ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY HER SERENE HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS OF SAVOY, 7TH OF SIGISMUND'S END, 1867

TO ALL OUR LOVING AND FAITHFUL SUBJECTS OF WHAT DEGREE AND RANK SOEVER,

It pleases the Savoyard Crown to recognize Our leal subject, Llewelyn ap Fawr, as a great servant to the Principality, and a future leader of the Daelish people in lieu of the disappearance of those previous. As such, the Savoyard Crown, with the authority vested upon Us by God and Our people, invests in Llewelyn ap Fawr - the Barony of Daeland to hold and pass onto his legitimate heirs. We further grant him the Daelish Isles as the land for his endeavors in acknowledgment of his service to the Crown. He is trusted with keeping law and order within his holdings, upholding the rule of the ruling dynasts, serving the Savoyard Crown dutifully, and to raise his sword in defense of the Principality.

IN NOMINE DEI, 

HER SERENE HIGHNESS, Renata I, Princess of Savoy, Duchess of Corazon, Countess of San Luciano and Sarissa, Baroness of Brynnrose, and etcetera.

A TRAGEDY IN THREE ACTS

ISSUED AND CONFIRMED BY HIS SERENE HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF SAVOY, 10TH OF SUN’S SMILE, 1866 

HARK YE AND BEAR WITNESS,

IN THE FIRST,

An attack on Our person, unwarranted and unexpected; by those We called cousin, aunt and uncle. Our ailing nation brought further into turmoil by the machinations of Imperial sinners. Yet We, GOD-fearing, ever-forgiving, took it to be a mistaken blow by irrational Men.

IN THE SECOND,

An attempt at a coup, irrational and irreverent of law and order; a betrayal in Our own home, by one We called sister, backed by the legions of the anathema. We prevailed, for Our blade is one guided by the determination of Our countrymen; yet they forced upon us the title of kinslayer to do so. This We cannot forgive.

IN THE THIRD,

A war ensues, A friend did we offer our leal service in their protection in a quarrel most honourable. Upon its conclusion, and our subsequent conquest: a betrayal most foul. For such action, a slap upon the wrist, whilst a clandestine pat on the back from a most ignoble Novellen and that Aurelian Brotherhood saught to condemn us.

THEREFORE, LET IT BE SO, 

We see now that no amount of Our leniency seems dissuasion to the foul Novellen, who would turn sister upon brother - in jealousy, no doubt, of Our ability to befriend our siblings without the urge to bed them. Let Our blades be guided by His will, and Our shields fortified by His light.

Consider this a declaration of WAR, plain and true; for the Sun need not skulk in the shadows.

GOD-WILLING,

HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Lucien I, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano, Peremont and Sarissa, Baron of Brynnrose, and etcetera.

AIN SARNUVIK VALKSKEJ 

Agreed and established on this

5th of Wzuvar i Byvca, 419 ES  | 10th of Snow’s Maiden, 1866

Between the KONGZEM OF HANSETI-RUSKA and the PRINCIPALITY OF SAVOY

The Kingdom of Haenseti-Ruska and The Principality of Savoy hereby agree to join together as brothers in arms, a sign of brothers in faith during this time of unsettlement and uncertainty within the realm of Almaris. The ‘signatories’ as they will henceforth be referred to, agree to the following terms: 

I

The signatories will recognise the sovereignty of each other's respective nations, and land. 

II

The signatories will agree to not take up arms against one another for the duration of this pact and should issues arise, they will be solved through diplomatic means. 

III

The signatories will agree that citizens from either nation will be safe and protected within either nation's lands, unless a law-breaking conflict were to arise. 

IV

The signatories will agree to host tax-free stalls in each respective nation in order to promote the bonds of economic ties between one another. 

V

The signatories shall assist each other in times of war and provide protection, should the need arise. 

VI

The signatories agree to uphold this pact for the duration of ten years.  

IV JOVEO MAAN

His Royal Majesty SIGISMUND III by the Grace of Godan, King of Hanseti and Ruska, FIDEI DEFENSOR, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Bihar, Dules, Lahy, Muldav, Solvesborg, Slesvik and Ulgaard, Duke of Carnatia and Vanaheim, Margrave of Korstadt, Rothswald and Vasiland, Count of Alban, Alimar, Baranya, Graiswald, Karikhov, Karovia, Kaunas, Kavat, Kovachgrad, Kvasz, Markev, Nenzing, Torun, and Toruv, Viscount of Varna, Baron of Esenstadt, Kraken’s Watch, Kralta, Krepost, Lorentz, Rytsburg, Thurant, Venzia and Astfield, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera. 

