In the first Fifthwind novel, there are many issues being dealt with (primarily what could be paralleled as the "evils of unwarranted hatred or racism").

The good guys (who ultimately end up as the bad guys) are known as the "Fahd". They are kind of a "noble order of virtuous knights" (just think "Jedi" and you'll be close enough.)

What list of virtuous traits do you like seeing in this type of selfless character?

Make me a list, so I can compare to what I've done, and make any last minute additions. (They've got a written code of conduct with a list of edicts that must uphold).

You know, things like: honesty, respect, integrity... Just keep adding to the list.

If you'd like some context, this is part of the rough scene regarding their edicts:

Quote:

Fahd Cobalius moved to the first of the many parchments. The heavy scroll was rolled out vertically and hanging in the masonry framed recess. The richly polished, dark wooden scroll rods were capped with intricately carved ivory or bone. Red and gold velvet tie-backs dangled from either end, and the pull down consisted of a golden coin hanging from a silver chain. These were prized writings indeed to receive such lavish treatments. “The first five scrolls are our principle edicts, the other writings speak of the more specific governances.” Ben read aloud the first edict, “The Fahd offer allegiance to no kings of men.” Cobalius echoed a soft mantra, “For our power is too great to bend to the whims of ambitious men.” There was more written under the edict itself, a full elucidation of the meaning and intent of the words. These were not the pretty catch-phrases of a mindless band of minions, but the hardened laws of a committed sodality. A sacred brotherhood. Ben read the second edict, “Predilection is a poison that infects justice.” “We must separate ourselves from those that corrupt our judgment.” Ben moved slowly to the next facet and looked at the scroll housed there. It read, “The Fahd can not be bound by commandment or coin.” Cobalius answered bluntly, “We exist outside the laws of men and cannot be bought.” The two men continued down the line to the next scroll. “The burden of our judgments is rendered weightless by virtuous conviction.” “We are judge, jury and executioner. Our decisions are final and based on the needs of the greater good.” Cobalius turned to address Ben directly. “This one requires an unwavering faith in the justness of our beliefs. Remove bias and alliances from your heart, and the decisions of the Fahd become perfectly pellucid, immune to question or doubt.” Ben looked the the final scroll of the five Cobalius had pointed out as the primary edicts. “Nurture and revere the whole self. Excellence is the path to achievement and respect.” “You must feed the spirit, body and mind. In short, the Fahd must always strive to be better, stronger and smarter. We must remain above reproach in all areas if we are to acquire and hold the trust of those we encounter. The peoples of this land will accept our judgments only if they can see that we hold ourselves to extremely high standards of conduct.” “To sum up,” Ben started, “You follow no path but your own, you intentionally have no friends, you are above the law and your think your own decisions are beyond questioning, and you justify all this by living at a higher standard...” “Yes.” Ben had intentionally worded his list in a poor light to see what kind of reaction he could spur from Cobalius. The truth was that he had never seen a higher conviction to a set of principles. The Fahd lived outside of the very society which they sought to protect. They would never reap the benefits of their actions, nor would they ever accept any blame. They were the guardians of peace. It was becoming clear that the title of Fahd would be a great burden to bear.

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You forgot to capitalise the G in go ahead..

Calm
Balanced
Nice 'do

Do you want something in there about an obligation to step in and right any wrongs they observe being committed? (Or do they consider certain things 'not their problem?')

It's more of an "as they see fit" type situation. That's why they ultimately become corrupt. Even though their "rules" are "good and virtuous", their arrogance that "they know best" is not going to work out all that well in the end.

So, yes, they will step in and correct injustices (usually).

Jedi-type groups would tend to have the following in my experience:

Rigid code of honor
Ascetic/Spartan lifestyle
Emphasis on traditions and history (for old groups)
Formal ways of speaking and dress, possibly inappropriately so for the time and or situation.
Some sort of recognizable 'signature' (mode of dress, greeting, weapon, manner of killing, item left at battle sites, etc).

Mokele

When I think about Jedi, the most prominent thought I have is of their disdain for emotion. While normally it's used to keep Jedi away from anger, lust, etc., I remember compassion being cited at some point as another emotion to avoid. Along that same line, you could see this group distancing themselves from sympathy and mercy.

In looking over your sample passage, I also think that a desire for ultimate control over the realm (or whatever area you're using) could be a goal of the Fahd. Not necessarily out of a desire to subordinate the populous, but to "do what's best" for them, since the commoners don't know what's best.

Do you have a song in your head when you're thinking about this group? I find music to capture the tone of my ideas sometimes better than my words.

I've definitely already incorporated what you call "distancing themselves from sympathy and mercy". I thought that would be a pretty good idea too.

As far as a desire to dominate the Realm, they really see themselves as outsiders or Watchers on society. As Interveners when the people need them. But, not as participants in the governance of the land. They kind of see themselves as the "check and balance factor".