gloomy Iorests using boats and raIts to carry them across lakes and
misty swamps. It was the toughest Iighting the knights had ever experienced. Much oI their advantage
had been lost with their mounted cavalry. But still they persisted. Many oI the Iinest knights oI the age
rode with the Teutonic Knights: Jean Boucicaut, Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV oI England), King
Louis oI Hungary and King John oI Bohemia.
io, cv _accat
The War Council, eIIectively deIeated on the Iield, turned in desperation to those responsible Ior
the destruction oI the Templars 60 years earlier. The Hospitallers had been unable to greatly curtail the
rise oI supernaturals within the nobles oI Europe largely because oI the strengthening vampiric
organization known as the Camarilla and its policy oI "masquerade."
Rising determination among the Kindred to suppress and avoid the Inquisition spilled over into
opposing the Militant Orders. Strategically placed vampires within national governments began to
exploit jealous attitudes toward the Teutonic Knights among the Catholic monarchies oI Europe. Poland
and Hungary joined Iorces in political arenas to curtail the powers oI the Order. Their senior churchmen
whispered "poison" in to the ears oI the Cardinals and the Pope, as well as diplomats engaged in
intrigues with Lithuania. All had little apparent eIIect and the Teutonic Hochmiesters paid little attention
to its "Christian allies."
But the Camarilla had plotted well. Each intrigue edged toward a Iinal combined goal. Then, in
1380, the Camarilla's machinations were complete. The Grand Duke oI Lithuania married the queen
regent oI Poland. In one stroke, Poland had achieved what 75 years oI campaigning by the Teutonic
Knights had not. The terms oI the marriage settlement included acceptance by the Lithuanian nation oI
Christianity as its religion. The War Council was outraged. They had no idea that blunting the Teutonic
Knights sword would involve their own capitulation to Christianity. But the various tribes were greatly
weakened Irom their centuries oI Iighting. The act was ungraciously acknowledged as a means to an end.
Now, the War Council set about the struggle to retain its inIluence as missionaries began to wander the
lands oI Livonia Ireely.
i:, [cassiaa [coiacc jova[a||
The War Council had become increasingly redundant as the Camarilla took control. But the
Iacade oI the combined Lupine/Kindred organization was maintained to keep the tribes on-side. A
highlight oI the Camarilla's ambitious scheme was victory by the Poles and Lithuanians at the Battle oI
Tannenberg in 1410 where the vastly outnumbered Teutonic knights were massacred in the wooded,
rolling hills oI Grunwald.
All oI the enemies oI the Order combined to Iight in the campaign: Jagiello (Ladislos II) oI
Lithuania mobilized an army oI 10,000 men conscripted Irom among the Poles, Lithuanians, Russians,
Bohemians (under their ruler Ziska), Hungarians, Tartars and Cossacks. The Hochmeister had decided
not to wait Ior reinIorcements Irom the Livonian province and attempted to engage the enemy
immediately. But the wooded terrain prevented the Deutschritter Irom its one chance to deIeat the
massive army: a mounted charge oI its knights. The Teutones Iought well, collapsing the Lithuanian
wing. But Russian cavalry and the Polish reserve simply overwhelmed the knights. The Hochmeister and
the other leading oIIicers oI the Order were surrounded and killed.
The remainder struggled bitterly to escape, leaving 200 knights dead on the Iield. Many more
were captured, tortured and then beheaded. The Knights oI the Cross were never to recover Iully Irom
the disaster. The Camarilla and War Council exerted its control over the Wyladsaw dynasty again in the
1450s and exploited unrest among a gentry unable to rid themselves oI the strict and Iair rulings oI the
Teutonic Order's magistrates. In 1466 the Teutones were Iorced to cede West Prussia and Pomerelia to
Poland. The Order's greatest humiliation occurred when they had to sell their seat oI government
Marienburg Castle to raise Iunds to pay disgruntled Polish mercenaries.
But the Teutonic Knights grimly held on. It took another 100 years and the spread oI the
ReIormation to completely destroy their empire. Though their State was Iractured, the concept oI
crusader outmoded and the code oI chivalry considered an anachronism, the Order held on. But another
crushing victory was handed to the Camarilla in 1525 when Grand Master Albert oI Brandenburg signed
the Treaty oI Cracow, converted to Lutheranism and made East Prussia a duchy. This eIIectively put an
end to the Polish province.
i, jioaiaa [coiacc jova[a||
The Order's Livonian province remained able to Iield an army oI 2000 men aIter the Tannenberg
disaster. But its strength was undermined by a War Council instigated uprising oI the Estonian peasantry
as an invading Russian army approached. In 1542, at Weissenstein, the 2000 brethren and mercenaries
managed to deIeat the Russian army oI 30,000 men. But the victory concealed the Order's weakness. The
Ordensland was Ialling apart. The Swedes occupied northern Estonia: the Danes seized the oIIshore
islands and the Landmeister was Iorced to cede all oI the Order's remaining land in Poland. The
Landmeister oI Livonia remained independent until 1559 when the Camarilla used a sledge hammer to
crack the Teutonic Knight walnut. Ivan the Terrible was sent to invade the weakened province with an
army oI 130,000 men. Eventually, the Landmeister, based in Riga, gave up his vows and became a
secular duke.
German Province Survival
As the Ordensland crumbled, the Teutonic Knights grimly held on in Germany and Austria under
a new master now called the Hoch-und-Deutschmeister. The Order remained active, Irantically seeking
supernaturals now protected by the veil oI the Masquerade.
In 1683 the Order once again served its original purpose, contributing a regiment toward the
deIence oI Vienna against the Ottoman expansion. The success oI this regiment, which served as the
mainstay in the deIence, spurred the Order on in the European Iight against the invading Turks. The
Teutonic Knight's last signiIicant battle was at Zenta in 1697 when a Turkish invasion oI Hungary was
annihilated.
The German and Austrian branches oI the Order gradually contracted as the purpose Ior their
existence vanished. The Hoch-und-Deutschmeister regiment eventually degraded to little more than a
unit Ior pretentious noble Iamilies. AIter1697 the Order was limited to a group oI 20 German Army
oIIicers their sovereignty gradually being diminished. The Order's remaining lands were secularized
by 1805.
OIIicers oI note to emerge Irom these ranks included Archduke Karl, Napoleon's greatest
adversary; Count Maximilian von Merveldt, a renowned oIIicer oI the Napoleonic Wars; and Master
Archduke Eugen who Iought with distinction at Caporetto in 1917. The 20 oIIicers and the regiment
Iought in both World Wars Ior the German side an act that greatly weakened its international
standing. However, the knights eventually played a central role in the resistance against Hitler.
[agaa itcs
Nothing the Teutonic Knights had experienced in Outremer (the Holy Land) prepared them Ior
what they would encounter in north-eastern Europe. The Balts worshiped idols in sacred groves and
Iields, attributing divine powers to the entire creature-world including their own domestic animals.
They practiced human sacriIice by burning or beheading and buried animals alive at Iunerals. Dead
warriors were cremated astride their horses while widows were oIten made to hang themselves. The
stockades oI towns and temples were adorned with the skulls oI animals to ward oII the evil eye, their
grim shrines served by wholly-dedicated priests and soothsayers. The old, the sick and the lame were
invariably executed. Drunkenness Irom mead and Iermented mares' milk was an important pastime, and
tribesmen oIten drank the living blood oI their horses veins to "capture their swiIt spirit."
The Iirst two knights sent to establish a Ioothold Iortress on the borders oI civilization were soon
cut down by the pagans. But a year later, in 1230, LandpIleger Herman Balke with 20 Knights and 200
sergeants attacked the oIIending Iortress-temple, hanging the pagan chieI Irom his own sacred oak tree.
Those who did not embrace Christianity were killed. The Prussian's treatment oI captives did not endear
them to the Teutonic Knights. It was considered a usual practice Ior Prussian tribesmen to "roast" a
captured knight alive in his armor, like chestnuts, beIore the shrine oI their local god. The oIIicial
History oI the Teutonic Knights tells the story oI two knights. One was placed in a cleIt tree-trunk held
apart by ropes which were then released, crushing the wretched brother. The tree was then set alight. The
other knight was lashed to his horse and both were then hauled to the top oI an oak tree and a major
bonIire started below.
No quarter was given. No quarter was returned.
gaigat-_oas s, [agaa Naccioc
Many original exploratory raids by the Teutonic Knights into the Pagan Baltic lands, like one in
1237, were disasters. In the worst instance, Wolquin Schenk and 50 brethren were "cut down like
women amid the marshes." But the knights learnt quickly how to best exploit their strong points, and
avoid exposing their weaknesses.
The disorganized Prussian tribes at Iirst scorned the small bands oI Teutones raiding their outer
villages, but soon came to dread them. White robed horsemen attacked them even in the snow, their
great cloaks serving Ior camouIlage as they rode over Irozen rivers or charged out oI blizzards. The
knights quickly adopted and modiIied the guerrilla tactics oI their Ioes, sending raiding parties deep into
the sacred Iorests.
The tribesmen who also Iought on horseback, but with short-sword and battle-ax instead oI
longsword and lance, Iound the strange white knight's charges unstoppable. Instead, the pagans retreated
into their simple timber Iorts which were oIten quickly reduced by ballistae, their deIenders picked-oII
by crossbows. The wilderness oI Lithuania was even harsher: primeval Iorest, heath and scrubland with
innumerable lakes and marshes. The knights adapted by using barges that could carry up to 500 troops.
Otherwise, the woodcraIt-trained Teutones would raid through the dense woods and Iens. Knights
carried their armor on pack-horses, putting it on only when preparing Ior an attack even when under
the threat oI ambush. Many knights got lost under the pine trees which hid the sun and stars, dying oI
starvation or accident. Some brethren succumbed to "caIard" or Iorest madness. It was a strange war
like most religious conIlicts. Some Lithuanians chose death over deIeat: burning all their goods in a
great Iuneral pyre, killing their women and children beIore beheading each other. In one recorded case,
an old priestess decapitated more then 100 warriors with an axe beIore splitting her own head as the
knights broke through the Iinal inner stockade.
joos _accc,
[co|cs o[ tac octa
[agaa [co[i|c
"The Lithuanians are stalwart men, strong werriors and fers. The glebe of the cuntrev ... bereth wel corne and fuvte
and is ful of mores and marvs in manv places, with ful manv woodes, rvvers and waters and wvlde beestes and tame, and is
strengthede with doodes, mores and marvs, and hath litel other strength but woodes, mores and marvs. Therefore unneth that
londe mave be assailed in sumer, but on wvnter, when waters and rvvers ben vfrore"
Bartholomew, English crusader oI the 1230s.
Communities
The peasants oI the southern and eastern Baltic Coasts lived in small rural communities raising
grain crops oI barley, Ilax and wheat, oats and rye, keeping cattle, swine, poultry and ponies. A village's
resources were shared and all had collective responsibility Ior maintenance and animal husbandry.
Others were "Iringemen" who lived oII the Iorests, coasts and mountains by Iishing, trapping, hunting,
bee-keeping and mining. Einally there were the burghers artisans, tradesmen and innkeepers who
settled in larger towns and ports.
The peoples oI these lands were considered "Iair," being tall and healthy though "somewhat
uncouth and boozy" as contemporary commentators put it. They had their hair cropped and had a
characteristic shriek and jeer when preparing to Iight. While it sounds like an idyllic atmosphere the
villagers were living close to starvation. They suIIered Irom common menaces: bad weather, too many
children, greedy landlords and a lack oI Ireedom. Slavery and service bonds were riIe. Eurther inland
there were communities oI Iree peasants who both ploughed Ior themselves and carried their own swords
and spears Ior deIence.
Christianity had not touched these people. They were still dominated by Iighters brought up to
kill or be killed, whether they lived as princes, landowners or swordsmen. Between the Iighting classes
and the rest was a barrier oI breeding and attitude reinIorced by tradition and law. They were
experienced cavalrymen, wheeling and charging unexpectedly on small horses the size oI modern
ponies. While not heavily armored, they relied on speed and surprise rather than sword or spear play in
close combat. Raiding, ambushing and pillaging was their Iorte. Sustained battle was not. The soldiers oI
the warbands were clothed in linen or wool, protected by shields and helmets. The leaders wore more
elaborate equipment though oIIering only the same degree oI protection. The wealth oI a dead man
was competed Ior by horse races the winner taking a speciIic prize.
Rulers
The society oI the Baltic peoples was intensely militarized. It had evolved through the centuries
between the hammer oI the Germanic tribes and the anvil oI the Vikings. Eor long periods these
communities had to pay tribute to Danish kings and German lords. The communities were oIten
clustered around prosperous "magnates" who lived in Iorest strongholds with their retainers or
communities oI warriors and burghers. These earth-walled, stockaded and moated Iorts were usually
controlled by a "governor" or voivot. Each was the heart oI a small territory, encompassing several rural
communities.
By the eleventh century a line oI these communities lurked crab-like a Iew miles up every estuary
Irom Denmark to the Vistula. The strongest oI these had at their highest point a barracks, Iort and
residence (collectively called a grod or palatium), usually reinIorced with a moat, earth wall and wooden
towers. Below it was the urbs (town), originally intended as a reIuge Ior civilians Irom the district in
time oI trouble. Later, these spaces became crammed with the artisans and merchants except Ior one
or more patches oI holy ground which held small timber temples. Outside this stockade were Iurther
groups oI dwellings, each dedicated to Iishermen, small traders, peasants and maybe a market. None oI
these towns were built directly on the coast. They were always on inlets, rivers and lagoons on top oI
cliIIs or behind dense stands oI ancient trees.
Military service was extracted Irom the warrior classes and taxes oI material were taken Irom the
peasants. The voivot provided hospitality to the district's prince (known as a knes) when he came on
visits oIten involving prolonged Ieasting and shows oI Iorce. The prince (knes) was always a great
landowner in the countryside, the lord oI the largest retinue oI mounted warriors in the region. He
received taxes and commanded abject reverence with kneeling acclamation and Ioot-kissing. His blood
was sacrosanct and was oIten inherited Irom long dynasties. His rule was mostly in name and by his
presence. Each town had its own assembly which settled its own aIIairs. Comprised oI magistrates, these
leaders oIten led warbands to raid other tribes. But the common Iactor between coast and country,
Ireemen and Iringemen, swordsman and serIs, was an allegiance or respect to the mystical class oI
judges, warriors and bards which roamed their lands. These strange people were the stuII oI legends
possessing great strength and speed. While each community was essentially selI governing all decisions
were deIerred when one oI the "great ones" or "heroes" arrived.
Religion
The Wends considered their whole country to be studded with holy places groves, oaks,
springs and rocks where the peasants made oIIerings and held rites. They saw the world as peopled by
large pantheon oI gods subordinate to a divine patriarchal spirit in the sky. These shrines managed to
co-exist Ior centuries alongside Christian churches a scandal Ior conscientious clerics but too deep
rooted to eradicate completely.
The Wendish priesthood was able to exert great inIluence over their people, intensiIying the
worship oI their gods by constructing images, cult objects and temples. Master cults were developed in
the cities where special skills in augury and rituals made priests the leaders oI their community. The
priests became rich with luxurious temples dedicated to their gods. Out in the woods they lived more
spartan and holy lives. One priest is reported to have lived solely oII the Iruit oI a single sacred nut tree.
The arrival oI Christianity drew a mixed response. Some princes received in readily while others
opposed it violently. No city abandoned its gods easily whether the prince willed it or not. Some
considered Christianity to represent the gods oI the Germans an old Ioe Ior centuries. Others saw
advantage in allying with the powerIul new men moving into their districts.
The East Baltic tribes also Iollowed cults oI holy places, plants and animals. The cult oI the dead
(veles) and the cult oI gods were the essential guarantees oI health, security, success and identity to every
Iamily and village. Wise men and women who understood the rites were treated with the utmost respect.
Priests and priestesses wandered the lands or devoted their lives to the tending oI the sacred groves and
holy places.
Eestivals oI Iertility and Iunerals oIten involved sacriIices oI horses and humans. These were
considered the high-points oI the religious year. Alone among the ancient religions oI Europe, the Baltic
religions would provide a strong and direct opposition to the challenge oI medieval Catholicism. The
religion was a wealthy mix oI ancient Celtic lore and gods, Nordic and Germanic deities and goddesses
drawn Irom vastly ancient Indian subcontinent origins. Women held a particular reverence among the
priesthood and were given varying degrees oI Ireedom in the villages.
As the terrain became colder and more marginalized to the north, society became less Ieudal and
more religious. Above Estonia the word oI the old men was law and the Shamans consulted with the
spirits oI the Iorests, seeking permission to Iorage Ior Iood. SacriIice was the only assured means oI
obtaining health and success.
jcmogcaaics
Lower Baltic
The peoples oI the Baltic coast and Poland were collectively known to the Germans as the
Wends. However, as the Teutonic Knights moved to conquer these lands, the complexity oI the pagan
society emerged. The Slavonian tribes occupied the coastlands and hinterland Irom the bay oI Kiel to the
Vistula, including the islands oI Ehmarn, Poel, Rugen, Usedom and Wollin. They were divided into a
number oI nations.
The Wagrians were settled on the Danish Irontiers to the Trave and the Abotrites lived between
the Trave to the Warnow. These two kindred peoples were loosely united with the Polabians oI the Elbe
basin under one dominant dynasty.
An unamalgamated group oI tribes occupied the area Irom the Warnow to the Rugen, round the
Oder mouths and up the Peene. These were given the collective name oI the Liutuzians or Wilzians
"terrible" or "wolI" people. The northernmost group oI tribes were the Rugians or Rani, on the coast
about the river Rugen. The Pomeranians "dwellers on the shore" dwelled between the Oder to the
Vistula, sharing the lands with Cassubian "shaggy-coat men" tribes.
The Iollowing is a catalogue oI the most important Wendish cities, organized into the tribes
which managed them. While they were not cities by the standards oI the Germans or Europeans, they
stood out Irom among the thinly settled Baltic region as they held a special inIluence on the communities
in and around them.
hagarians:
Coastal district tribe which had several key towns, among them Stargard (Oldenberg to the
Germans) which had been the beachhead Irom which a Saxon bishop had attempted to convert the
community in the 10th century. The people had rejected his Iaith and the church was a ruin.
Abotrites:
The great city oI this clan was Mecklenburg (Veligrad), Iive miles upstream Irom Wismar Bay.
This position dominated a wide network oI lakes and rivulets. On the next inlet to the east was a
community that would grow into the Iuture city oI Rostock then only a temple, anchorage and a
merchant settlement seven miles upriver.