His Serene Highness, LUCIEN I, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano, Peremont and Sarissa, Baron of Brynnrose and etcetera.

Her Royal Highness, RENATA ADELINA, Princess of Savoy.

14th of the Grand Harvest, 69 S.A.

[!] A depiction of the Battle of Two Suns.

     On the 7th of the Grand Harvest, 69 S.A., a great deceit was levied upon His Serene Highness, Prince Lucien I of Savoy. The Princely Council had convened in the County of Lvinsk for its second time in recent months to discuss the matter of succession of the Savoyard Crown. The potential claimants were Princess Renata de Savoie, Princess Carolina de Savoie, and Count Remus de Bar. However, minutes into deliberation, the sound of many pairs of boots echoed through the rooms below the gathering, signaling the arrival of a violent party. They announced their intentions immediately upon bursting into the room. They had come with the intent to kill.

     The Council was unprepared for such an attack, but raised their blades against the mercenaries. Prince Lucien was the first to don his armor, followed by those council members and soldiers present: Princess Renata de Savoie, Princess Carolina de Savoie, Count Remus de Bar, Count Borys Jazloviecki, Count Karl Barclay, Ruadh Mòr, Commander Sebastian Velho, and Corporal Julius. With some Savoyards unarmored, and the numbers almost evenly matched, the battle began.

     The Savoyard Council prevailed against those paid mercenaries, led to victory by their Prince, who cut down the majority of the attackers. His Serene Highness remained unharmed throughout the battle. In the bloodied area, however, as those bodies still lay warm upon the earth and the Savoyards pushed themselves to their feet, something was clear. A betrayal had occurred. As the injured council gathered, Princess Renata’s gaze fell upon her sister. In her eyes, something was certain.

“I believe our sister has betrayed us.”

     Although Princess Carolina argued her innocence, there was no doubt in the council’s eyes. She was an unfavorable candidate, and first in the line of succession if Prince Lucien were to die before selecting a successor. In the midst of the dispute, she challenged Princess Renata to a duel. A fight to the death over her honor. Princess Renata accepted, asking her elder brother whether he would be her champion. He agreed.

“You would have another fight your battles?”

“You had sellswords fight your own.”

      And so the duel commenced. By its end, Princess Carolina Luisa de Savoie lay dead upon the Savoyard soil. In the aftermath, the Oracle-Count Remus approached the remaining royal siblings. With a wound yet to be tended bleeding from his abdomen, he told of a vision. When that blade had plunged into his gut, he saw Princess Renata and himself sharing the throne of Savoy. He saw twin sons, and a daughter. Such visions were not taken lightly. 

In the discussions following, a successor was soon to be named: 

Princess Renata Adelina Ashford de Savoie was heir to the Savoyard throne, and Duke Remus Ashford de Bar would be her consort.

Signed,

His Serene Highness, Lucien I, Prince of Savoy

Her Royal Highness, Renata Adelina Ashford de Savoie, Princess of Savoy

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLERY
Sigismund’s End,1853

    The office of the Chancellor is tasked with a variety of responsibilities for maintaining the Savoyard Realm. The Chancellor is tasked with being the right-hand to the throne and dedicating their life to ensuring that the throne is successful and thrives.  Positions within this office are not given specifically to nobility but it is one that is earned through loyalty and diligence to curate the success of the principality on an administrative and everyday level. It is here that their main duties and responsibilities are outlined, despite that not being what they are limited to achieving. It is expected that those within this office go above and beyond with their work to ensure the success of Savoy.

VASILEIA EKATERINI BASRID as Her Excellency, to bear the Signet of St. Wilfriche, bear the Great Seal of the Realm, and govern Savoy as Our Lady Chancellor;
The duties of the Archchancellor are to act in the capacity of the Prince when he is unavailable. They are charged with the administration of the Council of State, ensuring that those on the council remain productive and on top of their duties. Oftentimes, the Archchancellor acts as the voice of the people to advise the Prince on matters that the people care for so they will see direct action taken. They act as the Royal Exchequer and are responsible for maintaining the matters of the treasury.

MATYAS JAHAN BASRID as His Excellency, to bear the Signet of St. Nafis, and govern Savoy as Our Lord Vice-chancellor;
The duties of the Vice-chancellor are to assist with the duties of the Chancellor when they are indisposed. They ensure that the administration of Savoy is upkept and oftentimes assist the councilors should they need such. They act in an advisory capacity to the government and council as a whole for Savoy. The Vice-chancellor acts as the Vice Exchequer and is responsible for hiring tellers for the treasury.

