The Lost Scrolls of Serpantol

This set of volumes is a discovery by Leumas Circe of the writings of Tesalon Gareth's vision for the Knights of Serpantol.

Dur-Veyannh Kharus-Hayl uth Tesalon Gareth - (The Most Holy Knightly Order of Tesalon Gareth)

It was with great anticipation as I wandered through the old ruins of Serpantol I came across the fallen stones of what must have once been a great Castle. For long the Knighthood had searched for the words that our deep rooted legacy was built on, so when I came across the simple manuscript, or rather what seemed a simple manuscript until you realized that it remained mostly unmarred by the passage of time. The pages still turning with only a bit of crumbling, the words transcribed below appeared to be legitimately those of the founding of the Knighthood and the lessons of the First Grand Master of the Knighthood, Lord Tesalon Gareth. I call him Grand Master for in the pages that will follow you will see the original intention of the structure of Knighthood appears to be slightly different than the one we follow today.

In this first book I shall endeavor only to write on the structure of the Knighthood as Master Gareth envisioned and the rank and file contained for each of the titles to be held therein and the counterparts that would be necessary to achieve this vision of most holy Knighthood. I pray now to Austinian to seek the truth behind these, and should they prove pleasing to his ears, I shall pray in his divine guidance as one of the Three to lead us into a new era of Knighthood.

Shall we begin then, as all things should, with the beginning, and the entrance requirements to join the Knighthood of Serpantol, which would later become known as the Knighthood of Gareth.

Scribed, Leumas Circe, General of the Order of the Lance and High Champion of the Father Austinian

The Aspirant of the Most Holy Order of Knighthood, Writ of Pageship

It was originally written in the Code of Gareth that any Serpantolian could petition for entrance into the Knighthood. With the move south to Althainia, it stands to reason that as the protectorate changed, so would the right of entry. Thereby it should be noted at this time that it was expected that any Althainian of just and good birth would hereby be allowed the right to petition for entrance into the Keep. Though this right of petitioning is duly noted, it likewise does not forsee that every Althainian of just and good birth would be granted entrance, just the right to petition thereby.

However this right of petitioning by any man or woman is reserved to our protectorate, the Kingdom of Althainia. If the aspirant hails from another land other than our protectorate they must adhere to the following stipulations. They must either donate a fee of two jeweled eggs to our protectorate to waive their lack of citizenship therein, or come with there commendation of their own liege lord or with the mentorship of an existing Knight. Thus should an Arkanian aspire to Knighthood they must also bear with them a letter signed and sealed from the leaders of Arkane that he is of good and just stock, or he must bear the mentorship and friendship of a current Knight of Gareth, or he must pay a fee of two eggs to the coffers of our protectorate Althainia.

Upon accepting the aspirancy of the would be pages, the following occurs. Should the aspiring page be of noble birth or have a family member already serving inside of Gareth‘s Keep willing to vouch for the aspirant, the period of time as an Auxiliary Soldier shall be forgiven and immediate entrance into the Knighthood of Gareth’s Keep would be allowed. Should the Aspiring page be of common birth or from a land other than Althainia, the aspirant would be required to spend some time as an Auxiliary Soldier to the Light, gaining in reputation and experience as a soldier, and performing good deeds and quests furthering the cause of Light until such time as the next Council of the Rose would convene at which point the Aspirant would be granted audience to petition for admission as a full page.

Should the Aspirant be granted pageship, he will immediately move from his current homestead and bring his worldly belongings to Gareth’s Keep located to the West and North of her Protectorate, Althainia. Residence in the Keep is required of all pages without exception and no station is granted regardless of origin. All pages are seen as equals upon entrance into Gareth’s Keep and only through action, word, and prayer might one set themselves above the others. As the pages gain in respect and quality through the performance of the most mundane and by nature basic of trainings, prayers, and tasks, the Knights of Gareth’s Keep are to record and take note of the deeds done by these men and women of heroic, good, or justly nature. When the page has made a strong enough cause for himself two things might occur.

Firstly amongst these, either the High Clerist, known as the General of the Shield, the High Warrior, known as the General of the Lance, the High Justice, known as the General of the Crown, or the Grand Master, a position unfilled since the Death of Tesalon Gareth, can assign Squireship to a page of worth. Secondly, a Knight of good standing might petition the Council of the Rose for allowance to take on a page of note as a Squire. Should the Council agree that the mentoring Knight is worthy of teaching a Squire, such status shall be afforded to the erstwhile Page, and so shall the Squireship begin.

The Training and Learnings of the Future, The Writ of Squireship

As previously mentioned, it was written that upon making of good in reputation and character through diligence and work, the page can achieve the title of Squire to a Knight through two methods. Firstly, it is the right of any of the Four Generals of Knighthood, although one of these ranks remains unfilled per the Prophecy of Ascendancy, to grant the title of Squire to any Page they consider of note, and to assign that newly named Squire to a mentor Knight.

This is the most uncommon method of achieving squireship however as in most circumstances the Generals of Gareth’s Keep leave the choosing of such to the Mentors and those they would Mentor.

The second method of becoming a Squire to the Keep is to gain notice for your deeds of good and justly nature, and favorable reputation in the cause for light. As the page grows in fame, so will the Knights take notice of the upcoming potential Squires, and seeing for themselves one who might work well with them, petition the Council of the Rose for the right to take on and teach a particular squire. Should the Council of the Rose then grant such leave, as is most always the case, the Knight will take on the mantle of teacher, and the Squire shall take on the title of Student to the individual Knight.

