The VITUSCAN

In 1095AD during the Crusades, a law was passed called “The Truce of GOD”, banning all fighting involving priest, monks, woman and laborers, Pope Urban, the second, by appointment, charged the VITUSCAN RIDERS with the protection of the Vituscan Missionaries, all women and children, mainly the widows and orphans from murderers and thieves and other evil doers of the time. They wore long hooded black cloaks to protect them from Evil and the elements with blood red lining to remind them of their faith in each other best known as the brotherhood. They rode large dark horses whose hoofs sounded like thunder and swiftness of speed brought fear to those who opposed them. These band of brothers, ruthless to task and forever vigilant and forthright would call upon their patron saint, St. VITUS, to protect them during the storms of war and were a force to be feared and revered until the end of the Crusades in 1271AD.

After the Crusades the VITUSCAN RIDERS went underground becoming a secret society living amongst the population.  Shadowy figures, they would reveal themselves only when called upon to defend the oath any time the Vituscan Missionaries needed them.

As the missionaries spread the word of Saint Vitus to the world, the RIDERS grew in numbers always remaining a shadowy group shrouded behind much secrecy and mystery, but always wearing a form of their original color of “Red and Black”.

Throughout history the VISTUSCAN RIDERS revealed themselves in extreme times of need: In the America’s, the beginning of the French and Indian Wars, the French had hired Indians to kill as many British Colonist as possible, not excluding women and children. In 1754 the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia sent a young Officer to deliver a message demanding the French leave the area of the upper Allegheny River.  This young Officer, who was often seen wearing a red ribbon on his uniform, led a group of hardened men. As the war raged on and many innocent people were slaughtered the VITUSCAN RIDERS fought these mercenary Indians with great vigor protecting the innocent families of the region.  It is not known for sure but it is said they were under the command of this young Officer, who was none other than George Washington, who would later become our nations first President.

As the population grew so did the VITUSCAN RIDERS. Giving aid to the many wagon trains and hand carts who headed west during the 1849 Gold Rush. The Riders, still keeping to their mysterious ways, staying in the shadows of history only to reveal themselves in time of need, today, you can still hear their thunder in the distance as they ride their horses of steel, fulfilling their oaths, in protection of women and children, especially the Widders and orphans, wearing the “Red and Black”.

     In the shadows today, they will one day return to the light when called upon by St. Vitus.