COUNCIL OF STATE
The Council of State each have their own duties and responsibilities to maintain within the Realm. They are a part of the Chancellery and facilitate their duties they have been charged with for Savoy. Each Councilor has a different duty they have been tasked with that has been outlined in the Winter Contingency. The Chancellery is responsible for their oversight along with the Prince to ensure they are on the right track. 

TELLERS
Tellers are those hired that are dedicated to the financial upkeep and wellbeing of the Crown. They keep up the accounts, ledgers, and bookkeeping of the monetary expenses with Savoy. Along with this, they are charged with coming up with ways to ensure the money is made and we remain financially fluent.

SCRIBES
Scribes are those that have proven themselves exceptionally at linguistics, and have been hired into this role befitting of their talents. The Scribes of the Chancellery often write edicts, missives, letters, and the likes upon being directed.

IN NOMINE DEI,
Her Excellency, Vasileia Ekaterini Basrid, Lady-Regent of Savoy, Archchancellor, etcetera.

DECLARATION OF REGENCY

10th of Owyn's Flame, 1850

As I embark on this journey between myself and GOD,  a journey of unknown perils and spiritual reckoning. I must turn my gaze to that of the temporal realm one more time to ensure the safety and sanctity of my people. The realm is filled with dangers beyond that of myself and others, a time of both war and peace, which is why I must leave the Principality of Savoy within the hands of my most entrusted whilst I take this journey. 

From now until the time I return, or even if I should not, I formally declare Valentino Gradic as Lord Regent of Savoy to head a regency council. Councilors who have had the best wishes of the Savoyards at heart since its reemergence with my father. It is in Valentino Gradic and the Council that I trust the care of the betterment of Savoy and it’s decisions here on out until my return. 

The regency council will consist of the following;

Lord Regent Valentino Gradic

Serene Princess-Consort Catherine de Savoie

Lady Exchequer Vasileia Basrid

Baron Sainte-Blandine

Marshal Edmond de Rouen

Duke Lucien de Bar

Master of the Hunt Malcolm Douglass 

Grand Knight Ulrich von Alstreim

Count Ernst Barclay

IN NOMINE DEI,

HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Olivier Laurene Ashford de Savoie, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano

THE GRAND CHIVALRIC RESTORATION

Formation of the Order of the Argent Sun

Issued and confirmed by His Excellency the Grand Knight, Sir Ulrich Lothar von Alstreim, on the 11th of Sun’s Smile, 1840.

PREAMBLE

The last Renatian knight departs Orenian Helena, c. 1738

((Sir Lancelot by Julek Heller))

Following the conclusion of the Great War and the subsequent progressive revolution, the past century has seen an unprecedented breakdown of traditional values and social order within the realms of Man, including the widespread shunning of the ancient and storied tradition of chivalric knighthood. It is the express will and desire of His Serene Highness to at once reverse this cultural rot and restore the most noble and heroic pursuit of virtue that martial knighthood signifies.

Therefore, at the behest of His Serene Highness, His Excellency the Grand Knight of Savoy has been entrusted with the immediate establishment of the martial knightly Order of the Argent Sun. 

THE ORDER OF THE ARGENT SUN

The quintessential Savoyard knight, c. 1839

((Iron-Clad Emmanuel by Nikolai Konstantinovich Kalmakov))

Mission of the Order

The Order of the Argent Sun is empowered to act as the sole assembly of all sanctioned and registered Knights and Squires within the Principality of Savoy. Tasked with maintaining Princely authority in the South and with projecting Ashford influence abroad, beyond the Realm’s borders, the Order represents the ultimate enforcement of the Prince’s will, and acts in his stead as enforcers of law and order within the Realm. All tenets and structures of the Order draw inspiration from historical knightly orders of renown, namely those of Savoyard, Waldenian and Renatian fame.

Directed in their arduous efforts by the Grand Knight, members of the Order are expected to adhere to strict chivalric codes and oaths of service. During peacetime, its premier knights are assigned domestic duties either within the immediate Royal domain or in Savoy’s vassal holdings, while its adventuring ranks are tasked with completing various tasks in assistance of other Canonist domains. In wartime, sworn brethren of the Order act as the Prince’s most elite task force, an unbeatable shock division that instills fear in hearts of the enemy on the battlefield and their towns alike. As such, unwavering loyalty and courage in the face of the enemy is an integral virtue demanded of all knightly members. 