Rugians:
They lived among marshy and Iorested domains with Iew communities larger than villages and
Iorts. But their island stronghold oI Rugen held two remarkable townships: Arkona on the north-eastern
tip and Karenz (now called Garz) on the lake's edge on the southern point oI the island. Arkona stood
upon cliIIs on the sea's edge which were too steep Ior any raid. It needed no citadel due to the shape oI
the headland upon which it stood. The headland was cut oII Irom the rest oI the island by an earth and
timber wall which rose about 100 Ieet. A curved sector oI housing was held within this wall, then an
open space. At the point oI the headland was a temple oI the Iour-headed god Svantovit a center oI
pilgrimage and public worship. The harvest Iestival brought representatives Irom all over the Rugian
nation, sacriIicing cattle and responding to the high priest's calls Ior war or peace. The high priest had his
own warband oI 300 warriors and personal estates. Arkona was as close to a national capital that the
region had: here Rugian warriors met in council and took orders Irom the high-priest and his miraculous
horse upon which no man was allowed to ride. Karenz, in the south, was deIended by lake, river and
marshland, reinIorced by a conventional ring-wall. It was developing Irom a reIuge Iort into a
prosperous settlement by 1168. It was Iull oI tightly packed housing, with three small spaces leIt clear
Ior the temples on the higher portion oI the town.
Polabains:
The lake settlement oI Ratzeburg was their chieI city, connected to the Baltic sea by a tributary oI
the River Trave. This town no more than a Iort , an anchorage and some huts was later to become
the city oI Lubeck.
Liuti:ians:
This tribe which settled along the river Peene had several well-protected towns. The most
important was the Iurthest upriver: Demmin (the smoke place). This was where three rivers met, a key
stronghold oI whoever conquered the region. It was a cult center oI the Redarri, the home oI the god
Radigost. The city consisted oI a large citadel, earthen and timber walls and a prominent temple.
Pommeraneans:
Szczecin (pronounced Shchetsin) was the "mother oI the cities oI the Pommeraneans." Its walls
enclosed three temple-crowned hills and had a reputation Ior impregnability. It held a community oI 900
Iamilies. The voivot oI this city had a household oI 500 Iamily, servants and warriors. He had a Ileet oI
six ships which Irequently plied the rivers between the sister towns oI Wolgast (Vologost), Usedom
(Uznam), Lebbin (Liubin), Wollin (Wolin) and Cammin (Kamien). These towns lay on the reedy
channels branching Irom between the Peene and Oder rivers and the GulI oI Stettin. All were deIensible
places with markets and Iorts, trading with others and deIending themselves with Ileets and armies.
Kolberg (Kolobrzeg) was a town oI a particularly important status as it contained a salt works.
The prince (knes) oI the Pomeranians held residence in Belgard (Bialogard). To the south oI this city the
lands were mostly empty, with a single track leading to the port oI Danzig (Gdanzk) which consisted
mostly oI a grod and urb.
Eastern Baltic
East oI the Vistula was a dense deciduous Iorest which stretched most oI the way Irom the Baltic
to the to the west Russian uplands. It was diIIicult terrain, oIten impassable. Layers oI dead wood,
luxuriant undergrowth, lakes, bogs and hills conIined human settlement to the coastal strip and the
valleys oI the Vistula, Niemen and Dvina. Among the oaks, ash, elms, linden trees and maples that
hemmed in the cleared grounds oI the communities lived the aurochs, the bison, the bear and the elk.
Reaching 400 miles north/south and 300 miles east/west, it was inhabited by a small group oI people
known in modern times as the Balts. They were oI Indo-European origin.
These "nations" were associations oI smaller tribes, uniIied under an eIIective political system oI
blood relationship. Each tribe was capable oI mobilizing a warband (karya to the Prussians, karias to the
Lithuanians) and had an assembly called a wayde. Each tribe was responsible Ior its own Iorts and
maintaining its own Iolklore.
These tribes never acted as one nation beIore the 12th century. While groups oI one or two would
Iight together, the nation oI Prussia Ior example never Iought as one until the Crusades. What gave these
"nations" their identity were their common language, the districts in which they lived and common
religious cults.
The peasants oI these nations were mostly occupied with clearing away the restricting Iorests by
burn-beating and tree-cutting. They harvested with the sickle and the scythe, raised cattle and horses,
grew Ilax and wove linen. They cropped wheat and sometimes barley and oats. Much Iood was gathered
Irom the Iorests and coast. Honey, wax and Iurs were sought in the Iorests, while amber petriIied
tree-sap Irom ancient Iorests was washed up on the coast. Amber was a precious substance, coveted
by artisans and princes.
North oI the Dvina pine became the predominant tree, supplanting the oak and the elm. The land
was very moist, with Estonia being noted Ior its bogs and rocky coasts. East oI Lake Chud (Peipus
Peipsi) lay a great coniIerous Iorest, drained by wide rivers and threaded by a complicated pattern oI
bogs, lakes and streams. North oI Estonia the land became less habitable. Many Estonian and Einnish
tribes came and went the true natives living hand-to mouth, struggling against land too cold to till and
Iorests only sparsely populated by elk.
Prussians:
These people lived between the Lower Vistula, the Narew, the Niemen and the Baltic coast.
Among its tribes were the Galindians, Sudovians, Pomesanians, Pogesanians. A church was established
in the land oI the Prussians in 997, though St. Adalbert oI Prague was martyred.
Lithuanians:
A people that lived north and east oI the Niemen, within the watershed oI its tributaries the
Nivezis and the Viliya. Some oI the tribe names were Zemaiciai, Aukstaiciai.
Latvian States:
This loose association oI tribes consisted oI the Lettgallians north oI the lower River Dvina and
the Semigallans and Selonians (also called Letts) who lived to the south. Towns protected by large
earthworks were established at Lielupe, Tervette, Daugmale and Jersika.
Curonians:
Called Kurir by the Scandinavians, these people lived on the peninsula between the Baltic and
the GulI oI Riga. One oI their chieI settlements was at Impiltis, where the deIensive earthworks enclosed
an area oI 12.5 acres. Another large city was Apuole.
Fennic:
A group oI tribes to the Iar north-east oI the Baltic Sea. Included the tribes called the Ves,
Eastern Chud, Pechera, Perm, Cheremis, Merya, Mordva and others. All lived on the tributaries oI the
Novgorod, along with the Vods, Estonians and Karelians in the west. These peoples worshiped the trees,
ancestors and an army oI spirits which peopled the woods. Their only government was the wise-man oI
each extended Iamily and the shamans which held the gates oI the invisible world.
Overcoming the Pagans
The Teutonic Knights had the advantage oI several innovations over the pagan tribes. They
utilized the German merchant classes which had been trading with the tribes Ior almost a century. These
merchants introduced the Teutones to the great-ship or "cog" as it was known. This type oI ship could
carry 237 tons as opposed to the tribal long-boats that could only carry 20. A cog could carry 500
passengers or a town's supplies Ior a whole winter. It was the perIect transport Ior reinIorcements and the
"castles" on its bow and stern were more than a match Ior any pirates. With this sort oI mobile
warehouse supported by smaller craIt, the Teutones were able to move deep into the pagan lands
Iollowing the rivers and waterways during summer and marching over the ice during winter.
Another advantage and innovation was the stone tower. The Teutonic Knights learned the art oI
stone masonry in Palestine. While stone was hard to come by, the knights initially had to make do with
wooden blockhouses ringed by palisades. As the Teutones became more established in an area, resources
were put into Iinding stone or manuIacturing bricks to build towers oI a strength previously unseen in
the Baltic lands. The importance oI these structures was vital: they were able to keep small garrisons
alive when they would otherwise have been overwhelmed. They were also virtually impervious to their
pagan enemy's Iavorite weapon Iire.
One oI the most important advantages was artillery particularly the crossbow. It was not a
knightly instrument and it was not the Teutones that used it. But the Germanic settlers used the weapon
to great eIIect. Its accuracy and penetrating power shortened the odds in the battle between many and
Iew. Larger ballista or catapults and mounted on towers became weapons that could Iell large sections oI
a warbands in a single round.
The advantage oI heavy cavalry was rarely realized in the Baltic lands. The numerous bogs,
springs, streams, Iorests and sand-dunes made charges impossible to mount. Heavy armor slowed
knights down, making them more vulnerable to the ambush a Iavorite Iorm oI attack among the
tribes. But it was the Teutone's staying power that surprised the tribes never beIore had an invader
resolutely held onto land through cold winters and survived.
_accaataca|s
North-Eastern Europe
Black Furies:
The only all Iemale tribe, the black Iuries could be seen as Ieminist Iatales. Being Iemale does
not mean this tribe is ladylike. In Iact, it is much the opposite being one oI the major proponents oI
violence against the Order. This tribe is particularly attached to nature and untouched wilderness,
emerging to strike at those who threaten their sacred groves. They gather in these groves Ior their
religious moots, using the enchanting setting oI dark glades with pools shining silver under the
moonlight to inspire the words oI their priest-leaders. OIten a "sacred hunt" is launched at such a
gathering.
Children of Gaia:
These are the peaceIul oI the Lycanthropes. The others see them as tree hugging peacenicks. It
was the Children oI Gaia's support Ior less violent means to turning the Teutonic Crusade that helped tip
the scale oI the WolI Council to intrigue. But like all lycanthropes, they can be demonic Iighters when
pushed too Iar. More modern oIIspring oI this tribe are becoming increasingly radical, more and more
prepared to Iight rather than out-wit their opponents. They also gather in sacred groves, oIten Iocusing
on a single sacred tree. Their worship varies Irom quiet contemplation to Irantic orgies.
Gangrel:
This nomadic tribe appears to have had a long association with the Baltic wilderness, drawn by
its isolation and natural beauty. Ties between the Gangrel and the Shapechangers are much more cordial
than that oI other vampiric clans explaining much about their presence in this were-creature
dominated land. Throughout history the Gangrel have been relatively well inIormed as to the happenings
oI the world, with news oI Iar-oII places oIten being brought by their Iriends and associates among the
Gypsies.
Jentrue:
The growth oI Germany as an Imperial and an Industrial power saw the arrival oI clan Ventrue in
the region. This scheming clan has long sought to exert its dominance over the region a mission
which at times matched that oI the Teutonic Knights. Their power has been increasing recently, with the
uniIication oI the two Germany's and the loosening grip oI Russia upon the Baltic and Polish states.
Always city dwellers, they are rarely Iound outside the saIe conIines oI concrete and glass.
T:imisce:
The Baltic states have long been the "heartland" oI clan Tzimisce. Maintaining its strongholds
against all comers including the Roman Empire this Iearsome clan has been in the IoreIront oI the
struggle against the Teutonic Knights. Their altered ghouls serve as the vanguard oI many an uprising
either as horribly deIormed creatures or as Iearsome examples oI the best pagan hero-warriors.
Tzimisce has puppet leaders in Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, Wallachia, Bavaria, Austria, Serbia and
Kievan Russia. They are particularly strong in Lithuania where they maintain the worship oI the old
Slavic gods. The clan has also had some success in inIiltrating the Russian Orthodox church. But their
power is waning. Many oI their subjects actually welcome the advance oI the Teutonic Knights, and the
war with the Tremere is absorbing more and more resources.
The Holy Land
Silent Striders:
Driven out oI Egypt by vampires long ago, the Silent Striders wander all about the world
though they oIten gravitate to the lands surrounding their ancient home. They lead a nomadic existence,
at home in the Iorest or city. More oIten than not they can be Iound among the ranks oI the gypsies,
circus troops or even merchant groups. Despite this, they are a well-inIormed tribe and always seem to
know what's happening. As a nomadic tribe they have Iew set meeting places and only gather rarely.
Star Ga:ers:
Enraptured by Eastern Mysticism and the occult, this tribe holds the Middle East as the heart oI
its activities. Generally treated with disdain as "wise-guys" by shapechanger society. They wander most
oI the world, helping to protect lands sacred to the lycanthrope. Members oI this tribe rarely gather
together. When they do, it appears more to be a Iriendly exchange oI news and inIormation.
Setite:
Though the Teutonic Knights never made it into Egypt, roving bands oI these vampires (oIten
associated with invading armies) Irequently made their way into the Holy Land. Their support has
dwindled with the death oI their ancient religions, but their corrupting inIluence does much to destabilize
many governments and organizations. It was this clan's spread through Europe that helped prompt the
excesses oI the Inquisition. Now, Setites manipulate society through the depravity oI the drug trade
instead oI their pagan religion. With the liIting oI the military state that was the USSR, members oI this
clan are already moving in to establish their "dominion" over the Baltic states.
Assamite:
Doubly the enemy oI the Teutonic Knights because oI its Vampiric and Saracen background, the
Assamites are among the most IearIul oI Ioes. Their perIection oI the art oI assassination has caused the
loss oI several key Teutonic personnel over the centuries and in recent times. It is also rumored that the
clan is not popular among Vampiric organizations, with allegations that several later Crusades were
sparked simply to cover a blood-hunt against the Assamites. However, this clan unknowingly helps the
Militant Order's cause. Assassins single-mindedly hunt down other vampires as tools oI political
intrigue.
_ac [assiag o[ a [co|c
During the late 14th century under Hochmeister Luther, a talented musician, the castle oI
Marienburg became a center Ior the perIorming arts. The surrounding districts had long since been
tamed and Christianity was well and truly established. There were Irequent song-contests and concerts
in the castle's great halls, attracting the best perIormers Irom all over Europe. One occasion it is recorded
that a pathetic old man a Iigure Irom the past walked up to the step and requested admittance to
the competition. The Prussian harpist proceeded to sing, in his almost Iorgotten tongue, some oI the
great ballads oI his now dead people. Jeering, the knights awarded the "ridiculous ghost" oI a dead pagan
society a sack oI rotten walnuts beIore ordering him back to the Iorests and his sacred oak trees.
Not all knights missed the signiIicance oI this act. It was a brave deIiance oI the all-conquering
Christian culture. It was also a requiem to the harper's dead tribe. But it was to be 600 years beIore the
lessons oI this occurrence was to be learned by the Order as a whole and even then only aIter it was
rubbed in its nose. The very aristocratic pride in which the Order vested so much importance was wrong.
The Nazi embodiment oI Teutonic belieIs and attitudes through the WaIIen SS brought this message
home. Arrogance, blind obedience, excessive pride and inIlated selI-importance haddiverted the
Teutonic Knights hand Irom doing good to doing harm. Pride and prejudice have no place within the
Christian ethos oI Eaith, Hope and Charity.
joos oac,
jasic tac ccc
jaitiatioa to tac ccc
"I, Cuno von Hattenstein, do profess and promise chastitv, renunciation of propertv, and obedience, to God and to
the Blessed Jirgin Marv, and to vou, Brother Anno, Master of the Teutonic Order, and to vour successors, accordi ng to the
Rules and Institutions of the Order, and I will be obedient to vou, and to vour successors, even unto death."
The Northern Crusades, Eric Christiansen.
oiccs
Many Teutonic brothers came Irom the lower echelons oI nobility. They would enter the Order to
Iree themselves Irom economic dependence to secular lords and to enjoy the status and power associated
with joining a religious corporation governing a large territorial State. While the Grand Chapter did their
utmost to maintain the nobility oI the Order, Provincial Commanders were not adverse to recruiting Irom
among the peasant and merchant classes. Able bodied townsIolk and "generous" businessmen Iound
their way into the brotherhood despite many "crackdowns" over the centuries.
A postulant was normally received into the Order in one oI the houses in the twelve bailiwicks in
the Empire. While the Grand Master and General Chapter reserved the right to receive postulants, this
was usually carried out by the Provincial Commanders. The social and moral status oI the postulant were
exhaustively examined. A postulant had to submit a letter Irom a patron who would vouch Ior his
ancestry and moral worth. Postulants also had to bring three horses, armor, weaponry and the Iare Ior
their trip to Prussia. Candidates oI illegitimate birth could only be accepted into the Order through direct
intervention Irom the Grand Master.
The Modern Novitiate
Modern Novices oI any Militant Order are not untrained and inexperienced acolytes. In many
ways they parallel the role oI Sergeant many centuries ago: they are active warriors oI lower status be
it birth (historically) or personal commitment. A novitiate is still part oI the process oI becoming a
knight: at least Iive years must be spent in the training halls and support units, gaining the necessary
experience and maturity to become a Iully Iledged knight.
Novices are still required to take the vow oI Obedience though those oI Poverty and Chastity are
not required. Many novices have attained Eaith and training above that required to become a knight
though choose to remain a novice because oI a wiIe or business responsibilities. Rank within a novitiate
is not by title. It is by seniority. A novice oI one year is at the bottom oI the ladder (5th class). A novice
in his IiIth year (1st class) is close to being a knight. Any holding status oI more than 5 years, and is not
a knight, is called a Sergeant (without the knight preIix).
Investiture
Once a postulant has presented all his credentials to a Commander, his background has been Iully
investigated and a sponsor knight Iound, a simple ceremony is conducted at the next convenient Chapter
meeting. This Chapter must be presided over by a Landkomtur (Preceptor) who will conduct the brieI
ceremony. Upon investiture, postulants are required by the Rule to answer a barrage oI questions:
Do vou belong to another Order?
Are vou married?
Have vou anv hidden phvsical infirmitv?
Are vou in Debt?
Are vou a serf?
AIter the Iive negatives, the postulant had to give Iive positives.
Are vou prepared to fight in Palestine?
Or elsewhere?
To care for the sick?
To practice anv craft vou know as ordered?
To obev the Rule?
They were then expected to say:
"I, (postulants name), do profess and promise chastitv, renunciation of propertv, and obedience, to God and to the
Blessed Jirgin Marv, and to vou, Brother (Grand Master) and vour successors, according to the Rule and Institutions of the
Order, and I will be obedient to vou, and to vour successors, even unto death."
_ac _catoaic a|c
"The German princes and magnates were in full agreement that the aforesaid house should have the regulationsof
the Hospital of St. John concerning the sick and the poor, as in the past, but for the rest should have the Rule of the Militia of
the Temple with regards to clerics, knights and other brothers."
Narracio de primordiis ordinis Teutonici, 1198
A Teutonic Knight dedicated himselI to a monastic way oI liIe that revolved around the three
Iundamental vows oI poverty, chastity and obedience. These vows, and the tenets oI the Teutonic Rule,
were designed to suppress individuality and promote a collective liIestyle. The Rule stated: "brethren
should be humbly obedient and should in all things break their own wills." The Rule oI the Teutonic
Knights was approved by Cardinal William oI Sabina beIore1245.
Also governing the liIe oI a knight was the Consuetudines maires (constitutional rules) which
was inspired by the Rules oI the Templars and Hospitallers (one stipulating the monastic liIe expected oI
a brother-knight, emphasizing the tenets oIchastity, obedience and poverty, while the other bound a
knight to a liIe oI service and charity), the Dominican Order and the Order oI the Holy Spirit. Eurther
ordinances were added by Grand Masters, such that the entire collection Iormed a large book copies
oI which had to be kept in every commandery, read out in Iull tree times and year and in sections on
every Sunday.
