KNIGHTHOOD REFORM

[Rudi 1747]

ROYAL DECREE OF 321 ES

KNIGHTHOOD REFORM

Msitza and Dargund 321 ES | The Amber Cold 1767

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Va Birodeo Herzenav ag Edlervik, 

 

The Crown of Hanseti-Ruska is a constant state of self reflection and critique. All assets of his majesty and the state of Haense require to operate flawlessly and to its maximum potential. Due to that reason the crown has decided to analyze the backbone of the state: the knight. After a deep analysis of the state by schooled and educated supervisors, His Majesty has ordered a reform to ensure the maximum efficiency of his knight for the future. 

Based upon the fourteen Marian principles the council has decided to reform the current trials with more fitting ones. The trials are meant to ensure that the Knights of the Hansetic realm are able to defend and express the Hansetic culture and lifestyle. With the publication of such documents, the trials are herebly active. 

• Every registered citizen of Haense can apply to take the so-called “honorum equestuum” in the Royal Academy of St. Catherina. 

• Every applicant must pass all trials to be considered by the knight and the crown as a possible knight

→ passing all trials does not automatically end up with being rewarded to serve as knight of the motherland

• All knight till dato must prove that they would have passed the trials by their former achievements

→ If a knight is incapable or shows signs that he doesn’t follow the fourteen principles, his titles can be revoked by His Majesty. 

 

 

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Chivalry 

A knight is meant to be the bridge between nobility and peasantry. To reach both ends, divided by the river of birthright, a knight must be able to speak both languages. He must be able to adress noble lords and the royal household, but also must be able to express gratitude towards the poorest and weakest of our beloved Mutterland. The Heimatliebe expressed by adapting to the currently needed tongue, makes the knight the most important bridge between the two words who are meant to profit from another. It is expected that a knight knows all customs of the court, nobility and clergy and is able to voice and behave accordingly to set an example to the uncivilised.

 

Required class: Etiquette & Manners

Faith 

Following the customs of the first König of Haensi-Ruska Sankt Karl. bitte für uns, it is most important that the knight isn’t just religious but pious and humble. For following the example of the protector Haense and his loyal first knight , every knight must write a thesis. It ensures that Canonism has found its way into their heart and that their future actions will be guided by the Patron himself. Under the guidance of the local hansetic clergy every knight must write a thesis which will be graded and rated. Depending on the quality of said thesis, the knight might have to prove his pious deeds with additional tests, like serving as an altarboy for a period of time. It is also mandatory that each knight must undergo a confession before receiving his blessing.

 

Required class: Theology

Culture

The kingdom of Haense has shown in the past how diverse and complex its culture is. Over the long existence of the kingdom , new elements have been added to the cultural collection. Various forms of arts have marked the history of the hansetic and ruskan people until they have been united to the dual-monarchy we have today. Each knight must prove that he is part of said culture and enriches it with his own input by learning an instrument. Additionally each knight can decide if he wishes to publicize a poem or a crafted piece of art. Each piece of art will be graded and rated by experts. Once approved, the piece of art will be publicly displayed. The final product must be a piece of music and another piece of art (sculpture, painting, etc.).

 

Required classes: Music + poetry or painting 

Courage

Each knight represents the will and might of the kingdom. Therefore it is expected that each knight expected to take up the banner and lead the troops into battle if necessary. But leadership is not just limited to the knights proficiency in military strategy. Even in a non-combative situation a knight must express Courage and Leadership abilities. Calming crowds and resolving issues between citizens by stepping in between them is expected by each knight. In life-threatening situations a knight must always consider sacrificing his own life if another one can be spared. Martyrdom is a great and pious deed which will be honoured in the highest degree. 

 

Required classes: Military leadership + History of choice

Craftsmanship

The knights of Haense aren’t just men of the blade and steel. They descend from the simplest men and the simplest backgrounds. Inspired by the ruskan knight of the first generation, which consisted of simple Boyars, farmers and stonesmiths, each knight must prove that he is able to support the kingdom when it needs to be repaired or constructed. Most of the raevic knights of the second generation were blacksmiths, who crafted the infamous “Crow Pick” warhammers. Therefore it is mandatory for each knight to undergo training in learning a manual craft, such as carpeting, smithing, webbing or masonary. Each piece of art will be graded and rated by experts. Once approved, the piece of art will be publicly displayed. 

 

Required classes: Smithing or carpeting or webbing or masonary

Swordsmanship

To protect the values and principles of the crown and the kingdom, a knight must be able to wield the shield and blade. As even the simplest of our beloved motherland knows, a knight is a man who was trained in the art of sparring, riding and using the crossbow. To wield the blade of humanity each knight gets privately mentored by an oathed knight. Only once his mentor approves his abilities, he has passed the trial. 

 

Required classes: Private training by an oathed knight in sparring, horse riding and crossbow shooting

 

Loyalty

The by far the most important trait a knight must show is his loyalty to the crown. As representative of his royal majesty and the rest of the kingdom, he gets trusted with the most difficult and complex tasks that only the most reliable men can perform. For this reason, the test of loyalty will vary depending on the person who will undergo it. Examples can be escorting a diplomatic mission or ensuring the safety of a superior. Loyalty will be the only class which will not be taught in the academy. The council of knights will decide on each case if the applicant has passed the test. 

 

Required classes: None

 

 

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IV JOVEO MAAN,

 

His Royal Majesty, King Sigismund II of Hanseti-Ruska, Grand Hetman of the Army, Prince of Dules, Ulgaard, Lahy, Sorbesborg and Slesvik, Duke of Carnatia and Vidaus, Margrave of Rothswald, Count of Graiswald, Karikhov, Baranya, Kvasz, Kavat, Karovia, Kovachgrad, Torun, Turov, and Kaunas, Baron of Rytsburg, Venzia, Esenstadt, Krepost and Kralta, Lord of Alban, Reza and Markev, Lord of the Westfolk, Protector of the Highlanders, etcetera

 

Honourable Ser Robin Andrew Kartyr, Knight Paramount of the Royal Army of Hanseti- Ruska.

 

Johann Peter von Remsberg

[Zanthuz 1863]

“About seventeen years too late but, credit to finally putting proper reform into penned writing. Great to see scholars like Johann has taken his initiative through-and-through, unlike others.”

“Did they just now recover my notes, Dominic?” Ser Nikolaus commented to Ser Dominic, lifting a satisfied grin.