The Order’s imagery derives from the Ashford Sun, the immortal sigil of all Savoyard sons, and its knights are expected to offer it due reverence. Symbolism plays a significant role in the Order’s daily dealings, and its members are often portrayed as far-reaching rays of the Argent Sun, signifying their role in illuminating and serving the Realm.

Path to Knighthood

A knight’s duty is to be a shining example of both Canonist and chivalric virtues, and to be an exemplary representative of his liege lord and nation. Therefore to achieve this coveted rank, and thus membership in the Order of the Argent Sun, is no easy feat; few ultimately succeed in this pursuit, a testament to such a role’s innate expectations. In addition, accession to the Order is restricted to pious Canonist males of full-blooded Human descent. Under no circumstances will an exception be made in regards to an aspirant’s faith, gender or purity, though it remains the exclusive prerogative of the Prince of Savoy to provide dispensation for his most loyal and faithful male subjects of full-blooded Elven or Dwarven descent, should he so desire.

There exist two given paths for an eligible aspirant to obtain a place among the Order’s ranks. Valorous men in service to the Crown, those who display extraordinary prowess in battle and an innate understanding of the virtues of chivalry, or commit unusual feats of bravery on the battlefield may for their courageous deeds be directly granted a knighthood. Such a rank may be bestowed by Princely edict or command, and with the advisory approval of the Grand Knight.

Families seeking membership in the Order for their heirs, however, are instead provided with the option to offer their sons up for a tenure in squirehood under a seasoned Knight of the Realm of the Order, or a landed vassal of the Principality. Prestigious candidates even have the prospect of serving beneath the Prince himself, or the Grand Knight. Although noble blood is not a prerequisite for squirehood, all patrician bloodlines of the Realm are encouraged to provide squires to the Order. These candidates undergo a rigorous training regime beneath their mentor, one carefully tailored to forge an unbreakable bond between the aspirant and the Realm. This is meant to instill in them the martial skills and virtues necessary to call themselves a true knight.

RANKS OF THE ORDER

Knight-Errant of the Argent Sun, c. 1840

((Sir Galahad by George Frederic Watts))

Squirehood and Rise to Knighthood

Hopeful candidates for accession to the Order of the Argent Sun, boys between the ages of eight and sixteen, are assigned the transient rank of Squire and placed under the guardianship of a senior knight or vassal. They are expected to commit to a myriad of duties in service to their mentor, starting with the maintenance of his arms and equipment. In turn, they are granted a privileged insight into the daily life of a lord and knight - as well as the necessary training and education in the matters of combat, etiquette, chivalry and faith. 

During this period, Squires are also expected to commit to a diligent study of the Order’s tenets and the history of knighthood. As their tutoring progresses and as they come of age, Squires become active combatants along with their seniors, and are assigned a quest to complete once their training comes to an end. This task, the crowning achievement of their knightly education, will be devised by the Grand Knight and their mentor, and will serve to showcase the Squire’s progress and attained knowledge of the Order’s customs.

Successful completion of this task shall warrant for the Squire a long-awaited occasion: a Princely writ raising the aspirant to the rank of Knight, signed and sealed by the Grand Knight and including a heraldic grant if necessary, shall urge the Squire to initiate his knighting ceremony. An all-night vigil in the capital’s Basilica, following a day’s fast, awaits the Squire, who shall display his dedication dressed in white and by spending the night in prayer and reflection. As the new dawn rises, so shall the Argent Sun with its newest brother, now set to formally recite his oath of service before the Prince:

“I swear on the Argent Sun and upon my honor that I shall protect the blood of Ashford and the Realm of Savoy, and any who call it home, until death. I swear to be a true Knight, chivalrous and brave, and to defend my Prince at all times or fall in the attempt. Saint Lucien, be my witness.” 

Degrees of Knighthood

Knightly tiers of the Order of the Argent Sun follow a simple hierarchy, dividing the ranks into three degrees of varying responsibilities, privileges and importance:

Knight-Errant

The journey of a newly knighted Squire will more often than not begin with the rank of Knight-Errant. Associated in Savoyard culture primarily with young nobility and burgher sons and worthy of the basic knight insignia and the rank of Sir, yet still found wanting in regards to assuming the complete privileges of a full-fledged Knight of the Realm, Knights-Errant are expected to embark on a tour of errantry. 

Directed by the Prince of Savoy and the needs of the Realm, or the troubles of a landed vassal, Knights-Errant prove their valiance and virtue by traversing the lands and completing tasks and quests assigned to them. In the lack of an assignment, the Errant is expected not to loiter and idle, but instead to seek glory for the Realm and himself on his own - be it through duels, passages of arms, or perilous tasks of uprooting unnatural creatures and abominable gremlins.

