The New Code

The Old Code of Serpantol is available here. Iolius.

The New Code of the Knighthood of Gareth Keep

It has fallen to me to return the knights to their roots and for the reasons that Knighthood was created. I recognise that over time, the wills of men will change and reform of the law is necessary as the acceptable will of the people changes. As such I have reviewed the ancient law of the Knighthood of Serpantol to bring it up to date, to better support the expectations of knights now and in the future.

Caenarfon Corwen, High Justice.

Here begins the prologue to the New Code of the Knighthood of Gareth

1. We speak firstly to all those who desire with a pure heart to serve the Imperial Emperor of Althainia as a knight and with studious care desire to wear, and wear permanently, the very noble armour of obedience. And therefore your freely choose to follow those whom Austinian has chosen from the mass of perdition and whom he has ordered through his gracious mercy to defend the weak and the helpless of the Empire.

2. Above all things, whosoever would be a holy knight of Gareth must unite pure diligence and firm perseverance, which is so worthy and so holy, and is known to be so noble, that if it is preserved untainted for ever, you will deserve to keep company with the Gods when you depart this world. This knighthood should defend the poor, widows, orphans and temples, and abhours violence for plunder, despoil and kill.

3. Therefore I, Caenarfon Corwen, to whom was entrusted and confided the office of High Justice, by the grace of Nadrik served as the humble scribe of the present document with my recommendation of the modernisation of the Old Code of Serpantol.

4. [TO BE AGREED]It pleased the council that the deliberations which were made there and the consideration of the knowledge of the Holy Codex of Ultimate Wisdom were diligently examined with the leadership of the Crown, wisdom of the Shield, the joined will of the Council and the assent of the Emperor of Althainia and found fulfilled the needs of a modern knight.

Here Begins the Code of the Knighthood of Serpantol

On our Oath

5. Upon the formation of the outpost of Gareth Keep, and the subsequent destruction of Serpantol, our Oath is to the Lord Crown for the protection of Emperor and/or Empress of Althainia, and foremost it's people within your Holy Service. We are not absolved of our original oath to the lands to the North of Serpantol, but only the Village of Pan-toll would fall into our remit at present as a body of people to defend. Dark is the stain of our honour of the loss of our ancient homeland to invasion.

On Holy Service

6. You who have sworn an oath of a knight have dedicated your life to holy service. You will hold to these principles. Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright that Gods may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. Remember your oath, it will help in times of trial.

On Prayer

7. Any brothers who are present in the lands for a prayer or sermon ought to attend and take part, for we are at the spiritual forefront of Good in the land. Where those who offer such a meeting in a public place, the Knighthood ought to secure enough resources to defend it. If the Knighthood and her allies have not these forces at their disposal, then let prudence and common sense prevail, and remove the meeting to a safer place where one can be transported to. Let all knights use prayer to speak to the Gods both in thought and written notation. But not with the expectation that the Gods may answer, but to keep them informed of our thoughts and prayers.

On Honor and the other Virtues

8. That the Knighthood of Gareth be based around the principle of honour, for it is this principle that would give us the moral high ground in any matter. A Knight of Gareth must not partake in any action which might besmirch their honour or the honour of the Knighthood. A knight ought to act within the chivalric code at all times. Let him not act like a common fighting knight, but as a beacon of light as a champion of good as so to augment the reputation of the Knighthood of Gareth. We of the Knighthood of Gareth acknowledge that we should take the righteous fight to the enemy hereby are ordered not to use any means of combat which might impeach upon the honour of the Knighthood of Gareth, and to resort to underhand tactics to win the day. We do battle with the skill of our arms, the honour of our faith, and the strength of our organisation to defeat any disorganised rabble of Necrucifer, Drakkara or Devion. It is true that the power of our enemies if great This is also to say that we ought to treat our enemies with the respect that they deserve, as not every enemy we face on the field will be an evil and godless heathen.

