Antaran Decorations
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State Orders
Order of the White Lion
The highest state honor of the Antaran Dominion, the Order of the White Lion is reserved for those of military service who have earned distinction as soldiers of honor, dedication, and skill that have accomplished on the battlefield.
It may be confusing to some why the symbol of Antara is the Golden Lion, but this order is referred to as the White Lion. This is simple. The Golden Lion - symbol of all that is Antaran - is that of strength, pride, and glory. The White Lion is the symbol of purity of purpose and the dedication to one's service.
Depending on their rank within the Order, someone holding this distinction will have the post-nominals GCW for Knight Grand Cross, KCW for Knight Commander, and KMW for Knight Companion.
The Order is worn around the neck, with the ribbon between the collar of the uniform tunic and the uniform shirt. If the bearer of the Order also wears the Order of the Knight's Cross, it is proper to wear the Cross over the White Lion.
Order of the Companions of Honor
Employed by the Dominion as a recognition for those outside of military service who have achieved distinction in civilian life in a variety of methods, be they political, economic, religious, or otherwise. This order is open to foreigners as well as native Antarans.
Those in the Order have the post-nominals CH.
Star of Antara
Like the Order of the Companions of Honor, the Star of Antara is a decoration for Antaran and foreigner alike. It is meant as a recognition for an exceptional service to the that the undertaking being recognized has changed some aspect of the way something is done or seen. The award is given by recommendation, presented only by the Praetor or his duly appointed representative, typically one of the Twelve or a Senator. This distinction carries no post-nominals.
Star of Honor
As the title of Baron of the Dominion is available to military officers as well as civilians and statesmen, those who receive this honor while on active military duty are also presented an order badge - the Star of Honor - to wear on their uniform. It is presented after they receive their baton, and is pinned on their tunic by their wife or by a close friend who serves alongside them in their unit.
This is one of the rarest and most dignified decorations any military officer can receive, and it comes with great honor and recognition by one's peers. This distinction carries no post-nominals.
High Honors
Order of the Knight's Cross
For bravery and conduct far above and beyond the call of duty even during wartime, a soldier of the Dominion may receive the sacred Order of the Knight's Cross, which is the oldest and most prestigious military decoration in all of Aurora.
The Order of the Knight's Cross was created over 1,300 years ago, in the first decades of the Third Age by Emperor Tiber Vastano himself. It is the oldest continuously-used military decoration in the world.
It was intended to be the ultimate expression of recognition for the bravery and dedication of an Antaran soldier on the battlefield. It is an honor for any soldier to wear this around his neck, and anyone who holds this honor is hailed by his fellow soldiers. Any soldier who holds the Cross with the oakleaves, crossed swords and diamonds is saluted first, regardless of rank. That level of the Knight's Cross is presented to officers and enlisted personnel who undertake great risks for their comrades or for their mission.
Of the three decorations that a soldier can wear that are on a ribbon put around the neck, this one must be worn on top if more than one is held. The Knight's Cross is open for presentation to foreign military officers, but is seldom presented as such. It was last presented to a foreign military officer in 1909.
Anyone who holds this decoration, regardless of its level, has the post-nominals KC.
Order of Corono
In recognition of brave leadership while under hostile fire in time of war or for considerable acumen as a leader of soldiers in cause of peacetime, a soldier may receive the coveted Order of Corono. It is a great honor and is considered a recognition of an officer's skills as a leader.
The Order of Corono was created by Beyon Corono, the First Praetor of Antara, as a means by which the new Dominion would recognize the brave leadership of officers and enlisted alike. It is superceded only by the Order of the Knight's Cross.
Anyone who holds this decoration has the post-nominals OC.
Order of Defense of the Fatherland
The Order of Defense of the Fatherland is presented to any Antaran soldier who serves twenty-five years on active duty. It is awarded for no other reason. The order is made of solid platinum with a ring of pure ruby around the lion. It has no post-nominals.
Service Honors
Order of Turis
Presented to senior officers of the Antaran Navy for outstanding achievements in planning and conducting naval operations and for victories in combat resulting from such operations. Junior officers also receive it for leadership and bravery. The Order is also prsented to enlisted personnel for exceptional performance during war or peacetime.
The Order is typically awarded to those whose actions and performance warrant recognition but do not warrant the coveted Order of Corono or Order of the Knight's Cross.
The award is named for Ito Turis, who served as the first supreme commander of the Antaran Navy, under Tiber Vastano, serving from 4 July 793 until his retirement on 19 April 825.
Order of Bleda
Presented to senior officers of the Antaran Army for the successful planning and execution of combat operations during wartime, and for exceptional leadership during said operations. Junior officers receive it for leadership and bravery. It is also presented to enlistedmen for bravery and exceptional performance of their duties in both war and peacetime.
The Order is typically awarded to those whose actions and performance warrant recognition but do not warrant the coveted Order of Corono or Order of the Knight's Cross.
The award is named for Arvin Bleda, the first marshal of the Antaran Army under Tiber Vastano, who served in this post from 17 July 793 until his death on 8 December 820.
Order of Elaris
Presented to senior officers of the Antaran Marine Corps for the successful planning and execution of combat operations during wartime, and for exceptional leadership during said operations. Junior officers were presented the award for leadership and bravery. It is also presented to enlistedmen for bravery and exceptional performance of their duties in both war and peacetime.
The Order is typically awarded to those whose actions and performance warrant recognition but do not warrant the coveted Order of Corono or Order of the Knight's Cross.
The award is named for Kragin Elaris, the first commandant of the Antaran Marine Corps under Albus Vastano, who served in this post from 10 August 1414 until his retirement on 22 Janaury 1442.
Wound Badge
Presented to soldiers wounded in the line of duty, the Wound Badge is a thing of pride. It is a sign that an Antaran was injured serving his country. It comes in bronze, silver, and gold, representing three grades of recognition. The Badge will be upgraded each time a soldier is wounded.