Though of a rank perhaps less prestigious than Knights of the Realm, and without the benefit of being allowed to claim a knightly fief, Knights-Errant do have the distinction of being able to roam freely in completion of their tour, and having full freedom to pursue those personal endeavors of bardic fame through the completion of their quests. Unable to field Squires of their own, they are nonetheless encouraged to recruit assistants, some of which might, in due time, be considered for proper Squirehood.

Within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, Knights-Errant are awarded the style of Aspirant of Saint Lucien.

Knight of the Realm

Seasoned veterans of the Order bear the rank of Knight of the Realm. Knights of the Realm form the bulk of the Order of the Argent Sun and therefore the majority of its fighting force. Upon them are bestowed all the standard privileges of knighthood - the right to carry gilded spurs, bear a knightly moniker, display their heraldry in the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, and bear arms in the Prince’s Court. 

The most striking privilege of all, however, is the right to obtain a personal knightly fief at the Prince’s discretion. Usually in the form of a fortified watchtower at a point of note or a crucial junction of the Realm, the most successful Knights of the Realm may, as a reward for their faithful service, obtain even a castle of their own.

Such privileges are not awarded lightly. Knights of the Realm commit to duties assigned to them by the Prince and the Grand Knight, often of greater importance to the wellbeing of the Realm than tours of errantry. Keeping the peace in the Realm’s capital, aiding in the pursuit of justice, engaging in feats of great piety and civil service, and serving as an elite wartime unit are the duties expected of a Knight of the Realm, all the while committing to the virtues of chivalry and maintaining their fief, or raising a Squire. 

Within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, Knights of the Realm are awarded the style of Inheritor of Saint Lucien.

Redeemer Knight

The most experienced and revered brothers of the Order, those living embodiments of loyalty and chivalry, ascend to the coveted rank of Redeemer Knight. Never exceeding in number the sacred digit of seven, these legendary Knights forgo those daily duties of Knights of the Realm to serve none but the Creator and their Prince in thought and in practice. 

Raised to the rank of Redeemer through a reserved, mystical sacrament in the Catacombs of San Luciano, they are bestowed upon the rare honor of guarding the relics of a fallen, exemplary knight of their choosing, or of a Venerated, Blessed or Sainted individual of the Church - accepting them as their personal Patron, secondary to the Order’s Patron, Saint Lucien of Ulmsbottom. From that moment onward, throughout public functions and in the presence of the Prince, Redeemer Knights are expected to wear their knightly plate and mail at all times, paired with a noble metallic (steel, gilded steel, gilt-silver, silver or gold) face mask depicting their Patron’s likeness. Allowed still to maintain their names, lineages and heraldry, and to engage in their personal lives (without their face coverings) as is natural, most Redeemer Knights opt to abandon their previously earned monikers and, in some cases, their last names in favor of a name honoring their Patron, or to swear oaths of chastity and restraint.

Considered the most fearsome warriors of the Realm, and the wisest, most chivalrous instruments of the Prince’s domain, Redeemer Knights are treated by the Savoyard folk as the living embodiments and representatives of the legendary host of the Virtuous Dead, and are granted near-limitless authority in many affairs at the personal discretion of the Prince. In his absence, Redeemer Knights are commanded by the Grand Knight as an extension of this authority, and their ranks in turn issue orders to lower-tiered Knights.

Within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, Redeemer Knights are awarded the style of Redeemer of Saint Lucien, in addition to their Patron’s commission.

Positions of Merit

Two positions of merit exist in the Order of the Argent Sun, separate from its traditional rank structure.

Standard-Bearer

The Standard-Bearer of the Order of the Argent Sun is traditionally raised from the ranks of the Knights of the Realm. His duty is to carry and maintain the sacred battle flag of the Order, the Argent Banner. In battle, he is tasked with protecting the Argent Banner at all times, raising it high to bolster the morale of Savoyard soldiers; allowing the flag to be captured by the enemy is the ultimate disgrace the Order could ever suffer. 

Within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, the Standard-Bearer is awarded the style of Armiger of Saint Lucien. Throughout his tenure, this style takes precedence over that of the Knights of the Realm. 

Grand Knight

The Grand Knight of Savoy, or Grand Knight of the Order of the Argent Sun, is considered the acting Grandmaster and Commander of the Order, charged with maintaining the daily affairs and structure of the Order, as well as the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun. As it is in its essence an office of the Principality and a position on His Serene Highness’ advisory council, it is considered a position of merit within the Order mandated by the Prince himself, rather than one of its ranks. 

