Knights of the White Tree

[CptShoelace 137]

 

 

 

---

So long as the White Tree blooms, so shall the Knights stand.

 

 

 

---

 

 

---

 

---

 

The Knights of the White Tree are a revered martial order, established to serve as the enduring guardians of the Kingdom of Númendil and its people. Rooted in the noble lineage of the knights of Barrowtown, the Order was founded to preserve the realm through valor, integrity, and unwavering dedication to justice.

Each knight bears a solemn duty to protect the kingdom from external threats and serve as an unwavering shield for the weak, the innocent, and the dispossessed. In peace, they act as mentors, advisors, and exemplars of virtue; in war, they stand as Númendil’s first and final line of defense.

The Order exists to ensure the survival of Númendil’s ideals through strength, service, and sacrifice. Their oath is not to power or privilege but to the enduring spirit of the realm and its rightful harmony.

The Knights are also charged with upholding the stability of the crown—but never at the expense of righteousness. Through the doctrine known as the Last Rite of Kings, they are empowered to act in defense of Númendil’s soul should the throne fall into darkness. In such moments, they become the sword and conscience of the nation, sworn to restore light when all else falters.

As long as the White Tree stands in bloom, so too shall the Knights stand resolute—champions of the realm, protectors of its people, and eternal stewards of its honor.

 

 

---

---

As laid out by Ser Uther ‘the Pendraic’ of Acre
Written 88 SA. In memoriam of Ser Rolvald Thassion

 

---

I  Thou shalt maintain His Church and live piously.

II Thou shalt constitute thyself the defender of All Canondom, regardless of rite, and shall never take up arms against the Church.

III Thou shalt constitute thyself the defender of the innocent, the weak, and defenseless; to act else-wise is to dishonor the very concept of Knighthood.

IV Thou shalt refrain from acts of wanton cruelty, to act else-wise is to dishonor the very concept of Knighthood.

V Thou shalt give succor to widows, orphans and the dispossessed.

VI Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy, and shall act always with valor, even if it leads to thy death.

VII Thou shalt make war upon the apostate and the servants of Iblees without cessation, and thou shalt never leave the call to crusade unanswered.

VIII Thou shalt guard the honor of thy fellow knights, and in turn act virtuously as not to bring dishonor to them.

IX Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.

X Thou shalt always remain forthright and honest, and will be true to thy word, even if it leads to thy death.

XI Thou shalt refrain from giving wanton offense.

XII Thou shalt always respect and defend the honor of women.

XIII Thou shalt persevere to end in any enterprise begun.

XIV Thou shalt never refuse a challenge from an equal, and shall always respect the rite of single combat.

XV Thou shalt be generous, and give largesse to everyone.

XVI Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.

 

---

 

---

 

[ Grantor] “Do you, [name] of [name], swear to uphold all these tenants, on pain of exile should ye fail?”

 

[Recipient] “I swear it.”

 

[ Grantor] “Do you swear never to falter, to aid the foe willingly or unwillingly, knowingly or unknowingly, on pain of death should ye fail?”

[Recipient] “I swear it.”

 

[ Grantor] “Do you swear to be an example and mentor to your children and your taken squires, so they might carry on your legacy once ye fall?”

 

[Recipient] “I swear it.”

[ Grantor] "Then by the Cross, the Flame, and the Radiant Star, I charge you all this and more- To uphold all duties required of you by your station, and to act honorably, now and always."

 

[ Grantor] "Arise Ser [Name] of [Name]- Knight of the Realm."

 

[Both] “So mote it be.”

 

 

---

 

---

 

The Last Rite of Kings is a clause which dictates that, should the reigning monarch of Númendil be willingly or unwillingly brought under the sway of the Forces of Darkness, it is not only expected, but commanded of all Knights of the Kingdom to either bring said monarch back into the light, or, failing that, raise their banners in rebellion and overthrow them in favor of the heir, or should succession be muddied, the High Steward. In the case where both the High Steward and the Heir are unavailable, regency is to be assumed by the eldest knight in service to the Kingdom. This is perhaps the only case among the Mannish Kingdoms in which regicide is not only permitted, but outright commanded per the founding principles of the Kingdom.

 

 

---

 

---

 

Grand Knight

 

The duties of the Grand Knight go beyond the typical responsibilities of a knight, as they are entrusted with overseeing the training and discipline of knights under their command, managing military strategy, and advising the monarch or ruler on matters of war and diplomacy.

 

Knights of the White Tree

 

A knight of the white tree is a highly trained warrior who serves as both a protector and enforcer of Númendil's laws. Knights are expected to uphold the honor and values of the realm of Númendil, which includes participating in battles, serving in military campaigns, and providing training to squires. 

 

Squires

 

A young, aspiring knight-in-training serves under the tutelage of a knight to learn the skills, responsibilities, and codes of chivalry required to become a full-fledged knight. Typically, a squire is responsible for assisting their knight in various tasks, such as caring for their horse, maintaining armor, and accompanying them on missions or to tournaments. This role allows the squire to gain firsthand experience in battle, etiquette, and the duties of a knight while also learning the importance of loyalty, discipline, and honor.

 

 

---

 

---

 

Knights are encouraged to display their own heraldry on their armor as a way to showcase their personal identity, lineage, and allegiances. This heraldic symbol, typically in the form of a coat of arms, was prominently featured on shields, surcoats, and even the knight's armor itself. It allowed for easy recognition on the battlefield, distinguishing one knight from another, while also serving as a mark of honor.

 

---

"Knighthood isn't a privilege; it's a duty.” - Ser Alwyn Glennmaer

 

---

 

---

 

---

 

A knight may take on a single squire. When choosing a squire, the individual must be a citizen of Númendil or willing to take an oath of loyalty to the kingdom. Additionally, the candidate must be at least fourteen years of age, ensuring they are mature enough to begin their training and responsibilities as a squire. This combination of loyalty and age ensures that only those truly committed to Númendil and its ideals are entrusted with such an important role.

 

 

---

 

---

 

The fundamentals of squireship include a variety of important topics that are taught alongside other essential lessons on the path to knighthood. These include an understanding of Númendil's rich history and culture, the study of Beastia Colectia, and the guiding principles of the Canonist Tenets. Additionally, squires must learn the basics of battle, focusing on combat readiness and strategies (CRP), to ensure they are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. These teachings provide a well-rounded foundation for the squire's future role as a knight.

 

It is noted that should a squire become missing for more than a Saint’s month without contact, that the knight may select a new squire. As well as if a knight is unable to continue training, that squire being trained may enter the service of another available knight.

 

---

 

---

---

 

The Trials of Knighthood are a crucial step in a squire’s journey. The squire is tasked with embarking on a quest set by the knight training them, where they must return alive and victorious. In the case the knight has seen that the squire has gone exceedingly above and beyond their duties that may substitute for a quest. Once the knight believes the squire is worthy, they may seek a meeting with the Grand Knight. If the Grand Knight deems the squire worthy, they will then speak with the Tar, who will decide whether to grant the honor of knighthood. This process ensures that only the most capable and deserving individuals are elevated to the rank of knight.

 

 

---

 

Credit

 

Writing: @sh03lace_ and @simplyseo

Formatting: @KidKrinkles