KNIGHTS OF ALBA

[Frymark 3100]

 

 

---

 

 

 

n the youth of His Royal Highness, Prince Edward II the Archduke of Alba, then the Bonnie Duke of Furnestock, the descendants of the Godwinites foretold of a Great Stag, whose fur was as white as fresh milk and whose brawn was as strong as ironwood. The White Hart, old wives called it, became legend and soon after myth. But the wide-eyed, young Duke of Furnestock led a band of Alban men to the forest to put rumor to rest. Instead truth was found in that wood as their blades pierced through the White Hart’s underside, felling the beast that stands atop the Great Hall of Castle Glasgon’s hearth.

 

It was this band, merry men of Alban nobility and commonality alike, that forged the first pact of White Hart; a circle of young men set upon the principles of ridding the forests beneath the Langkette of their monstrous seed. Little more than a folly of Alba’s bachelors, the young Duke opened the cohort only to those he deemed pure of heart, for theirs was not a party devoted to the thrill of the hunt, but was preserving the fruitful and continued vigor of the local fauna. Hunt by hunt their tally of fearsome beasts and ghouls grew in silence, rarely clinging to the promise of vain glory and instead favoring the quiet thankfulness of a fearless populace. It was not until the passing of the First Chancellor of Alba, whose headless ghost was said to roam the forests, that the party was disbanded, finding little comfort in venturing once more into the woods where the late Earl George Charles had met his gruesome end.

 

As the lands alongside the River Leone grew into a bustling urban center, the Frankwoods of old Aaun were replaced by sprawling farms, towns, and keeps. But as the scattered descendants fled worn and tired Aevos to settle new lands, the unconquered Azuras offered new ventures for the now Archduke of Alba and his fellow Godwinites. Rolling hills, unexplored horizons, and creatures of shadows; that once young circle of White Hart found purpose once more in defending the Alban people from the terrors of the lands unknown to themselves. No longer solely a pact of friends, the good Archduke, by decree, formalizes the circle into the Most Noble Order of White Hart to be championed by the first of Alba’s Knights. This memorandum serves to articulate the principles of Our most Noble Order and the formation of the Knightly class that shall serve to protect the lands in which Our fair Archduchy sits and defend against the unchartered woods beyond.

 

 

---

 

I.                         …KNIGHTLY CONDUCT    II.                               …KNIGHTLY RANKS   III.                 …PATH TO KNIGHTHOOD   IV.                                 …KNIGHT’S OATH   V.            …PRIVILEGES OF KNIGHTHOOD   VI.                 …SWORNS SHIELDS OF ALBA

 

---

 

Page 1

 

An Order of Knights is seldom distinguished by the excellence of one man’s arm alone, but rather by the moral governance of his character. As paragons of the most virtuous aspects of any realm, they embody the ideal of what a man might aspire to be. So much so that their conduct is not only a reflection of the temperaments of their liege, but of the values of a people all together. A Knight without conduct is no better than a dog without leash; yet with clear, direct, and incorruptible precepts a man is raised above a knack for violence and made deserving of joining the circle of the White Hart.

 

The foremost defenders of the Princely Coronet, the Knights of the White Hart are bound to a certain conduct as befits men who bear the honourable style and dignity of Sir. For upon their comportment hangs not only their own repute, but that of the liege and realm to whom they are bound. Therefore must the knight comport himself with civility, and be gallant in all virtuous exercises.

 

Accordingly, each knight is guided by the Seven Virtues of a Sir. Their creed and cry is set here, paired with a maxim that a knight might recite as they remember their duties to God, their Prince, and their people;

 

 

I | FIDELITAS. LOYALTY.

The first Chivalry of Our Order is fidelitas, the virtue of loyalty, which binds a Knight to their lord. As the first and premier defenders of the Archduke and his coronet, a Knight of Alba stands as an arbiter of the Prince's inner circle, wherein trust is held above all virtues. Through storm and spring alike, their blade shall not stray from the vow of their word. 

 

II | VERITAS. TRUTH.

The second Chivalry of Our order is veritas, the virtue of truth, by which a Knight’s honor is measured and made plain. As extensions of the Princely Coronet, their word bears great weight which must sing true. A Knight of Alba understands that through word they reap what they sow. As the rain corrodes good steel, so too do lies erode the conscience of a good man.

