Adventures in Arcadayn
Celestian Knights
By Tim Emrick

The Celestian Church allows three monastic orders of lay knights. These orders are organized similarly to priestly clergy, but are not ordained. They are technically subordinate to the allied clerical order, but some chapters are given much free rein--especially in regions where their military might is essential. These "holy knights" are most common in Krith, slightly less so in Visala, and virtually unknown elsewhere.

Celestian knights have the same prerequisites as the corresponding clerical order, plus ST 10+, HT 10+, Tactics-9+ and one combat/weapon skill at 12+. Rank, Patron and Duty are comparable to clerics, but substitute Military Rank, the knightly order (base patron cost of 20), and hazardous duty [-5 more]. They have Legal Immunity (strict canon law) [5] but must obey a Discipline of Faith (Ritualism) [-5] and any Vows required of the clerical order. They gain no Clerical Investment or Power Investiture. They may gain some of the special abilities common to clerics (see below); especially favored warriors may gain more than this.

Some optional advantages include Blessed (magical knack: Sense Foes) [4], Charisma [5/level], Higher Purpose [5] and True Faith [15]. Divine Favor [variable] is possible, but rare.

Each order is identified by its title object, which is displayed within silver rings of rank, as with priests' vestments. Silver Bows and White Maces wear black garments rather than clerical blue. (See below about Blue Spears.)

The Three Knightly Orders

Knights of the Silver Bow (Doshonor): Silver Bow warriors gain Lunar Influence [5]. Most are proficient with Bow, but this is not a requirement.

Some "moon knights" serve under the command of the "Were-Hunter" sect of the Crescent Moon order, and gain those added abilities.

Knights of the White Mace (Tovanira): White Mace warriors are Resistant to Disease [5]. Most are proficient with the mace, but some prefer a staff or a blunt wooden sword.

A few are renowned for unique spiritual abilities, such as Faith Healing [30] or Medium [10].

Knights of the Blue Spear (Spheres): The Blue Spears are special devotees of St. Theodon and are thus found only in the Krithian Empire. Their primary weapon skill is either Spear or Lance. Add Riding, Shield and History to their prerequisites.

Theodon's knights have the trivial Vow [-1] to wear as much blue as possible. Their vestments are clerical blue with a silver-outlined spear head inside the rings of rank.

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