As it is the job of every one who joins Gareth’s Keep as a Page to learn the Code of the Knighthood, "Nobilis Factum, Mors ante Dedocoro", and the meaning behind it. So is it the task of every Knight Mentor to teach the depth of the Measure, the laws by which Knighthood governs itself, to the Squire. It is the job of the Squire to eagerly and with earnest approach this education in history, religion, and combat. To more than know the Code and the Measure, but to live it. To make the words part of his or her being, and thereby become not a student of Knights, but a Knight unto themselves.

It is the right of the Squire to make known to his Master those needs of his or hers which need to be filled for training purposes. It is the expectation of the Master that he provides his charge with food, dress, and training in exchange for the Squire attending to the Master’s horse, weapons, and armor. Squireship can be long and arduous, or it can be brief and profitable, dependant upon the nature of the Knight, the squire, and the relationship between. The average term is less than three years, often beginning before the squire’s 19th Birthday. When the Mentor Knight feels the squire is sufficiently trained and able in feat of arms and of honor, he officially releases his squire from service and recommends him before the Council of the Rose for admittance into the Knighthood.

Should the Squire be acceptable unto the Council and his Mentor be in good standing, there will be a ceremony to be run by the High Clerist, known as the General of the Shield, and a feast to follow in the honor of the newly Knighted, with a gift to be exchanged betwixt former Master and Mentored.

Should the Squire however prove unacceptable unto the Council, or in the circumstances that the Mentor of a Squire has died or has assumed to have died due to absence extenuating, the Knight shall be given the option of either finding another mentor to re-squire to or, be request a period of questing. Entitled Knight Errand, the petitioner is exiled from the Keep, although not renegaded, and set to task of performing good deeds of noble cause until such time as his reputation and skill are such that the Knight Errand is acceptable to the Council of the Rose.

When or if this day comes, the Knight Errant would have the status of exilement removed and be allowed back into Gareth’s Hall with open arms as a full brother. Equal in all ways to other Knights.

A squire is expected to dress simply, and without call to station or birth. Wearing only the simplest of whites with the only adornment to be a simple brooch in the shape of a kingfisher.

Should the Squire be of noble birth, he or she is also allowed to wear a signet ring of family crest, but no other adornation calling attention to right of nobility shall be allowed. He or she is expected to accompany his Mentor Knight in all times of need and is expected to assist the Mentor at all times in battle unless his Mentor relieves him of such responsibility in a case by case situation.

Upon completion of the Squireship, either by nature of being approved by the Council after the Mentor recommends him, or by completing the period as a Knight Errand, the Knight is formally accepted into the Brotherhood of the Shield. The most Common, but perhaps most Important division of the Knighthood.

The Most Holy Order of the Shield Knights of Siccara

In the Origins of Knighthood, the three Patron Gods of Knighthood visited Tesalon Gareth in the place that his Keep would eventually be built after the flight from Serpantol. Though the

story has been found in its entirety with the manuscript that I now use as my basis for this study, so too do the two intertwine, and so things might be mentioned that does not correspond to the Knighthood of today that seems to remember only the Patronage of Nadrik, yet such is not how it was.

Each of the Three, Siccara, Nadrik, and Austinian did come before the man Gareth and grant unto him a knowledge of the future, a battle of good versus evil that would come to pass, and the need for an order to encompass the most important virtues to stand as the spearhead to the final battle.

For this honor, each of the Gods was granted a division in Gareth’s vision. A branch to represent the nature and cause of the Three. First of these to be granted this honor was the Lady of Healing, Siccara. In reference to her gentle protective nature, and her granting of the powers of healing and defense, Gareth entitled his first division the Most Holy Order of the Shield Knights of Siccara. In the passage of time, few recall this patronage, and the Order of the Shield, most favored of Siccara and First of all Knighthoods became simply the defensive forces and scouts of Gareth’s Keep. Such is not as the original vision of Gareth’s forsaw however.

In the Vision of Knighthood, all Squires upon completion of their tasks, and acceptance into the brotherhood of Knighthood were granted the title Defender of the Shield, and the rank of full Knight of the Shield. The Knights of the Shield were to be the bulk of the members of Knighthood, as the Keep’s Mission is one of protecting the Innocent more so than the Slaying of evil, which is only done in situations where evil will not be swayed from it’s dark and self serving Course.

As a Defender and Knight of the Shield, duties of these men and women were to consist primarily of patrolling and protecting those charges that fell into their Protectorate. All castles and cities controlled by the lands of Althainia are under the protection of the Knights of the Shield, and it is their charge to watch over such. It is a well known legend that as long as Knighthood stands, Althainia shall do so, but here in the original text do we see that it is not the Knighthood as a whole that is mentioned, but specifically it is written that "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." While as with all philosophical statements it can be argued that this does not directly mean that Althainia shall never fall, it is still shown that as long as one member of Knighthood still lives, those that Knighthood protects shall live, whether this means literally or figuratively in our hearts, only the future might know.

The Knights of the Shield form the backbone therefore of the Vision of Knighthood, and would be the majority of all members of Knighthood. Filled with the ranks of the newest, and often youngest Knights, this division is normally filled with idealism and goals of grander things. It is the right of the Knight of the Shield to wear the insignia of the Shield on his tunic, and at the time of the Knighting it becomes acceptable and expected for the Knight to develop or begin to use either his own familial coat of arms or a crest of his own design.

