Editing WS:Orders (section)

==The Arm of Thor==

'''Also known as''': The Hammers, Hammer, Hammerites

'''Symbol''': A Thor's Hammer (particularly decorating a shield)

The Arm of Thor is a male-only martial order, charged with defending the faithful of the Western Shores from external threats. The Arm has relatively few temples, but an extensive 'lay' brotherhood of acolyte-knights, who may or may not eventually take orders (known as "taking up the hammer". Full brothers always have a war hammer amongst their weaponry, and many Hammers (both full and acolyte) take pride in using a hammer as their primary weapon, hoping that Thor will favour them. Hammers are instantly recognisable on a battlefield by their distinctive white tabards and shields bearing a red Thors' Hammer.

When a knight takes his oaths to become a full member of any martial order, all his (or her, for the Shields) possessions become the property of the order. This leads to many elderly nights bestowing much of their lands on their sons just prior to taking orders.

The Arm of Thor are known to occasionally be at odds with the Hand of Odin over some issues, and there are persistant rumours that Thor himself is far more direct in his control of the Arm than other gods. While Thor is obviously the patron god of this order, they also venerate Baldr and Tyr.

The Hammers are generally the most popular of the martial orders amongst the common people. They just plain look like the good guys!