The Knight's Code

The Knights who serve in the King's Army of the Red Dawn or the few chosen for the Black Dove Guard have a strict code they must swear to uphold before they are allowed to serve as active Knights. There are those who are born into the title of Knight that do not have to take the oath if they choose not to serve in the army. The knights who inherit the title who do serve in the army are expected to uphold the title of Knight even if they do not obtain the ranking or service within the Red Dawn Watch or the Black Dove Guard.

The Code of the Arasconian Knight is divided into the cardinal virtues of the Knighthood: Truth, Determination, Loyalty, Wit, Strength, Courage and Love. Each of these virtues has several rules for conduct and belief associated with it. Generally, only those who embody the seven virtues of the Knight are allowed to become knights. Upholding the seven Cardinal Virtues is key to representing the country of Arascon, however, the codes within each virtue are more like beliefs than rules.

Because the Cardinal Virtues are explained through both rule and belief, the code is fluid and depends on the King or Queen who oversees the Knights. The blend of rule and philosophy of the code lends itself well to changing times and changing rulers. To be a Knight is to do more than simply follow a code, it is to understand your leader and to understand Arascon. The knights of Arascon are feared not because of their beliefs, but because of their skill, their intelligence and their strength more than anything.

Code of Truth

The Code of Truth embodies the elements of the Knightly Code that are associated with truth. As truth tends to be subjective, the truth of the code are the Truths of the Knight. This embodies the belief of the Gods in that all things change with the heart and experience of the individual. These are the tenets of the Code of Truth.

• • Truth is neither good nor evil. It simply is.

  • You need not lie or exaggerate about your actions as the truth of them will always be evident by the effect they have on the people and country.

  • Speak truly in the face of nobles and comrades or don't speak at all. Lies befit no one and only shame the badge of your deeds.

  • Know Thyself. Be honest in your heart about who you are. If you do not know who you are, you cannot act honestly in the name of the Crown you serve.

  • Truth and need should be looked at and weighed. A knight must know when truth outweighs need and when need outweighs truth.

  • Goodness is not for a Knight to judge. A Knight may be right in their actions, but their beliefs do not prevent another from being right as well.

  • A truthful heart will never waver from the soul's true purpose.

Code of Determination

The Code of Determination the elements of the Knightly Code that are associated with determination and fortitude. A knight who is determined and presses on against odds shows strength of heart and will power. It can also mean being able to do things that you do not agree with. These are the tenets of the Code of Determination.

• • A Knight presses on, even when he can press no more.

  • Strength of will beyond the mortal ken of man allows a Knight to fight even when the battle is lost.

  • Those who can act against their own heart have the willpower of a Knight because you may not act with your own heart when the lives of your people and your country are at risk. You must follow the orders of the Crown even if you disagree with them.

  • Pain is irrelevant in battle; pain of heart or pain of body. Seeing beyond pain is the essence of determination.

Code of Loyalty

The Code of Loyalty deals with the elements of the Knightly Code that revolve around loyalty to Crown and Comrade. A Knight must be loyal beyond question to the Crown. However, a knight must also be loyal to their comrades and to themselves. These are the tenets of the Code of Loyalty.

• • Speak openly with your comrades The more you know each other, the harder you will work for and with each other.

  • Do not question the order of a noble or of Royalty. Follow order with the full determination of your heart.

  • A knight is someone who is there to catch a comrade who falls.

  • If a fellow Knight falls from the path of knighthood, seek to aid them in regaining their footing. Only as a last resort or betrayal to the crown do you forsake a comrade in arms.

  • A loyal heart will never waver from showing compassion to those it serves.

  • When taking action, the ends do justify the means. But, all affects of an action are the ends and each should be weighed carefully.

Code of Wit

The Code of Wit deals with the elements of the Knightly Code that revolve around intelligence, cunning and wisdom. A Knight must be have the ability to see all sides of something, understand logic and strategize. However, a knight must also be able to make decisions based on instinct and wisdom. These are the tenets of the Code of Wit.

• • All knights must be able to read the written word of their King or Queen.

  • A Knight must practice an art to show they are more than just a warrior.

  • Even in battle, a knight's mind must constantly be active to see all sides of the battle. Strategy of the minute is just as important as strategy planned in advance.

  • A knight must know their history and the history of their country to understand the path they must walk.

  • Intelligence is the master of battle. Instinct is the master of skill.

  • A knight must be cunning, if a battle can be won with words, why draw a weapon?

Code of Strength

The Code of Strength deals with the physical strength of a Knight and their ability as a warrior and soldier. A knight must be strong and skilled in order to serve the Crown under that title. These are the tenets of the Code of Strength.

• • A knight who can no longer wield their weapon should lay it down.

  • A knight who cannot fight, cannot serve.

  • A knight is strong of arm, quick of foot and can endure past all reasonable heights.

  • A knight does not need to prove their strength to the weak, only to the Crown, their Comrades and themselves.

  • A Knight must always be ready to fight should the need arise.

  • A knight should be able to fight even if they have no weapon in their hand.

  • Each knight has their own style of fighting, they must not all be the same, but, they should all show the skill and mastery that befits a knight.

Code of Courage

The Code of Courage deals with the courage of a Knight and their ability as a warrior and soldier. A knight must be courageous in order to serve the Crown under that title. These are the tenets of the Code of Courage.

• • Courage is not the lack of fear, but rather, pressing forward in the face of fear.

  • A knight shows courage even when abandoned and alone.

  • Courage is not battle, nor fighting. That is only an outlet for courage. A knight should never waver from doing things they otherwise would not do if the situation arises with the need.

  • A knight reflects on the consequences of their actions and accepts them without question.

  • Even the most trivial fears must be faced as if the life of others depended on it.

Code of Love

The Code of Love shows that a Knight's heart is larger than themselves. A knight must be able to see beyond themselves with a deep love of country and people. These are the tenets of the Code of Love.

• • Compassion and humility are a sign that a Knight can act out of love for others.

  • A knight fights not for themselves, but for the people they cannot see and do not know. A knight fights for love of comrade and love of country.

  • Peace is peace and war is war. Love transcends both in the heart of a knight.

  • Love yourself honestly. Hate yourself honestly.

  • A knight without love has a sword without gravitas.

  • The less you open your heart to others, the more your heart suffers. A knight who suffers in their heart, cannot fight with an unclouded mind or a sword that is true.