9. Moreover, you should profess your faith with a pure heart night and day. I will take the cup of salvation. Which means: I will fight for Nadrik even if it means my death. For just as Nadrik fights the evil Gods for me, I am prepared in the same way to give my soul for my brothers.' This is a suitable offering; a living sacrifice and very pleasing to both Austinian and Nadrik if it benefits the goals of Knighthood.

On Poverty

10. It used to be said, "To each was given according to his need." In this age, armaments have become disproportionally expensive and the coffers of the Knighthood are modest. Knights are encouraged to give and share such amongst themselves so that the Knighthood can do its duty. Knights ought not to go forth and spend money on individual material gain. Gambling is frowned upon but not forbidden, unless the knight gambles away more than he can afford.

On Chastity

11. Those who have sworn their oaths to the Keep have proven themselves responsible in the eyes of Gareth. Squires and Pages are required to wait for matters of the heart, until their oaths are sworn in order that they will retain focus.

On Obedience

12. In order to carry out their holy duties and gain the glory of the Austinian's joy and to escape the fear of hell-fire, it is fitting that all brothers who are professed strictly obey the chain of command. For nothing is dearer to Nadrik than obedience. For as soon as something is commanded by the Master or by him to whom the Master has given the authority, it should be done without delay as though Nadrik himself had commanded it. For thus said Nadrik said, 'He obeyed me as soon as he heard me.'

In relation to the state of battle in the world

13. It is understood that our role is difficult in these dark times. It is known that the days that we could rely on our individual force of arms upon the field was adequate for seeing off untrained bullies and evil ruffians. Now, often our enemies rule the field in numbers and skill in arms which presents a challenge for the Knighthood of Gareth. Mages who wield incredible magical power, large beings who possess superhuman strength fight with relish against our will. In this we must fight smart and choose our battles and allies wisely. Organisation and skills in fighting together are paramount, and the knowledge of our role in the combat group, be it healing, striking or defence must all hold and work together if we are to be successful in the field against these powerful beings. If we have fallen through lack of organisation then it is our own failing.

The Manner in which Brothers should be Received

14. If any aspirant wishes to leave the mass of perdition and abandon that secular life of his kingdom and choose your communal life within Gareth Keep, do not consent to receive him immediately but apply the Triple Test, for thus said my lord Ser'Phan: Test the soul to see if it comes from Austinian. Rather, if the company of the brothers is to be granted to him, let the Code be read to him. If he wishes to studiously obey the commandments of the Code, and if it pleases the recruiter and the brothers to receive him, let him reveal his wish and desire before all the brothers assembled in and let him make his request with a pure heart and invite the recruiter.

On other Organisations of Algoron

15. The Knighthood of Gareth will at most times have constant alliances with the like minded and constant war upon those who would see order and good removed from Algoron. The Knights of Gareth shall abide by these politics which the Crown has aligned us to regardless of thought, word or deed. Under all circumstances are those of the Knighthood of Gareth to strike first on whomever is considered the greater enemy, that is to say the most evil rather than a temporarily misguided yet more skilled warrior.

On Evil enemies

16. This armed company of knights may kill the evil without sinning. An evil being will bring evil deeds until their time on Algoron is past, so to serve the greater good, and for the well being of the good an innocent of Algoron it is of greater utility to relieve them of their life so that those who would be done ill by evil are not harmed. For this reason we judge you to be rightly called Knights of Gareth, with the double merit and beauty of probity. But beware, for although at the beginning of existence may we chose our path, actions must also be judged. Slaying is not the only recourse, but neither should evil be humoured. Furthermore those whom have selflessly given their lives in the defence of Gareth and her good peoples will be elevated to the right hand of Austinian, Nadrik and Siccara in heaven.

On Giving Counsel

17. Let only those brothers whom the Crown knows will give wise and beneficial advice be called to the council; for this we command, and by no means everyone should be chosen. For when it happens that they wish to treat serious matters like the giving of communal land, or to speak of the affairs of the house, or receive a brother, then if the Crown wishes, it is appropriate to assemble the entire congregation to hear the advice of the whole clan; and what seems to the Crown best and most beneficial, let him do it.

