Formation of the Knights Hospitaller

Gathering / Conference

I call upon Ashera, El, Nehalennia, and Quetzalcoatl. And in their presence make them my witnesses, that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and this indenture.

First. I shall revere all those true physicians who came before me. For I stand upon their shoulders and acknowledge that my deeds are only possible because of theirs. And should I ever meet a physician in need, I shall help to the best of my ability and if needed shall do so for free.

Second. I swear in the presence of Gods, Angels, and Mortals that I shall do no harm intentionally. I shall seek to treat and aid all men of their afflictions. No matter their race, sex, nationality, greed, or ability to pay. I will not base my level of care on a patients ability to pay. But shall trust the Gods to place food on my table, a roof over my head, medicine in my hands, and wisdom in my heart.

If ordered to guard persons or places I shall trust my fellow knights beside me and the Gods above me. I shall not kill unless forced to do so. In times of war I shall not ignore my opponents wounded. But shall show them the same compassion and mercy I would show my comrades. For I shall view all life as sacred. In times of peace I shall not intentionally harm another, nor shall I assist in suicide. Into whatsoever houses I enter, I will enter to help the sick, and I will abstain from all intentional wrong-doing and shall never take advantage of a patient. And whatsoever I shall see or hear in the course of my profession, if it be what should not be published abroad, I will never divulge. Holding such things to be holy secrets.

May the Gods above me, the Demons below me, and my fellow Mortals around me. Hold me to this oath and bless me for my faithfulness. But if I shall forswear this oath may those same witness curse my name and hand until my actions have been redeemed.

-Oath of the Knights Hospitaller-

The formation of the Teutonic knights created a precedent for the creation of other knightly orders. The first order to follow the example of the Teutonic Knights was the Knights Hospitaller. Created by merchants, veteran soldiers, and clerics who felt people needed more medical care. The actual origins of the order seem to be lost to time though most historians believe they started in Berlin. Their purpose is to build, supply and staff hospitals all around Avalon Valley. The merchants keep the order supplied with funds and sponsors. The clerics provide the medical care. While the soldiers guard those in the orders care. They have hospitals now in every major city and are starting to build smaller clinics in outlining towns.

At first the Order remained small due to limited funds. They owned small hospitals in Camelot, Lehi and Berlin. They had very few soldiers and had to rely more often on mercenaries or the Teutonic knights to escort caravans and patients.

After the Crisis of The Lady the Order realized the need to have more soldiers to guard their holdings and patients. Among the first to join this new guard was Titus Rynar and Bellona Rynar (a Norden Ranger and Vampire Cleric) who would later become heads of the Lehi Hospital. That is until they disappeared with a contingent of crusaders on their way to start a hospital in Kennicott Colony.

The Order is made of two divisions; the Clerics and the Wardens. The Clerics are the most popular division for people to join. They are the actual medical staff and hospital administrators. Their duties include talking care of their patients, maintaining a clean hospital, and hospital administration duties. Each Cleric takes the Hippocratic oath and is expected to put clients needs above their own.

The Wardens act as the soldiers and guards for the order. They escort caravans from the order to other hospitals or towns and guard the order's hospitals.

Ranks of the Order

High Elder-Head of the Order, has executive powers over the order

Elder Council- Group of 7 'Elders' who advise the High Elder on Order affairs.

Chief Surgeon- Head of an single hospital. They make sure their hospital is in running order and all patients are taken care of.

Head Warden- head of the wardens of a single hospital. They work directly under the Chief Surgeon and make sure the hospital and its caravans are secure.

Surgeon- Those with advanced medical skill and knowledge. They handle special medical cases the normal staff are unable to assist with. They also take lead role in teaching new initiates.

Captain of the Watch- Captain of 4 squads of Wardens. They insure their troops are supplied and follow orders from the Heal Warden.

Doctor- These members are the most common and handle most medical maters. If they are unsure of treatment options they will defer to a Surgeon. They will also travel with caravans to treat frontier doctors who often are unable to attend medical school.

Warden- Normal guards who spend their time watching over hospitals and caravans. Many consider them soft as they often do not go into combat. However they train hard and can be fierce foes when in groups.

Cadet/ Initiate- These are those who are training to enter the order. Cadets are trying to join the wardens while initiates are attempting to join the Clerics. They spend most of their time doing household chores and studying. However on occasion they will accompany Wardens or Doctors in their duties as well to gain experience.