 

III | PIETAS. PIETY.

The third Chivalry of Our Order is pietas, the virtue of piety, which calls upon a Knight to bear the weight of duty in reverence of God and Crown. In times of trial, a Knight’s faith may be tested; their honor and reverence for the Almighty shall be as evident outwardly as it is sacred inwardly. Through God all things are possible.

 

IV | LIBERALITAS. GENEROSITY.

The fourth Chivalry of Our Order is liberalitas, the virtue of generosity, of which a Knight exemplifies through their charity. A Knight of Alba tempers their invested authority with the grace of kindness, rendering aid and protection to all those they pass. A man is measured by his deeds, let them be numbered and of good heart.

 

V | GRAVITAS. STEADFASTNESS.

The fifth Chivalry of Our Order is gravitas, the virtue of steadfastness, which begets a spirit of patience and mild temperament. Neither brash or eager for a fight, a Knight of Alba’s resolve to maintain peace and prosperity is never broken. Their resolve is unwavering and their minds are as sharp as their swords. Hold tight to the wheel that steers toward danger.

 

VI | NOBILITAS. NOBILITY.

The sixth Chivalry of Our Order is nobilitas, the virtue of nobility, by which a Knight must set themselves apart. As paragons of virtue, their distinction is not made clear in attire alone, but shines through the toughest armor and weakest cloth. Others may take shortcuts, but the road they take is the high one, long and tough. They shall know him by his fruits. 

 

VII | AEQUITAS. EQUALITY.

The seventh Chivalry of Our Order is aequitas, the virtue of equality, which inspires a Knight to find balance in their judgement of those they cross paths with. Neither biased or rash, the steps they take are measured and put forward with careful thought. Mindful of the laws they abide, they are not militant tyrants but brokers of peace. A piece of every man lies in the man next to him, he who finds it finds good ground.

 

---

 

Page 2

 

 

THE BODY OF THE ORDER IS COMPOSED OF THE KNIGHTLY CIRCLE, much like in the days of old Aaun. Customarily, each seat of the Knightly Circle possesses its own legacy and weight, afforded to the squire who carries the qualities of the seat's namesake above the rest of his counterparts. The number of seats is permanent and may never be exceeded, and possession of a seat is for life. One once sworn to the Order may only depart its halls by death in duty or by deposition by their squire.

 

	KNIGHT COMMANDER  At the head of the Order and all other Knights of Alba stands the Knight Commander. Drawn from the most leal and honourable of the Archduchy’s soldiers, they stand as the Master of all Knights and Squires serving under the Dragon Banner of Alstion. Theirs is the task of overseeing and maintaining the workings of Alban Chivalry; their authority over military matters within the Archduchy’s borders is nigh absolute, seconded only by that of the Prince of Alstion and those of the wider Imperium.
	KNIGHTS OF THE WHITE HART Otherwise referred to as the Prince’s Finest, the Knights of the White Hart serve as the Prince’s personal guard - his sworn shields. These especial retainers are made distinct via their purple and white capes, and oft attend to Castle Glasgon, when not with the Prince or those of his household.
	HEDGE KNIGHTS Unlike their Orderly counterparts, the Hedge Knights are not formally part of the Order of the White Hart nor its Knightly Circle. They are those who have completed their squirehood successfully - but for a multitude of reasons find themselves unable to ascend to a Seat in the Order. They may still use the honorific of ‘Sir’ and be granted a moniker, but they are not able to take squires of their own or partake in the meetings of the Knightly Circle unless expressly summoned. Similarly, those individuals personally knighted by the Prince - or one of his Lords Vassals -  for extreme heroics or acts of patriotism are considered Hedge Knights of the Alban Archduchy.
	SQUIRE While not officially a member of the Order, a squire is an individual of remarkable quality and conviction serving personally under a Knight’s tutelage. As each Knight is afforded a singular squire, the decision is oft a considerable one, which is reflected in the harsh training and trials required of the squire.

 

---

 

Page 3

 

A Hedge Knight brought before the Knights of the White Hart.

 

ONLY THE FINEST ARE FIT TO SERVE IN THE PRINCE’S FINEST, so the path to Knighthood in the Alban Archduchy is one of trial and hardship. To mold an individual into what a Knight is supposed to represent, the training of a Squire begins from the earliest of years. Thus is the decision to set on the path a remarkable one, expected from a mind too young to fully comprehend the journey ahead.