The Grand Knight is, according to custom, raised from the ranks of the Order to lifetime service and upon his ascension granted the rank of Redeemer Knight. The Grand Knight shall be raised exclusively from the ranks of the Redeemer Knights should they already number seven oathed members. For diplomatic reasons, the requirement of a face covering is waived for the acting Grand Knight. The Grand Knight is also entrusted with maintaining the Book of the Argent Sun, a compendium of the greatest achievements, both of fame and of infamy, of those most notable members of the Order.  

Within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, the Grand Knight is awarded the style of Exemplar of Saint Lucien. Throughout his tenure, this style takes precedence over that of the Redeemer Knights. 

PRECEPTS OF THE ORDER

A Waldenian knight of Sutica prepares for his quest in Ando Alur, c. 1830

((Parsifal by Martin Wiegand))

Two more codes of conduct other than their oath of service exist, which all members of the Order are expected to live by and uphold by their honor.

The Knight’s Code of Chivalry

The Knight’s Code of Chivalry, or Varodyr’s Code, named so after its architect, the legendary Grand Knight Sir Maric II Varodyr, is the ultimate precept of knighthood. Adapted from the ancient Vander Code, the motivating philosophy of the Waldenian people, Varodyr’s Code has been the core element of all notable chivalric orders since its establishment. The revised Code in its entirety consists of the following commandments, describing the model knight:

A Knight shall live by honor, for glory, and guard the honor of fellow Knights;

Honor the Creator and maintain His Church;

Keep the faith and act in righteousness.

He shall serve his liege lord valorously and with conviction;

Persevere to the end in any quest begun and never turn his back upon a foe. 

A Knight shall not give wanton offense and shall despise pecuniary reward;

Give succor to widows and orphans and regard the honor of women.

He shall offer that which is not needed, to those who are needy;

And safeguard the helpless and uphold the weak.

A Knight shall respect those in authority but fight for the welfare of all;

Abstain from injustice, cruelty and deceit.

He shall be vigilant and show courage, even in the face of evil;

Resolve not with swords what can be with words;

And at all times speak the truth, even if faced with death.

In his blood the Creator’s will shall be written.

The Rule of Lothar

The Rule of Lothar, named after Sir Ulrich Lothar, is the general code of conduct of the Order of the Argent Sun, adapted from the historical Imperial Rule of Pius, originally authored by the legendary Renatian Grand Knight, Sir Frederick Pius Horen, in 1679. The Rule of Lothar addresses in detail precepts of the Order touched upon or not specifically covered by Varodyr’s Code.

The Rule of Lothar

Authored by Sir Ulrich Lothar, The Blood-Raven, 10th of Owyn’s Flame, 1840.

Adapted from The Rule of Pius by Sir Pius Horen

I. On the Conduct of Knights of the Argent Sun

Knights of the Order of the Argent Sun are expected to act as the Prince’s personal enforcers when called upon and as the situation demands. As such, all Knights of the Realm and Redeemer Knights are hereby granted the immediate authority of Lawman’s Deputy, unless they are under the service of knightly penance. Knights-Errant may be granted this authority at the behest of His Serene Highness or the Grand Knight. This ensures that all Knights of the Argent Sun may hold the right to enforce the Lex Savoia while upholding the Prince’s peace.

Knights of the Argent Sun are expected to know how to properly address their peers, clergymen and vassals and patricians of the Realm. All Knights are expected to act with honor in accordance with Varodyr’s Code, in any and all given circumstances.

Knights of the Argent Sun are expected to remain in good form and health and ensure that their mental state is not impaired whilst within the Realm’s borders. As such, Knights of the Argent Sun are expected to refrain from public intoxication and drunken behavior at all times.

II. On the Dress of Knights of the Argent Sun

Knights of the Argent Sun are to remain armed and armored at all times whilst within the Realm’s borders. Therefore they are afforded the express right to don the colors and sigil of their House or the Argent Sun itself. To wear anything less is a sign of disgrace to the Prince and the Realm of Savoy.

Knights of the Argent Sun, whilst in armor, are expected to upkeep their spurs to ensure that they remain in good quality. Knights shall refrain from wearing pointed sabatons and shoes and utilizing shoelaces as they indicate pagan tradition and beliefs. Additionally, whilst in battle, Knights of the Argent Sun are expected to equip helmets at all times to ensure that one's pride does not result in premature death. Should a Knight of the Realm or a Redeemer Knight lose functionality of his assigned suit of plate due to damage, it shall be provisioned unto him by the Grand Knight until his own can be repaired or adequately replaced.