A Iull calendar oI religious observances were insisted upon. A knight was expected to recite the
oIIices (speciIied prayers) throughout the day, both inside the convent and on active duty. The Iirst mass
was conducted just beIore dawn while on campaign because the days were short in northern winters and
the knights needed to be on the move at dawn to make the most oI the light. The hallowing oI the
sacrament was timed to coincide with the Iirst emerging rays oI the sun. One campaign the master's or
the marshal's tent became the army's church. A portable Iield-altar was its centerpiece. Teutones had to
receive the holy sacrament (communion) seven times a year: a process which involved a Iast unlike
the Templars.
Military and monastic discipline went together. Knights were expected to perIorm their duties
and were allowed Iew privileges. Their equipment and armor were uniIorm and each man was issued
with a pair oI shirts, a pair oI breeches, two pairs oI boots, one surcoat, one sleeping bag, one blanket
and one kniIe. He was allowed to wear Iur, because oI the cold temperatures, but it could only be
goatskin or sheepskin. He could be assigned two or Iour mounts but they belonged to the convent. A
knight had to sleep in his clothes and boots and had to remain silent at meals and while in the dormitory,
on the march or in the latrine. He could not display his own coat oI arms the Teutonic cross being
good enough Ior all. He was not allowed to joust or join in on the hunt, though he could kill wolves and
bears with the stipulated assistance oI hounds. He was allowed to wear a beard though his hair must be
kept short.
The whole objective oI the Rule was military eIIiciency. Mobilization, parades, route-marches,
pitching camp, guard-duty and conduct in the Iield were all regulated by an undeviating routine and
carried out in silence. But there were some beneIits in being a Teutone. While a knight could not own his
own horse or sword, he was allowed to trade Ior the proIit oI his house and commandery a provision
that helped the establishment oI the empire.
Components of the Rule
The Rule oI the Templars is outlined in detail in Militiae Christi and is a good example oI all the
various Rules. The Iollowing is a sample oI what was expected oI a Teutonic Knight.
The brethren had to dress in a uniform wav white clothing marked with black crosses.
Nothing could be "too long, short, tight or wide."
Shoes had to be plain with buckles.
Hair/beards had to be worn so that "the wearer should be immediatelv recogni:able as a brother of the Order."
Meals were to be eaten noiselesslv.
Sleeping quarters were general dormitories.
Knights had to sleep in their undergarments.
No trappings of class or status were to be worn.
Saddles and shields were not to be painted in markings other than those belonging to the Order.
Tournaments, weddings, christenings and birthdavs were to be avoided.
Kissing was prohibited including close relatives "less it lead to unchastitv."
Privacv was not allowed and personal letters had to be scrutini:ed bv a superior.
A particularly severe Iorm oI punishment Ior breaching the Rule was the Iarbusse: a year's hard
labor, eating meals oII the Iloor without cutlery, dietary restrictions, removal oI the cross Irom the habit
and corporal punishment on Sundays.
_catoaic _tcactacc
"hhen war is waged against evil or demons bv spiritual strength, I would not sav that this is extraordinarv,
although praiseworthv, since the world is seen to be full of monks. But when a monk is powerfullv girded with both swords
and marked out noblv bv the belt of each, who would not think this worthv of admiration, even though it is certainlv
unusual?"
St. Bernard de Clairvaux, De Laude Novae Militia
General Chapter
The highest position among the Teutonic Knights was that oI Grand Master. He was elected upon
the summoning oI the General Chapter oI the Order which represented all Teutonic Provinces. BeIore a
Grand Master's death he was required to appoint a Deputy to oversee the gathering oI oIIicers Irom
Germany, Prussia, Livonia, Austria, Rumania and the Holy Land. This General Chapter elected a
Ioreman (commendator electionis) who then nominated a second member oI the Electoral Chapter.
Then, in a system based closely upon that oI the Templars, these two Knights chose a third member.
These three selected a Iourth . . . and so on until the 13 representatives had been chosen. The Teutonic
Rule stipulated there must be at least eight knight-brothers, one priest-brother and Iour sergeants. They
were not allowed to be Irom the same province or oI the same Iamily. A simple majority determined the
election. II one oI the Electoral Chapter was nominated as Grand Master he was asked to withdraw so
that his character could be Ireely discussed. II he remained in contention his position was taken by
another brother. Upon the election oI the new Grand Master, the successIul knight was escorted to the
alter by the Deputy Master and invested with a ring and circular seal depicting the Virgin Mary
enthroned and holding the Christ-child and scepter.
Grand Master (Hochmeister)
The Teutonic Rule contained only general statements about the Grand Master's role: "he should
punish the disobedient and show concern Ior the sick." This was a deliberate lack oI deIinition. As the
Teutonic Order was, essentially, a corporation, the Grand Master was required to consult the General
Chapter in all important matters such as buying and selling property. In lesser decisions he only had
to consult members oI the Chapter. In practice it proved impractical to summon a General Chapter
except to discuss crucial matters such as law making, senior appointments or changes in international
aIIairs. The corporate nature oI the Order constantly placed checks and balances against the Grand
Master's powers. The Grand Master lived in one oI the most magniIicent buildings in Europe
Marienburg Castle the headquarters oI the Order Irom 1309. Great emphasis was placed on the Grand
Master's generosity and records exist Ior hundreds oI marks being distributed to the poor and needy
every time he took an excursion.
Governing Council (Gebistigerrat)
Day-to-day government oI the Order was through a council oI Iive oIIicers collectively known as
the Grossgebietiger who Iormed part oI a Chapter known as the Gebistigerrat. They comprised: The
Grosskomtur (Seneshenal), Marshal, Oberste Trapier (Master Draper), Oberste Spittler (Hospitaller) and
Tressler (Treasurer). The Provincial Commanders could also attend or serve on this council to
representing their provinces when needed. This council was the governing body oI the Order, making
most oI the decisions and setting most policies.
The Grosskomtur (Great Commander) was given his own suite oI oIIices in Marienburg Castle
equal in opulence and size to the Grand Master. As second in command oI the Order, his role was oIten
that oI Ioreign minister. He also acted on the Grand Master's behalI during his absence and led the
Marienberg Commandery continents during war.
BeIore the Iall oI the Holy Land, the Marshal (Ordensmarschall) had sole responsibility Ior
military operations against the InIidel. Later, as Marienberg eventually receded into the saIe heart oI the
Teutonic State, the Marshal was generally assigned the task oI military overseer oI the Irontier
provinces.
The position oI Oberste Spittler (Hospitaller) was initially quite important as the Order
maintained a hospital in Acre. Later, the title became honoriIic as the Order conducted Iew nursing
missions in Europe. The same applies to the position oI Oberste Trapier (Draper). While there was a
centralized system Ior the distribution oI clothing and equipment in Palestine, this responsibility was
later taken over by Provincial Commanders. The role became that oI an advisor and ranking oIIicer.
The Tressler administered the revenues contributed by the provinces and at times conducted
audits on those provinces suspected oI holding back their contributions. He managed the expenses Ior
the Grand Master's court and oIIicial activities as well as major expenditures such as IortiIications.
Knight Organization
The positions oI GrosschaIIer in Marienburg and Konigsberg were essentially trade ministers
overseeing exports and imports. Both had large personal staIIs and had to report to the Tressler. Most
trade was conducted in grain, Iurs, amber and copper.
Provincial Commanders (Landkomtur) were responsible Ior law and order within their
designated areas. Under them were the Hauskomtur (Preceptor). Each Hauskomtur was responsible Ior a
Komtur (chapter) oI 12 knights and their associated sergeants. Civilians could approach the Commander
to act as judge Ior murder and other major cases. Individual knights were allowed to administer justice
on minor matters so long as they submitted a Iull report to their House Commander aIterwards.
Teutonic Knights acted as a police Iorce in the traditional meaning oI the word deterring criminals,
serving summonses and conducting arrests. Beneath the House Commanders were Vogts, associate-
members oI the Order who acted as caretakers oI a Iarm or an estate. Commanders led the knights Irom
their Chapter during battle and were responsible Ior the security oI their estates. Internal matters were
conducted at the discretion oI the Provincial Commander, with assistance available Irom senior oIIicers
iI the need arose.
The Teutonic Insignia and Habit
Uniform:
The white habit oI the Teutones was very similar to that oI the Templars (much to the latter's
disgust). This right was granted them by the Holy Roman Emperor Erederick II. Their black cross
(sometimes superimposed with a yellow highlight) was similar in shape to that oI the Cross oI Jerusalem
(Iour T's radiating Irom a center-point). In the late-13th century they were also granted the right to place
the German Royal Eagle at the heart oI the cross though this practice has since been discontinued to
recognize the new diversity oI the Order's members. Teutone sergeants (equivalent to modern novices)
wore a Tau cross (looking like a single capital T). Later, the cross took on more gentle curves
eventually evolving into the distinctive Iron Cross that Ieatured prominently in World War I and World
War II insignia.
Standard:
In the early days oI the Order the Teutones battle standard was simply a black cross on a white
Iield. But, as they successIully established a principality in the Baltic States, the cross was dressed up.
By 1330 the Order had adopted the yellow cross oI Jerusalem bordered in black Ior their standard, with
the German royal eagle at its heart. This was placed on a white Iield. Shields mostly held a simple black
cross on white though oIIicers would adorn it with yellow inside the black cross and the Imperial eagle
at the junction.
_ac _occa ccc
"The Church and God have, unfortunatelv, little to do with vampirism in truth, excepting perhaps that some pravers
might help the dead from returning and suitable formulas are recited at the funeral to help the soul find solace. There is no
more effective method to ban vampirism than killing."
Jampire, a Complete Guide to the Undead, Manuela Dunn Mascetti, 1991
Only a Iew isolated outposts oI the Teutonic Order survived the collapse oI their once great
empire. A chapter in Vienna and the Bailiwick oI Utrecht in Amsterdam remain mainly through
concentrating on the roles oI nursing and charity work. Other chapters were Iorced to operate
"underground" Iirst to avoid the ReIormationists and then to hide Irom the Communists. Ironically, it
was the supernatural Iorces behind the emergence oI Stalinist Russia that Iinally saw the destruction oI
the WolI Council. With the collapse oI the Soviet Union, the Gangrel, Children oI Gaia and Black Euries
have returned to Iill the vacuum leIt by their vanished oppressors. Now, it appears it is their turn to be
dispossessed.
The Order reached its low-point in 1923 when its Grand Master resigned aIter the Iall oI the
Austrian Empire the last bastion oI support Ior the dwindling Order. The next blow came in 1929
when Pope Pius XI ratiIied a new constitution stripping the Order oI its Chivalric status. The
surviving chapterhouses including the Sisters oI the German Hospital oI St. Mary in Jerusalem
reverted to a normal monastic order under the control oI Sacred Congregation Ior the Religious in Rome.
Only a Iew ranks reIerred to the Order's Militant past.
The new Brotherhood oI the German Hospital in Jerusalem suIIered badly under the Third Reich
the persecution oI the Teutonic Order coinciding with the gloriIication oI the ancient Knights oI
Prussia which was used as a propaganda tool shortly beIore Hitler came to power. The Nazis established
an order oI Merit called the "Teutonic Order" which still causes detrimental associations even today. A
new mythology involving the old Order was Iabricated, claiming the "glorious" knights to be the
Iorerunners oI the Third Reich. Even aIter the war, once the Order had its lands restored by a new
Austrian government, the eIIects oI Nazi propaganda still hinder the Teutones charitable work despite
the Iact it was among the Iirst religious organizations suppressed by Hitler.
But the Teutonic Order was deeply shocked by the reIlection held up to its Iace in the Iorm oI the
WaIIen SS. The SS were a band oI devoted "knights," Iighting Iuriously to perpetuate what they
believed. Many older knights recognized this as the Iatal Ilaw within the Order itselI arrogant pride
and uncompromising belieI in itselI. Since then the most senior oI the Order's knights have striven Ior
greater humility and their on-going reIorms reIlect this.
The Teutonic Order was able to save much Iace in Eastern Europe through the hardships and
deprivations imposed by Communist Russia. Remnants and descendants oI the Order established a secret
Christian network to avoid the suppressions and discrimination oI Stalinist USSR. Though limited in
numbers, the Order also continued its work oI harassing known supernaturals.
The monastic German Brothers managed to grow aIter the war in parish work, hospitals, old-
people's homes, schools and training colleges. The organization remains as a public Iront to the Order
comprising 30 Clerical and 10 lay Brothers, 500 religious Sisters and 350 Eamiliars 12 oI which are
ranked as Knights oI Honor.
The new Knights oI the Cross emerged Irom this cauldron oI Iire during the early 1990s as a well
Iorged alloy. The tearing down oI the Berlin Wall marked the return to Ireedom Ior the knights and the
Christian community, but the tyranny oI Communism had served only to strengthen the Iaith oI many
and break down the barriers between Catholic and ReIormationist. The make-up oI the modern Order
reIlects this. Many oI its knights were Lutherans, others were Russian Orthodox. The new knighthood
represents the Iull spectrum oI Christian denominations. Once again recognized by the Papacy and
international community, the Teutonic Knights are gaining public support through charitable works
mainly Iocussed on reuniting east and west Germany. Much is also being done in Poland, Lithuania,
Latvia and Estonia where many now view the Teutonic knights as being a Iirm but Iair portion oI their
history. This work includes using inIluence among major German corporations to set up manuIacturing
and distribution Iacilities in these areas, the building oI hospitals and community Iacilities, repairing
public utilities and the more covert "cleansing" oI supernatural inIluences.
Although the Teutonic Knights were not present at the Malta Synod oI the mid 1980s, the re-
established and strengthened Templar and Hospitallers were surprisingly willing to welcome them back
into the Iold oI Militant Orders. Still subject to the status oI "junior" order, the Teutones are proving
their maturity in charitable and cleansing work.
Russia has become a major concern to the Teutonic Knights. Something "big" is happening there.
A purge on the scale oI the Inquisition is happening among the supernaturals oI Russia but the
Inquisition claims to know nothing about it. Several knights have discovered a vampire's lair, only to
Iind someone had beaten them to it. WerewolI caerns have been leIt untended and the nodes oI mages
are leIt unexploited. Several knights sent deep into Russia in search oI clues to this mystery have simply
vanished. One thing is certain: "The enemy oI mine enemy is no Iriend oI mine."
c[ocm
"Kings, emperors and nobles used to rule the world, todav I see sovereigntv held bv the clergv bv means of robberv,
treacherv, hvpocrisv, violence and preaching. . . Thev are anxious to make the world theirs..."
Pierre Cardenal oI Le Puy, 1229
The single greatest contributor toward the demise oI the Teutonic Knights was the break-up oI
the Catholic Church. The reIormation sparked by the teachings oI Martin Luther had a proIound eIIect
on German society, eventually spreading like wildIire throughout Europe. Many knights, disillusioned
with the corruption oI the established church, gave up their oaths and became Lutheran. Even high-
ranking oIIicers announced their dissent and leIt their posts. Combined with the increasing
"christianization" oI the surrounding nations to which the Teutones had been opposed to so long, the
Order lost its sense oI purpose and the all-important concept oI religious unity. With the re-
establishment oI the Order in the 1990s, the Gebistigerrat (governing council) has attempted to remove
this source oI dissent. Instead, they hope theological diversity can be turned into a strength.
The senior knights have taken a valiant stand, declaring that all Christians are equal. Eaith is
what is important. The "Iiddly bits" can be worried about later. This stance has not gone down well with
the "old guard" Teutones. Especially in light oI the more speciIic reIorms that have Iollowed such as
allowing women to hold militant and priest status. The outcome has not yet become what the
Gebistigerrat had hoped. The Order is becoming Iactionalized, with interest groups Iorming around
conIlicting ideals and interpretations. Only the Hochmeister's strength oI character has prevented this
Irom developing into a schism Iar worse than that experienced several centuries ago. In time the
Hochmeister hopes these Iactions will learn to tolerate and accommodate each other in a spirit oI
compromise. This, he believes, is the only way the Order and the Church at large has any chance
oI surviving through the next millennia.
The Reformed Rule
The vow oI Chastity is no longer applied to Novices. Married novices are allowed entrance to the
Order and their Iamilies receive similar support to that oI military personnel all around the world. The
goal is to become more attractive to the diverse Christian reIormationist churches that have appeared all
around the world. However, Knights are still expected to make this sacriIice to disencumber their
devotion to God's will.
Poverty is also no longer enIorced among Novices. The rank, instead oI relating to experience,
has taken on an association with a degree oI commitment to the Order. Again, knights are required to
take this extra step toward total commitment. Obedience is the one element oI the Rule that has in no
way been diminished. In Iact, it is only through the Rule that the above reIormations will have any
chance oI being accepted by the rank and Iile.
New Purpose
The goal oI the Teutonic Order is no longer to carve out an Empire based on strict Christian
principles. Instead, it is one oI contributing military expertise toward combating mankind's greatest
threat the corrupting inIluence oI supernatural beings. The Order's commitment to its craIt is absolute.
The Church exists to teach and console an ignorant and increasingly Irightened populace. The Sword
exists to cut-down any powerIul pagan heretic that gets in the Cloth's way. The Teutones know that they
are that sword. Across the Iactions is one powerIul common driving Iorce: eradication oI the enemy.
This strength oI purpose oIten embodies itselI in almost single-minded behavior. Scheming Templars
and soIt-hearted Hospitallers are oIten shocked by the resolution shown by Teutones in their hatred oI all
things evil. Great resources are poured into Iinding new and eIIective weaponry against the variety oI
Ioes the Church Knights Iace. The Teutones are not jealous oI these advances and willingly share them
with their comrades in arms.
Nomca ia tac ccc
The Historical Order
Throughout its history the Order has adopted the approach espoused by the Catholic Church: that
women have rights to property, Ireedom and expression but are to be excluded Irom Iighting and
positions oI power within the Church itselI. Women were allowed to worship in the same devoted
manner as men with convents being among the oldest institutions dedicated to living in the name oI
Christ. But nuns were to be segregated Irom monks and men as much as possible: thus the high walls
surrounding most convents. Eew women ever held positions oI power higher than abbotess
administrating the aIIairs oI other women. LiIe was not so strict in secular medieval society, with queens
and princesses oIten holding considerable power and even the crown within their countries. As a
monastic organization, the Teutonic Knights were no diIIerent. Women were allowed to be members oI
the Order, as nursing nuns and as supportive aIIiliates. But none held positions oI power or combat, and
all were rigorously kept away Irom the brother-knights. This situation remained static since the Order
was Iormed in the 12th Century. Only in the past decade has the winds oI change been Ielt.