 

To upkeep the sanctity and honour of the Order, each Knight is afforded a singular squire. How they choose the squire is dependent on the Knight itself, but they must always be accepted by a majority vote of the Knightly Circle, to ensure the Knight does not fall into blindsided partialism. However, there remains a set of requirements for a squire to be considered worthy of acceptance;

 

ON THE MATTER OF BEARING, those aspiring to the dignity of knighthood shall be born of noble blood, or else have approved themselves by singular and notable acts of fidelity and service rendered unto the Archduchy.

 

ON THE MATTER OF AGE, those aspiring to the dignity of knighthood shall be of the years betwixt ten and one-and-twenty; or, being under the age of forty, shall have borne themselves with great credit in long and commendable military service to the House of Alstion.

 

ON THE MATTER OF SERVICE, those aspiring to the dignity of knighthood shall have duly enlisted and been solemnly sworn into the Honourable Company of Grevesland, there to serve in the ranks of the Archducal Billmen.

 

ON THE MATTER OF VIRTUE, those aspiring to the dignity of knighthood shall be found exemplary both in spirit and in body, sound in faith, resolute in discipline, and fit for the labours of war.

 

ON THE MATTER OF SUCCESSION, those aspiring to the dignity of knighthood shall stand neither in the line of inheritance to lands nor titles, unless by the Prince’s express favour and acceptance the same be permitted.

 

AFTER HAVING EARNED THE APPROVAL FOR SQUIREHOOD, the squire embarks upon a journey of both physical and spiritual training, guided and aided by their Knight mentor. As each Knight is different, so is each squire’s journey. However as the Order stands a collection of brothers, is each squire required to pass the same tests and trials, held by either their Knight mentor or the Commander himself. After having been considered worthy, the Prince will summon the squire to be knighted through a variety of methods;

 

I | A KNIGHT BY QUEST

If the seats of the Knightly Circle stand unfilled, the Prince of Alstion will issue a final quest for the Squire to undertake. If they are successful, they will be summoned by the Prince to receive their Knighthood and assume a seat which best reflects their qualities.

 

II | A KNIGHT BY VIRTUE

If the seats of the Knightly Circle are filled, the Squire will become a Hedge Knight in service to the Archduchy; they may use the honorific Sir, but may not take squires of their own or sit at the meetings of the Knightly Circle, but they are recognized for their valor and dedication until a time a seat becomes available, thereafter being summoned by the Prince to receive the Knighthood and assume the seat of the departed Knight.

 

III | A KNIGHT BY COMBAT

If the seats of the Knightly Circle are filled, the Squire may issue a challenge to a member of the Order who they deem to be unfit for exemplary service. This may be for a multitude of reasons; a continuous lapse in judgement, an unchivalrous act or purely the burden of old age. The challenge must always be deemed fitting by both the Prince and Knight Commander, and the receiver must always be afforded the honour of defending their place within the Order. If the Squire proves triumphant, they are summoned by the Prince to receive their Knighthood and assume the seat of the deposed Knight.

 

 

---

 

Page 4

 

 

THE MER-KING’S OATH;

Named after and inspired by the words spoken by the Mer-King of Aaun, Alwyn II Horenson during his exodus to the Aevosian Heartlands, the Alwynic Oath is administered by both the Knight Commander and the Prince of Alstion during a procession of Alban Court.

 

KNIGHT COMMANDER: Hear ye, hear ye! We, the guardians of the Johannic spirit and our great Archduchy summon forth [Name] to stand before us to claim his Knighthood.

 

PRINCE: [Name] You come before Us stripped of garments and honours of Knighthood. Do you deem yourself worthy of such honors?

 

SQUIRE: I do.

 

PRINCE: To be a Knight is to be a vessel of virtue and honour. The shield of the innocent; the sword of the downtrodden. Will you uphold chivalry in all your actions?

 

SQUIRE: I will.

 

PRINCE: To be a Knight is to be the embodiment of loyalty. To stand as the final fortress against the eternal foes of betrayal and self-interest, to always place others before thyself and lay down your own for them. Will you uphold loyalty in all your actions?

 

SQUIRE: I will.

