The Four Ages of Knighthood

I, Sehvelarious Iolius was present at Gareth during much of the Foundation and Rise of Knighthood. As I have aged, I have spent less time within the walls of Gareth Keep, though I still consider it a home of sorts. For more detail of the Consolidation, quills other than mine will have to scratch into the night.

Also added are writings relevant to seminal events in the History of Knighthood.

The Three Ages of Knighthood have prepared us for the age of the Godswar.

The Foundation of Knighthood

Lord Knights : Tesalon Gareth, San Godham, Privus the Good, Croyden Vesuvius, Darion Doreath, Vanaard V'Dare, Gideon Bane, Kiery Elistar, Krysten Corwen

Note: The early pre-history is murky. Of the Lords listed above up to and including Vanaard V'Dare were of thought to be pre-history, but the first historical leader of Knighthood was Darion Doreath whose story you can see in the "Knights of the Ages". Future scholars can ponder this inconsistancy. Iolius.

Footnote:There is more information in the tome on "Pre-history of Knighthood".

During the 'modern age' as historians commonly refer to it. The leadership of Knighthood was at its lowest ebb since the exhaustion by Eclipse, military loss to dae'Tok and civil war with Valour. It was to be a time of rebuilding of strength and re-examination of purpose since the destruction of the Serpentine Empire. During this period, the Knights of Gareth and Valour would struggle to survive against the trials of Malice and Eclipse.

After the destruction of Thalos, the capital of Althainia, the old city of Midgaard was swelled with refugees and became the capital city and renamed Althainia. Knighthood sought to rebuild their Order at Gareth Keep around the protection of the city. The world was still new, and the cataclysms not yet upon us and the feared Knights of Eclipse dwelt between the forest of Haon Dor and Althainia which sparked much active duty within and around the city walls. For much of this time, the inhabitants of Gareth were commonly outnumbered by Eclipse and Malice.

As the Code demanded, Gareth's knights were sent forth most commonly to remove the troublemakers of Malice from the east and the spawn of honourable evil in Eclipse that would come to her city from the west and lay their claim to it.

When the world was young, There was less balance. A lesser trained combatant could be successful in fighting many fully trained opponent just because they were of superior race or profession. Gareth’s Paladins and yinnae Crusaders were two of this mettle, but the Keep’s paladins were far fewer.

Gareth's plucky fighters would hold their own on even terms, but such was the age of a multitude of yinn crusaders continuing the onslaught that had thrown Serpantol down in ruin. When the assassin's guild was formed, many yinnae chose this as their profession which caused considerable consternation upon Gareth. The dogs-of-war could strangle Gareth's knights from the back of their very horses and even whilst in combat. Once down, they could be picked off one by one by dispelling and charging crusaders, blessed in early days of yore with imbuing magic.

In such ancient days thieves and assassins were unwelcome at Gareth by the General's decree, rather than by Austinian or Nadrik.

With the conquest of Althainia by the Marauders, Knighthood focused on the support of the general population of Althainia after an almost non-existant leadership opened the gates to avoid the threat of destruction. Later under Serak S’a Vinitta, Althainia would recognise Shalonesti and New Thalos to return to sovereign status, then declare itself independent of the Marauder empire of Althainia. Thus would Althainia regain the free sovereignty for Knighthood to defend.

In the early days of Gareth’s foundation, each arm of Knighthood was assigned a role.

The Shield became the place for protection, the Lance earned Gareth’s fighting arm. Those who proved themselves with the wisdom from the Shield, and the strength of the Lance were offered a place in the Crown, once they had earned officer ranks in both. Crown knights were designated masters of wisdom, combat and the added responsibility of political diplomacy.

The tail end of this era would see the first cataclysm of Algoron, where the continents would be formed. Eclipse's Keep would be relocated to Verminisia on the new continent of Arkane, creating an ocean between the two clans.

The Rise of Knighthood

Lord Knights: Seal Breingiton, Rheidyr Glain, Leumas Circe, Jhervais LaFortinas, Aedon d'Aggravaine, Leumas Circe, Aedon d'Aggravaine, Aenarion dePayens

During this age, the power of Eclipse and Malice waned and the strength of Knighthood ruled.