It should be noted that although currently the standing within the Knights of the Shield grants only the title of Knight of the Shield and the Officers therein, this was not originally the Vision of the Knighthood. Within the Shield, Knights of the Shield were to be granted their own titles and recognition dependant on deeds of just and goodly nature and reputation thereby.

First of these as previously mentioned was the title of Defender of the Shield, given to all those who were Knighted. However upon becoming proven of Valor, it was the right of the High Clerist, known as the General of the Shield, to grant those Knights under his charge a variety of titles to reflect upon such reputation.

As all entrants into the Order of the Shield Knights of Siccara were given title of Defender of the Shield, those Knights who further proved their worth to the Shield Knights were often granted the title of Sceptre Knight. The Sceptre Knight was often times placed in charge of squadrons of Defenders of the Shield, and other subordinate members of the Keep be they squires or pages. It was expected that each Sceptre Knight was he himself a master of a location within the defensive radius of the Knighthood, and when combat occurred in these areas, the Sceptre Knight was seen often as the Commander of the goodly forces in that area. Sceptre Knights were rarely summoned forth when the Army of the Shield was called forth into other areas as they were to remain in the area of their dominion and hold defense for the innocents there so as to not leave them without protection. The symbol of this status was quite simply the Shield of their division overlayed with a three orbed Sceptre. It was the primary duty of the Sceptre Knights to maintain defense of the home should the lines on the Field be broken to allow for protection and rescue of besieged Knighthood forces.

Those Sceptre Knights that proved adept enough, filled with honor and virtue, were often times granted the title of Shield of Shields. Granted the right to command Shield Knights in battle these were often times those Shield Knights that were being groomed to begin the task of Officership within the Shield. These Shield of Shields were often times summoned by the High Clerist to attend to the officers and to learn from them in the field, at times being asked to take over lesser officers’ duties in order to test their mettle within the Shield.

Should the High Clerist, known as General of the Shield, be pleased with the actions and reputation of the Shield of Shields, it was to be expected that the Shield of Shields would find him or herself granted the title of Lord or Lady of Shields. The Lords of Shields, known as the Lieutenants, were given full rights to the responsibilities of leadership on the field, and in times of war were granted command of a Brigade of up to two full squadrons of Shield Knights. Addressed as either Lord or Lieutenant, these men were often the front line commanders in defensive actions of the Knighthood and often times other divisions would defer to these Lords of Shields in such actions of defense. These men and women who rose to the title of Lord or Lady were recognized by the Shield standard with a Crown overtop. The Lords and Ladies of Shields were mostly heroes and defenders of noble and just virtue that had proven themselves quite worthy of the right to lead in combat, but still yet were those exceptional few amongst the Lords and Ladies of the Shield granted even to higher status.

Should the High Clerist, known as General of the Shield, be pleased with the actions and reputations of their Lords and Ladies of Shields, these too would find themselves placed

above others in the field to cause others to rally to their banners. These chosen few Lords and Ladies who were granted promotion, were granted the title of Master Clerist, and was granted command of an entire Battallion composed of up to 5 full Brigades of Shield Knights. In support of the near 600 Knights each Master Clerist, known as Captains, commanded, they could call forth a number of men at arms to meet the needs of the army. The insignia of the Master Clerist is the Shield being held in the talons of a Bronze Dragon. These Master Clerists were heroes of note, respected for their bravery and valor in defense of their homes and the lives of the innocents under their protection. Of these Master Clerists, one or two at most were chosen as the most favored of the High Clerist, known as the General of the Shield. These were set above all other Shield officers and were often being groomed to directly succeed the High Clerist in the event of the death of the General or the retirement thereof. These chosen for this rank and privilege were called the Lord Clerists and were second only in rank, right, and reputation to the High Clerist himself.

Referred to as either Colonel or Lord Clerist, these most highly reputed Shield officers were mostly granted land titles as nobility of the Protectorate and was therefore a feudal lord in and by his own right. As a Lord or Lady of Althainia, as well as the Lord Clerist, these officers could call forth the command of a full Division of Shield Knights, nearly some 3000 strong. The Lord Clerist was known by his insignia of the Shield over a Sunburst. These officers were referred to in all matters pertaining to the defensive forces of the Knighthood and were among the most noted of heroes of the realms. Fame and reputation surrounded these Lord Clerists as a blanked of light, and from their deeds, great sufferings were often alleviated or attacks thwarted. But above even these was the greatest of all Shield Knights.

The High Clerist, known as the General of the Shield, is the commander in chief of the Army of the Shield. Chief of 5 full Divisions of Shield Knights, 15,000 Knights heed his call in

battle, and follow his orders with utmost discipline. He is part of the Council of the Rose, and First of all Knights honoring Siccara even should he or she call another patron. He or she is equal in status to the other two Generals of the Holy Order, the High Warrior, known as the General of the Lance, and the High Justice, known as the General of the Crown, and all three are subservient only to the Grandmaster of the Knighthood. A position that remains open to this day since the death of Tesalon Gareth. The symbol of his or her position is a bronze ring, embedded with a brilliant star emerald, the symbol of a shield engraved upon its surface, which he or she wears as a sign of his or her guardianship of the entire branch.

