The Oath and the Code

This is the ancient oath and code of Serpantol. A New Code has been devised to accommodate these more modern times. Iolius.

Oath of the Knighthood of Serpantol

"Nobilis Factum. Mors ante dedecoro."

The Oath of Knighthood is what we make each knight swear upon gaining their spurs, and is intended to be a quick reference to consider before attempting any action.

The Oath which was handed down to us from our forebears in Serpantol has been the subject of much speculation from the translation from the Serpantine runes from whence they have come. The first sentence has had many meanings attributed to it, whereas the translation of the second is commonly understood, if not frequently misspelled.

Let us examine the meaning of each word in turn.

The first word "nobilis" is the most contentious of all of the Serpantine runes for translation. It can be interpreted in two ways:

(a)highborn, noble birth, a nobleman or;

(b)known, famous, celebrated, noted, renown, superior, of a noble or splendid motive

It may be that the original meaning of the word was supposed to mean ‘of noble birth’, but similarly in the realms of today, the second meaning is altogether more fitting, and perhaps even written in this way in the hope that any man (or woman) whose heart were true could walk the path and the Oath be accommodated.

The "factum" rune translates to mean deed, accomplishment, work, act or achievement.

Together they can mean many things, "Deeds of Renown", "Honourable and Chivalrous Deeds", "Superior Works", "Noble Deeds", "Achievements of those of noble birth" or "Acts of the Noblemen". The most popular over the years has been "Noble Deeds", but I do profess to be rather partial to "Deeds of Renown", or "Honourable and Chivalrous Deeds" marking the fact that it separates the deeds of all men (and women) rather than an aristocracy and focuses on the inspiration which the phrase inspires in terms of courage and valour. Deeds that would make such a mark that those who beheld them would aspire to be a perfect knight. This statement attributes the runes the most effectively in my opinion.

I believe the focus of the popular translation of "Noble Deeds" is not so heavily weighted on hereditary nobility. Rather the perfect noble and honourable action that a model Knight might take on behalf of his/her divine deity.

The second sentence is altogether a more concise set of runes which leave little space for misinterpretation. "Mors" for death, "ante" for before and "dedecoro" for dishonour translate into our common tongue rather well. This presses home the points that all knights ought to rather face death as a consequence of any action rather than the shame or dishonour of another option of their action.

It was the young yinn Tegyr Vey who pointed out that the placard which had hung for many years over our halls had misspelled "dedecoro" to "dedocoro".

This is not to say that our young squires ought to go out looking for situations which require such a final statement of their life upon Algoron – rather I would entreat to them to read the treatises on ‘Honour’ within the library under virtue in order that they not throw their life away needlessly. Do not accept another’s interpretation of what your honour might mean to you and the knighthood.

"Nobilis Factum. Mors ante dedecoro."

"Honourable and Chivalrous Deeds. Death before Dishonour."

The Code of the Knighthood of Serpantol

Upon our incursion to the ruined fortress in Southern Serpantol, the yinn scavengers are removed and our instated forces are in that place. We rebuild the defenses in the hope that one day, it will be a fortress for Serpantol under the banner of the Knighthood of Gareth once again. This has allowed a thorough examination of the ruins where this book covered in Serpantine runes was found, perched atop a weapons cabinet which still stood in the barracks.

After months of painful research, and many dead ends, the translation of the old 'Code of the Knighthood of Serpantol' is complete.

The original Code of the Knighthood of Serpantol is thought to be penned by our first Grand Master, Tesalon Gareth. I, Sehvelarious Iolius, have translated it from the Serpantine runes.

This translation of the original, or primitive Rule of Gareth is the foundation of the Knighthood of Serpantol. It represents the Code given to the fledgling Knighthood of Serpantol by Tesalon Gareth and his officers in early pre-history although it must not be forgotten that the Order had been in existence for several years and had built up its own traditions and customs before Tesalon Gareth's audience with Serpantol. To a considerable extent, then, the Primitive Rule is based upon existing practices. It is not known if this is an original set of commandments or when it ceased to be amended. At any rate it would require revision which remains a future task.

At first glance, many things are apparent, the first is clauses which have at some point past gradually fallen out of use. Secondly is a use of archaic words which the meaning of some may not be fully understood and I may have mistranslated. Thirdly, this gives an insight to the lives of our ancient forebears and the strict lives they led of poverty, chastity and obedience.

