The Order of Defense

The Order of Defense is a Society-wide order that is awarded for excellence in rapier combat. It is one of the four major Bestowed Peerages. The order bestows a Patent of Arms and the members are titled "Master" or "Mistress" or other ethnic or linguistic variation. In addition, they are entitled to wear a badge of (tinctureless) three rapiers in pall inverted tips crossed, on a white livery collar. Some Masters/Mistresses of Defense choose to take on associates who are known as cadets.