The High Clerist is also recognized as a Baron or Baroness of the Protectorate, Althainia, and holds the rights, responsibilities, and privileges pertaining to therein. The High Clerist

is probably one of the most loved people on Algoron for his or her deeds and most assuredly one of the most loved in Althainia for there above all else do the deeds of the High Clerist and his men reside. He or she is generally a hero for the ages, and often their names are recorded in history for one great cause or another.

In summation, even within the Shield Knights there were expected to be recognitions of deed and valor. From Defender, to Sceptre Knight, to Shield of Shields, to Lord of Shields

(Lieutenant), to Master Clerist (Captain), to Lord Clerist (Colonel) and to High Clerist (General), the Most Holy Order of the Shield Knights of Siccara, dedicated to bring healing

and protection to the peoples of the Protectorate and the innocents of the world is to stand forever as the bulwark and strength of the Knighthood of Gareth. First of the Knighthoods, and based on the ideals of Healing the Ills of Algoron and Defending the Innocent, Favored of Siccara, these are the Knights of the Shield.

Historical Note

The Order of the Shield is the first step in true Knighthood, the Order that any Knight may gain entrance into simply by working through the duties of pageship and squire hood. It is also the Order that Knights must work through in order to one day petition for "Higher" Knighthoods. Though the Shield is the beginning of Knighthood, and would appear to be the Lowest of the Knighthoods, it is also the foundation of the entirety of Gareth’s Vision, and certain legends and stories prove that the Shield more than carries its value to the Knighthood as a whole.

It is of further historical note to mention the Shield of Tesalon Gareth, which was passed on from High Clerist to High Clerist throughout the history of the Knighthood and was said to wear the shield would protect the High Clerist from all those who would not battle the High Clerist on foot in melee combat, was apparently lost during the First Cataclysm. Though the ring of the High Clerist continues to be passed down from generation to generation, this Shield remains at large, and would be of great import should such be found.

The Most Holy Order of the Lance Knights of Nadrik

However not all are content to remain ever vigilant against the forces attacking them. Some of the Knights of the Shield at some point in their progression realize that their strengths, and their hearts lead them to go forth into dark places and therein drive the evil away.

These men are fewer in number but it is of greater glory and strength of arms that these men and women are spoken of. With gentle guidance are the Shield Knights of Siccara to lead in the defense of the pure and the holy. With stern determination and holy righteousness are the Lance Knights of Nadrik commanded to go forth to spread His will, for while Siccara tended the ill, and the weak. Nadrik saw wickedness, and as he did when cutting Devion’s hand from his body, Nadrik saw in the Knighthood not the Shield, but the Lance by which to drive the evil from his presence.

So it was determined that through their actions and through their deeds and reputation, those Knights that achieved success in battling evil and driving forth from the lands and

who would petition the Council of the Rose for permission, could go forth from Siccara’s chosen and join instead the ranks of Nadrik’s Lance. Described following is the process of

that petitioning and the duties described to Gareth of the deeds and nature of the Most Holy Order of the Knighthood of the Lance.

Those Knights of the Shield who feel their skills and hearts take them into Nadrik’s Knighthood, a Knighthood dedicated to the ideals that by waging honorable war against evil is the only way to defend the innocent, may petition the Council of the Rose to enter the Lance. By taking the battle to the enemy you in turn drive evil forth from the lands and thus further the cause of the Light. If the Knight of the Shield is found by the Council to be worthy of this standard, the Knight of the Shield becomes ranked as a Knight of the Lance, holding the title of Novice of the Lance. Those Knights of the Shield that petition the Council for entry into the Lance who are found wanting still, are maintained in the Order of the Shield at their current rank and title, and allowed to continue service to the Knighthood. These Knights must wait til one Council has passed before being able to petition the Council again for entry into the Lance, thus two full months must pass before the next time the Shield Knight might petition for entry into the Order of the Lance.

Once entitled Novice of the Lance, the Lance Knight begins new with his duties. Having completed the quest to join Nadrik’s Order, these Novices are expected to learn what it is to be truly servants to the God Nadrik. Wearing a simple tunic of white, with only a hem of blue to show their dedication to learning the tenets of Nadrik, and a medallion of their faith to their own patron, these warriors are to live in poverty and humility.

Often they find themselves imbued with a holy zeal as Nadrik is the most fervent of the three patron gods of Knighthood. They show outstanding courage and boldness, mitigated only by their piety to their god and the Lord Nadrik. The symbol of their rank is a simple lance portrayed on a badge.

After a period of time as a Novice of the Lance, through which the Knight proves his bravery, courage, and honor, the title of Novice is dropped and the Knight if entitled simply Knight of the Lance. Knights of the Lance are fierce warriors who scour the lands in search for evil. They will travel alone or in small groups offering help to those who suffer injustice and cannot defend themselves. They wear proudly their Coat of Arms and are often the Knights of Lore, seeking adventure and glory in the name of goodness. Their symbol is a simple lance portrayed on a badge, overlaying a gold crescent.

Those Lance Knights who become veteran warriors of the Knighthood are often granted the title Blade Knight. The Blade Knight is the basic member of the Army of the Lance, and serves with four other Lance Blade Knights when summoned to the Army of the Lance.

When they are not summoned by the Knighthood, they may reside either at their Keep or in their home towns, being the first rank of Knights allowed to hold residence abroad from Gareth’s Keep. Often these Blade Knights will go forth into the field, leading charges against evil groups in order to gain glory and spread goodness in the name of the Knighthood. The symbol of the Blade Knight is two lances crossed in an X with the handles down.