Knights of the Argent Sun, if physical labor is to be completed, shall not remove their armor in favor of wearing flexible materials; rather, they shall persevere and adapt to the constrictions of their armor.

III. On Elderly, Ill and Infirm Knights

Knights of the Argent Sun who reach the age of Seventy-Five in active service shall be considered Elderly. Elderly Knights shall be afforded the option of continued servitude or retirement. Elderly Knights shall retain their titles even into retirement, as well other privileges that the Order provisions unto them. Elderly Knights also shall receive a statue of their person within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun. Elderly Redeemer Knights who opt for retirement shall not be counted in the limit of Seven Redeemer Knights, and shall be allowed to maintain their relics and face coverings until death. 

Knights of the Argent Sun who are afflicted by disease or other afflictions shall be considered Ill. Ill Knights shall immediately be given leave and ordered to remain within relative quarantine.

Knights of the Argent Sun who find themselves physically unable to conduct their knightly duties shall be considered Infirm. Infirm Knights, should they come to be permanently physically impaired as a result of combat injuries, shall be permitted the option of retirement. In the case of the loss of a limb, an Infirm Knight is expected to acquire prosthetics and persevere through their disability. Infirm Knights, who are deemed infirm as a result of sinful behavior shall be made to undertake knightly penance.

IV. On the Completion of Knightly Quests

Knights-Errant of the Argent Sun shall undertake a plethora of quests in order to increase their Degree of Knighthood. Quests are tasks and missions prescribed by the Prince, the Grand Knight, or other Feudal Lords. It should be the goal of every Knight to accept quests for the sake of honor and glory.

Knights-Errant of the Argent Sun shall receive accreditation for the completion of quests. Should a Knight-Errant wish to advance to a higher Degree of Knighthood, they may provide evidence of quest completion in order to elevate their status.

V. On the Formation of Knightly Circles

The highest authority of Knights in the Principality of Savoy is His Serene Highness, and under him the Grand Knight of the Order of the Argent Sun.

“Knightly Circles” will be defined as a formal group of Knights of the Realm who, directly in association with the Order of the Argent Sun, conduct specialized tasks. Knightly Circles beneath the Order of the Argent Sun shall be afforded the right to their own Sigil. Knightly Circles may own multiple holdings and lodges, but individual knights in a Knightly Circle shall be entitled to their own estates. Though each Circle of Knights may have their own codes of conduct, all are subject to the rules and regulations of the Order of the Argent Sun.

All Knightly Circles shall be approved by the signature of the Prince or the Grand Knight.

VI. On the Penance of Knights

All Knights of the Argent Sun are expected to act respectfully and within the codes of conduct of the Order of the Red Dragon. Those Knights who ignore such regulations will be found guilty of misconduct and made to undergo a service of knightly penance.

Knights of the Argent Sun who have been placed under penance have been found guilty of committing a grievance in the eyes of the Prince and Grand Knight, the latter of whom suggests the appropriate punishment. Knights under penance are stripped of their knightly regalia and forced to undertake a Quest of Restitution in the grace of the Principality. Such actions may only be undertaken ONCE in a lifetime.

Knights of the Argent Sun who have been made to undergo a service of knightly penance and have completed their Quest of Restitution, only to be judged guilty of misconduct once more, are to be stripped of their Knighthood through the ceremonial chopping of their spurs, condemned, and banished from Princely service and the Princely capital. Their misdeeds and name will be made public, and their presence in vassal holdings, while a stain on their good reputation, will be only barely tolerated. If said grievances are terrible enough, the former Knight may be banished from the Realm entirely, or even executed.

PRIVILEGES OF THE ORDER

Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun, c. 1840

((16th Century Knight by Mikhail Ivanov))

General Privileges of Knighthood

The general privileges of Knighthood in the Principality of Savoy have been laid out in a Princely grant, penned by Sir Ulrich Lothar.

On the Privileges of the Knightly Class

Authored by Sir Ulrich Lothar, The Blood-Raven, 10th of Owyn’s Flame, 1840.

By the very virtue of their status and tenure as defenders of the Realm, the knightly class embodied within the Order of the Argent Sun has earned the right to command these privileges:

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to the style of Sir.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to membership in the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to a heraldic grant.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to display his own colors.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to carry arms and armor free of any restriction or tax levied upon them.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to wear the Waldenic torse as a symbol of knighthood.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to carry spurs.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to a trial by combat.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to an entry in the Book of the Argent Sun upon committing worthy deeds or deeds of great infamy.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to a statue of their likeness in the Circle of the Argent Sun should they reach the age of seventy-five in active service.