The Modern Order
The Teutonic Order's Gebistigerrat (governing council) has in recent years taken several brave
moves in the Iield oI women's rights and privileges. Like many reIormationist churches, the Teutone
hierarchy has begun to question the old traditions regarding women and the modern relevance oI the
oIten-quoted passages in the Bible. The Gebistigerrat has ruled that women are equal to men in God's
eyes and have allowed them to become priests and knights in God's service. The result was essentially
shock. All protests were heard, and dismissed, through the appeals council. Now the way is legally open
Ior a woman to even hold the post oI Hochmeister. But the response has been slow. There is no glass
ceiling in the Order. Things are not yet that good.
Instead, many groups particularly among the old German nobility and Catholic members
Iirmly believe that women are unsuited, both physically and morally, to God's work. These knights
comply with the letter oI the Gebistigerrat rulings, but not the spirit. Some nuns have applied Ior, and
been granted, militant status. Surprisingly, numerous new Iemale recruits have been gained through the
more lenient congregations associated with the Order. These women oIten have a purpose: they have
experienced Corruption's inIluence on this world and want to contribute toward a better Iuture. Not even
the most hard-line anti-assimilation Teutones can criticize the devotion and commitment demonstrated
by these recruits. CareIul training programs are even reducing physical strength diIIerences, and in the
Iiring ranges their averages are no diIIerent to that oI male novices.
But prejudice blinds even the best minds.
Most Iemale knights know they have to perIorm twice as well to be considered halI as eIIective
as their male counterparts. But it is a challenge that has daunted Iew, to this point. The Order places
great Iaith in any novice or knights commitment to their vows and allows men and women to work side-
by-side. But the Iemale knights are billeted separately Irom the males, though they are given similar
spartan conditions. Eew women have risen to high positions oI rank at this point. The most senior is an
ex-nun who holds the rank oI Hauskomtur (Captain) representing Iemale considerations on general
councils and chapter meetings. Several other women have recently completed their command courses,
technically allowing them to be given the rank oI Captain. Their promotion is currently dependent upon
gaining suIIicient active service experience something many commanders are unwilling to commit
the women to.
_acicaaacg ast|c
"...arms and provisions to maintain a garrison of a thousand persons for ten vears, of ten thousand for one vear."
Sire de Lannoy, 14th Century
This was the most elaborate oI the Teutonic Knight's strongholds which ranged Irom timber
blockhouses, IortiIied towers to Iull castles. Marienburg served as a palace, a monastery, a parliament-
house, a government oIIice, an arsenal and a holy city. This all-purpose structure was an elaboration oI a
design and purpose Iound all over Prussia and Livonia on a much smaller scale generally a tower and
a IortiIied quadrangle. Marienburg castle was originally constructed in 1276 under Grand Master
Winrich von Kniprode as Irontier Iortress. As the empire grew, it central position increased its strategic
importance. By 1309 it became the headquarters oI the Teutones.
Marienburg was intended to stun the senses and awe the mind. Eour convents oI knights and
priest-brothers sang continual masses in each oI the Iour chapels, while the grand master conducted the
duties oI prince oI an empire and the grand-commander and treasurer conducted the business oI the
Order in their own suites. The inner citadel (the Mittel) and the Chapter house (Hochschloss) covered
Iive acres oI land by 1400, and at either end lay an outer castle and a sizeable town.
Erom the outside the people saw only the plainest brick structures smooth cliIIs oI brick,
soaring up Irom the leveled terraces to the battlements. Towers surrounded the gateways, deIying entry.
EortiIied latrines (dansker) projected Irom the top oI the walls The immense vaulted chambers oI the
major buildings suggested rooms Iit Ior giants, and the complexity oI the rooIline suggested a city built
on a hill. While the Teutones used architecture to intimidate, they used interior design to please
themselves and their guests. Elaborate painting, carving and tile-work were added to the rooms, while
renovations oIten involved the addition oI carved panels, images, Iriezes and ornamented column
capitals. But the artwork was honest and earthy, with little oI the IanciIul Iiligree Iound in the castles oI
Erance and Italy. It was a pious reIlection oI glory and power deIensible but homely and
approachable. The centerpiece oI this decoration was an eight-Ioot tall outdoor mosaic on the apse
(arched recess) oI the Hochschloss chapel, watching over the countryside. This was destroyed by bombs
in 1945.
Restored to the height oI its grandeur during the 19th century, Allied bombing reduced it to ruins
in the last year oI World War II as it had been used by the German Army as a command post. A massive
sell-oII oI castles aIter the collapse oI the Iron Curtain saw the Polish Government return the partially
repaired castle to the Teutones as a means oI restoring and maintaining the historic site.
As the Teutonic Knights inIluence over a region grew, so did their Iorts. The need to preserve
their wealth and authority led to much rebuilding diversiIying the parts by raising towers and rooIs,
duplicating quadrangles and adding Iine residences. The Iorts along the Irontier were much simpler in
plan: brick keeps in Prussia and stone towers in Livonia. The square keep, or Stock, contained the bare
essentials oI militaristic and monastic liIe: a chapel, a reIectory (Remter), a dormitory and the
commander's chamber. The central quadrangle was a IortiIied yard containing a kitchen, workshop,
stables, and sometimes a parish church. Brick and stone craItsmanship was a major advantage Ior the
Teutonic Knights: the pagans oI the Iorests were used to earthen mounds, timber stockades and the
protection oI waterways. The knight's Iorts were impervious to their major assault tactic: Iire. The stone
and brick walls oI a commandery was oIten what kept its knights alive until relieI arrived.
Middle Castle
Then, as now, this portion oI the castle was the administrative heart oI the Order. Apart Irom
containing the oIIices oI many minor administrative posts, this imposing ediIice also contains the Great
ReIectory (eating hall), Grand Master's chambers, and guest rooms.
Masters Chambers:
This large suite occupies several Iloors above the Summer ReIectory, and spills over into part oI
the nearby Chapter House. The private chambers are large and well equipped, and suitably decorated Ior
the private entertainment oI a visiting Papal legate or government oIIicial. The suite includes a private
library, study, sitting room, a personal kitchenette, and conIerence room. A doorway leads into a nearby
structure which is part oI the Chapter House, opposite the halls oI the Tressler and Great Commander.
This is a long hall divided into various oIIices and apartments Ior the Master's personal assistants and
secretaries.
Great Refectorv and Summer Refectorv:
These are the communal dining rooms Ior the warrior-monks. The Great ReIectory is where all
gather and eat, while the Summer ReIectory is reserved as a Iormal dining room Ior entertainment oI
guests.
Infirmarv:
This huge vaulted hall once where nursing brothers tended to the sick, is now a modern
hospital with three complete surgical theatres and a burns unit. Upper Iloors are recovery wards, and the
InIirmary tower contains the doctors oIIices.
Guest Rooms:
While Marienburg Castle once served as a virtual hotel Ior visiting nobles and knights; this is no
longer the case. Instead, these extensive suites have been turned into a large and modern library.
Computerized systems keep track oI the movement and availability oI books, as well as the humidity and
temperature oI areas containing the oldest works. The Teutonic Knights contain the largest known
library relating to Lycanthrope Lore anywhere in the world.
The Reliquarv:
The Reliquary contains many precious objects brought back Irom the Holy Lands during the
Crusades, and numerous items drawn Irom the Order's long history. The most precious artiIact is a lock
oI hair said to belong to Mary Christ's mother. Pagan artiIacts are also kept here on display, along
with weapons and armor.
Chapter House (Hochschloss)
Chapter Hall:
At the center oI this towering brick structure is a tall enclosed atrium. This is the meeting
chamber oI the knights used Ior local Chapter aIIairs and Grand Chapter meetings. Grand Masters
have been elected here Ior centuries.
Priests tower:
This is where the priests assigned to the Order reside and study. It includes the local parish priest
Ior the town below.
Tressler & Commander Offices:
This large hall is even larger than that devoted to the Grand Master. Here work the staII oI the
Treasurer and Grand Commander oI the Order. Each end oI the hall contains residential apartments Ior
these oIIicers, who are rarely Iar removed Irom their staII.
Church:
This long room is astoundingly tall held up by huge sweeping arches that impose a Ieeling oI
smallness upon those below. Knights and novices, even now, constantly sing Irom the choirs the
sound oI their worship echoing through the halls.
Dormitories:
This series oI plain open rooms provide sleeping accommodation Ior knights and novices.
Alongside is a hall with several stories oI classrooms above it, devoted to the training and indoctrination
oI novices oI the Order.
Garderobe Tower:
This is, in essence, the "war room" oI the Order. Behind its thick stone walls is a high tech
communications and operations center which enables senior oIIicers to obtain immediate "big pictures"
Irom large multi-Iunctional screens oI where the Order's knights are dispersed, down to relayed
individual telemetry inIormation Irom a speciIic raid. Much oI the world's media is monitored here, and
the movements oI suspects tracked around the globe. All computer systems here are completely selI
contained, unattached to the outside world in any way.
Courtvard Bailv:
This large courtyard has been extensively built up over the centuries as the major service center
Ior both the castle itselI and the surrounding district. A selI-contained deIensive enclosure; it is one oI
many walled "islands" that make up Marienburg.
Foundrv:
This is now the armory oI the Order, holding a wide variety oI personal heavy weapons, assault
riIles, grenades, explosives, ammunition etc. There is enough equipment in and underneath this structure
to Irighten the Polish government.
Brewerv, Bakerv and Maltings:
These are service rooms Ior the storage and preparation oI Iood, linen and equipment.
Octagonal Tower:
This is a jail devised to the best oI the Order's ability to hold any supernatural which may be
captured. It is air-tight with recirculating, oxygen recharged, atmosphere. There are no reIlective surIaces
and is surrounded by a strong containment ward. It has held several captured Lycanthropes in the past,
and has yet to be subject to a successIul escape attempt.
Saddlerv:
Converted into a modern garage.
St. Lawrence Tower:
This is the site oI the Teutonic Order's Iorensic and general research Iacilities. A medical lab,
biological sciences lab and Iorensic analysis wing are seeking new understanding oI supernatural
abilities and traits in order to devise new ways to oppose them.
Lower Castle
This is the outlying ring oI deIensive revertments and walls surrounding the older and more
developed Middle Castle and Courtyard Bailey. Much oI the Lower Castle enclosures consist oI open
parks, gardens and lakes. It can only be entered through St. Nicholas' Gate, the Town Gate and The New
Gate. Only two gates lead to the inner deIensive works both oI them to the Courtyard Bailey. A
drawbridge and tower guard the only entrance to the Middle Castle.
The Long Granarv:
Originally a sprawling series oI interlocking warehouses, this structure has been extensively
upgraded in recent times into a Ialse streetscape representing diIIerent style residences, oIIices and
workshops. Similar in concept to the "killing house" oI SAS training programs, the Cleansing Row is a
complete streetscape Iull oI booby traps, targets and scoring equipment. The interior oI many buildings
are advanced projection theatres displaying realistic images oI various types oI known supernatural
creatures under various conditions. Others use surprisingly realistic robotics to emulate attackers with
skills such as celerity etc. The overall eIIect is to be as realistic as possible in a training environment,
while ensuring the saIety oI all participants. At worst, novices and knights would come out oI a training
run with a Iew bruises Irom tennis-ball guns. Training tasks include: entry, scaling, surveillance, hostage
rescue, sniping and building assault.
ccc [ccsoaa|itics
"Refoice, brave warrior, if vou live and conquer in the Lord but refoice still more and give thanks if vou die and go
to foin the Lord. This life can be fruitful and victorv is glorious vet a holv death for righteousness is worth more. Certainlv
blessed are thev who die in the Lord but how much more so are those who die for Him? "
St. Bernard oI Clairvaux
The Iollowing is a brieI introduction to the Order's current senior oIIicers and most noted
personalities.
Conrad Kitzinger (Hochmeister)
Conrad Kitzinger was born in Germany oI Polish Parents in 1930. He was only nine when his
parents were taken by the Gestapo. Eostered to a "good" Aryan Iamily Ior NaziIication, his Iirst
experience with the supernatural was when he secretly observed a "manipulation" oI his WaIIen-SS
Ioster Iather. AIter the war he joined a seminary, and rapidly proved his knowledge and Iaith. Sent to
Rome on a scholarship, he excelled in philosophy and theology and was highly praised Ior his intellect
and dedication. AIter a long career in the Vatican where he served as an theological advisor and as a
lecturer. His non-militant background was considered an advantage when nominated Ior the Grand
Mastership. Since taking the helm at the reconstitution oI the Teutonic Order in 1991, Kitzinger has been
a powerIul advocate Ior the Order among Europe's established clergy oI all denominations, as well as a
successIul diplomat. He has also proven able to mediate between the humanist and traditionalist Iactions
within his own Order. Whatever his personal preIerences and biases may be, Kitzinger has demonstrated
a remarkable ability to distance himselI Irom the emotion oI a situation and strip it down to basic issues.
His logical and comprehensive arguments brook little criticism.
Dieter von Hechler (Grosskomtur)
Hechler was 12 when Russian troops marched into Konigzburg. He had loved the stories his
grandIather told him stories oI a time when white-clad knights ruled all the land about him. Dieter's
Iamily had once been noble: the castle oI his IoreIathers still stood on the coast oI the Baltic. These
stories Iilled the young Dieter with pride and eager anticipation Ior the advancing German armies.
Reality struck home hard. His Iather was one oI those executed in retaliation Ior the Hitler bomb plot.
The initial relieI oI Russian occupation soon turned to terror as socialism was imposed. Hechler was
"rescued" Irom "relocation" by some Iriends oI his now dead grandIather. These deIenders oI the
Christian community had especially wanted to protect the grandson oI their ex-Hochmeister. They called
themselves the Teutonic Knights. Dieter joined the underground Order young. To Dieter Iaith is
something to be treasured, something personal. A giIt, not a right. Eor most oI his liIe worship was a
personal aIIair, carried out in secret among small gatherings. As such, the trappings and traditional
baggage religion has gathered over the centuries has little meaning to him. This viewpoint has caused
Hechler become the closest thing the Order's younger "humanist" Iaction has as to an advocate among
the Gebistigerrat.
Albrecht von Schwarzburg (Ordensmarschall)
Albrecht von Schwarzburg was born into Allied occupied Germany shortly aIter World War II.
His noble parents beneIited Irom Germany's reconstruction process investing heavily in new
industrial and commercial ventures. Serving in the German police Iorce Ior his entire career,
Schwarzburg ended up commanding the anti-terrorist group GSG-9 beIore retiring to take up the reins as
the Teutonic Knight's Knight Marshal. His experience in counter-terrorist tactics and training has had a
heavy inIluence on both the Order's procedures and policies. Schwarzburg is a traditionalist believing
strongly that the Order exists Ior German Catholic men oI noble extraction. He is concerned about the
Order's current direction and is vying Ior the next Grand Mastership.
_ccia| _a|cmcat,
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Near the Rhine from the Norican mountains
will be born a great man of the people, come too late.
He will fight in Poland and Hungarv,
and thev will never know what became of him.
Beasts wild with hunger will cross the rivers,
the greater part of the battlefield will be against Hitler.
He will drag the leader in a cage of iron,
when the child of Germanv observes no law.
Nostradamus, Quatrain 58 and 24, Century II
a|sc [coact
How could a cultured people a people who gave the world Goethe and Beethoven, Bach and
Heine Iollow so perverse a prophet and plunge headlong into a demonic orgy oI destruction?
Through the mystic attractions oI the occult.
Germany oI the 1930s had become a perIect breeding ground Ior dissent, national pride and
heretical belieI. World War I, the Great Depression, its status as the "outcast" oI Europe and a sense oI
lost greatness combined to make ordinary Germans Ieel hard done by. Nazism cleverly crossed all these
concerns. It had a political element, economic element and a mystic attraction that activated religious
impulses Irom the German people, uniting hearts and minds under a common goal. It was the occult
element oI Nazism that inspired the hysterical Ianaticism, the demonic energy and Ierocity that outshone
other totalitarian governments in Italy and Spain.
This did not accidentally "happen." It was a careIully contrived and meticulously orchestrated
plan enacted by AdolI Hitler with the aid oI Heinrich Himmler, RudolI Hess and other committed
Nazi party members. The Nazi party embodied many oI religion's most ancient and successIul
techniques elaborate ceremonies, chanting, rhythmic repetition, incantatory speeches, color, contrast
and light. The Nuremberg rallies were cunningly stage-managed theatre Iull oI colors, uniIorms,
Ilags, spotlights, night and precise timing. People intoxicated themselves, chanting themselves into a
state oI rapture with the mantra "Sig Heil!". Impose upon this Hitler's venomous energy, a rhythmic
pulse as hypnotic as a drumbeat. With the pressure oI thousands oI people packed together in a conIined
area, each and every one oI them were open to the wildest and most outrageous suggestions.
It was not long beIore the people elevated their "Euhrer" to an occult status: here was their
messiah, sent to bring their once-great nation out oI the wilderness.
An associate oI the Teutonic Knights, Herman Rauschining, was one oI the Nazi party's Iirst
supporters. But Rauschining saw the world through open eyes, and rapidly recognized what Hitler was
up to. By 1935 he was severely alarmed by the power this little man wielded. Eleeing to the United
States, he published two books beIore the outbreak oI World War II recounting his conversations with
Hitler. In them he related how Hitler was Iully aware oI the techniques necessary to Iire up a crowd with
religious Iervor. He revealed how Hitler was deliberately putting himselI in a messianic position to
exploit the devotion and Iervor oIten associated with religion.
This eIIort to warn the world Iell on deaI ears.
_ac cv _ccmaaic ccc
"Their hierararchical organi:ation and the initiation through svmbolic rites, that is to sav without bothering the
brains but bv working on the imagination through magic and the svmbols of a cult all this is the dangerous element and
the element I have taken over. Dont vou see that our partv must be of this character? ... An Order, that is what it has to be
an Order, the hierarchical Order of a secular priesthood."
AdolI Hitler, Mien KampI
The new Germanic religion became on based on sacred blood German blood. This was
expressed through the belieI in the purity oI the Aryan bloodline and the "worship" oI the Iirst Nazi Ilag
BlutIahne stained with the blood oI the Iirst Nazi martyrs. Part oI the creed oI the Nazi party
reads: "To German Eaith the blood is holy, in the course oI the centuries, to creative sacred oI inherited
blood gives itselI the Iorm oI the race." Christian Iestivals such as those oI Easter and Christmas were
rejected and given other meaning oIten similar to the old Sol Invictus sun cult. This new philosophy
was particularly strong among the SS boy's training camps.