Through the strength in arms and the diplomatic foundation of the "Alliance of Light" saw Algoron rise in a golden age. To strike against one, was to strike against all. After the long campaign shattered and disheartened those who opposed Knighthood, enemies were few of boldness, so Gareth diverted her energies and encouraged a renaissance in virtue. The leadership of Knighthood was blessed with many leaders of great charisma, and people flocked to their banner.

With such success of arms and learning came social activity. Few could have foreseen the success of this renaissance. The Eight Virtues were introduced, studied and debated at length. These are covered in a separate book. Teaching and education became mandatory for all pages and squires of the Keep. Both men and women swarmed to Gareth as it had become a centre of enlightenment and the busiest court in the land, for those eager to learn and be a part of the great change.

Entrance tests were devised to challenge the worthy and deny the weak, for to fulfil the role of protecting the weak, the defenders must be strong.

Thus was brought about the Triple Test:

The Test of Knowledge

The hopeful would have to prove their knowledge of location, items and enemy.

The Test of Combat

Either the hopeful would have the task of slaying an equivalent enemy or duelling a knight or ally. A critique of the battle would be offered to the hopeful hence.

The Test of Virtue

The hopeful would be presented with three moral dilemmas, pitting one virtue against another.

An in-depth explanation was required of their choice to pass.

An informal relationship between a knight and his squire was formalised into learning circles and tasks. Several requirements and sets of lessons were created, and these rules of combat were learned and spread throughout all of Algoron, even to be mimicked by those who warred her - much to the chagrin of Gareth's commanding officers. During these days many new houses of nobility were born, adding to the Madaurs and Corwens and its members sprung forth. Never before had the desire of all serving knights to be one day worthy of joining the Crown been so high. To be a Crown knight was to show that you were a fierce fighter, but also capable of wisdom and the independent thought to exercise it. Crown knights were respected above all others, particularly by their enemies.

Footnote: More information is available in the tome "Law of Recruitment".

Military honours were created for those who performed extraordinary deeds.

"Seal's Star for Valour *" was awarded for outstanding acts in combat.

"Cross of Virtue +" honoured those who gave exemplarily contributions to philosophical, spiritual and virtuous discourse.

"Gold Star of Participation *" honoured those who had taken their place in rank to fight in the Tournament of Raije.

"Naval Star *" was awarded to those who performed admirably at sea in the defence of Althainia.

"Gunnar's Drop of Sacrifice @" to those who have given long service to Keep.

"Lancelot's Cross for Bravery +" awarded post-humously for acts which have lead to a knight's death.

Giles Jollopers was hired to keep the stables, though he has had the assistance of many a page and squire and errant knight during his tenure.

The Lords of Knighthood sought discourse with the Lords of Eclipse, and in open debate the Lord’s Crown knights vanquished Eclipse’s premises of ‘honour’ and ‘evil’ to co-exist together.

Gareth suggested that it may be possible for ‘chivalry’ and ‘evil’ to co-exist and those present from Eclipse conceded. Similar arguments raised with the Shadowknights drew no concession from the Lords of Storm Keep. However their stance has traversed from ‘honourable evil’ to ‘honourable darkness’. I, Sehvelarious Iolius, still consider co-existence of ‘honour’ and ‘evil’ quite remote in the case of Eclipse, and the extent to which a Shadowknight may be virtuous until it suits him not. Then he does not understand that virtue is a code to follow, rather that it is clothing that may be discarded when it suits him or his ‘purpose’.

Footnote: There is more information on this subject in "The Falsehood of Necrucifer".

Three new senior positions were created, each meant to delegate responsibility to groom a second in command, and teach them the skills required to be a leader of men.

To the Shield was given the High Clerist, the spiritual leader and wise mentor for Gareth. For those requiring guidance this was to be the first place to call. The post was given to the Colonel who was most promising in the Shield.

To the Lance was given the Weaponsmaster, the knowledgeable and active combatant of the day. A Captain of the Lance was given this responsibility, though it was originally given to a Colonel, but it suited Captains better as they tended to be more active fighters. Patience was a virtue for these teachers of combat as some pupils learn faster than others.