Lastly, there is clues of knowledge that lie within these texts:

(a) of the Temple of the Serpents Eye, their priests and the Holy Scriptures they held, suggesting in a few phrases that they are quoting words of the Gods. There is also an indication that the patriarch of that temple has knowledge of the Paladins and are in close bond with the Emperor of Serpantol and the Master of the Knights of Serpantol. Truly, there are many secrets remaining to the Temple of the Serpents Eye.

(b) it speaks of the tiers of structure before we consolidated to Crown, Lance and Shield. There were the Pure Knights who wore the white mantles (a cloak), who were bound by much stricter rules than its Sergeants, who would rank below our Knights of today, but above the rank of our squires. These were either men of less honorable profession or of lesser purity (perhaps they had been married in the past) who could only reach the Sergeant glass ceiling. Reading 'Dur-Veyannh Kharus-Hayl uth Tesalon Gareth' by Lord Circe it would seem that the reform of the order occurred from this which lies in the Code to a scaled down version of what Gareth intended, though when this might have happened is unknown.

(c) that there were many titles of Knighthood which we do not use today, there are references to several types of commanders, seneschals and preceptors.

(d) that Tesalon Gareth petitioned the Emperor of Serpantol with the premise of a knightly order being created to protect the humans in the Empire of Serpantol which the Emperor granted. Tesalon Gareth went on to create 'chapters' of the Knighthood of Serpantol throughout the Empire of Serpantol, in order to defend each part of it from wherever threat might come. With that responsibility came the holdings of much land in order to financially support the Knighthood's cause.

Sehvelarious Iolius, Loremaster.

Here begins the prologue to the Code of the Knighthood of Serpantol

1. We speak firstly to all those who secretly despise their own will and desire with a pure heart to serve the Imperial Emperor as a knight and with studious care desire to wear, and wear permanently, the very noble armour of obedience. And therefore we admonish you, you who until now have led the lives of secular knights, in which Nadrik was not the cause, but which you embraced for human favour only, to follow those whom Austinian has chosen from the mass of perdition and whom he has ordered through his gracious mercy to defend the Temple of the Serpents Eye, and that you hasten to join them forever.

2. Above all things, whosoever would be a knight of Nadrik, choosing such holy orders, you in your profession of faith 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 martyrs who gave their souls for Nadrik. In this religious order has flourished and is revitalised the order of knighthood. This knighthood despised the love of justice that constitutes its duties and did not do what it should, that is defend the poor, widows, orphans and temples, but strove to plunder, despoil and kill. Austinian works well with us and Nadrik; He has sent his friends from Serpantol to the marches of Thalos and Shinalstin, who for our salvation and the spread of the true faith do not cease to offer their souls to Austinian, a welcome sacrifice.

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.

5. Therefore I, Tesalon Gareth, to whom was entrusted and confided that divine office, by the grace of Austinian served as the humble scribe of the present document by order of the council and of the venerable father Caenarfon, patriarch of the Temple of the Serpents Eye.

6. It pleased the common council that the deliberations which were made there and the consideration of the Holy Scriptures of the Temple of the Serpents Eye which were diligently examined with the wisdom of my lord Honorius, High Priest of the Empire of Serpantol, and of the Emperor of Serpantol and with the assent of the chapter, together with the agreement of the Knighthood of Serpantol which is in Serpantol, should be put in writing and not forgotten, steadfastly kept so that by an upright life one may come to his creator; the compassion of Siccara; who permits us to come to Her whom they desire to serve.

Here Begins the Code of the Knighthood of Serpantol

On Holy Service

7. You who renounce your own wills, and you others serving a sovereign kingdom with horses and arms, for the salvation of your souls, for a fixed term, strive everywhere with pure desire to hear matins and the entire service according to priestly law and the customs of the regular masters of the City of Serpantol. 0 you venerable brothers, similarly Austinian is with you, if you promise to despise the deceitful world in perpetual love of Austinian, and scorn the temptations of your body: sustained by the food of Austinian and watered and instructed in the commandments of Our Lord Nadrik, at the end of the divine office, none should fear to go into battle if he henceforth wears the tonsure.