The SS
Hitler saw the SS as a reconstituted Deutschritter a modern equivalent oI the white-mantled
knights with black crosses who, seven hundred years beIore, had spearheaded an earlier Germanic "drive
into the East". The pre-war SS was strictly recruited, organized and ritualized in order to establish this
parallel. The elaborate and mystical induction ceremony was obviously reminiscent oI the Teutones
chivalric investiture. Candidates had to show a pure Aryan Iamily tree dating back at least 250 years Ior
general recruits, 300 years Ior oIIicers. Each candidate had to undergo a religious-style novitiate beIore
he was accepted into the Order. Much oI the SS insignia and runic inscriptions were based on Masonic
and Teutone patterns. SS itselI was meant to be based on the Sig rune, the rune oI power used to denote
the lightning-bolt oI the storm gods. Apart Irom genocidal racist behavior, the SS's ritual so included
conceiving children on the gravestones oI prominent historical Iigures, marriages which were little more
than Aryan orgies, and other mystical ceremonies. These were supposed to ensure the spirit oI signiIicant
people oI Germany's past would be reborn into the new Reich.
Himmler instigated an Order oI the Round Table with 12 knight oIIicers SS
ObergruppenIuhrer (lieutenant generals). This group oI quasi-mystical "knights" was deliberately
reminiscent oI the 12 Apostles with Jesus at their head. Its headquarters was in Wewelsburg, near
Paderborn, in West Germany. Although never completed, this town (centered on a modern castle) was
supposed to become the SS capital.
The town and castle's architecture was based on the numbers 3 and 12, the signiIicance oI which
is not known. Its street plan was an unusual two-thirds circle, with a "spear-shaped" main road and
central castle complex piercing to its center. Himmler oIten spoke oI Sacred Geometry, "earth magic"
and there is no doubt these philosophies were applied to Wewelsburg's design. Symbolism was crucial:
around the castle, and centered on a secret crypt, the planned town and streetscape was to radiate
outward in meticulously plotted concentric circles. At the center oI this geometric arrangement was the
bastion or castle. In the center oI this castle was a large halI-globe shaped crypt, with 13 suites branching
Irom it. Here were the quarters oI the "Round Table," the globe-room being the "center oI the universe"
where they would meet in conIerence. At its precise center was an eternal Ilame, reached by three steps,
and about the room's walls were 12 columns all with lost signiIicance.
The project was never completed.
ssassiaatioa ttcmt *Adapted from The horld At har, volume 12
"The assassination must be attempted, at anv cost. Even should that fail, the attempt to sei:e power in the capital
must be undertaken. he must prove to the world and to future generations that the men of the German resistance movement
dared to take the decisive step to ha:ard their lives upon it. Compared with this, nothing else matters."
Henning von Tresckow, June 10, 1944
The Setting
By 1944 the scattered groups oI anti-Nazi's within Hitler's Germany had lost hope in their eIIorts
to bring about the Euhrer's downIall. The last hope oI the resistance lay within the Wehrmacht: German
army oIIicers with noble Iamily backgrounds and ideals oI Ireedom and democracy. Though the
Teutonic Order had all but been shattered in the 16th century, strong traditions remained within the
German aristocracy Particularly those that lived on the borders oI Poland and the Danzig corridor.
The Teutonic Knights still existed as a small group oI 24 knights and sergeants who met secretly
to conduct their traditional services and ceremonies. These knights, and their Iamilies, held strong
military positions within the German Army. Proud and protective oI their heritage, these oIIicers grew
concerned with the WaIIen SS' claim to be the successor oI the ancient Militant Order's. During the
1930s, the SS stylized itselI as the new Deutschritter twisting perceptions oI the Teutonic Knights
achievements into propaganda. However, the Teutonic Iamilies supported Hitler's quest to restore the
northern provinces oI Poland to the Germanic empire these lands had previously been their own.
Danzig and Konigzberg were two major cities that owed their Ioundation to the Order.
Hitler's ambitions soon proved to be more than recovering lost Germanic lands. The tactics used
to bring Czechoslovakia and Austria under the Third Reich's yoke were brutal. The Euhrer's dictatorial
traits were coming to the Iore. His unhealthy obsession with the occult also became a cause Ior concern.
The Euhrer was quite open about Iinding "any means" to help establish his 1000 year Reich. The Order
tried in vain to keep his SS and special agents Irom seeking out supernaturals. Some suspect he had
actually already Iound them.
The army oIIicers who planned the so-called "General's Plot" oI July 1944 counted members oI
the Teutonic Knights among their ranks. Others had Teutonic Iamily backgrounds. This common history,
and the common-held belieIs related to the Order, drew the Generals together in one last bid to Iree
Germany Irom tyranny. The Teutonic nursing orders in Amsterdam and Vienna (both subject to the
Third Reich) contributed their support mostly in intelligence gathering and Iinancial aid.
Hitler proved hard to get. Not only did he drive around in armored cars; he became increasingly
diIIicult to locate and made Iewer and Iewer public appearances. He spent much oI his time in his
Chancellery in Berlin or in his Berchtesgaden mountain retreat. His war headquarters was constantly
changing, but always encircled by camps oI SS or loyal army troops. In 1944 his headquarters were at
the WolIsschanze "WolI's Lair," deep in the Iorests oI Rastenburg, East Prussia. The men and women in
daily contact with the Euhrer were all unhesitatingly loyal. All had to be weaponless in his presence.
_ac [|ottccs
Many thousands oI German citizens opposed Hitler Iacing torture, imprisonment and death.
They were members oI the churches, trade union movements and surviving opposition political parties.
Resistance was almost entirely a matter oI individual protests at terrible personal cost organized
militant resistance was simply impossible within the Eatherland. The decision to assassinate Hitler was
not a light one. All recruits to the armed Iorces had to swear an oath oI personal allegiance to the
"Leader." This oath was a serious matter and made it diIIicult Ior many dissatisIied but honorable
oIIicers to take the Iinal step.
The Iollowing were the principal men behind the bomb plot. Each one was a devout Christian
(both Catholic and Protestant). While most oI this small group knew each other or had close mutual
Iriends who kept the grapevine going, they tended to operate in semi-independent groups or individually.
Ludwig Beck
A Iormer general, nominated to be Head oI State on Hitler's downIall. Age 64. In 1938 Beck had
tried to Iorce the High Command to arrest Hitler on counts oI treason. He was a "great gentleman" oI
reIined nature, a military historian and scholar whom everyone respected. He was in a poor state oI
health when the time oI the bomb plot came, but his association gave the conspirators a good reputation.
Eew people even among the knights knew that he was the Teutonic Knight's Ordensmarschall.
Wilhelm Canaris
An admiral but now head oI Military Intelligence (Abwehr) and a secret supporter oI the
conspiracy. Aged 57.
Hans Oster
Major General and deputy to Canaris. An active organizer oI the plot. Age 49.
Helmuth Count von Moltke
Legal advisor to Canaris and the leader oI the so called "Kreisau circle" which advocated a non-
violent overthrow oI Hitler. Aged 37. Only Moltke, an aristocrat (oI Teutonic background) and land
owner oI idealistic views, kept himselI alooI Irom any violence. He, and most oI his Iriends, expressed
their opposition in soley moral terms. But when they were caught up in the arrests aIter the coup attempt,
they Iaced their trials with dignity and courage.
Heinrich von Stulpnagel
General and Military Governor oI Erance. Leader oI the coup d'etat in Paris. Aged 58. A man oI
distinction and sensitivity, but also capable oI great resolution.
Carl Gordeler
Eormer mayor oI Leipzig and Price Control Commissioner in Hitler's government. Aged 60.
Gordeler, a tough man oI tireless energy, expressed his mind in a ceaseless round oI secret meetings and
memoranda. He was a prominent civilian, and made himselI the conspirators "travelling advocate." His
conversations became more and more indiscreet and open association with him became dangerous. The
Gestapo most certainly had him under surveillance.
Friedrich Olbricht
Colonel General, head oI the Supply Section oI the Reserve Army and principal administrator oI
the attempt. Aged 58.
Henning von Tresckow
Major General and ChieI-oI-StaII Ior the Central Army Group on the Eastern Eront. Aged 43.
Tresckow was a knight-captain oI the Teutonic Knights.
Count Claus Schenk von Stauffenberg
Colonel and ChieI-oI-StaII, Reserve Army. This is who took the bomb to Rastenburg on July 20.
Aged 37. A brilliant, handsome and careIree man Iull oI quick, nervous energy and with a mischievous
sense oI humor. He was a Catholic oI excellent Iamily and a knight lieutenant in the Hospitaller Order.
He was highly educated and a Iluent speaker oI English. By training he was a career oIIicer, and had
served in the Polish campaign, Western European and AIrican Ironts. He never concealed his contempt
Ior Hitler, constantly embarrassing his Iellow oIIicers. In April 1943, he received serious injuries Irom a
straIing aircraIt. He lost his right hand and Iorearm and all but three Iingers on his leIt hand. His right
eye was shot away and his leIt eye damaged. He is reported to have told his wiIe as he lay recuperating
in hospital: "I Ieel I must do something now to save Germany. We General StaII oIIicers must all accept
our share oI responsibility." AIter the Iailure oI the bomb plot, Hitler ordered the revenge killing oI a
Iurther 12 knights Irom the Hospitaller Bailiwick oI Brandenburg.
_ac __ aa _cstao
The Gestapo were well aware that a state oI conspiracy against the regime was likely to exist.
They thereIore kept continuous watch upon suspects oI every kind. But this did not mean that all those
under suspicion were arrested. The Gestapo's attitude towards German conspirators was to leave them at
large where they may expose Iurther members oI their plot. Action was only taken once the conspirators
actually came up with a workable plan.
Heinrich Himmler, head oI the WaIIen SS, took a central role in uncovering the bomb plot.
While personally concerned about Hitler's deteriorating mental and physical health, Himmler remained
Ianatically loyal. He was generally considered second in succession to the Euhrer. Civilian conspirators
Johannes Popitz and Carl Langbehn had appealed to Himmler to take action to save Germany Irom
impending deIeat and the lunacy oI Hitler's command. They were arrested Ior their eIIorts.
Conspiracy
The core oI the actual plot to bomb Hitler was within the Abwehr Admiral Canaris'
department. But by the time oI the coup many conspirators had been arrested including key civilian
members needed to ensure its success. These included Dohnanyi (legal mind behind the coup), Iamous
pastor Dietrich BonhoIIer, and Catholic lawyer Joseph Muller (who had been trying to get the Vatican to
negotiate peace between the allies and Germany). Major General Oster was kept inactive by surveillance.
Even Gordeler, tireless in his eIIorts, was becoming a danger to the plot through growing
Gestapo suspicions about his activities. Canaris's Abwher department was broken up by Heinrich
Himmler in Eebruary 1944, its operations integrated into the SS intelligence service. This action was
taken to destroy what had become a hotbed Ior dissent against the Euhrer without having to make
mass arrests. The plot appeared to be Iailing. BonhoIIer, Dohnanyi and Muller were arrested in April
1943. Johannes Popitz and Carl Langbehn (a civilian who worked Ior Himmler) was arrested in
September, Moltke in January 1944. Himmler, in a conversation with Canaris, mentioned that Beck and
Gordeler were being watched by the Gestapo. With all civilians out oI the picture, the job was leIt on the
shoulders oI the army.
Unsuccessful Attempts
On March 13, 1943, Baron Henning von Tresckow, a staII oIIicer serving on the Eastern Eront
and Dr. Eabian von SchlabrendorII, a recruited lawyer, determined to take matters into their own hands.
Their commanding general Kluge, sympathetic to the resistance, reIused Treschow's urges to arrest
Hitler at an upcoming inspection. Gordeler also approached the general (a testimony to this civilian's
ability to move about Ireely), also to no eIIect. Tresckow, acting in communication with Beck in Berlin,
sent a delayed action bomb disguised as a package containing brandy bottles to a Iriend at Hitler's
Rastenburg headquarters. SchlabrendorI armed the Iuse just beIore giving the bomb to one oI Hitler's
aides as he boarded the Euhrer's plane Ior the Ilight back to East Prussia. The bomb Iailed to explode.
SchlabrendorII had to Ily to Rastenburg in a Irantic (but successIul) attempt to intercept the package
beIore it was opened.
Later, two young soldiers volunteered to sacriIice their lives in a bomb attempt. The opportunity
presented itselI in a personal demonstration to the Euhrer oI a newly designed great coat Ior use on the
Eastern Eront. The Abwher supplied the explosives, taken Irom captured British stocks. The
demonstration was delayed, then cancelled. The conspirators then realized the only way to ensure
success was to personally detonate a bomb in Hitler's presence at a staII meeting.
Code Name: Valkyrie
StauIIenberg took over responsibility Ior the attempt at this stage. He was the kind oI man who
would undertake such a mission with no more than a laugh, yet with careIul calculation oI movements.
He had succeeded in his determination to overcome his disabilities even to the extent oI being able to
knot a bow tie with only three Iingers.
Once released Irom hospital, he was appointed (by the conspirators) as ChieI oI StaII to Olbricht,
Head oI Supply Section oI the Reserve Army. This was based in the War OIIice in Berlin.
StauIIenberg was promoted again in June 1944 to the oIIice oI Iull Colonel and appointed as
Reserve Army's ChieI oI StaII. It was now necessary Ior him to attend staII conIerences at Hitlers
Headquarters. He met him on June 7, 1944 the day aIter D-Day. He looked the Euhrer in the eye
and discovered he did not Iear him.
D-Day had come too early. The chance to administer a political coup had been shattered. But
Tresckow sent him a message Irom the eastern Iront to continue with the plot. In coordination with Beck
in Berlin and with StieII and Eellgiebel the Army ChieI oI Signals at Rastenburg, StauIIenberg took
action. StauIIenberg's injuries drew sympathy and respect among the Euhrer's staII and bodyguards and
his high True Eaith protected him Irom vampiric analysis oI his intentions. No one ever checked him Ior
arms he was considered above suspicion because oI the sacriIices he had already made.
An attempt on July 15 was aborted because Goering and Himmler were not present. Eacing
exposure oI the mission, the decision was made to set oII the device at the next staII meeting one
o'clock, July 20 regardless oI Goering's and Himmler's presence. StauIIenberg joked with his
secretary about the strange package in his brieIcase. On his way home on the eve oI the attack, he asked
his staII driver to stop at a Catholic church in Dahlem so he could go in and pray. The staII meeting was
re-scheduled to 12.30pm as Mussolini was expected to visit that aIternoon. The conIerence was to take
place in a long wooden hut temporary accommodation while work was taken place within the
complex. Setting the detonator as he walked toward the hall, StauIIenberg Iollowed Keitel into the room
where Hitler was already receiving a staII report. He realized that the blast would not kill Hitler iI placed
too Iar away the windows and doors were open because oI a hot day. Goering and Himmler were not
there. The brieIcase was slipped to the Iloor alongside Hitler with StauIIenberg murmuring an
apology about having to take a phone call Irom Berlin and leaving the room. He walked to his staII car
and was opening the door as the blast went oII. The car was able to get past the two check-points only
through StauIIenberg's ability to bluII an emergency mission and his previous reputation. At the scene oI
the explosion, men were injured and dazed. Eour men were dead but Hitler was not among them. He
had been protected by the thick oak table as he leant Iorward to examine a chart. An oIIicer had moved
the bomb aside, out oI Hitler's Ioot reach as a courtesy. This oIIicer saved the Euhrer's liIe but not his
own.
[tccmata
In the chaos that Iollowed, the conspirators attempted their political coup. It Iailed. Hitler
was still alive. StauIIenberg, Olbricht, HaIten (StauIIenberg's driver) and Mertz von Quirnheim (the
oIIicer responsible Ior the conspiracy's communications) were sentenced to immediate death by shooting
beIore a Iiring squad. Carl Gordeler was executed in Eebruary 1945. Pastor Dietrich BonhoIIer was
executed in April 1945. Ulrich von Halssell was executed in Eebruary 1945. General Beck committed
suicide on July 20, 1944. Major General von Tresckow committed suicide on July 21, 1944. Admiral
Canaris, executed April 1945. Count Helmutch von Moltke, executed January 1945. RetaliationsIor the
bombing was widespread. Among the victims were 12 Knights Hospitaller oI the German Langue and
many members oI their Iamily. Many known members oI the Deutschritter were either executed,
imprisoned or closely watched.
Who was Responsible?
The pressing question to come out oI World War II was: who caused it, and why? The Teutonic
Order has given the mission to Iind out these details the highest priority. These shadowy puppet masters
have struck once. They will undoubtedly strike again. Many supernatural and pagan organizations have
claimed aIIiliation with the Nazi party and its key leaders mostly through embracing people such as
Heinrich Himmler and Joseph Gobells aIter they had established their power. But none claim
responsibility Ior originating the concept.
The Tremere associated with the Sabbat claim Himmler to be one oI their own. The Camarilla's
Malkavians claim Goering. A smattering oI other, less signiIicant, names have appeared among the
ranks oI many Clans. All oI these claims have been rigorously investigated during the past 50 years
with little success. Most mysterious is the nature, and identity, oI those pulling AdolI Hitler's strings.
However, the plot may not be as simple as it appears on the surIace. The murky tangle oI powerplays
between the Camarilla, the Sabbat, Shapechanger interests and associations oI Mages hints heavily
toward another explanation: perhaps they are themselves dancing to someone else's tune.
Knights investigating the Iorces behind the Nazi party are no longer concentrating on vampires,
ghouls or were creatures. Instead, they are attempting to trace the subtle threads that may point to
Demonic inIluences. Demonic activity would go a long way to explain how so many people could be
aIIected in such a way Ior so long. Mere vampiric disciplines such as Presence and Dominate cannot
accommodate the "hijacking" oI an entire nations spirit. The Darkness is still there: and it is growing.
a ccc's _aamc
"The service of Germanv appears to us to be genuine and sincere service of God, the banner of the Third Reich
appears to us to be His banner, and the Fuhrer of the people is the saviour whom He sent to rescue us"
Hitler Youth Leader
"The fuhrer is not onlv a secular Kaiser, who carries out in the state the task of government, he is at the same time
the Messiah who is able to announce a millennial kingdom."
Swiss Evangelical Press Service
"The totalitarian National Socialist heltanschauung is a pagan faith that cannot but regard Christianitv as alien
and antagonistic."
Catholic Press, 1939
The creation oI a tyrannical secret society oI thugs in the image oI the Deutschritter the SS
was the source oI great shame to the Order aIter the war. The pride in which the SS presented themselves
as superior beings, granted the Divine right to do as they please was held up to the Teutonic Order as a
mirror: there were Iew crimes the WaIIen-SS had committed that the Teutones had not. The Teutones
remembered their heavy-handed tactics oI the Baltic Crusade: slaughtering whole villages because they
reIused to convert instantly to Christianity, destroying cultures merely because they were diIIerent not
because they were evil. The Order had served the purposes oI land-hungry German nobles and not the
higher purpose oI their Lord.