To the Crown was given the High Justice, the diplomatic advisor to the Lord of Knighthood. If there were any dispute between the Generals, or if a Knight wished to dispute treatment given to him by the Generals, then the High Justice was to resolve the problem, calling on whomever he saw fit for assistance. One groomed for the Lord of Knighthood was to hold this position. If there were no suitable candidates, then it may be held by a former Lord of Knighthood till one may be found.

Footnote: There is more information on this in the library in the Crown room.

Splinter organisations were formed at Gareth during this time. The "Swords of Honour" were blessed by Nadrik and sought to uphold that virtue above all others. Hugh the Hand's band of cloak-and-dagger shadows kept the Keep well informed in subterfuge, reconnaissance and politics.

Perhaps the most mysterious tale is of the mythical Templar Brotherhood, an organisation which exists in no tome or scroll. But I, Sehvelarious, remember such things, and I still see its members wearing their marks, awaiting the Brotherhood's call. In later days a renegade Paladin who joined Storm Keep would form Shadow’s Templar from her precepts.

During this time vampirism infected the forest of Shalonesti which caused great consternation amongst the Knighthood as to their stance towards traditional allies. The issue split the Keep with those who thought that they should drive out the evil vampirism on what had seduced the good forest, and those who sought to maintain the friendship and ignore the tainted undead presence which infected it. Eventually Zandreya would intervene to resolve the issue.

The Consolidation of Knighthood

Lord Knights: Gwynn Struan, Sesshoumaru Tenryou, Aenarion dePayens, Sesshoumaru Tenryou, Lock’nah Kalamegar, Gwynn Struan, Victis Malory-Arbiter

By far the longest serving Lady of Knighthood, Gwynn Struan has personified what Knighthood has become in the years of her maturity. Once a hard working officer in the Shield, an unprecedented event happened in the history of Gareth when all senior serving members of her officer corps all departed at the same time. A forum was held of all those senior officers as to whom was the most suitable to take over the reins of the Lordship of Knighthood. It was agreed that for only the second time in history since Krysten Corwen, a woman would be chosen to take over the reins of this mainly patriarchal brotherhood. Upon the selection and inauguration of the new Lady Crown, the senior body of officers rode away to crusade in another land, some never to return.

Struan was forced to send those of dishonorable profession from Gareth Keep in what became known as The Exodus.

From initial self doubt after being placed in such a predicament, the leadership of the she whom has become affectionately known as "Lady Crown" has produced an unrivalled period of stability that she easily outstrips Lord Jhervais for the longest serving leader of Gareth and most likely the longest serving leader in the history of all Algoron. In the tournament of Raije Knighthood has always excelled, but only during the Consolidation has Gareth carried overall triumph. Due to the restrictions of their order for race, alignment and profession, excelling during the tournament has meant sailing very close to the wind.

Yet on three recent occasions Knighthood has carried the glory thanks to a fine display of collectivism from dedicated knights within. In recent memory Knighthood has reached the playoffs more than any other group on Algoron. Let us hope that those involved are awarded their Honors.

A second cataclysm came upon the world, known as the "Godswar". During this upheaval Knighthood destroyed the fortress of Gaar Volen and the Malicians ceased to exist. Many momentos of the sack of Gaar Volen can be found as trophies in the museum. Knighthood lost its allies Valour and Armada in the same exchange.

During a quest which involved angels, bhalanxs, witches and abhorrents, Knighthood was punished for their intransigence, and smote the upper halls of Gareth Keep into ruin, which collapsed onto the Chapel of Fallen Heroes. The desecration of the Temple of Nadrik caused it to no longer be hallowed ground. The curse was lifted many years later, and its sanctity restored.

Footnote:For more information see this "History of Gareth" under the "Breaking of Gareth" and "The Temple Cleansing".

During this time, the Knighthood of Gareth have seen resurgence of evil in the land once again, and for the first time personified by the princely demon Malachive.

Recently Knighthood has sought out worthies to join Gareth from the entrance papers gained from winning the Tournament of Raije.

Footnote:More information on this can be found in the "History of Gareth" in the 'Book of Exodus'.

But this was not to last. Tegyr would leave for the life of a hermit, and Kalado would be charged with crafting theft. However the entrance of Thrakhath, the Sentinel of Austinian has much to augment the reputation of yinn within Gareth Keep.