A Knight of the Argent Sun of any rank is entitled to a burial with all honors within the Catacombs of San Luciano.

Furthermore, in addition to these privileges:

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to govern lands in the form of a knightly fief assigned by the Prince.

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to serve as a Lawman’s Deputy.

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to display his heraldry within the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun.

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to a knightly moniker.

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to the formation of subsidiary Knightly Circles.

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to remain armed among the members of the Prince’s Court.

A Knight of the Realm of the Argent Sun is entitled to carry gilded spurs.

Furthermore, in addition to these privileges:

A Redeemer Knight of the Argent Sun is entitled to act as a direct enforcer of Princely authority under the Grand Knight.

A Redeemer Knight of the Argent Sun is entitled to guardianship over a holy relic or a knightly relic of the Realm.

A Redeemer Knight of the Argent Sun is entitled to a secondary, personal Patron.

Grand Circle of the Argent Sun

The Grand Circle of the Argent Sun is the primary Knightly Circle of the Order of the Argent Sun, of which all sworn Knights of the Order are considered members by default; the name also denotes the Order’s primary lodge and chapter house located in the Princely Capital of San Luciano. Utilizing a location bordering the Palazzo Aggrade and the Basilica of Blessed George of Leuvaarden, all Knightly brethren are afforded privileged access to both these halls, as well as the unlimited use of the Circle’s numerous facilities.

As the primary site of the Order’s activities, rife with its membership’s proud banners, the Circle can thus boast a gallery of statues of its notable members, a library, dining halls and meeting halls, training grounds, quarters and a chapel, as well as a bounty board to aid the Knights-Errant in their numerous endeavors. The Grand Circle requires of its members the use of honorary styles dedicated to the Order’s Patron, Saint Lucien of Ulmsbottom, in place of the Order’s regular ranks while they are present within the lodge’s premises.

Knightly Circles

As described in the Rule of Lothar, and in addition to default membership in the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun, well-established Knights of the Realm and Redeemer Knights may be granted the privilege of forming subsidiary Knightly Circles. These mostly informal associations, formed by a group of Knights seeking advice and cooperation in regards to a singular goal, may be temporary or permanent and, in the case of permanence or great importance as judged by the Grand Knight, are afforded the right to establish their own imagery and lodges outside of the Princely Capital, provided they do not infringe on the rules of the Grand Circle.

Knightly Circles may be established with the express consent and signature of His Serene Highness or the Grand Knight.

The Book of the Argent Sun

The Order of the Argent Sun maintains a record of its most legendary Knights’ achievements of note in the form of an ornate, heavyset book kept in the Grand Circle of the Argent Sun. This so-called Book of the Argent Sun is upheld by the diligent work of the Grand Knight, who is charged with the duty of penning within the descriptions of the Order’s notable members and their powerful deeds, both accomplishments of great fame and acts of notoriety. The Book itself is considered a relic of the Order and is therefore zealously guarded by the Redeemer Knights, though its copies in the form of scrolls are frequently made available to the Order’s lower ranks.

Purity Seals

One notable break from the tradition of many chivalric orders past is the Order of the Argent Sun’s complete lack of traditional decorations. The very act of membership itself considered a privilege of the greatest honor, Knights of the Order prefer not to adorn their garbs in medals except those awarded prior to their ascension, outside of the Order’s ranks. Yet there exists another tradition once utilized by the Imperial Order of the Red Dragon, fond to the Order’s sworn brethren, namely those of the calling of Redeemer Knight - the use of Purity Seals.

It is the traditional belief of the Order’s Knights that great deeds beget continued luck and the Creator’s favor upon the battlefield. Those deemed worthy of decoration by the Grand Knight are granted permission to solicit this favor by sealing a scroll of prayer to their plate with the pouring of hot wax and the stamp of a holy symbol - either one of the Canonist variant crosses or the Ashford Sun itself. 

GOD WITH US,

HIS EXCELLENCY, Sir Ulrich Lothar of the House of Alstreim, Grand Knight of Savoy, Prince of Merryweather and the Rhine, Landgrave of Alstreim, Administrator of Trabant, Blood-Raven of Lorraine

ISSUED IN THE NAME OF

HIS SERENE HIGHNESS, Olivier Renault of the House of Ashford de Savoie, Prince of Savoy, Duke of Corazon, Count of San Luciano, Protector of the High Elves