On Keeping the Peace

18. Each brother should ensure that he does not incite another brother to wrath or anger, for the sovereign mercy of Austinian holds the strong and weak brother equal, in the name of charity.

How the Brothers Should Go About

19. It is the truth that you especially are charged with the duty of giving your souls for your brothers. And of defending the land from the unbelieving evil who are the enemies of the all that is Good. None place is more important for obedience than battle, where the responsibility success or failure of a battle lies with the ranking officer. Follow your commands obediently, even if you deem that your ordered action will result in your demise, for the decision has been made upon the principle of utility for the greater good, and your sacrifice may allow Gareth to win the day. Be it known that Austinian loves those who fall in His service, and those blessed souls will rise again at his right hand.

On Faults

20. If any brother, in speaking or soldiering, or in any other way commits a slight sin, he himself should willingly make known the fault to the Crown, High Clerist of Confessors, to make amends with a pure heart. And if he does not usually fail in this way let him be given a light penance, but if the fault is very serious let him go into exile from the company of the brothers so that he does not eat or drink at any table with them, but all alone; and he should submit to the mercy and judgement of the Crown and Clerists, that he may be saved on the Day of Judgement.

On Serious Faults

21. Above all things, we should ensure that no brother, powerful or not powerful, strong or weak, who wishes to promote himself gradually and become proud and defend his crime, remain unpunished. But if he does not wish to atone for it let him be given a harsher punishment. And if by pious counsel prayers are said to Austinian for him, and he does not wish to make amends, but wishes to boast more and more of it, let him be uprooted from the pious flock. Remove the wicked from among you. It is necessary for you to remove the wicked sheep from the company of faithful brothers.

22. Moreover the Crown, who should hold in his hand the staff and rod - the staff with which to sustain the weaknesses and strengths of others; the rod with which to beat the vices of those who sin - for love of justice by counsel of the High Justice, should take care to do this. But also, may the leniency be no greater than the fault; nor excessive punishment cause the sinner to return to evil deeds.'

On Rumour

23. We command you by divine counsel to avoid a plague: envy, rumour, spite, slander. Do not accuse or malign the people of Austinian. But when a brother knows for certain that his fellow brother has sinned, quietly and with fraternal mercy let him be chastised privately between the two of them, and if he does not wish to listen, another brother should be called, and if he scorns them both he should recant openly before the whole chapter. Those who disparage others suffer from a terrible blindness and many are full of great sorrow that they do not guard against harbouring envy towards others; by which they shall be plunged into the ancient wickedness of Necrucifer.

Let None Take Pride in his Faults

24. Although all idle words are generally known to be sinful, they will be spoken by those who take pride in their own sin before the strict judge Nadrik. One should refrain from speaking even good, and observe silence. Likewise one should guard against speaking evil, in order to escape the penalty of sin. We prohibit and firmly forbid any brother to recount to another brother nor to anyone else the brave deeds he has done in secular life, which should rather be called follies committed in the performance of knightly duties, and the pleasures of the flesh that he has had with immoral women; and if it happens that he hears them being told by another brother, he should immediately silence him; and if he cannot do this, he should straightaway leave that place and not give his heart's ear to the pedlar of filth.

How They May Have Lands and Men

25. The Knighthood of Gareth may have lands and keep men, villeins and fields and govern them justly, and take your right to them as it is specifically established in order to raise finance for the deployment of the Knights of Gareth in the field to protect Good to the land and in the defence of the weak and helpless.

On Giving Judgement

26. We know, because we have seen it, that persecutors and people who like quarrels and endeavour to cruelly torment those faithful to the Knighthood of Gareth Keep, are without number. Those who have no honour and know not what it means will decry your actions will curse and wail that you have not stayed still and been slain. This is not your purpose, but to protect the good, weak and helpless of Algoron. This same commandment should be kept at all times when something is stolen from you.