The scattered remnants oI the once-great Deutschritter gathered in secret a Iew years aIter the
war, collectively agreeing that the Order's downIall had been its own pride and arrogance. II the Order
was to rise again, these sins had to be stamped out. Just beIore the gathering had Iinished, the then
Hochmeister Karl Weber paused and asked the assembled knights iI they could hear an old man singing
in a strange tongue...
Nazi Legacy
The voice oI AdolI Hitler has carried its message oI hate and depravity over the intervening
decades, casting its corruptive inIluence over successive generations oI youth. Many groups oI
anarchists, racists and reactionaries have rallied to the Nazi banner as a means oI expressing their hate.
In recent years, Germany has seen a resurgence oI popularity oI National Socialism among its youth
extending as Iar as thinly disguised Nazi's being elected into parliament. Murders oI Ioreigners
especially AIrican and Asia-Minor peoples is a Irequent occurrence. German special Iorces and
special investigative teams appear on the surIace to be attempting to stamp out this behavior. But this
oIten appears merely to be assisting one group to gain ascendancy over another. The integrity oI many
public oIIicials is increasingly suspect. More and more are associating themselves with the angry youth
on the streets. ReuniIication oI East and West Germany has not been as smooth as initially promised.
The Eastern provinces have yet to see great beneIit Irom the West's much touted rich industries. As
unemployment rises and the Government Iinds itselI increasingly hard pressed to Iund public welIare
and housing, more and more people are looking back upon the unity Germany once had under Hitler.
This is an ideal setting Ior rival supernatural groups to exert their control. The Ventrue are hard pressed
to maintain their sense oI law and order. Anarch groups Brujah and even the Sabbat are making
great inroads into areas once thought to be impenetrable Camarilla strongholds.
joos _ix,
_oaastic Nac _acaiac
"So thev are seen to be a strange and bewildering breed, meeker than lambs, fiercer than lions. I do not know
whether to call them monks or knights because though both names are correct one lacks a monks gentleness and the other a
knights pugnacitv."
St. Bernard oI Clairvaux, De Laude Novae Militiae
In many ways the Teutonic Knights are considered the "shock troops" oI the Militant Orders.
East Germany, Poland, Austria and the Latvian States were all subject to compulsory conscription during
the years oI Soviet rule. Almost all males underwent compulsory military training and a high percentage
went on to serve second terms iI they displayed signs oI being mildly competent. As a result most oI the
members oI the Order drawn Irom these East European States are already militarily competent. They
have had, in eIIect, a head start in their training. Much oI the Order's combat doctrine is drawn Irom
GSG-9 and Spetnatz procedures as a number oI their best knights served in the universally Ieared units
beIore passing their training on to their brother monks.
The Teutones oIten supply the Iirepower in combined operations between the Orders. Not only in
the Iorm oI warrior-monks, but also in the Iorm oI equipment. The Order holds a substantial stake in
Heckler & Koch, one oI the world's Iinest Iirearm engineering Iirms. It also obtained a controlling
interest in a German Iacility that developed individually moulded body armor Ior specialist police.
The stereotype oI trigger-happy gunheads is an unIortunate one. Like any other Order, the
Teutonic Order is a balanced institution comprising investigation, research and support arms. It just
happens to be very good at "cleansing" operations.
oaatcc _cccocism
The world is not a peaceIul place. International police reports indicate there are at least 1200
active terrorist organizations around the world. Some groups struggle Ior political power: others attest to
more ideological goals such as the destruction oI capitalism or eliminating the "great Satan"
otherwise known as the United States. Whatever their stated purpose, there is almost always one or more
oI the Kindred or Garou behind such a group manipulating them to their own purposes. These
terrorist organizations come in all shapes and sizes: some are small "green" extremist squads seeking the
elimination oI capitalist industrialist pigs. Others are international organizations on the scale oI Islamic
Jyhad, seeking to impose upon an unwilling world the strictures oI their religion. This diversity makes
them particularly diIIicult to penetrate. Unraveling the many layers oI command and control to expose
the Kindred inIluence behind them is a time and resource consuming task. Generally, this is a task
mostly undertaken by Templars and Hospitallers. The Teutonic Knights consider themselves the ones
who go in and clean the mess up once it has been uncovered. UnIortunately Ior the Orders, matters are
rarely this simple. The Militant Organizations, irrespective oI religious backgrounds, need to cooperate
with each other sharing intelligence, expertise and technology. This is being achieved.
_caaa omaat
The vast majority oI modern Militant Order combat is in an urban environment. Vampires preIer
towns and cities because they provide a ready supply oI blood and the size oI such places help conceal
their activities. These same conditions make it very diIIicult Ior the Militant Orders to conduct cleansing
operations. Innocent civilians almost always stand in the way oI a "clean" raid. ProliIic gunIire will
cause casualties among people simply "passing by" even at ranges oI more than a kilometer! The only
way to counter-act this is through well-disciplined knights engaging in well-planned actions with as
many contingencies allowed Ior as possible. Any raid must, by deIinition, be short, sharp and eIIective.
At the Iirst sign oI major trouble, the team will usually pull out in order to avoid complications.
Fighting in Built-up Areas
One 12-man chapter oI Knights oI the Teutonic Order is on constant stand-by in Marienburg
Castle, ready to respond instantly to incidents anywhere in the world. But this team is only considered to
be a backup: the knights on the scene are expected to handle most situations themselves. SuccessIul
cleansing operations are quick, violent and devastating. With the highly trained knights at Marienburg at
a local commander's disposal aIter only the brieIest oI delays, even the hardest oI supernatural "nests"
can be breached. Numerous drills ensure all specialist equipment and weapons oI all knights are always
prepared and ready to use.
Assessment and Analysis
Once a supernatural has been exposed, a combat team will be deployed to the scene as quickly as
possible. The combat team commander will conduct an immediate assessment oI the situation in
conjunction with the investigative team responsible Ior the discovery. A command "cell" is usually
established within a kilometer oI the scene: oIten in a hotel room or even a large van. The commander oI
the combat team controls the Iorces on the ground though the Order's Marshal and the local Preceptory
must make the Iinal decision upon whether to "engage" the creature or not. Such approval is not always
possible. In these situations, discretion is leIt to the scene commander. There are many considerations
that need to be taken into account, not least among them the chance oI "collateral damage." II the
investigative team believes the creature to be a suIIiciently strong lead to more senior members oI its
kind, the operation will also be called oII. An extensive checklist has been compiled that commanders
must go through beIore deciding upon action. It includes how many innocent people are in the vicinity
and in close contact with the creature; what type oI creature is involved and how many; what sort oI
building is it; what style oI air-conditioning does it have... All this inIormation is necessary Ior an
accurate assessment oI the chances oI success and what Iorces will be needed to conduct the operation.
The Assault Plan
Once the necessary approval has been gained, the commander must set about planning the
actions oI his knights. The investigative team at this point takes on the role oI intelligence analysts,
gathering and processing inIormation Ior the commander. Detailed intelligence is assessed to reveal the
options open to the pagan creatures within the building. This will oIten include photos taken by the
investigative team and detailed descriptions, right down to the style oI clothing they are currently
wearing. Psychological proIiles are distributed and analyzed as are physiological details and speculative
supernatural attributes. Simple inIormation like this can reduce a knight's response times by vital
Iractions oI a second. Details oI the weapons likely to be encountered are distributed among the combat
team and analysis oI the haven's deIenses oIten involving poison gases, grenades or demolition
charges is oI great importance.
During all this time the scene will be under surveillance Irom several sniping positions. The
observations oI these knights are a vital component oI the commanders available intelligence pool. All is
collated by the investigative team into an overall picture oI the situation. Investigative team knights will
attempt to get close to the target and make Iirst-hand observations oI the likely entry points and the
position oI any sentries. Eavesdropping equipment (possibly previously deployed by the investigative
team) and equipment such as inIrared and image intensiIying scopes can be used to clariIy the picture oI
the immediate situation such as where the targets are at any particular moment. Computerized models
oI the scene will be drawn, iI possible, to "test" any assault plan Ior omissions and errors. These models
are also used to show members oI the combat team what to expect once inside the building giving
them a degree oI much needed Iamiliarity. Local novices are also likely to be called in and given the task
oI surveying and staking-out the surrounding streets to catch or trail any suspicious escapees.
When the commander is ready, he will notiIy the Knight Marshal oI the preparations to move
against the targets. A second approval is needed beIore the assault is actually launched. The commander
will give the order to attack once the combined Iorces oI the investigative and combat team knights are
in position.
Storming a Building
The most common techniques Ior entering a building involves grappling hooks or ropes to enter
higher windows. Drain pipes, ledges and Iire-escapes are also convenient means oI access to the rooI.
Attacking Irom a "high" position is a well established advantage in combat allowing grenades and
explosives to be easily tossed down to clear lower rooms. With this method, a building can be cleared
room by room, Irom the top down. However, this can oIten be too slow, noisy and dangerous. In a
penetration oI a vampire's haven, the bulk oI the work needs to be done quickly, quietly and without the
vampire's knowledge. Sewers, air-conditioning ducts, service shaIts, neighbouring rooItops all are
convenient highways Ior an approach. Blowing a hole in a wall may seem less subtle but it achieves the
main goal: quick access to the main or desired location. Once the dust has cleared, its generally too late
Ior the vampire to react.
The good thing about combat in urban environments is that it is relatively easy to approach the
site covertly. Combat teams can move through the sewers though this can be as dangerous as
attacking the building itselI and streets into positions close-by but still out oI sight. High-tension
wires can be slung between the rooItops oI buildings allowing knights to cross over to the top oI the
target site. Knights can abseil oII the tops oI these buildings, smashing through windows to gain entry to
the target areas. Doors can be taken down by a minimum oI three men: one with a personal battering
ram, another protecting him with a shield and the third armed and ready. Another more dramatic means
oI entry is blowing a hole through walls. A distraction will be organized iI possible to draw the target's
attention away Irom the immediate vicinity oI the initial break-in. This may involve a Ialse attack, a
staged car accident, a small Iire, etc.
Entry techniques are many and varied, depending speciIically upon the location involved. Doors
can be blown in through the use oI small lumps oI plastic explosives known as Irame charges. At other
times, shotguns using powdered shot can blast out door hinges or locks. Windows can be blown out in
similar ways. Demolition charges are rarely used because oI the injuries they are likely to cause to
nearby people. But when they are used, it oIten involves careIully judged portions oI plastic explosives
placed against walls. More covert means oI entry can also be used, such as taking out the screws Irom
doors and windows so they can be simply pushed in. Moments beIore the knights burst into a building,
stun grenades are tossed in to disorient any opposition. These grenades are used Irequently. While
upsetting, they do little harm to unIortunate bystanders. Tear gas and other non-lethal grenades will also
be used, depending on likely opposition.
The knights, dressed in their black Iire-resistant suits, balaclavas, body armor and combined
respirator/ helmet/ communications systems, storm into the building protected by the pre-arranged
conIusion. Their Iirst objective is to reach the target as quickly as possible so as to limit the chances oI
hostage taking and escape. Knights will usually work in pairs when clearing a building, each pair
assigned a speciIic area to cover and clear. The knights enter a room simultaneously and should identiIy
and neutralize any hostiles within two seconds. When the threat has been removed the senior knight will
radio that the room is clear their progress recorded on the commanders computerized representation
oI the building.
Eighting in built-up area (EIBA) doctrine involves throwing grenades into rooms beIore spraying
them with submachine gun Iire. However, this is not appropriate in areas with many innocent civilians
nearby. Instead, a knight's reIlexes are careIully trained to identiIy threats and supernaturals and his
weapons skills highly trained so that he/she can instantly pump the target Iull oI bullets. Room clearing
requirements should be achieved in under Iour seconds. Once all opposition has been suppressed, a
methodical sweep oI the building is conducted to ensure no supernaturals are missed.
Blocking Escape Routes
Teutonic doctrine calls Ior all supernaturals to be shot unless they surrender unconditionally.
Eirst and Ioremost upon a knights mind must be minimization oI risk: iI in doubt shoot it out is an
unoIIicial motto oI most combat teams. When a commander believes the building is clear, he/she will
move in with the command team to help clear out any bodies or other useIul evidence. Any knights with
medical training that can be spared are assigned to Iinding and assisting any civilians.
Knights are in great danger as long as they remain at the scene oI the ordeal. Delayed action
explosives, Iires and the local authorities are all likely to complicate matters. In this conIusion it is
possible Ior a supernatural may try to escape by hiding among innocent civilians attempting to escape the
scene. At this point the snipers, who have been watching the building and responding to requested Iire-
support Irom the attacking knights, take over. All people leaving the building in the open are scrutinized
through their scopes and special training. Any "leakers" will be tackled by back-up Iorces iI available,
trailed by supporting novices, or assigned to combat team knights still in the building. II necessary, the
sniper will attempt to "slow down" the supernatural with a Iew well-aimed shots. The Iinal act oI the
commander is to declare all knights and targets accounted Ior.
joos _cca,
_ac _catoaic aacactcc
aacactcc oasiccatioas
"It is their dutv to obev their lords, not to covet bootv, not to spare their own lives in protecting those of their lords,
to fight to death for the welfare of their State, to make war on schismatic and heretics, to defend the poor, widows and
orphans, not to violate their sworn fidelitv and in no wav to forswear their lords."
Gregorian theorist, Bonizo oI Sutri
_tcccotc
Historical
The Crusades against the East European pagans earned the Teutonic Knights a Ierocious
reputation. But it is debatable whether this reputation is deserved. They Iought in diIIicult
circumstances: swamps, Iorests, snow all impediments to their traditional mounted cavalry charge.
Eighting was oIten in close contact between heavily armed and armored knights and the nimble but
viscous pagan tribespeople. The Teutones were oIten Iar Irom home, in mystical surrounds, and in
constant Iear oI ambush. The nearest parallel to this is the pressure put upon allied soldiers in Vietnam
during the 1960s and 70s. But the Teutones proved to be more determined, more in Iocus with their
purpose: carving out themselves and empire and converting the heathens. The knights were almost in
constant combat, as a brieI study oI their history reveals. They could not help but to have Iighting skills
oI the highest standard.
This close contact with the enemy caused the Teutones to become greatly interested in the quality
and eIIiciency oI their weapons and training. This carried over into the present. The Teutones are
renowned Ior their broad range oI modern weaponry and their willingness to use it. Likewise, their
training procedures are renowned Ior their diIIiculty and intensity.
But the Teutones spared enough energy to create an eIIicient empire. The knights acted as a
police Iorce and judiciary, maintaining peace and order within their subjugated lands. Their empire
became prosperous under their strict but eIIicient rule, with innovations such as possibly the world's Iirst
overnight postal system.
Teutonic Knights eventually became almost exclusively oI Germanic background. But this was
not always so. During the Iirst century oI its existence, it was a German sponsored international order
with members Irom Italy, Erance and Spain. With the Iall oI the Holy Land and the new Iocus upon the
Prussian and Livonian coast, the Teutonic rule came to reIlect Germanic expansion.
Modern
In modern times the source oI The Order's members are much more diverse. Russian Orthodox,
Lutheran, Baptist and Catholic denominations are considered equal within the Order's ranks. Causing
much contention to some members is the equal status oI women. The Order, based on its experience
Iighting pagan women oI the Baltic tribes, has an oIIicial policy oI integration and non-discrimination
towards women. However, their numbers are still Iew even Iewer making it to the ranks oI Iully
qualiIied knights. Their attitude towards worship is equally open minded making the Order highly
attractive to younger Christians who preIer a more "pop" viewpoint oI their religion. However, the
traditions oI the Order are deep in-grained. The knights are still more than willing to "take the Iight" to
the enemy. They give no quarter as they expect none themselves. Vampires, shapechangers, witches and
mages are the devil's corruption oI Creation. It is up to the Knights to lance these boils painIul though
it may be.
aacactcc |ass
Associate
Among the Teutones associates usually belong to the ranks oI investigative police, local priests
and engineers within various important Iirms. These members provide the knights with inIormation and
equipment to carry out their necessary work.
Attributes 6/4/3, Abilities 11/7/4, Backgrounds 5, Freebie 21, Jirtues 7.
Novice Associates that demonstrate a high degree oI competence and devotion toward ridding the
world oI the supernatural are invited into the Order. Those with military or special police backgrounds
are most welcome, as are members oI the ancient Iamilies that have long been associated with the
Knights oI the Cross.
Attributes 6/4/3, Abilities 13/9/7, Background 6, Faith 1*, Freebie 24, Jirtues 7.
Knight
Only those demonstrating the greatest Iaith and combat competence are accepted into the ranks
oI combatant knights. There are numerous ranks oI non-militant "knights," but these are oIten only
honorary in nature. True knights know the worthlessness oI the trappings and vestments oI their status:
instead, represents a high responsibility and commitment to God's work.
Attributes 7/5/4, Abilities 19/15/11, Background 7, Faith 5*, Freebie 27, Jirtues 9.
_caiaiag
To gain competency, a Knight must be trained in either a Major Knowledge/Skill to the level oI
Iive dots, or trained in two Minor Special Skills to a level oI Iour each. All Knights must also be Iluent
in Latin. Reading the book Monastic War Machine will give you an idea oI the kinds oI training knights
undergo.
aita [ccsas tac Ncccvo|[
Eaith in the context oI a Christian Knight is an opponent to all things "demonic." In the
eyes oI the IaithIul, there is little real diIIerence between a vampire, lycanthrope, witch or demon all
are Satan's minions in one Iorm or another. Similarly, the power oI Eaith is equally applied among all
supernaturals (where possible). But diIIerent supernaturals have diIIerent and speciIic abilities. The
eIIect oI Eaith on these needs to be expanded upon. Eaith's universal eIIect oI repelling "evil" applies to
werewolves like any other. Each turn in the presence oI an opposing Eaith will require a Willpower roll
and the expenditure oI a Willpower point. But Eaith also aIIects the workings oI other were-creature
related abilities.
God vs. Gaia
True Eaith and the shapechanger's Gaia ratings are very similar in concept. Both are a measure oI
how close the character is to their God. However, the two are not terribly compatible. Some Storytellers
may chose to use Eaith and Gaia as direct opposites: as though the two characters both had True Eaith, or
both had Gaia ratings. But the comparative costs per point, the comparative powers and their
comparative uses do not match well. This one simply has to be up to the GM at the time.