Those Blade Knights who further prove themselves and their dedication to the Lord of Honor are often times granted the title of Knight Warrior. These fierce warriors and most devout followers of Nadrik go forth into the lands, incessantly searching out evil to destroy it without quarter. Their symbol is that of the lance, superimposed over a great helm.

Should the High Warrior, known as the General of the Lance, be pleased with the ever growing deeds and reputation of the Lance Knight, they are often promoted past the rank of Knight of the Lance and given opportunity to fulfill their destinies as leaders of men. These men, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and entitled Lord of Lances, are the basic core of leadership within the Lance and are given command over their own squadrons of Lance Knights. The symbol of these Lords of Lances is the Lance over a Crown. They are held to the responsibility of being the basic unit of leadership on the field and often have the most direct communication with the lance Knights. They themselves command a single squadron of Lance Knights within the Army of the Lance.

Those Lords of Lances who prove themselves adept at leadership duties are on occasion granted further promotion within the Order of the Lance and are ranked to Captaincy.

These Captains are granted the title of Master Warrior, and are likewise recognized as a Lord or Lady of Althainia. Granted command of an entire Battallion of Lance Knights, those who are chosen to serve as Master Warriors, are models of chivalric virtue. A warrior whose courage is unbreakable. The symbol of the Master Warrior is a Lance, gripped in the talons of a Silver Dragon.

Of the Master Warriors, often one is chosen who is so virtuous and so noble in battle that he is chosen by the General of the Lance to be trained in and granted opportunity to prove his or her leadership in battle and in court so that one day, pending the death or retirement of the High Warrior, Known as General of the Lance, one would be groomed to take over the position. These select few are known as Lord Warriors, and are granted the rank of Colonel of the Lance as well as granted the title of Baron of Althainia with the duties, rights, and responsibilities pertaining there unto.

The High Warrior, also known as the General of the Lance, is the supreme head of the Order of the Lance Knights of Nadrik. He is, by tradition, appointed as the Commander in Chief of Knighthood’s forces on the Field and is only superceded in command by the Grand Master, a position which has remained vacant since the death of Tesalon Gareth. He is supposed to be the closest living Knight to Nadrik, being of unbreakable faith to the Patron of the Order and of limpid virtue. He is one of the greatest warriors in the Knighthood, but also a symbol of shining sanctity. Along with the High Clerist, and High Justice, he is part of the Council of the Rose and only takes orders from the Grand Master. The symbol of the High Warrior is a silver ring embedded with a star sapphire, upon which is etched the symbol of a Lance. He is by nature granted the title of Duke of Althainia and can command in battle the entire Army of the Lance some 15,000 Knights strong.

Historical Note

The Order of the Lance is the military arm of the Knighthood. The strongest warriors of the Keep, and the most faithful followers of Nadrik alike often stay within her ranks. These Knights live up to the highest ideals of courage, heroism, and self-sacrifice. All their lives they strive to embody these ideals, to be the champions not only of their own gods and goddesses, but also of Nadrik should the two differ.

Tesalon Gareth chose the Lance as the symbol of this Knighthood to represent Nadrik’s idea that war is an honorable way to defend good against evil, provided that lance is wielded with courage, goodness, and valor. The strength of the Knights of the Lance is the acceptance of the laws of Honor that are often harder than those the other Knights are held to, the willingness for self-sacrifice, and the rigorous and strict codes that they must live by in order to abide by the precepts of their patron God.

Currently, through the interventions of Nadrik, it becomes apparent that it is the ideals of the Son for the entirety of the Knighthood to be modeled after his own Order of the Lance, and as neither the Lady of Healing nor the Father of Light, Austinian, who is patron of the Crown, has seen fit to make their desires known, currently all three factions of Gareth’s Keep begin to mold themselves more and more after the Order of the Lance.

Also historically, it is interesting to note that my own position, as High Warrior, or General of the Lance seems misguided, as Austinian’s chosen Champion, often my own paths differ from those to be walked by the Lance according to the tenets of Nadrik. Circumstances as they’ve been has led for odd fellows to lead odd courses though. According to the Vision, currently, it makes far more sense for the current High Clerist, General Amargein Morna to lead the Lance, and for myself to be charged with leadership of the Shield but I digress.

One further note of interest, in the writings of the Origins of Knighthood, there is mention of a sword known as the Silver Sword of the High Warrior, often referred to as "Shining Sanctity".

This sword was apparently given to Tesalon Gareth himself and was passed down from High Warrior to High Warrior until disappearing sometime around the first Cataclysm. While the ring of the High Warrior continues to be passed down from General to General, this relic of a weapon appears to have been lost.

The Most Honorable Knightly Order of the Crown and of the Divine Austinian

(Sularannh Kharus-Hay uth Barus degh Ar-Austinian)

Of all the Knightly orders, the one looked to with the most respect and prestige is the Most Holy Order of the Crown Knights of Austinian. While the Daughter Siccara saw the need for an order of Healers and Protectors, and the Son Nadrik saw the need for an order of valiant and steady Warriors, it was the Father Austinian or decreed that no Knighthood would exist without the Temperance and Nobility to lead. So after the First Knighthood was borne to Siccara and for hers chosen the Shield of standard, and after the Second Knighthood was borne to Nadrik and for his chosen the Lance of standard, lastly the Father decreed the creation of a Third Knighthood to guide them all. For his standard he chose a symbol of righteous nobility, passed down from generation to generation. For his Knighthood came under the banner of the Crown.