On the Commitment of Squires and Pages

27. As the squires and pages who wish to serve in the house of the Knighthood of Gareth Keep for the salvation of their souls, it seems to us beneficial that their promises be received, so that the envious enemy does not put it in their hearts to repent of or renounce their good intentions. Squires and Pages ought to pursue their tasks so that they might take their oaths as Knights of Gareth Keep and thus serve the Gods better.

On the Commandments

28. All the commandments which are mentioned and written above in this present Rule are at the discretion and judgement of the Master, yet let this Code not yet preclude him from it, for he and all beneath him and below Austinian are subject to its tenets.

On Ladies and Dames

29. Females have long been allowed entrance to Gareth Keep since the break with Serpantol. There are very early examples of this including the Lady Kiery Elistar who took the reins from Gideon Bane. There is no office from which they are barred, and are in every respect to be treated as men and Sirs.

Married Knights

30. The institution of marriage has been accepted and indoctrinated by the Gods of Good, the first precedent being set by Pell the Gardener and Krysten Corwen, Lady of Knighthood. This amendment alone does not rescind the vow of chastity which marriage implies, as it is still favoured that Knights remain so for purity of purpose. Only full knights may pursue matters of the heart. Under no circumstances is a Knight to make an oath which would override an Oath to Knighthood.

On the Arms of Knighthood

31. The arms are as defined in the Dragonvale. The Shield was based of "Wisdom, Scholarship, Knowledge, Magic", the Lance of "Honor, Nobility, Chivalry, Sacrifice" and the Crown of "Service, Loyalty, Dedication, Denial." The Spur is a general body of Knights within Althainia which might not otherwise be able to join Gareth Keep, but is formed within our laws. Knights of the Spur are expected to follow the same standards as a Knight of Gareth.

On Nobility

32. In the later days of the Foundation of Knighthood, commoners were allowed to join Knighthood, so intent was the order on allowing those with the ability to perform in our defence. In the Knighthood of Gareth Keep, nobility is not what you were born, but what you have it in yourself to be.

In Service to the Principles of our Gods and our Actions

33. We who follow the Gods of Good have taken this decision to the principle for which our God stands, be it Good, Honour or Healing. As mortals we aspire to Their perfection, but realise that upon occasion that we may fall short. The important thing is that in every action we give under the principles of the Gods of Good which has a moral or ethical affect ought to be considered in this light in our decision-making, so that we might make this world a better place.

Deprecated laws of the old Code

3. Then we, in all joy and all brotherhood, at the request of Grand Master Tesalon Gareth, by whom the aforementioned knighthood was founded by the grace of Siccara, assembled at Serpantol from diverse provinces beyond the mountains on the feast of my lord Ser'Phan. And the conduct and beginnings of the Order of Knighthood we heard in common chapter from the lips of the aforementioned Grand Master, Brother Tesalon Gareth; and according to the limitations of our understanding what seemed to us good and beneficial we praised, and what seemed wrong we eschewed.

4. And all that took place at that council cannot be told nor recounted; and so that it should not be taken lightly by us, but considered in wise prudence, we left it to the discretion of both our honourable father Lord Honorius and of the noble patriarch of Temple of the Serpents Eye, Caenarfon, who knew the affairs of Serpantol and of the its Holy Paladins of Nadrik, by the advice of the common council we praised it unanimously. Although a great number of religious fathers who assembled at that council praised the authority of our words, nevertheless we should not pass over in silence the true sentences and judgements which they pronounced.

