Carpenter Knight

The title of Carpenter Knight was first uttered by the people of Karteff to describe the common-man adventurer Solomon Graham. The local carpenter and family man acted as a pillar within the community, first gaining notoriety in the defense of the people outside the protection of the city walls. when along with his father and a group of commoners, he defeated a raid by the neighboring Daurkk. 
What followed, was a string of deeds that further endured him to the community. He defeated local bandits, recovered stolen goods, took in widows, adopted children, rebuilt homes, and paid off the debts of those who could not. He became what they believed a knight should be, much to the anger of many noblemen.
Since that time, the common people have begun "knighting" their own champions sometimes in defiance to their noble rulers, sometimes in just recognizing a good soul, but always at their own collective assessment. Some nobles have tried to use title to honor good deeds from locals in their service, attempting to take ownership of the title back from the people. These false Carpenter Knights are hardly recognized by the people and in some cases have mysteriously disappeared.
Nobles who recognize the people's champion often find that working with and honoring their choice leads to an increase in respect from their common subjects and a single voice that can add a perspective that is uncommonly heard in courtly settings.

Qualifications

Alignment: Good Special: The common people of a region must acknowledge you as a good person. Unsolicited good deeds, kindness, and respect go a long way toward earning that trust.

Appointment

How the people come to the collective determination is varied, but often involves months, if not years, of quite admiration over ale and fireside conversations. At some point, with little fanfare of pomp, a local will simply address the champion as Carpenter Knight. Once spoken aloud in the open, the title is bequeathed. Most Carpenter Knights are shocked to earn the title, having never been consulted to privy to the discussions of hir fellow commoners, and can often abstain from referring to themselves as such for a time. Many say this is further proof of their worthiness. Eventually, they recognize both the honor and duty their fellows have entrusted them with and find themselves empowered by trust, and fully embrace the title.

Duties

Be the knight the people need you to be. A defender, a voice, a friend, and even a sword if need be.

Benefits

A Carpenter Knight's reputation can often open doors with common people when they normally would be hesitant to aid people for fear of reprisal from the nobility or simply from mistrust.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Carpenter Knight who is false or betrays the trust placed in him often disappears without a trace.

Type

Informal

Alternative Naming

People's Champion

Source of Authority

The common people.