The Order of the Crown became the highest and most selective of the three orders of the Knighthood of Gareth. Only the most noble and experienced Knights were to be allowed entrance therein, and only after having shown strength both of character in the Shield and of arms in the Lance. Wisdom and Justice, Prudence and Moderation, Compassion tempered with Fearless Valor, and Outstanding Morality, these are the least of the requirements. The majority of this order are therefore rightfully often those who have heard the calling of the paladin, and those who have at one point or another been officers in the Knighthood…but even as others join this Order, it was at one time akin to being reborn into a Knighthood anew.

In the Vision, it was written that those who had attained success in the lessons of character, healing, and virtue within the Shield as well as courage, might, and strength at arms in the Lance could in fact petition to join the Third division of Knighthood, the Crown Knights of Austinian. To do so was not a task undertaken lightly in those days for a great burden was placed upon all those who chose to take this path of moderation. One could not look to one side or the other, but had to instead consider both as they tread upon the ground Austinian had claimed for his Keep. This path was one of constant vigilance and endless trial and learning, and to begin upon it one had to first submit themselves before the Council of the Rose.

The Council of the Rose would hold a special session for any Knight so applying for entrance into the Crown so momentous an occasion it was considered. These would be called at any time rather than the monthly Councils that the other Knighthoods and ceremonies had to wait for. So serious was the consideration of one who had put him or herself forth for entrance into the Crown that one would have to wait for the passing of 6 Councils had passed before being allowed to resubmit himself for acceptance into the Crown should he or she be proven unfit at the time of the initial application. However should the Knight be found worthy of this honor, a great feast would be held ending with the Applicant to the Crown fasting for a full 24 hours after this last feast, spending the day in prayer in the chapel, cleansing himself for this last and most honorable stage of Knighthood. Upon the sunrise following the day of fasting, the Ceremony for Induction into the Most Holy Order of the Crown Knights of Austinian would commence, with blessings being offered by each the High Warrior, High Clerist, and High Justice. Once the ceremony was complete the Aspirant to the Crown would be ranked as a Knight of the Crown and be given the title of Novice of the Crown.

The Novice of the Crown is literally a reborn Knight. He or she strives to acquire the wisdom to recognize justice and act honorably at the same time. An initiate on the road to enlightenment, he or she would dress most humbly as if a squire, wearing only a plain white tunic over his armor, the only ornament on the tunic a simple badge displaying a Crown. Upon consideration by the Council of the Rose, when the consensus of the Council was that the Novice of the Crown had successfully proven wisdom in acting with moderation, showing both justice and honor, the title of Novice would be lifted and the mantle of Knight of Tears was given unto the Crown Knight.

The Knight of Tears was considered the first stage to enlightenment, he or she has shown understanding that pain and suffering is not a curse, but rather a blessing of the gods of light who use it to teach piety to mortals, for only through suffering can one begin to understand healing. Only through pain can one learn the difference between good and evil, beauty and ugliness. The Knight of Tears is no longer afraid of pain and suffering, and instead uses these to gain an inner strength, determination, and fortitude. Instead of a symbol of misery, the Tears become a symbol of sacrifice, a symbol to that which the Knight would give so that others might not suffer. The badge of a Knight of Tears is a Crown, with three droplets below. Once the Crown Knight has fully shown and embraced this lesson of enlightenment, the Council of the Rose would remove the mantle of Knight of Tears and replace it with Knight of Mind.

The Knight of Mind has reached the second stage of enlightenment, recognizing that the Mind if the gift of all the gods. It is the instrument which allows the righteous and pious to know the path of virtue and honor. Mind is the light which separates good and evil, that pierces the ignorance upon which darkness and evil require to survive. Recognition of this loss of ignorance is in fact which drives the Crown Knight into a destiny of Grace as determined by Austinian, and allows for full understanding of the profound nature of good and evil. The symbol of the Knight of Mind is the Crown, over an open book. Once the Crown Knight has shown understanding of these concepts, and moves beyond fighting evil for evil’s sake into the realm of knowing that the best method of defeating evil is both to understand and expose it’s ignorance to those who would follow blindly, the Council of the Rose will remove the mantle of Knight of Mind, and instead bestow upon the Crown Knight the title of Knight of Heart.

The Knight of Heart is within the third stage of enlightenment, having learned to instinctively follow his heart, and whichever path that heart takes is the righteous and just one. More than understanding the Code by which all Knights demonstrate to be Knight of the Mind, the Knight of Heart, lives this Code because for no other reason that it is right to do so. He begins to see that Knighthood isn’t following written laws or codes places upon paper, but rather that Knighthood is living and acting within the spirit by which these Codes and Laws are written.

The Knight of Heart sees that true honor lives not in the writings and stories of Tesalon Gareth and the other heroes but in the Deeds that they performed. The symbol of the

Knight of Heart is a Crown, over a Heart.

At last, having traversed the lessons of the Novice, and the enlightenment learned from following the path of the Tears and of the Mind and of the Heart, all titles fall away from the Crown Knight and he is simply called a Knight of the Crown. Having reached true enlightenment and understanding that Knighthood does not live in an organization but in the self, not by words, but by deeds, he has ascended at last into the final stage of Knighthood.