On other Races

11. Let our civilisation not suffer nor lament through lack of protection. The Knighthood of Serpantol is created and has charge of the defence of the civilisation of good humans of the city of Serpantol, where many years ago by the grace of Austinian, Ser'phan founded his city. There are many aggressive races in the world of Ogres and Minotaurs and of goblinkind who would strive to remove our culture from the face of Algoron. While we accept that there are other good natured races upon Algoron, and they may smile kindly on us, we can rely on only ourselves alone in the wilderness fully. Many of the civilisations who would smile on us are not capable of giving to us the aid we might require should evil befall us. And let us acknowledge that this world is not yet fully explored and mapped, so that other friends and foes of race and kind may yet come to seek in our destruction or assist us in our Empire. In this light let all good humans band together in our civilisation to protect it from the strength of outside forces and let only them join the Knighthood of Serpantol so that the protection of our people, culture and civilisation might be affected.

13. You who have abandoned the pleasant riches of this world, we believe you to have willingly subjected yourselves to poverty; therefore we are resolved that you who live the communal life may receive tithes. If the priest of the place, to whom the tithe should be rendered by right, wishes to give it to you out of charity, with the consent of his chapter he may give those tithes which the Temple of the Serpents Eye possesses. Moreover, if any layman keeps the tithes of his patrimony, to his detriment and against the Temple of the Serpents Eye, and wishes to leave them to you, he may do so with the permission of the prelate and his chapter.

14. We believe it to be a dangerous thing for any religious to look too much upon the face of woman. For this reason none of you may presume to kiss a woman, be it widow, young girl, mother, sister, aunt or any other; and henceforth the Knighthood of Serpantol should avoid at all costs the embraces of women, by which men have perished many times, so that they may remain eternally before the face of Austinian with a pure conscience and sure life.

15. This custom among the others we command you to adhere to strictly and firmly: that no brother should explicitly ask for the horse or armour of another. It will therefore be done in this manner: if the infirmity of the brother or the frailty of his animals or his armour is known to be such that the brother cannot go out to do the work of the house without harm, let him go to the Master, or to the one who is in his place in that office after the Master, and make the situation known to him in pure faith and true fraternity, and henceforth remain at the disposal of the Master or of the one who holds that office.

On Renegade Knights

18. Where you know renegade knights to be gathered, there we command you to go; and if anyone there wishes to join the order of knighthood from regions overseas, you should not consider worldly gain so much as the eternal salvation of his soul. We order him to be received on condition that he come before the bishop of that province and make his intention known to him. And when the bishop has heard and absolved him, he should send him to the Master and brothers of the Serpantol, and if his life is honest and worthy of their company, if he seems good to the Master and brothers, let him be mercifully received; and if he should die in the meanwhile, through the anguish and torment he has suffered, let him be given all the benefits of the brotherhood due to one of the Knighthood of Serpantol.

On the Brothers' Dress

21. We command that all the brothers' habits should always be of one colour, that is white, brown, black or blue. And we grant to all knight brothers in winter and in summer if possible, white cloaks; and no-one who does not belong to the aforementioned Knighthood of Serpantol is allowed to have a white cloak, so that those who have abandoned the life of darkness will recognise each other as being reconciled to their creator by the sign of the white habits: which signifies purity and complete chastity. Chastity is certitude of heart and healthiness of body. For if any brother does not take the vow of chastity he cannot come to eternal rest nor see Austinian, by the promise of to strive to bring peace to all, keep chaste, without which no-one can see Austinian.'

22. But these robes should be without any finery and without any show of pride. And so we ordain that no brother will have a piece of fur on his clothes, nor anything else which belongs to the usages of the body, not even a blanket unless it is of lamb's wool or sheep's wool. We command all to have the same, so that each can dress and undress, and put on and take off his boots easily. And the Draper or the one who is in his place should studiously reflect and take care to have the reward of Austinian in all the above-mentioned things, so that the eyes of the envious and evil-tongued cannot observe that the robes are too long or too short; but he should distribute them so that they fit those who must wear them, according to the size of each one.

23. And if any brother out of a feeling of pride or arrogance wishes to have as his due a better and finer habit, let him be given the worst. And those who receive new robes must immediately return the old ones, to be given to the squires and sergeants and often to the poor, according to what seems good to the one who holds that office.