Rage
The presence oI Eaith has a notable inIluence upon a lycanthrope's Rage. As outlined in the Holy
Powers section, the number oI successes oI a Eaith-roll against the creature's Rage rating as the DiIIicult
will add to the were-creatures DiIIiculty to Rage. Eaith versus Rage Rating as DiIIiculty along with the
spending oI a willpower point can calm a Irenzied werecreature.
Umbra
Creatures attempting to step into/out oI the Umbra while on Holy Ground will Iind their
DiIIiculties increased by one point Ior every two levels oI Eaith the location has. II in the presence oI
Church Knights, the additional diIIiculty is one point Ior every Iour points oI Eaith present. II attempting
to approach old Holy Ground through the Umbra, the location will appear as a Iortress oI the Eaith
barred against all things "evil."
_i[ts aa [caccs
"The new knighthood fought two manifestations at once. the Satan in themselves, represented bv the imperfections
in their bodies and minds, which were repressed bv vows of chastitv, povertv and obedience, and the outward Satan,
manifested in the troops of Islam whom thev encountered in battle."
The Northern Crusades, Eric Christiansen
Gifts
Brightness (4)
The knight's golden aura is caused to "Ilare up", blinding the opponent's visual and supernatural
perceptions. The target may yet Ilinch, shutting its eyes or senses but it depends upon its reaction
time. Roll Manipulation Eaith, DiII. 6. II successIul, target creature becomes blind Ior a turn. Each
success 1 turn opponent is blind. The target may resist through Wits Dodge, with successes
cancelling out those oI the knight.
Inhibit ShiIt (3) By Simon Miles
The diIIiculty oI a were-creature's ability to shape shiIt (Stamina Primal Urge, diIIiculty
usually 6) is increased by the intrusion oI the Knight's Iaith. This inhibition remains until the subject
successIully makes a transIormation. Rage can still be spent to transIorm instantly, but at 1 point extra
cost.
The Beast's Touch (2)
This GiIt allows a knight to sense shapechangers in their "natural" Iorm, and potentially what that
creature can turn into. The GiIt requires physical contact (Ilesh to Ilesh). The knight rolls Perception
Animal Ken (diIIiculty 8). The knight Ieels as iI he is touching the "natural Iorm" on one success. On
three or more successes the knight will Ieel as though he is touching the "creature Iorm".
Hounding: (5) By John Snead and Sarah Link
II you are Iollowing a target (which can be either an individual or an object and) can make a
Perception Alertness roll with a diIIiculty level equal to 8 each success allows you know in what
direction the target is, an (very) roughly how Iar away Ior 6 hours, even iI you cannot perceive the target
at the time. Once this ability has worn oII to use it again you must again have the target in sight. This
ability only works on beings who are human, part human (like Garou), or once were human (like
Vampires).
Spiritual Anchor (see text)By Simon Miles
This giIt can prevent a spirit Irom leaving the knight's presence. A garou's passage through the
Gauntlet (stepping sideways), a mage's use oI correspondence and/ or spirit travel is obstructed. This
GiIt will only work iI the knight has a Eaith equal to, or greater than, the Sphere/GiIt/Discipline etc. used
in the transportation. The system uses the number oI successes (or halI the spirit power points) used by
the opponent in its attempt to "step sideways" as a necessary number oI Grace points to be spent to halt
the action. The GiIt interrupts the attempt to "shiIt" once. A second attempt one turn later must be
opposed again.
Berserk (3) By Simon Miles
This GiIt allows a knight to enter a "berserk" state in which pain is ignored and all physical
attributes are raised by one (even to levels beyond 5). This state, however, can only be gained in a
situation that requires direct intervention to protect deIenseless innocents. Eor example, it will allow a
knight to ignore his wounds and leap out to grab a child Irom in Iront oI an escaping Porsche, but won't
help him in an attempt to shoot an opponent beIore it attacks another knight. Due to the strain it places
on the body, this GiIt causes one level oI aggravated damage at the end oI the Berserker empowerment.
The Berserker "rage" occurs upon a Eaith roll (diIIiculty 8 or storytellers discretion, Ior a duration equal
to the number oI successes)
Stunning Touch: (7)
You are taught special pressure points and methods oI non-lethal combat. II you can either strike
a hand to hand blow which does damage beIore soak is rolled, or touch your target on the skin, you may
make a Perception Medicine roll vs. their Stamina Dodge. One or two successes when touching a
limb will paralyze the limb you touch Ior the rest oI the scene; three or more successes touching the
target anywhere allows you to totally paralyze your target Ior the entire scene. Using this ability costs
one Willpower point.
Prayers
Scope (5)
The simplest oI powers, it is also one oI the more useIul. The ability allows Teutones to pick out
Iine details Irom a distance and account Ior certain interIerence in their vision. It can eIIect the to-hit die
roll, depending on the Storyteller's discretion.
System: Perception Scan against a diIIiculty level chosen by the Storyteller.
1 success: Target is magniIied by a Iactor oI two. In no other way, however, is it modiIied.
2 successes: Target is magniIied by a Iactor oI Iive and your visual acuity accounts Ior minor bad
weather conditions (light Iog or snow), allowing Ior a clearer picture.
3 successes: Target is magniIied by a Iactor oI no greater than ten (player's choice) and your visual
acuity accounts Ior major bad weather conditions such as heavy Iog or blizzard-like conditions.
4 successes: Target is magniIied by a Iactor oI no greater than twenty (player's choice), visual acuity
accounts Ior major bad weather conditions, and basic audio input is attained.
5 successes no Iurther eIIects.
God's Strength (5)
This blessing has only been granted to the Teutonic Order. It allows superior strength and
physical coordination. It allows knights to oppose supernaturals in physical combat on equal terms.
Strength and ability in weight liIting, running, jumping and Iorce are enhanced. A knight's rating in
God's Strength provides automatic successes on nearly any Strength Roll. In melee and brawling combat,
the automatic successes count on the damage roll. The Prayers lasts Ior the scene, or 15 minutes.
1 Rip a silk shirt 40lbs
2 Winch a Crossbow 100lbs
3 Bend a Longsword 250lbs
4 Throw a barrel oI wine 400lbs
5 Break down a stout oak door 650lbs
6 Rip chain mail 800lbs
7 Bend a 1inch thick metal bar 900lbs
8 Throw a riding horse 1000lbs
9 Punch through a metal plate 1200lbs
10 LiIt an iron portcullis 1500lbs
11 Throw a war-horse 2000lbs
12 Break a small tree 3000lbs
13 Throw a stone sarcophagus lid 4000lbs
14 Punch through a stone wall 5000lbs
15 Throw a catapult 6000lbs
Resume Breed Eorm (subjects primal urge) By Simon Miles.
This prayer asks God to revert the creature Iacing a knight to its original breed Iorm. While not
necessarily always a beneIit, it has the advantage oI surprising the opponent and imposing useIul
limitations under certain circumstances. The prayer works through rolling Manipulation Occult. This is
resisted by the shapechanger's Stamina Primal Urge.
Intimidation (5)
The Teutone spends a Willpower point and rolls Manipulation Intimidation, diIIiculty oI the
target's Willpower. Erom then on the individual Teutone is a source oI Iear toward the target, with a
diIIiculty number equal to the number oI successes rolled plus Iour. The target must make Courage rolls
as usual to avoid Irenzy both in the Iirst instance and at immediately Iollowing encounters. The
eIIects last one scene, though a high number oI successes may cause a permanent derangement.
Curse oI Uriel (8)
The Teutone touches a target vampire and spends eight Grace and one Willpower point. One
success is required as a minimum to activate the power. A simple contest results: the Teutone's Eaith
versus the target's Humanity. II the knight succeeds, the Beast takes control oI the target. Subsequently,
the target will go completely insane and attempt to destroy and diablerize any nearby Kindred Ior a
duration oI one minute per success rolled by the knight. Eailing that, any living thing (other than the
source oI the curse) will do. AIter the Irenzy ends, the target loses one Humanity point automatically (iI
applicable) and must roll Conscience (diIIiculty 7) to avoid losing another. A botch indicates a
derangement. Any "collateral" damage is the responsibility oI the knight.
Scent oI the Pack (see text) By Simon Miles
The knight who uses this prayer will be perceived as a desired (and stated) supernatural creature.
Eor the duration, the knight will seem to be like the particular creature oI his choice to all Iorms oI
investigation. He gains no powers, vulnerabilities or instincts. The eIIect is on the opponent's perception
not reality. Roll SubterIuge Eaith to determine how many hours the eIIect will last. The number oI
hours duration is equal to the amount oI Grace expended.
Cleanse Corruption (5)
This prayer has the eIIect oI removing the very stuII that puts the "super" into supernatural. The
Teutone must make a successIul attack roll to touch the target. II he misses, the Grace is expended
Iruitlessly. Upon physical contact, the knight rolls Manipulation Occult, diIIiculty oI the target's
Eortitude (a zero or one Eortitude indicates Manipulation Occult automatic successes, i.e. no need to
roll). The number oI successes is the number oI Blood or Gnosis Points destroyed. II used on a ghoul,
this power makes him/her mortal again (possibly killing him/her as a result oI aging).
Heroic Action: (15)
This ability allows you to raise any relevant attribute to superhuman levels (equivalent to an
attribute oI 8 as deIined in World oI Darkness: Mummy, pages 27-29) Ior the purpose oI accomplishing
a speciIic extended action. Examples oI actions are: "rescue the people Irom this burning building,"
"destroy the opponent I am now Iighting," "convince this crowd to take action (whatever action you
persuade them to take)," "Iind any computer record oI this woman". You can perIorm no other action
until your Heroic Action is complete (iI Iorced to interrupt a Heroic Action, the attribute enhancement
does not apply to the perIormance oI any other actions). This ability can only be used when the desired
action can be attempted immediately. To perIorm a Heroic Action, you must spend all Will power points
but one. The enhancement lasts as long as is necessary to complete the action, but Ior no longer than one
scene. When the action is complete, you must roll your one remaining Will power die against a diIIiculty
level oI 8 to remain conscious.
itaa|s
Sight Through All (22 Eaith present, 16 Grace spent)
With this ability the Ritual leader can see through into the Umbra, the Near Umbra, or into the
Shadowlands. Each knight spends Iour Grace Points and the leader a point oI Willpower beIore rolling
Perception Occult, diIIiculty seven. Eailure throws the leader back, causing two points oI unsoakable
damage, while botching traps the leader between the world and the Umbra until someone or something
pulls her out. The leader can see what passes in the Umbra or the Shadowlands, observe what spirits or
Wraiths do at a particular site, or watch over a certain area. The leader can be seen by occupants oI the
Umbra or Shadowlands: the point that the watcher looks through is noticeably diIIerent to the
surrounding area, and curious or unIriendly Umbral dwellers may be drawn to the site, and even try to
break through...
caix,
cms aa )qaimcat
"There are secular soldiers and there are soldiers of Christ, but secular soldiers bear feeble and perilous arms,
while those of the soldiers of Christ are most powerful and excellent."
Smaragdus, abbot oI Saint-Mihiel, 890s
Keeping one step ahead oI supernatural tactics and techniques is a constant struggle. Knights
must be armed and equipped with the best that is available. This can include assault ladders, harnesses,
rope, specialized explosives and ammunition, reIined Iiresuits and armor, reliable weapons and eIIective
technology. To maintain this high standard oI technical ability, the Teutonic Knights have become
closely associated with several leading German companies.
At the top oI the list is small arms manuIacturer Heckler & Koch. Long recognized as one oI the
world's best handgun and submachinegun manuIacturers, the inIluence oI the Teutonic Order ensures
weapons suited to the rigors oI their specialized Iorm oI combat are produced. Also under the inIluence
oI the Teutones is the Iirm ArmorIit which produces the worlds lightest but strongest body-armor. The
radical process oI producing this armor involves making a plastic mould oI an individual knight, Irom
which articulated armor plates are then pressed. This allows the armor to Iit comIortably on the body,
reducing its eIIects on movement and proIile.
More detailed descriptions oI the companies and their products Iollow.
)ccs|cc goca
While not owned by the Teutonic Knights, several senior executives and engineers are either
associates or Novices within the Order. When Iunding Ior a particular development project Ialls in
doubt, the Deutschritter has been known to contribute towards the cost iI the weapon is considered
useIul. Several plants are scattered about Germany, though its main oIIices and plant are at OberndorI.
Special Operations Handgun Program
In August 1991, Heckler & Koch, Inc. and Colt's ManuIacturing Company were awarded
contracts with the US Special Operations Command Ior the development oI an OIIensive Handgun
Weapon System (OHWS). USSOCOM directs the activities oI some oI America's most elite military
units, including the Navy SEALs, Air Eorce Special Operations Wing, and the Army Green Berets,
Rangers, and Special Operations Aviation. The "OHWS" consists oI three components: a .45 caliber
pistol, a laser aiming module (LAM), and a sound and Ilash suppressor. Testing was completed in March
1993 and two companies submitted Iinal technical and cost proposals. In January 1994, the HK system
was selected and a contract was awarded.
Heckler & Koch GmbH developed the pistol and suppressor components and Insight
Technology, Inc. (ITI) oI Londonberry, NH developed the laser module, a combination Ilashlight and
visible and invisible laser sight. Heckler & Koch continued the development oI the pistol and Knight's
Armament Company oI Vero Beach, Elorida, a world leader in suppressor technology, joined the project
to design and develop the suppressor component. In November 1994, 30 pre-production pistols and
suppressors were delivered to the US Navy Ior Iinal developmental and operational testing. At the same
time several examples were handed over the the Teutonic Knights. Testing was complete in April 1995
and a production contract was exercised in July 1995. The Special Operations Eorces (SOE) OIIensive
Handgun (as it is now termed) will meet some oI the most stringent operational requirements ever
demanded oI a combat handgun with Olympic match grade accuracy (2.5 inch maximum extreme
spread in a 5-round shot group at 25 meters) in all operational environments and endurance and
reliability providing a service liIe oI over 30,000 rounds oI P ammunition. Beginning around August
1996, the SOE pistol will be made available Ior civilian and law enIorcement purchase. This will include
the threaded barrel, but will not include the laser sighting system or suppressor. Prices are projected to
be around $2000 Ior civilians and $1600 Ior law enIorcement.
Specifications
Caliber .45 ACP
Action tvpe linkless
height 2.30 lbs
Length 9.6 inches
(w/suppressor) 16.65 inches
hidth 1.50 inches
Trigger pull (D/A) ~4.50 lbs
Trigger pull (S/A) ~11 lbs
Heckler & Koch MP5 Variants
The Heckler and Koch MP5 Submachine gun is a lightweight, air-cooled, magazine-Ied, delayed
blowback operated, select-Iire weapon that can be shouldered or hand Iired. The H&K MP5 submachine
gun is chambered Ior various pistol cartridges to include 9x19mm Luger, .40 S&W, and 10mm Auto. It
Iires Irom a closed-bolt position in semi-automatic, 2 or 3-round burst, and sustained Iire modes. The
weapon utilizes the unique H&K roller-locked bolt system used commonly throughout the H&K Iamily
oI small arms. The unique Ieatures oI the H&K MP5 submachine gun include a Iree Iloating cold
hammer-Iorged barrel, stamped sheet steel receiver, Iluted chamber, straight-line stock and a pistol grip
with an ambidextrous saIety/selector lever. The modular design oI the weapon consists oI six assembly
groups, not including the carry sling. This design provides an unmatched degree oI Ilexibility as these
groups can be manipulated to create various styles oI weapons Ior numerous operational requirements
thus the high number oI variant designations. This design also allows assemblies to be repaired
separately Irom the weapon which can be Iitted with a new component and immediately returned to
service. The bare metal surIaces oI the MP5 are phosphated and coated with a black lacquer paint. This
dry lacquer coating is applied with a magnetic charge and then baked onto the metal in an oven. The
resulting Iinish is highly resistant to salt water corrosion and surIace wear. The H&K MP5 was Iirst
produced in the mid1960s as the HK54. H&K's internal Protocol Department established the acronym
Ior its Iirst 9mm submachine gun based on the Iollowing code:
First Character Tvpe of heapon Second Character Caliber
1 Box-Ied light machine gun 1 7.62 x 51 mm
2 Belt-Ied machine gun 2 7.62 x 39 mm
3 Select-Iire assault riIle 3 5.56 x 45 mm
4 Paramilitary riIle (German) 4 9 x 19 mm
5 Submachine gun 5 (not used)
6 Grenade launcher, complete 6 4.6 x 36 mm
7 Grenade launcher, add-on 7 (not used)
8 (not used) 8 (not used)
9 Semi-automatic riIle 9 40 mm
The H&K HK54 received it's current acronym "MP5" when it was oIIicially adopted by the West
German government Ior use by its Police and Border Guard as the "Machine Pistol 5", or MP5. The Iirst
MP5s were imported into the U.S. in the very early 1970s. All 23 or more oI the oIIicially recognized
variants oI the MP5 submachine gun have been imported into the U.S. The MP5 is used in the U.S.
exclusively Ior law enIorcement and military sale.
The standard 4x24 Heckler & Koch detachable scope Iits the MP5 including the MP5/10 as do
the company's "1003 Aiming Projector" which creates a narrow beam oI intense light along the line oI
Iire Irom the gun. The 55-watt Halogen lamp is energized by a 12-volt battery coupled to a button,
permitting locating and identiIying targets; the manuIacturer claims that an experienced shooter using
the spot Ior aiming can hit targets oI about Iour inches in diameter at distances oI 75 meters. The bright
light can also be employed to dazzle targets by switching the light on Ior a short period during which
several single shots or bursts are Iired. The light is then switched oII brieIly, aIter which the procedure is
repeated, the dazzling eIIect giving advantage to the user.
In the early 1990s, Heckler & Koch introduced a small laser sight Ior its MP5s. Designated the
"HK 100 Laser Aimer," this sight mounts in the Iront oI the charging lever tube, just below the Iront
sight. A momentary switch is placed on the handguard, permitting switching the laser on brieIly to
acquire a target. Eor those using night vision goggles, the company's "INKAS" inIrared laser sight might
also be employed on the MP5. Adapter mounts to place military night vision scopes are also available
Ior use with the MP5 submachine guns.
Tvpe: MP5K MP5SD
Calibre: 9mm 9mm
height: 2kg 2.9kg
Length: 325mm 550mm
Range: 200m 200m
Rate of Fire: 900rpm 375m/s 800rpm 285m/s
Feed: 15 or 30 round 15 or 30 round
Heckler & Koch MP5/10
In 1991, Heckler & Koch introduced MP5A4 and MP5A5 submachine guns chambered Ior the
10mm Auto cartridge. Designated the MP5/10, this gun is nearly identical to the other MP5 variants oI
Heckler & Kochs submachine guns except Ior its chambering and a very slight increase in weight.