On Prayer

8. But if any brother is sent through the work of the house and of Good in the land - something we believe will happen often - and cannot hear the divine office, he should read from the Holy Scriptures of the Temple of the Serpents Eye; and read seven for each hour and nine for vespers. And together we all order him to do so. But those who are sent for such a reason and cannot come at the hours set to hear the divine office, if possible the set hours should not be omitted, in order to render to Austinian his due.

On Honor and the other Virtues

9. That the Knighthood of Serpantol 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 Serpantol 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 Serpantol. Let the light of Austinian proclaim the Knighthood of Serpantol as his home and will on Algoron and may all who come to us be blessed with common strength of the human race. We of the Knighthood of Serpantol do acknowledge our advanced skill at arms and the necessity 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 Serpantol, and to resort to underhand tactics to win the day. We as Knights of Serpantol 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. 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.

10. 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 Austinain and Nadrik.

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.

On Poverty

12. To each was given according to his need. For this reason we say that no-one should be elevated among you, but all should take care of the sick; and he who is less ill should thank Austinian and not be troubled; and let whoever is worse humble himself through his infirmity and not become proud through pity. In this way all members will live in peace. And we forbid anyone to embrace excessive abstinence; but firmly keep the communal life.

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.

On Chastity

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.

On Obedience

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.

16. 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 their Master. 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.'

The Manner in which Brothers should be Received

17. If any secular knight, or any other man of noble birth, wishes to leave the mass of perdition and abandon that secular life of his kingdom and choose your communal life, do not consent to receive him immediately, 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, and if he wishes to studiously obey the commandments of the Code, and if it pleases the Master and the brothers to receive him, let him reveal his wish and desire before all the brothers assembled in chapter and let him make his request with a pure heart. Upon his entrance may the contents of his estate be transferred to the Knighthood of Serpantol in order for its tithes to assist the greater good of the interests of the knighthood.

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 other Organisations of Algoron

19. The Knighthood of Serpantol 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 Serpantol shall abide by these politics which the Master has aligned us to regardless of thought, word or deed. Under all circumstances are those of the Knighthood of Serpantol 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

20. 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 Serpantol, 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. Futhermore, those whom have selflessly given their lives in the defence of Serpantol and her good peoples of the human race will be elevated to the right hand of Austinian, Nadrik and Siccara.

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 Giving Counsel

30. Let only those brothers whom the Master 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 Master wishes, it is appropriate to assemble the entire congregation to hear the advice of the whole chapter; and what seems to the Master best and most beneficial, let him do it.

On Keeping the Peace

31. 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

32. 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 Serpantol 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

33. 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 Master, 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 Master and brothers, that he may be saved on the Day of Judgement.

On Serious Faults

34. 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.

35. Moreover the Master, 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. The Knighthood of Serpantol 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 Serpantol in the field to bring the light to the land and in the defence of mankind.

On Giving Judgement

39. We know, because we have seen it, that persecutors and people who like quarrels and endeavour to cruelly torment those faithful to the Temple of the Serpents Eye and their friends, are without number. By the clear judgement of our council, we command that if there is anyone who asks anything of you, for faithful men and love of truth you should judge the thing, if the other party wishes to allow it. This same commandment should be kept at all times when something is stolen from you.

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 novitiates and to others who remain in charity for a fixed term. According to the authority of Austinian, the servants of the Temple of the Serpents Eye may have only food and clothing, and may not presume to have anything else unless the Master wishes to give them anything willingly out of charity.

On the Commitment of Sergeants

41. As the squires and sergeants who wish to serve charity in the house of the Knighthood of Serpantol for the salvation of their souls and for a fixed term come from divers regions, 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.

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.

On the Commandments

45. 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.

Amendments

Ladies and Dames

Females have been allowed entrance to Gareth Keep upon the break with Serpantol. There are very early examples of this including the Lady Kiery Elistar who took the reins from Gideon Bane.

Married Knights

The institution of marriage has been accepted and indoctrinated by the Gods of Light, 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. Under no circumstances is a Knight to make an oath which would override an Oath to Knighthood.

Ranks change

In the early Foundation of Knighthood, the Crown, Lance and Shield were created as Her arms, leaving the ranks of pure Knights and Sergeants as obsolete. As the lore from the Dragon Vale notes, 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 curious inclusion of denial has kept scholars awake at night for a long time, though if it is not being derisatory then it probably refers to the simple monastic life which many of the spiritual order keep as denying themselves material pursuits.