How They Should Eat

24. In the Castle, or what should rather be called the refectory, they should eat together. But if you are in need of anything because you are not accustomed to the signs used by other men of religion, quietly and privately you should ask for what you need at table, with all humility and submission. Eat your bread in silence, for your tongue would fail you. For in the Holy Scriptures of the Temple of the Serpents Eye it says: 'I held my tongue so that I should speak no ill.'

On the Reading of the Lesson

25. Always, at the convent's dinner and supper, let the High Clerist speak from the Holy Scriptures of the Temple of the Serpents Eye, if possible. If we love Austinian and all His holy words, we should desire to listen attentively; the reader of the lesson will tell you to keep silent before he begins to read.

On Saying Grace

26. Always after every dinner and supper all the brothers should give thanks to Austinian in silence, if the church is near to the palace where they eat, and if it is not nearby, in the place itself. With a humble heart they should give thanks to Nadrik who is the Lord Provider. Let the remains of the broken bread be given to the poor and whole loaves be kept. Although the reward of the poor, should be given to the poor without hesitation, and faith doubtless recognises you among them, we ordain that a tenth part of the bread be given to your Almoner.

On Keeping Silence

27. When the brothers come out of compline they have no permission to speak openly except in an emergency. But let each go to his bed quietly and in silence, and if he needs to speak to his squire, he should say what he has to say softly and quietly. But if by chance, as they come out of compline, the knighthood or the house has a serious problem which must be solved before morning, we intend that the Master or a party of elder brothers who govern the Order under the Master, may speak appropriately. And for this reason we command that it should be done in such a manner.

28. To talk too much is not without sin. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. And during that conversation we altogether prohibit idle words and wicked bursts of laughter. And if anything is said during that conversation that should not be said, when you go to bed we command you to pray in all humility and pure devotion. Rather it is fitting for every religious man to go simply and humbly without laughing or talking too much, but reasonably and without raising his voice.

On the Master

29. The Master may give to whomsoever he pleases the horse and armour and whatever he likes of another brother, and the brother to whom the given thing belongs should not become vexed or angry: for be certain that if he becomes angry he will go against Austinian.

On the Priests who Serve Charity

40. The whole of the common council commands you to render all offerings and all kinds of alms in whatever manner they may be given, to the priest and clerists and to others who remain in charity for a fixed term. According to the authority of Austinian, the servants of the Lord may have only food and clothing, and may not presume to have anything else unless the Crown wishes to give them anything willingly out of charity.

On White Mantles

42. By common counsel of all the chapter we forbid and order expulsion, for common vice, of anyone who without discretion was in the house of Austinian and of the Knighthood of Serpantol; also that the sergeants and squires should not have white habits, from which custom great harm used to come to the house; for in the regions beyond the mountains false brothers, married men and others who said they were brothers of the Serpantol used to be sworn in; while they were of the world. They brought so much shame to us and harm to the Order of Knighthood that even their squires boasted of it; for this reason numerous scandals arose. Therefore let them assiduously be given black robes; but if these cannot be found, they should be given what is available in that province; or what is the least expensive, that is burell.

On Married Brothers

43. If married men ask to be admitted to the fraternity, benefice and devotions of the house, we permit you to receive them on the following conditions: that after their death they leave you a part of their estate and all that they have obtained henceforth. Meanwhile, they should lead honest lives and endeavour to act well towards the brothers. But they should not wear white habits or cloaks; moreover, if the lord should die before his lady, the brothers should take part of his estate and let the lady have the rest to support her during her lifetime; for it does not seem right to us that they should live in a house with brothers who have promised chastity to Austinian.

On Sisters

44. The company of women is a dangerous thing, for by it Necrucifer has led many from the straight path to Paradise. Henceforth, let not ladies be admitted as sisters into the house of Serpantol; that is why, very dear brothers, henceforth it is not fitting to follow this custom, that the flower of chastity is always maintained among you.