 

PRINCE: To be a Knight is to be just and righteous. To never raise your sword against a foe unwarranted; never spat secret ills of those undeserving. The cause of our order is peace and prosperity; the most noble and sacred of all. Will you raise your sword for our cause?

 

SQUIRE: I will.

 

PRINCE: Your sword is both a burden and a privilege; a symbol of duty and a promise to serve the Godwinite people. Your honor is theirs; your triumphs are theirs; your faults are theirs. Will you accept this burden?

 

SQUIRE: I will.

 

PRINCE: The Oath you take is for life. With these final words; you are bound to Us and we are bound to you. Your fate shall forever be intertwined with that of House Alstion, the most ancient descendants of the legends of yore. Do you bind yourself to Us willingly, with no reservations or second thoughts?

 

SQUIRE: I do.

 

PRINCE: Then I name you, Sir/Dame [Name] the “[Moniker]” of Alba, Knight of the Order of the White Hart. Rise, as a most venerated member of Our Archduchy.

 

---

 

Page 5

 

 

 

A squire outfitting his knight for a tourney.

 

THE PRIVILEGES OF KNIGHTHOOD ARE MANIFOLD, as so befits he judged worthy enough to be draped in the mantle of such a sought after and esteemed dignity. For knighthood is not the slavish burden of arms, but a station of honour and repute, affirmed by rite and reputation alike. And as the knight stands to defend the Prince and his realm from those common thugs and ne’er-do-wells, so too is his gallantry acknowledged and rewarded by the Prince’s own hand, met with presents of grace, favour, and lawful prerogative. Accordingly, let the fruits of such presents be set to record that none trespass upon them.

 

Chiefly, all who are bequeathed their knightly spurs beneath the Black Dragon Banner of Alstion, and who serve leally the Prince of Alstion, are recognized for the nobility of their character, and are accordingly invested with the station and dignity of the very same. Therefore is such a man LAWFULLY STYLED AS SIR, and granted THE RIGHT TO BEAR A PERSONAL COAT OF ARMS, a due recognition of his nobility. In tandem with this dignity, and for the better discharge of his oath, the knight is further afforded THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS at all times, may he never be compelled to yield sword nor shield, save by the Prince’s own command. And, as is made necessary by the nature of his station, the knight is entitled to demand TRIAL BY COMBAT, should such recourse be required to vindicate his honour and good name.   Those enfeoffed with a seat in the White Hart are afforded further privileges even beyond that singular honour of admission itself, which alone is a privilege. Foremostly, their station is distinguished by the silver-white armour and chain by which the Knights of the White Hart are made known. Further are the Knights of the White Hart PERMITTED TO TAKE UNTO THEMSELVES A SQUIRE, to be reared under their personal supervision.

These rights are not to be infringed upon so long as the knight remains virtuous in all deeds and in his conduct, adhering to the Seven Chivalries. And yet, should a knight falter in his Chivalries, he is thereby made forfeit of his rank and charge. Accordingly, such a knight shall be set with the BLACKMARK and excised from that most sacred brotherhood of Knighthood, this sentence to be determined by the Prince’s prerogative and to stand forever, unless he be permitted to cleanse his misdeeds through the undertaking of a quest, so as to regain the Prince’s good grace.

 

---

 

Page 6

 

 

EACH MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE WHITE HART,  of which there are only ever five, is both represented and donned with a shield that stands as a unique pillar upon which the Johannian dynasty and its legacy rests. Spanning over two-thousand years of history, from the inception of the mythic Kingdom of Aaun by St. Godwin to the founding of the Fifth Empire, to the refounding of Aaun and its subsequent destruction; the name of Alstion and the Johannian line it steers has seen the whole of mankind’s mark upon Our realm. The Knights, as pillars of the Alstion legacy, not only defend the Archduke and his realm, but the very name of Alstion itself and by extension those under her banner. Let these shields act as the symbolic defense of the line of Johannes and the physical shielding of those who fall behind the comfort of their badge;

 

THE SHIELD OF  CAROLUS Seated as the right hand of the Knight Commander, they stand as the second-in-command of the Order. Should the Commander find themselves incapacitated, theirs is the task of carrying the burden of command and leadership, to restore the efficiency of Our Order. So they are honoured after King Charles the Restorer, and named the Shield of Carolus.