Nevertheless the gun is readily recognizable by its straight, transparent 30-round plastic magazine. One
other departure Irom the standard MP5 design is a bolt catch located on the leIt side oI the receiver
above and to the Iront oI the selector.
The MP5/10 is normally seen with the H&K "4-Position Group" with single, semiauto, three-
round burst, and auto positions. Like many other burst mechanisms, the three-round burst in the 4-
Position Group sometimes Iires only one or two shots iI the trigger is pulled and quickly released beIore
the cycle is completed. Unlike many other modern submachine guns that operate with blow-back action
and Iire Irom an open bolt, the MP5/10 Iires Irom a closed bolt in the same manner that its G3 riIle
counterpart does. The bolt also uses the locking rollers oI the riIle Ior delayed blow-back, permitting a
much lighter riIle. Eiring Irom a closed bolt does increase the chance oI cookoIIs during long strings oI
automatic Iire; but many special Iorce units preIer the MP5 because oI the inherent accuracy Iiring Irom
a closed bolt oIIers. This greater accuracy is possible due to less movement oI the Iirearm. When the Iirst
shot is Iired, only the hammer travels Iorward when the trigger is pulled, rather than a heavy bolt
slamming Iorward as is the case with guns Iiring Irom an open bolt. The delayed recoil roller blocks
incorporated into the MP5/10 does away with the need Ior a heavy bolt as well as a gas system. This
arrangement also permits guns to have their barrels cut down to extremely short lengths while still
operating reliably. Because the roller system doesn't turn or otherwise loosen the cartridge beIore it is
extracted (unlike most gas-operated Iirearms), Iluted cuts run inside oI the barrel's chamber. During the
moment oI Iiring, a small amount oI gas travels alongside the cartridge thereby "Iloating" it on a cushion
oI hot vapor Ior easy extraction. The MP5/10 also has the newer-styled handguard which is smooth and
tapers to the Iront oI the gun rather than the older, non-tapering handguard.
Heckler & Koch 53
This gun is classiIied as a light machine-gun even though it Iires the more lethal 5.56mm round
eIIectively making it a sub-assault riIle. Based on the MP5 in almost every way, the gun is larger and
heavier than its 9mm cousin.
Calibre: 5.56mm
height: 3.05kg
Length: 563mm (butt retracted)
Range: 250m
Rate of Fire: 700rpm 750m/sec
Feed: 25 round box magazine
Heckler and Koch's Sniper and Target Rifles
The task oI a military sniper is to combat and neutralize highly important speciIic pinpoint
targets. Sniping, however, does no longer mean sniping merely at picked out living targets. The sniper's
task includes more and more the combating oI very important technical Iacilities such as generators,
radar directing centers, radio direction-Iinding stations, electronic installations and other similar objects.
Such technical Iacilities are rated more and more important under tactical aspects. The sniper being in
action depends completely on himselI, and thereIore he must be Ilexible in any situation. So he needs a
special weapon which has a high accuracy and does not aIIect his mobility (a weapon as light as
possible.) The military sniper needs a semi-automatic riIle oI high Iire power which enables the user to
deIend himselI iI he has been located by enemy shooters. These and some other perceptions and
experience gained Irom the development and production oI the PSG1 high perIormance marksman's riIle
served as the basis Ior the development oI the MSG3 and the MSG90 military sniper riIles.
MSG 90
Caliber: 7.62mm x 51
Semi-automatic riIle Ior single Iire; Recoil-operated delayed blowback bolt system, Iiring Irom
closed bolt position; Cold-Iorged, quenched and tempered barrel, 600mm long; Standard trigger with a
constant trigger pull, approx. 15 N; Vertically adjustable trigger shoe Ior widening the trigger; Butt stock
with lengthwise adjustable butt cap and vertically adjustable cheek-piece; Telescopic sight mount Ior
diIIerent types oI daylight and night sight Ieaturing STANAG Iitting dimensions; 5-round or 20-round
magazines at option; Handguard with T-way Ior Iixing a Iiring sling or mounting the bipod
G3 SG/1
Caliber: 7.62mm x 51
Trigger pull with set trigger varies between 12N and 15N; Set trigger operation doesn't aIIect
trigger Iunctions, including sustained Iire; Special aiming system with ranging reticule to ascertain
distance when knowing target size
HK 33 SG/1
Caliber: 5.56mm x 45
PSG 1
Caliber: 7.62mm x 51
The PSG-1 high precision marksman's riIle is developed speciIically Ior police and military
sniping unlike most other adaptations. The PSG-1 disproved the impressively widespread prejudice
according to which an optimal Iiring accuracy can only be achieved with single loaders. The PSG-1 Iires
exactly those dispersion diameters which are warranted in the acceptance speciIications oI highly
reputed ammunition manuIacturers. Hence this is a weapon which equals at least with the accuracy oI
single loaders, and also Ieatures the advantages oI a selI-loading Iirearm.
Heckler & Koch G11 Assault Rifle
This remarkable weapon was developed during the late 1980s as the new standard-issue assault
riIle Ior the West German Army. However, the unexpected collapse oI the Soviet Union brought new
demands upon the uniIied German Army: a new surplus oI assault weapons (brought about by leIt-over
Russian stock in the East German divisions) and a desperate need Ior Iunds elsewhere saw the G11
project cancelled. However, several hundred examples oI the gun were covertly produced Ior use by the
Teutonic Knights. The main drawback oI the weapon is actually its greatest asset: caseless ammunition.
This ammunition, where the propellant acts as the binder Ior the bullet and primer, is produced nowhere
else other than in the Teutones own armories at Marienburg Castle. Thus, the ammunition a knight takes
with him will be the only ammunition he will be able to use. But the remarkable abilities oI this gun are
currently believed to outweigh this disadvantage. The gun has a maximum Iiring rate oI 2000rpm, with a
three round controlled burst leaving the gun so Iast that the last round has leIt the barrel beIore the recoil
jolts the Iirer. This produces an unprecedented high accuracy rate the same Ior a 3 round burst as iI it
was a single shot. When Iull-automatic mode is selected, the gun spits out its rounds at a oI 600rpm.
Eliminating the casing about the ammunition eliminates the need Ior a weighty extraction and ejection
system, as well as the reduced weight oI ammunition itselI. The Iiring mechanism is centered around a
cylindrical breech block that rotates to align the round with the barrel. The cross-section allows the
rounds to be closely packed with no wasted space into the 50 round in-line magazine, set along the top
oI the gun in line with the barrel. A grip is positioned under the barrel Ior a bayonet and a multi-mode
scope and night-sight is Iitted as standard.
Tvpe: G11
Calibre: 4.7mm
Maga:ine: 50 round
height: 4.2kg
Length: 75cm
Rate: 3 round burst, 40rpm, 200rpm, 600rpm
Heckler & Koch G3
This riIle has been standard issue within the German army Ior the past 30 years largely because
oI its reliability in bad conditions.
Calibre: 7.62
height: 4.4kg
Length: 102cm
Range: 400m 800m/sec
Rate of fire: 500/600rpm
Feed: 20 round
Heckler & Koch G8
This riIle has been given a three-round burst ability as well as a semi-automatic mode. It can Iire
Irom either a belt or magazine Ieed and has a telescopic sight as standard. The riIle was designed Ior
counter-insurgency work.
Calibre: 7.62
height: 8.15kg
Length: 103cm
Range: 800m 800m/sec
Rate of fire: 800rpm
Feed: 20 round, 50 round, belt
Heckler & Koch G41
This gun is a version oI the G3 that Iires a 5.56mm shell a lighter and more lethal round. It has
low noise, is reliable in all conditions and can be Iitted with various butts.
Calibre: 7.62
height: 8.15kg
Length: 103cm
Range: 800m 800m/sec
Rate of fire: 800rpm
Feed: 20 round, 50 round, belt
H&K CAWS
This weapon is more than simply a shotgun. It is a Close Assault Weapon System a
designation ideal Ior Church Knight operations in close and built-up areas. Looking similar in
arrangement to the G11, the CAWS is equally as advanced as its assault-riIle cousin. It's bullpup layout
gives it a short, maneuverable size while providing decent barrel length Ior high-velocity shells. The
weapon's Iiring system has been designed to be dirt-resistant, increasing its reliability tenIold. The 10-
round magazine is behind the pistol grip, and a selector switch Ior single, three round and Iull automatic
is within reach oI the Iiring hand's thumb. The gun is semi-automatic in its primary conIiguration,
though Iull-automatic is available. A specialized 12 gauge brass shell has been developed Ior the gun,
allowing greater range and velocity (150m Ior buckshot). It also Iires solid shot and Ireely available
ammunition.
cmoc[it
This company was originally established by the German Government to produce body armor Ior
the nation's police Iorce and counter terrorism unit. Privatized late in the 1980s, key personnel hold
allegiance with the Teutonic order and ensure a ready supply oI high quality material. Some technology
has even been transIerred to Marienburg castle which will begin production oI Bodymould armor within
the next two years.
Armourshield GPV25
This armored vest was built manuIactured under license Irom Armourshield by ArmorIit is
currently the most wide-spread armor in use within the Militant Orders. However, Bodymould is
becoming increasingly common among the Teutonic Knights as more vats and moulds are produced.
The GPV25 provides multiple layers oI protection. It is 18mm thick in total. A strong ballistic cloth
provides wrap-around protection and ease oI Iitting through velcro straps. Shaped plates lie underneath,
providing protection Irom both high velocity shells and blunt trauma. While armor may stop a bullet, it
can still cause a deep depression in the armor and thereIore transIer a large amount oI shock into the
body. Thus the need Ior rigid plates: these disperse the shock over a wider area reducing injury
considerably. The hard armor plates are made oI ceramic eIIective against most high velocity rounds,
but heavy. Some oI the plates can weigh up to 4kg each. Newer plates oI ceramic with a laminate
covering and rubberized Ioam backing weigh 3kg each. These can also deIeat high velocity rounds. The
vest also has high underarm covers to provide protection while the wearer is shooting back.
Headgear
Elash hoods commonly worn by knights oIIer protection Irom heat, dust and smoke, but
are useless against bullets and Iragments. Bullet stopping headgear is thereIore essential. But normal
helmets are not suitable they are too large and cumbersome. New helmets were designed speciIically
Ior counter terrorism and hostage rescue operations. These were made oI plastic and could be worn by a
user also using a gas mask and personal communications equipment. The AC100/1 is made oI layers oI
ballistic resistant composite materials, protecting the wearer Irom small arms ammunition. An integral
high impact trauma absorber is built into the helmet's inner lining to dissipate the energy oI any blow.
Wearers are not likely to be rendered unconscious.
Battle Armour
While Bodymould armor is a highly eIIective and concealable Iorm oI protection, and
Armorshield oIIers strong protection and portability, the Teutones also make use oI a bulkier armored
suit. Called Battle Armour, this highly eIIective armor covers virtually the whole body with a series oI
interlocking, rigid, composite material plates held together with Iire and ballistic resistant cloth. It oIIers
much greater protection than the other available Iorms oI armor, though it is extremely diIIicult to
conceal during transport and impossible to do so while wearing. Very similar in concept to Iull plate
metal armor oI old, it is almost as diIIicult to wear. While it conIorms with body shape and movement to
a much greater degree, both the armor slabs and heavy ballistic cloth weigh down a knight considerably.
But in certain combat situations usually against Lycanthropes in remote and wild terrain this bulky
armor is a virtual necessity.
Personal Sensors and Telemetry Relay
Knights have built into the shoulder-plates oI their body armor a data collection and relay unit. In
its most basic Iorm it produces irregular burst-transmissions oI the Knight's key physical signs and
precise location determined by a built-in GPS sensor. When combined with a personal sensor head unit,
with miniature video-camera's and microphones, all visual and sound data is relayed to a microwave
receiver unit up to 4km away iI in a normal building. The sensor unit's monocle can provide heads-up
displays oI superimposed InIra Red, Ultra Violet and Low-light imaging. ConIormal battery packs
allows operation oI a combined Telemetry and Sensor system Ior two hours. The basic Telemetry unit
can operate Ior up to 48 hours. This device aids the hunters by letting them make Alertness rolls as iI
they had one dot oI Auspex, as well as Heightened Senses.
Weapon Accessories
Standard Torch.
A simple, heavy duty Ilashlight is a highly eIIective means oI illuminating dark areas quickly and
eIIiciently. While carrying a torch in one hand reduces the eIIectiveness oI aiming and Iiring a weapon
especially larger weapons integrating the two is an eIIective alternative. This can be achieved by
bracing the torch via a sight mount on top oI the gun. Though reliable and simple, these torches are
bulky and heavy unsettling delicately balanced weapons.
High-Intensitv Lights.
Modern versions oI the Ilashlight are much more eIIective. The Sure-Eire tactical lights produced
by Laser Products are a variety oI small, powerIul torches designed to Iit under the barrel oI various
types oI weapon. More powerIul than conventional torches, they can be Iitted to shotguns, handguns,
sub-machineguns and riIles. They have a lithium battery providing an advertised liIe oI up to Iive hours,
but under real conditions this tends to be only three hours. These high-intensity lights have very Ilat and
unobtrusive wiring that can stick to the stock or structure oI a gun, leading to a switch on or near the
stock or trigger.
Mounted Laser Sights.
The red-dot aiming system is a very popular means oI getting an indication oI where a bullet will
end its Ilight. The laser does not illuminate the target, merely mark it. Such systems help greatly Ior
rapid-response Iiring, or shooting accurately Irom the hip a great boon Ior close-environment combat.
The LEI-100 is one oI the most powerIul red-dot systems available, and is oIten mounted on the MP5. It
has a range oI 600m. The projector is large, but its aluminium construction makes it light. A smaller red-
dot system is the EPC. It can be Iitted to almost any weapon because oI their small size (similar to that oI
a .357 magnum cartridge). It is usually positioned under the barrel. It has a range oI about 80m. Such
laser aiming modules (LAMs) are now commercially available, with many large pistol owners opting to
buy them because oI their aIIordability and eIIectiveness. The down-side oI these sights is that they can
also be visible to the target, allowing them to react. New modules on the market contain both a high
intensity light and a laser-dot aimer.
Infrared Sights.
These sights work Irom radiation in the inIrared wavelength. A common misconception is that a
target has to be exuding heat itselI. While this does apply, another powerIul source oI inIrared radiation
can "illuminate" an area such as a Iire or inIrared spotlight. The latest thermal imaging sights are
generally passive (without an inIrared illuminator), but their ability to discern diIIerences in inIrared
radiation is much greater. These sights tend to be bulky and used only on sniper riIles, and occassionally
assault riIles.
Image Intensifving Sights.
These sights are much more complicated than simple "magniIiers" oI available light. In Iact,
many need virtually no light at all to be eIIective. Their technical complexity makes them both very
expensive, and oI questionable reliability. The Orion 80 passive sight can be Iitted to the MP5, providing
a 4x magniIication.
Specialized Ammunition
Arcane.
This is a solid copper bullet with a pointed cone. It is usually paired with a high-velocity charge
to make it more eIIective in pistols and revolvers. It can penetrate signiIicant armor without deIormation
oI the bullet itselI. This actually reduces the amount oI damage it inIlicts on the target.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm -2 -3
KTh:
This brand oI bullet has one purpose only: armor penetration. It is a lump oI brass coated in a
green colored teIlon aerodynamic skin. This ammunition is not greatly eIIective against modern body
armor.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm -1 -2
THJ:
This is an expensive shaped composite bullet providing both high armor penetration and greater
soIt tissue damage. It is very rare, requiring high tech construction equipment, and careIully issued.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm 3 -3
9mm Action Safetv Bullet.
This is a bullet with a hole in its core Iilled with a plastic plug. This plug prevents jams, but is
"blown" out oI the bullet, allowing the mushroom eIIect.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm 2 2
The following bullets have a high failure rate if used in rugged conditions, have travelled a
lot or been bashed about. Very high failure rate if home-made.
Hvdra-Shok.
Lead bullet with a recess in its center to allow the shell to Ilatten when it strikes an object. This
mushrooming eIIect produces a hydraulic compression "shockwave" oI body Iluids Irom the point oI
impact to damage surrounding tissue.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm 1 2
HSA.
This is an open-nosed bullet with Iletchettes contained within. They stay together in Ilight,
breaking open only on impact.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm 3 1
Glaser Safetv Slug.
This is a bullet that has a thin aerodynamic jacket, looking much like a normal bullet head. It is
Iilled with a moderately compressed birdshot. This compression and the jacket allow the bullet to
penetrate light armor or material beIore breaking up on impact with soIt tissue. The slugs Iragment
outward, transIerring Hydrostatic shock into the target.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm 2 -1
CBX.
Especially designed Ior hostage rescue, these bullets are intended to do the maximum possible
damage thought their Ilat-Iaced projectile.
Calibre Dam Armor Range
9mm 3 3
Noj Ncaoa _tatistics
( a l l a r e H & K m o d e l s )
Weapon DiI Cal Dam Rn Rt Cp Con 3/E Cs Notes
Pistols
P7M10 7 .40 5 20 3 10 P 1160
P7M13 7 9mm 4 20 4 13 P 1220
USP 7 9mm 4 25 4 15 J 950
SOHP 6 .45 5 25 4 15 J 3 1600 LAM & suppressor
Submachineguns
MP-5 7 9mm 4 40 21 30 T 3/E 750
MP-5 K 6 9mm 4 25 23 30 T 3/E 2500
MP-5 SD 7 9mm 4 30 20 30 N 3/E 3800 Built-in silencer
MP2000 7 9mm 4 40 21 30/60 T 3/E 4000 Optional suppressor
MP-5 / 40 7 .40 5 40 19 30 T 3/E 1200
MP-5 / 10 7 10mm 5 40 18 30 T 3/E 1200
MP53 7 5.56 7 60 17 25 T 3/E 2900 L/FAM module
Rifles
.600 Nitro 8 .600 9 275 1 2 N 800
33 SG/1 7 5.56 7 300 10 25 N E 3000 Full-automatic
G3 SG/1 7 7.62 8 300 10 20 N E 3000 Full-automatic
MSG90 7 7.62 8 800 6 20 N 5000 Semi-automatic
PSG1 7 7.62 8 1000 4 20 N 5000 Self-loading
Assault Rifles
G3 8 7.62 8 300 10 20 N E 1120
G8 8 7.62 8 600 20 30 N 3/E 1800
G11* 6 4.7mm6 300 20 50 T 3/E 4400 3rnd as 1 shot
G41 7 5.56 7 200 20 30 N 3/E 2100
Shotguns
CAWS 7 12ga 8* 60* 7 10 T E 820 *Jarious ammo
Heavv heapons
21 6 7.62 8 350 23 50 N E 3500
23 6 5.56 7 300 25 50 N E 3500