The Sword Masters of Macinar

In all of Macinar there are 14 individuals still living who have reached the rank of Swordmaster. The order of the Swordmasters is as old as written history itself. No one is sure who started the order, or when it began, but it seems they have always been a part of our world.
To be a Swordmaster one must do more than simply perfect ones skill with a sword. It is a sacred oath one must take, to pledge brotherhood to your fellow swordmaster, to always follow the code of the sacred blade (Fight with Honor. Fight With Pride. Stand your Ground. Never Hide. I will live and breath through my swords edge, To the order of the sacred blade I pledge), and the Swordmasters are forbidden to use their power to effect wars involving the five Kingdoms. During times of War, the Swordmasters remain in peace.
When one becomes a child of the Sacred Blade they forsake any Surname they once held, and no longer represent any family. A new title is given to them. One example is the leader of the royal guard of Inlakes. At the age of 32 he was inducted into the order of the Swordmasters. Back then his name was Sir Helvis Namien, now he is Sir Helvis the White Blade. Other titles include The Sand Blade, the Salt Blade, the Wind Blade, ect.
There is no way to know how many innocent lives have been protected by this sacred order, or how many invading forces from far off lands have been turned to death by the skill of its members, but they are in all regards look on as saviors in our world.
Ages ago, when many believe no less than 100 Swordmasters lived in Macinar, there was one who stood out above them all. Algor the Mind Blade. A brilliant tactician and master historian. When a high lord of Alk'Hara kidnapped his wife for ransom, and killed her when none was met, it is said he lost his mind. Many say he made a deal with a demon and sacrificed all his intelligence and wisdom for pure rage. He called on his brothers for aid, to bring an end to the evil Lord that had plagued the northern lands for so long. So "The March of the Swordmasters" began. Staring in Southern Dornheim, a path was cut to the far Northeast. Any foe that stood in the way of the marching Swordmasters was slaughtered relentlessly. Even through the dark land of Chimarus the march continued. To this day the path is still used to travel, as no evil goes near it in fear of the power that created it. When they arrived at their destination, over 60 of the Swordmasters attacked the desert fortress where the dark lord made his home. A legion of hellspawn and beasts of the sands met the Swordmasters head-on and "The Battle of the Norther Blades" was waged. Many died, but in the end Algor killed the tyrant and saved Alk'Hara from its struggle, ridding the world of a great evil presence.
Today the induction of a new swordmaster is a rare and sacred event. Only three sacred blades can elect a new member, and after all three participate in the ritual and oathtaking a new Swordmaster is born. This has not been seen in decades, since the inclusion of Sir Helvis the White Blade. Many ask how a brother sworn not to take part in any wars between the five kingdoms could be captain of the royal guard and high general of the Ivory Army, but his oath has been kept. He has trained the troops, kept the city safe, but has taken part in no battle that involved a neighboring kingdom. The same can be said for Queen Mio'Nalla's "Pet" Sandelf. The Sand Blade. He is her personal bodyguard, but is never seen on the battlefield.