THE SHIELD OF  JOHANNES The Knight Commander, Master of the Order of the White Hart. They stand above the rest in loyalty and skill; theirs the duty of guarding the very gates of Saint Godwinsburg, the seat of the Princely House of Alstion and beating heart of Alba. This they do from the foremost fortification of the Archduchy, and thus are named the Shield of Johannes.

THE SHIELD OF  ST. GODWIN The Guardian of the Downtrodden, the most venerated of Our Order. They rise above the others in dedication to GOD and protection of his flock; theirs the task of upkeeping the piousness of the Order. So they are honoured after the patron saint of all heartlanders, first son of Horen, father of Owyn, and King of Aaun, and named the Shield of Saint Godwin.

 

THE SHIELD OF  OWYNSFLAME The eldest of the Order, Master of the Watchtower. They stand beyond the others in knowledge and wisdom, theirs the task of reminding the rest of their oaths, ensuring none stray from the most hollowed of paths. So they are the guardian of the watchtower, the beacon of the Order, and thus named the Shield of Owynsflame.

THE SHIELD OF  NAUZICA The fiercest of the Order, Master of the Blade. They represent the physical embodiment of Johannian might; the excellency of swordsmanship. Honored after the Kingsguard of the Johannians old; they are the personal guardian and sworn sword of the Duke of Furnestock, and thus named the Shield of Nauzica.

 

 

---

 

 

“He of the White Heart doth not falter.”

 

Now, more than at any hour before, the realm has need of that most esteemed style of ‘Sir’, and of the caliber of man who would shoulder so binding an honour. Such men, the White Hart seeks to breed, for those who bear its charge doth not falter. Let none presume himself noble for having merely dreamt of valour, for honour is a burden keener than any blade, and heavier than the mail that guards the breast. And yet, he who shoulders it shall find his spine made straighter by the strain.

 

Let the unsure creep back into the hedgegrows, muttering their small deceits and counterfeit comforts. Let the tyrant trouble lands and levy fear, for terror is a brittle sceptre, one which will break in a steadfast grip. The true knight rises above all, for his honour is tested against the cowardice of lesser men such as these. And our Order suffers not the coward. It calls upon the spirit that endures the long winters and harsh wars, and bids each man whet his conscience.

 

For the realms of man are not preserved by the idle tongue, nor the waxen seal, but by the courage of he of the White Heart. And though the worldly may scorn such virtue, these more noble characters advance still. And in that advancing lies the seed of god dominion. Stand therefore, aspirant of a White Heart, as if the eyes of history were fixed upon thee, and stumble not. For the White Hart runs free, afraid of no pursuit. 

 

 

[Pearlescent 585]

Spoiler

Even though you are imperial dogs/j , i **** with the formatting of the post

 

[Seva 624]

Spoiler

3 minutes ago, Pearlescent said:

Even though you are imperial dogs/j , i **** with the formatting of the post

Don't ask them how many times I had to hide the post for them to get it right

 

[Mattiii 1663]

The Archduke of Alba set a pale hand upon his breast, the White Hart glinting softly against his purple-black tabard. “As GOD doth entrust Us with the stewardship of this Realm, so too do We entrust Our very life unto those who bear the White Hart, men sworn not to glory, but to righteousness." 

[KBR 2046]

Sir Lothar d'Amaury sighed and began to update the Knight's Atlas. "More paperwork... though, this is a step in the right direction for Alba."

[ErosTea 1084]

The golden hands of Henri Halcourt clicked and whirled as he sat across from his new lady wife. "One of our sons will be a knight, I can feel it." He'd smile, a metallic finger flicking through the pamphlet which was illuminated by candlelight. @Phoebe202

[Alexi_ 192]

Anne Margery Alstion was walking through the corridor of the Great Chamber, only ever did she look through the light that cleansed the halls through the grates of the tall windows. Little did dreams flash through her mind again, imagining herself on a great armored steed standing upon the Blackclyffes waving the flag of Alstion; if only...

[Navigator 4260]

Paul Asad Helvets, keen student of history, nearly had a heart-attack with the name.

[FireAGN 1207]

An old Lord of Alba signed the Lorraine as the announcement came out. Atop his windowsill he lit a candle for one who could have led this order to fruition, many years ago. To a good heir, who would have been an even better Margrave, he spoke aloud, "Ich pray GOTT has finally granted thee peace, young Sir Sigismund." @Cycloth_