For no matter where this man or woman goes, he shall know that he or she is Knightly, and thus does good. For all deeds of the Knight of the Crown for so long as he or she lives by the lessons learned to attain this Honor must be good by definition. Having made this journey, the Knight can now begin to prepare himself for his greater calling, for though still one of the most feared forces on the battlefield known on Algoron, greater still is his risk to the evildoer off the field. He becomes a symbol of good, and respect. He becomes a leader of men and women, and a light by which all are drawn. Such is the calling of the Crown Knight, and few if any are more renown on Algoron. The symbol of the Knight of the Crown is a Crown on the backdrop of a Rose.

Those Knights of the Crown who prove themselves even more adept at leadership and inspiration that the average Knight of the Crown, no small feat in and by itself, can be promoted to officership within the Order of the Crown. These Knights assume the rank of Lieutenant within the Crown and go by the title of Lords and Ladies of the Crown. They assume command of a squadron of Crown Knights themselves, but often can be found commanding many Knights of Lance or Shield by nature of their calling. For though by definition, those in the Lance, Shield, and Crown are all equal, those who attain such high standing in the Crown are automatically considered the superiors and thus leaders on the field.

Furthermore, those Lords and Ladies of the Crown who continue to prove their tactical skill, moral character, and political and religious savvy, are eligible for promotion by the High Justice into the rank of Captain, and thereby assume the title of Master of Justice.

These Masters often can be found commanding an entire Brigade of Knights of the Crown, often followed by many more Knights of Lance or Shield. They are proven politicians as well as most reputable soldiers, and often hold at least one nobility in the Protectorate if not more in surrounding lands by which these Captains have done well by. He is the epitome of the followings of justice and wisdom, and can be recognized by all by the symbol of a Crown, grasped in the Talons of a Gold Dragon.

Lastly, the ranks of the Crown are filled with the highest of warriors. Those who have retired from leadership itself, former Generals who have stepped down to let new blood fill the veins of Knighthood as well as often the next promising General candidates. These retired Generals and future leaders are granted the rank of Colonel of the Crown and hold the titles of Lords and Ladies of Justice. They are at least Barons of Althainia, and often hold lesser nobilities in at least one other land if not more. They are renown as great leaders of men and just and kind politicians. He embodies the ideals of good government and a man of piety and compassion for his people. A strong arm in the defense of the poor an innocent and a helping hand to those in need. These colonels can often be found applying the moral teachings of Austinian in balancing and tempering the decisions made by those geared towards defense and those focused on offense. In battle these men gain command of entire battalions, and can easily be recognized by their standards, encouraging to their men, fearful to their enemies, simple yet observable does the Silver Scale fly.

And yet as simple as the Silver Scale is, one standard does rally more men to the cause, and fly more enemies away in fear than any other. The Gold Scale, flown over the Crown standard. So rises the banner of the High Justice, leader of the entire Knighthood with the exception of the Grand Master, a position so honored that none have held it since Tesalon Gareth. In the absence of the Grand Master it is widely accepted that the High Justice is the Lord Knight.

Leader of all the Knighthood and the entire Army of the Crown. The High Justice is the singular most visible and honored figure of all the Knighthood and it is said that the blessings of Austinian ride with him or her wherever they might be. The High Justice holds supreme legal standing in all matters brought before the Council of the Rose and the entire Knighthood, and though takes advice from, and theoretically is equal to both the High Warrior and High Clerist in standing, the High Justice alone has the right to yea or nay any decision brought forth to the Council. This is the pinnacle of Knighthood both in honor and responsibility and often the High Justice answers to two authorities alone…the Grand Master if there is one, and the Gods of Light themselves, although historically these answers are made to Austinian alone as the Patron of the Crown.

The lone symbol of the High Justice is a golden ring embedded with a star ruby, engraved upon its surface is the symbol of the Crown.

Historical Note

Legends hold that when Tesalon Gareth completed his quest to form the Knighthood at the spot where the Keep of Knighthood now stands, he knelt on the ground in prayer to

the Three patron gods of Knighthood. There on that very glade did a single red Rose grow, and there did Gareth decide to build his Keep when the Knighthood fled from Serpantol. He was commanded to pluck the rose and when he did so it turned to gold, and was later embossed upon a Breastplate. The Breastplate of the Rose was lost sometime after the First Cataclysm and has remained at large since. It is said that it contains the heart of the Knighthood and that he who regains the Plate would bring the Knighthood into a new era of enlightenment.

Special Orders of the Knighthood

The Archknights

There are two Special Orders of the Knighthood given name to in the Vision of Knighthood by Tesalon Gareth. First of these are the Archknights. The Archknights are often ambassadors of Knighthood to other clans and kingdoms, serving there under official order of the Lord of the Knighthood for some special reason, be they militarily or political.

They are entitled to enforce the will of the Council and speak for them in all matters pertaining to the Knighthood. These Knights are considered the champions of Knighthood, a glorious hero who walks the lands in a perpetual Quest to serve his Knighthood. The people often will bow at his passage and he was given a golden ring with a diamond embedded in it, engraved with a rose to signify his standing within the keep.

Ordyr uth Paladine

The second of these Special Orders recognized by the Knighthood was the Ordyr uth Paladine. The Order of Paladins. They were often involved in many branches of the Knighthood and to this day the Calling is heard and answered by many good and true Knights. In addition to their normal rank and title, those issued the calling were allowed to be called simply by their god given title of Paladin. That alone conveys a message of honor and trust and the will of the Gods on Algoron. It is a burden and great honor to be called to service, and though not all answer, and to not answer does not mean dishonor, for harsh is the path of the Calling, most will.

