Knighthood on the Shattered Worlds

The Knightly Orders of Paladinhood are represented on the Shattered Worlds, in the Holy Nations on the Fragment Rhynne. The Nations Uland, Althizar and Quy each give rise to a different Order of Knighthood - the Gendian, Delphian and Parthian Orders respectively. Each draws it's might of power from the God Vaestrael, yet each idealises a different aspect of his dominion. Vaestrael is a generous god. The Knights who follow him are granted spell casting ability from 1st level, but spells are granted weekly instead of daily.

Together, the Three Orders of the Church comprise the militant might of the Holy Nations, ever set against the chaotic hordes spawning from the Dread Lands itself.

The Gendian Order

Based in the Nation of Uland, the Gendian Order is the most physical of the three Orders of Paladinhood. Knights claiming fealty tend to be large of stature, often broad shouldered and heavily built. Rites of passage into the Order are nearly always based on physical prowess, and the Holy Challenge taken by aspiring Gendians always contains an element of purely physical endeavour. Gendians differ significantly from Knights of the other Orders by placing significantly less emphasis on physical appearance. Their armour is kept in good, working condition, yet above that little effort is spent in decorating it further - the Gendians believe in the physical embodiment of one's deeds rather than the cleanliness of one's livery. Still, many Gendians sport large bushy beards and moustaches, and the hair is often worn long and braided. Obviously, the charisma exuded by a Gendian Knight has little to do with his physical appearance - they are a kind men, who's charm becomes immediately apparent in a tavern over cool, bitter ale.

The current Preceptor of the Order, Bartle, rules from the Order's Motherhouse in Urlibon, overseeing the many skirmishes against the banding hordes from the neighbouring Galic. Specialising in physical prowess, the Gendians are best suited for one-on-one battle against the minions from the Dread Lands.

The Delphian Order

The Delphians differ markedly from the Gendians. Based in the Nation of Quy, the Delphian way encompasses the might of technology in warfare, focussing on the development of siege engines and the fitting of Dragonships with the machines of war.

Initiation into the Order always involves tests of one's mental capacity, and Holy Challenges set to young Knights almost always revolve around a team challenge, where tactics and strategy need to be employed to overcome the task set. So saying, the Delphian Knights themselves are the epitomy of Paladinhood itself - one's appearance must befit one's station. Armour is kept in optimal condition, with even the smallest dent removed immediately, and the whole suit maintained to a perfect shine. The face is either cleanly shaven, or moustaches are trimmed daily. Hair is kept tidy and clean. All Delphians are handsome individuals, and speak with an archaic tongue that further emphasises their traditional ways. During their noviate years, all Knights are well versed in formal etiquette, and go through Knighthood following strict guidelines to action in and outside of the Motherhouse.

Preceptor Graham, brother of Preceptor Bartle of the Gendian Order, rules from the Motherhouse in Marlen, overseeing the massive Dragonship dock there.

The Parthian Order

The last Order of Knighthood is based in the Nation of Althizar, and believe in a creed less extreme than either the Gendian or Delphian Orders. A Parthian Knight is an honest man, learned in the ways of the world but accepting its harsh realities as life. Not as physically massive as a Gendian, nor as regal as a Delphian, Parthian Knights respect wisdom and forethought in all things. In battle, a Parthian will give careful thought to his actions, but will always follow through with a promise of steel. Rites of passage and the Holy Challenge itself are varied - the Parthian way believes in a more balanced individual so as to better prepared for any threat. Parthians wear black armours, which are kept in very good condition - not just for aesthetic value however - a Parthian understands that his armour may be all that lies between his life and his death, and so respects its value. Physical appearance largely comes down to an individuals preference - if a Knight wishes to put importance on his appearance, so be it. But an individual is respected on the wisdom of his deeds, his virtue, his honour.

Brother to both Graham and Bartle, Preceptor Monfort governs the largest of the Orders from the Motherhouse in Rolanan. Parthian Knights are known for persistence, courage, and a willingness to tackle any adversary for naught but the good of all men.

Knighthood

Entering the folds of one of the three Orders can be accomplished in two ways. Firstly, the family of an individual wishing entry may pay a hefty tithe, and the individual becomes an `intern'. ( Note - this does not mean that the individual will reach Knighthood, however ). Secondly, if an individual shows exceptional promise and virtue, they may be approached and asked to enter Internment. In times of war, the Church may take action and ask many young men to enter Internment . . . it may even *insist* on it!

Once a `season' ( usually twice a year ), the Intern Committee forms. Made up of the Preceptor and a Patriarch from each Order, and a High Priest Adjudicator, each intern is judged on his merits and assigned to an Order most befitting him ( i.e. intellectuals usually become Delphian Noviates ). The Noviates then travel to the Order's Motherhouse, and spend the remainder of the season undergoing formal training to become a 1st level Paladin. This involves tutorage in fighting skills and the arcane lore of spellcasting. At the end of the season, the noviates are judged for Knighthood. Those deemed worthy are knighted into their Order. Those that are not worthy may be asked to sit their noviate again in another, better suited Order.

If the noviate is just not up to Knighthood, they become squires - simple fighters that work with and for the Order. Those that cannot face even this retire. Thus a wealthy family may pay for a son's Internment, but unless the individual is worthy all they receive is an expensive education.

Once Knighted the Paladin receives all powers and restrictions of his class. Only one thing lies ahead of him - the Holy Challenge. Anytime before he reaches 5th level, a Paladin must complete a task set to him by his Preceptor. This is a test of bravery, where a Paladin must face a powerful foe with unwavering courage. This is the final test of one's virtue.

Paladins are Holy Knights, blessed by the might of Vaestrael Himself. In the Holy Nations they are treated with great respect by the populace, and command the title "Sir" by all citizens therein. They may confiscate/commandeer any state or individual property in the name of the Church. They may kill without fear of persecution. They are the right hand of the church. They are law. ( Note - these are Paladins. If any of these benefits are exploited, their Paladinhood is instantly revoked by the all-knowing Vaestrael Himself ).

But in the same vein, Paladins are the servants of the Church. A lowly Abbot may command a Paladin's actions. However a Paladin is subject to the Priesthood's hierarchy of command - the more powerful the Priest, the more influence his voice has. For instance, if an Abbot commands a Paladin to plough his fields, a Preceptor may over-ride this order ( Note - Preceptors are equivalent in rank to Patriarchs ). Still, if them fields *really* needed ploughing, the Arch patriarch himself could over-ride the Preceptor . . . or anyone for that matter.

Game Mechanics

From the above notes, minimum attributes needed for each Order differ, e.g.
Gendians - min Str 15, min Con 15, min Cha 15
Delphians - min Con 13, min Int 14
Parthians - as Player's Handbook

Legends

"Vailion" Copyright 1997 Shawn D. Williamson
Many young knights hear this tale. Usually as a bed time story.

Long ago, in the early days of the knighthood, a particularly brave and failful knight named Vailion surved the chuch well. He was famous for his brave deeds and strict adherence of the codes of conduct. He was a model paladin in every way.

When finally he was too old to fight any more he held up his sword to Vaestral and begged to be able to remain and continue the fight for good. He breathed his final breath and fell, but the sword remained floating in the air.

After a moment it settled to the ground. All of the knicks and scratches where gone. The sword looked brand new. It had become empowered as an intelligent Holy Avenger named Vailion. The old knight got his wish to remain and fight against evil forever.

For years the chuch guarded the sword and allowed it to be used when there was a need. It was lost in one of the earliest battles with Galic in the Ruins of Mon.