No longer need to be noble born

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 earlier days, an aspirant was required to give his estate to be managed by the order in order to meet the costs of our assertions. Now we work on the principle, "You give what you can".

Moving the base of the Oath to Althainia from Serpantol

Upon the formation of the outpost of Gareth Keep, and the subsequent destruction of Serpantol, our Oath is to the Emperor and/or Empress of Althainia. 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.

The Code of Chivalry

The original authors who codified the rules of Chivalry have long been lost to time. Quite likely it was the product of many Knights and Lords early in the formation of the Knighthood. It was brought forward again to more modern times by Lord Rheidyr Glain and Sir Eyrk Lordon who saw that it was published clearly for the Knights to abide by. - Lorekeeper Amberillo

1. Thou shalt believe all thy church teaches and observe all its directions.
2. Thou shalt defend thy church.
3. Thou shalt defend thy Emperor and Empress unto death.
4. Thou shalt defend thy country against all whom oppose it without cessation and without mercy.
5. Thou shalt defend that of any charge unto death.
6. Thou shalt respect all those whom are weak, the poor and the innocent, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
7. Thou shalt never lie and remain faithful to thy pledged word.
8. Thou shalt never brandish thy weapon in anger nor for evil purposes.
9. Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of thy God.
10. Thou shalt be everywhere and always thy champion of the Right, the Good and the True, and forever the foe of Injustice, Tyranny and Evil.
11. Thou shalt always fight fair and in an honourable fashion.
12. Thou shalt be generous and give largesse to everyone.

Motto, Creed, and Oath from The Rise of Knighthood

Motto

Nobilis Factum. Mors ante dedecoro. (Noble Deeds. Death before dishonor.)

During the command of Lord Jhervais LaFortinas it was required of a page to recite this and the creed before entering the service of a knight as a squire.

Creed

The Knight is sworn to valor

His heart knows only virtue

His blade defends the helpless

His might upholds the weak

His words speak only truth

His wrath undoes the wicked.

The creed was later amended with the following:

The right can never die

If one man still recalls

The words are not forgot

If one voice speaks them clear

The code forever shines

If one heart holds it bright

The amendment to the creed was revealed during a sacred quest long after Lord Jhervais LaFortinas' time of leadership. It is thought to be quite old, and the sentiment expressed is similar to that written in the Scrolls of Serpantol which would be unearthed years later. "As long as a single member of the Keep, true to the Ideals and Tenets of the Shield doth stand, still, even so shall those under Gareth’s charge live on, and Hope shall grow anew."

- Lorekeeper Amberillo

Oath

"Oh Nadrik, Lord of Honor, as I ride forth to battle the darkness under your

banner, I do swear to fight with courage and valor, to carry myself with

honor and dignity, to show humility and compassion to others, to be true to

my word and to you. I shall give myself unto the light, and bring those who

would do wrong to justice. I shall hold true to the code of chivalry in all

my actions. This I do swear to uphold and covet from now until the end of

my days."

(replace Nadrik, Lord of Honor with appropriate god/ess)

This oath was recited by a squire when they were Knighted in the time of Lord Jhervais LaFortinas' leadership.

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The Link between the Virtues, Code, Oath, and Measure

Thu Jul 29 03:42:28 2010

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Sirs and Ma'ams,

Virtues: The virtues are the backbone of Gareth. Without them, we would

have no purpose. They show us how to act, and how to live our lives.

The Code: The Code interprets the Virtues for us, and tells us how we should

live our lives.

The Oath: The Oath is simple. It means that we should always act nobly, and

seek death before we dishonour ourselves.

The Measure: The Measure is the way in which the Code is enforced. It is in

place to ensure none deviate from the path.

The Correlation:

As I stated above, the Virtues are our backbone. Everyone within the Keep

should seek to follow them with every fiber of their being. However, if

left to interpret the meaning of each virtues on their own, one may misjudge

the true meaning. Thus, the Code is in effect to ensure that everyone knows

the true meaning of each virtue, and is better able hold true to them. The

Oath, which binds us all, shows that we are willing to hold to the Code, and

uphold the Virtues, or die trying.

So, without the Measure, we could not be sure the Code and Oath were being

upheld. Without the Oath, there would be nothing binding us to the Code.

Without the Code, we would be unsure on how to act or how to interpret the

virtues. Lastly, without the Virtues, we would be no different than those

we seek to destroy.

- Braedock Nainoire