Rislandia Kingdom's Medal of Valor
The Rislandia Kingdom's Medal of Valor (also referred to simply as the Medal of Valor or the medal) is one of Rislandia's highest military decorations, awarded by the Crown to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary valor in service to the kingdom.
Description
The Medal of Valor takes the form of a pendant crafted from gold and brass, shaped like a sword. As described in The Fight for Rislandia: "Inside was a pendant of gold and brass, the shape of a sword." The medal is notably heavy, being made of real gold. It is accompanied by a ribbon and clip designed for wearing around the neck during public ceremonies. When presented, the medal is housed in a small wooden box.
In The Iron Wedding, the medal was observed worn on the left breast, indicating an alternate or additional mode of display befitting formal occasions.
History
Presentation to Zaira von Monocle
In The Fight for Rislandia, the Medal of Valor was awarded to Zaira von Monocle by King Malaky, the reigning king in that novel (see King Malaky XV; the novel's logs date it to the 24th Year of King Malaky XV's Reign). The medal was delivered in a small wooden box and represented royal recognition of Zaira's contributions during the conflicts chronicled in that volume. The ribbon and clip included with the medal indicated that Zaira was expected to wear it at public ceremonies befitting her honored status.
Role in The Iron Wedding
In The Iron Wedding, the Medal of Valor was worn on Talyen von Cravat's left breast, attesting to his recognized valor in service to Rislandia.
In A History of Rislandia
According to A History of Rislandia, Zaira initially refused the decoration, but ultimately accepted it on behalf of her fallen crew.