The Grand Master of the Holy Order of the Knighthood of Gareth’s Keep

I thought it of particular note to mention here the position of Grand Master of the Knighthood. In the writings of the Vision as I have been able to translate and scribe, the Lord Knight Tesalon Gareth does in fact mention by name three Generals and their division of service. In his writings he specifically mentions the names of Lord High Justice Duncan esth Caela, Lord High Warrior Ariolan ip Baxtrey, and lastly Lord High Clerist Garwen uth Peres. The Lord Knight Tesalon Gareth himself was not referred to as any of these, but rather named as Grand Master of the Knighthood. Though later writings show that Duncan succeeded Lord Gareth as leader of the Knighthood, he never takes upon himself the title of Grand Master.

In the writings as I have translated them there appeared to me a prophecy of sorts, the declaration of High Justice Duncan esth Caela that as Sir Tesalon Gareth was visited and charged by a Holy Trinity to found an Order of Knights dedicated to each the causes of Defending the Innocent, Destroying Evil, and Governing Justly, so though he ascended to leadership of the Knighthood, none should wear the mantle of Grand Master of the Knighthood again until such time as one was gifted by the Holy Trinity again to lead Gareth’s Keep.

This person, gifted by the Holy Three would be called Grand Master and would lead Gareth’s Knights into the Final Battle…the battle by which Good would finally have victory conclusive over evil, and kindness, compassion, and virtue would reign supreme.

Thus still in this day does the Knighthood run, with the Lord Knight being the office of the High Justice, General of the Crown, and the fourth Generalship, that of the Grand Master remains vacant to this day. Still we await the coming of he who is blessed by the Three, and can lead the Knighthood into final victory.

I have grown weary of writing for now, and this concludes the Vision of the Knighthood, as apparently written by Tesalon Gareth, First Lord Knight, and Grand Master of the Most Holy Order of the Knighthood, and translated and scribed by Lord High Warrior, Lance General Leumas Circe, Champion of Austinian and member of the Ordyr uth Paladine.

Grandmaster of Knighthood

The post of Grandmaster has been vacant since the death of the first man to hold that position, Tesalon Gareth. The Grandmaster would lead the three Lord Knights of the Crown, Lance and Shield, and they report to the Grandmaster in that order. As there are four leadership positions in existence, the Grandmaster retains the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

The Knighthood is ruled by the Grandmaster of the Knights of Gareth and the Council of Serpantol, formed by representatives of each order. This Council is reunited during certain times in a year to discuss matters concerning promotions, guidelines, information gathering, war councils, talk with allies, etc. The Council may have extraordinary sessions if the situation is exceptional.

When the Grandmaster dies, the new Grandmaster is chosen between the members of the Inner Council. In more recent times leaders have been chosen by the Middle Council in an effort to be more representative. Although a Knight of the Crown is usually chosen due to his experience, there is no known rule stating that, and there have been known situations when a General of the Lance or Shield has been chosen instead.

There is a prophecy amongst the writings of Lord Circe that states that, "none should wear the mantle of Grand Master of the Knighthood again until such time as one was gifted by the Holy Trinity again to lead Gareth’s Keep. This person, gifted by the Holy Three would be called Grand Master and would lead Gareth’s Knights into the Final Battle ... the battle by which Good would finally have victory conclusive over evil, and kindness, compassion, and virtue would reign supreme."

Some think that this prophecy has already come to the Keep in the form of the "Blessing of the Trinity" of Lord Gwaine d'Aggravaine. The Trinity came to him in collective and bestowed their blessing upon the Keep and Nadrik in particular upon the new Lord Knight, theoretically reviving the post of Grandmaster to prepare for the "Final Battle". Lord d'Aggravaine claimed humility when the event was presented to him, awaiting further blessings from Siccara and Austinian.

This is a curious subject to find amongst the older written records from Serpantol particularly in reference to the knowledge of the 'Word of the Gods' which is reputed to lie in the Temple of the Serpent's Eye. Indeed the references are so old that this would pre-date the prophecy of the Shadowknights. However unlike their prophecy, lying, cheating nor stealing becomes admissable as it is the Holy Trinity which it is written will bring it to fruition.

The Council of Serpantol

In days of olde, when issues arose of profound importance then a council would be called in order to hear the views of the knighthood. The issue would be drawn up by the Grandmaster and his Generals to be put to discussion of the appropriate body.

In times of diplomatic upheaval, and war was to be announced, the Inner Council would be convened. The Middle Council would address items which required the mature positions of all serving knights. The Outer Council would be used for such things as to poll the general membership of Knighthood to measure opinion.

The Inner Council of Serpantol would comprise of the Grandmaster and General to Colonel of each order. Colonels were included as in the event of a general retiring from leadership, the Colonel (although not assured of the promotion) would be required to follow the policy from which that decision had been taken.

The Middle Council of Serpantol would include the inner council and continue to any knight who had gained his spurs. Serving knights are included as gaining ones spurs is perceived to be the seminal event of a knight's life, so once they have come of age in terms of their knighthood then their opinion matters.

The Outer Council of Serpantol would include any serving member of Gareth Keep.

Although the geographical base of Knighthood operations has moved south to Gareth Keep, the name of 'Council of Serpantol' was retained to honour the place of birth of the Knighthood.