Knights of saint george

The Knights of Saint George is a religious order of knights whose foremost goal is the defense of pilgrims and travelers, and who fight to further the reaches of the Holy Church.

Any character who has a crusader theme is welcomed to become an aspirant of knighthood in this multi-realm unit.

Whereas some orders require a long squireship, the Holy Order of the Knights of Saint George makes the assumption that one is already well-versed in the combative arts, and requires but a few conditions for knighthood, as it would be impossible for one aspirant to be a squire under a knight halfway across the country.

One of the conditions is that the fighter's character (and not the fighter himself, to avoid any moral entanglements) swear allegiance first and foremost to the Holy Church (although specific theological rulings of this Church will never be defined, it is based loosely on the medieval Catholic Church). The Church, while not specifying what its beliefs exactly are, will issue Crusades, Holy Wars (specifically against units with Pagan Themes, like Greeks, Vikings, or any of the armies of Darkness), etc.

To become a Knight of Saint George, one must take the follwing steps:

1. Swear Allegiance to the Holy Church 2. Have a Crusader theme, in costume or character 3. Pass the three trials 4. Be knighted by either a Knight of Sant George or a Bishop of the Holy Church.

The three trials are a Trial of Scholarship, a Trial of Humility, and a Trial of Combat.

The trial of Scholarship is a written test of one's knowledge of the basic tenents of medieval warfare, including strategy and weapons.

The trial of Humility is a period of lowliness to be conducted at a national event. One is to be placed in the stocks with the barest attire and public ridicule is welcomed. This is to cause the aspirant to understand the place of those at the bottom of society, whom he is encouraged to protect as fervently as the highest.

The trial of combat is a series of armorless duels, in which the aspirant must defeat any challenger. The knight must fight on until he has beaten all challengers, unless they withdraw their challenge in word or in removing themselves from the presence of the fight. This also must occur at a National Event.

After the last trial, there will be a Mass in which a member of the Holy Church (either a Knight or a Bishop - a knight may be a Bishop, but there may be only one Bishop per Realm) must knight the Aspirant.

Once knighted, the aspirant receives a stole of black, white, and silver, bearing the crest of the Holy Order of the Knights of Saint George.