Knight

The lowest of noble ranks is Knight, which is awarded in recognition of achievement or service.
There are various orders of Knights in Daly. Unlike the Banneret Knights, none of the standard Knightly Orders limit inclusion to those with a pre-exisiting noble connection. Instead, orders grant Knighthood to any individual they deem worthy. As such, a knighthood is coveted by non-nobles and is seen as more attainable than membership in the peerage. It is important to note that 'Knight' is not always (or even usually) a martial role. In fact, of the 4 orders, only the Knights of the Sky and the Order of Sunrise are typically called when fighting looks likely.
Knights, although considered lesser nobility, are not members of the peerage and are thus not granted hereditary lands or estates to manage within specific regions. Knights belong to orders of knighthood rather than regional areas, and are awarded privileges according to that order (which may include parcels of land or a house, but this is usually only for the duration of their service (which can be lifetime or a set period)).
Order-based Knights are referred to as the unisex Ser {First Name} of the {Order Name}, although in written communications the knight may suffix the initials of the order of knighthood after the name rather than the full name of the order. E.g. Ser Tephra of the Order of Ash/ Ser Tephra OA
It is common that a Knight in one of the fighting orders has a Squire and a Page as well as any additional privileges afforded by the order. A Knight in one of the other orders is typically offered the services of a Seneschal and a Page, although uptake varies.

Knight Orders

Order of Ash

The Order of Ash have the symbol of a grey Ash twig on a green standard.

Inclusion in the Order of Ash is typically offered to those who have performed some great service to the commonfolk of the realm, and members range from fighters to merchants to everyday good samaritans.

Privileges typically afforded to Order of Ash Knights include the use of the title, a small yearly stipend, invitations to various social events and a guaranteed audience with the ruler of their region should they request one.

Order of the Golden Thread

The Order of the Golden Thread have the symbol of a golden Spool on a purple banner.
Inclusion in the Order of the Golden Thread is typically offered to those who have demonstrated great scientific, research, political or diplomatic service to the realm, and members range from career diplomats to retired intelligencers to sages to artificers.
Privileges typically afforded to Order of the Golden Thread Knights include the use of the title, a modest yearly stipend, invitations to various social events and access to a number of laboratories, libraries and salons owned by the Order. Each Knight is also granted a townhouse in either West Bour, Grantshawk or La Liotsound, along with a small retinue of staff.

Order of Sunrise

The Order of Sunrise have the symbol of a Yellow sun on a Silver Shield.

Inclusion in the Order of Sunrise is typically offered to those who have faced overwhelming battles and survived- whether this is facing off alone against a trio of wolves to protect the village's children, or holding the line against ravaging orcs when most of your unit are down. Members are almost always highly trained fighters, and the Order of Sunrise often joins battle with the Army in troubled times.

Privileges include the use of the title, a full suit of armor, a warhorse, free choice from the Order Armory, a manor house and staff and a yearly stipend. They are also invited to various social events and are considered honorary members of the Fighter's Guild, being able to use any of their Guildhalls at will.

Knights of the Sky

The Knights of the Sky have the symbol of a soaring Griffin on a field of sky blue.
inclusion in the Knights of the Sky is unique in that is it not offered in response to something the candidates have already done or are, but is instead wholly predicated on how supplicants are received by the impressive flying beasts that form the backbone of the order.
Twice a year, supplicants are invited to the headquarters of the Knights of the Sky near Prince Lovil to run a gauntlet of tests and challenges related to the potential mounts, before the finalists are brought to meet the fledglings and see if they are able to form a bond.
There are several families of Griffons, Hippogriffs, Giant Eagles, Giant Owls and even a few Giant Vultures who have worked with the Knights of the Sky for generations, and these creatures and their offspring are the mounts that give the Knights of the Sky their ability to respond to aerial threats and travel huge distances quickly, as well as providing scouting services when required.
Privileges typically afforded to Knights of the Sky include an apartment in order headquarters with access to the gardens where the mounts spend their downtime (granted for a lifetime) with full servicing and lifestyle costs paid for. They also receive a small additional monthly stipend. They are granted the powers to requisition any meat and space required to maintain their mount from any landowner in Daly when they are out on missions. Although they are often invited to social events, it is rare that they attend unless specific mention is made of a matching accommodation being made for their mount.

Type

Nobility, Honorific / Ceremonial