The Challenge of Knighthood

Lord Knights: Gwaine d'Aggravaine

After the long age known as the 'Consolidation of Knighthood' Gwaine d'Aggravaine took the mantle of Lord of Knighthood under auspicious circumstances. Gwaine d'Aggravaine was greeted and blessed by the Trinity upon taking office, sparking rumours of a Grandmaster once again walking the halls of Gareth.

d'Aggravaine brought reform to the keep, finishing the tasks which began under Victis Arbiter to give a more tangible and transparent set of tasks for those seeking progression to follow.

A second renovation of the Keep saw many smaller changes tidied up, but most significantly the addition of the new library, the creation of the Loremaster, Sehvelarious Iolius.

In an evil crusade, sought to bring Shokono under the domination of the evil clans and kingdoms. Good responded, leaving the situation as a stalemate.

Meanwhile, up in the heavens, Raije, Kadiya and Devion had been sent to slay the upstart Malachive. In an act of treachery Devion slew Kadiya precipitating the Godswar.

Necrucifer called his General, the demon Mantaroth to summon an army of evil to do battle in what some think might be the 'final battle'. The final battle was alluded to in Leumas Circe's findings in the Scrolls of Serpantol.

From an unknown location, but thought to be somewhere on Icewall, Malachive proclaims himself to be the saviour of the mortals of Algoron, saying that the Gods are repressing the people and forcing worship from them. He has raised an army and offered to 'free' the people from the yoke of the Gods under the banners of 'chaos' and 'freedom'. He is thought to be somewhere deep in Icewall as there was a frozen lake involved.

Althainia was to be tested by a small army which appeared at the city's southern gates, but was effectively repulsed with little loss to Althainia, and importantly gave the Althainian army some practical battle hardening. This triggered an unprecedented show of unity of good and neutrality. Elves and dwarves in common purpose and other petty wars were set aside to consider the new threats of Necrucifer's army of evil and Malachive's army of chaos and freedom. Determined to lead them Mercerion Mamoratai was chosed from King Grumf and the renegade paladin Mladen. He departed Gareth's Keep to effectively lead the army from Althainia.

Former General Mamoratai becomes Emperor of Althainia.

The neutral gods, in an effort to avert further bloodshed sought to kill Malachive, but were unsuccessful. Although several abhorrents were slain and much of his army sacrificed, Malachive escaped whilst slaying Turpa. The spear that slew Turpa, and the axe of Raije were lost in the exchange.

The saga of the Shards of Seanan comes to light.

Evil wins the battle for the first Shard of Seanan by enlisting the help of the Slayers. The first shard had been put up for all takers after a decimated centaur clan sought to remove their involvement with it. Bolter McLeod, the Cardinal of Nadrik is slain whilst in the battle, riding off alone rather than grouping with the evil members of neutral clans fighting for the side of Good.

Evil wins the second Shard of Seanan by raising 1000 eggs more than Good for Mother Dandridge's orphanage.

Evil wins the naval battle for the third Shard of Seanan held by Old Rupert of Nordmaar, all five ships of Good were sunk and only one of Evil.

Necrucifer's Hell Week occurs and there is much combat upon Algoron. Austinian and Necrucifer fight inconclusively. Raije defeats Malachive in combat, but most find it hard to believe we will not see him again.

Good wins the fourth Shard of Seanan by defeating the forces of Evil on the moon, then recovering three orbs required. The deciding factor was the support of metallics dragons over the chromatic dragons, and an absence of Slayers which won the day.

-Gwaine d'Aggravaine becomes Lord Crown

The Blessing of the Trinity

New Ranking system introduced to Gareth Keep

The Second Renovation of Gareth Keep opens a new library

The Shokono Campaign

Kadiya is slain by Devion

Mantaroth gathers an army of evil in Darkonian

Malachive proclaims himself against the Gods and for chaos and freedom

The Hand of Devion appears at the gates of Althainia

The Free Allied Nations convenes

Mercerion Mamoratai is chosen as the General of the Alliance of Light

Turpa is slain by Malachive, Turpa's spear and Raije's Axe lost

The Hand of Devion is defeated at the gates of Althainia

Today the struggle continues as it always has.