Compagnons d'Arthur
Many knights voluntarily espouse the ways and beliefs of King Arthur, even though they may never meet the High King individually, or qualify to join the honored Table Round. It is simply that many knights take pride in their support of the High King and his ideals, and are willing to work for the cause even without being Arthur's direct vassals.
This support for the Pendragon is given by taking the Companion's Oath of Allegiance. If this oath has been performed a knight may call himself “King Arthur's man.” Thus when stopped on a road a knight may be asked, “Are you Arthur's man?” and reply, “Yes, I am a Companion,” even if he has another liege lord, is a member of another organization, or whatever.
Requirements to Become a Companion
Every year a special ceremony is held during the Pentecost feast at Camelot, or wherever King Arthur may be found. At it knights may take an oath of allegiance to the High King. Knights must first present themselves to any Round Table knight, who will speak with him and test the knight's knowledge of Arthur's ideals. This is handled by the gamemaster, who checks the character's traits and passions. Desirable areas include the traits of Energetic, Generous, Honest, Just, Merciful, Modest, and Valorous, and the passions of Loyalty, Honor, and Amor (Lady). If five or more of these have a value of 16 or better, the test is passed. If less than five have a value of 16 or better, and any have a value of 4 or less, the test is failed. Otherwise the gamemaster must make a decision in character, as the Round Table knight (probably Sir Gawaine) administering the test. Requesting a speech about Arthur's ideals from the player is a fair and entertaining solution to the problem, with a good speech permitting the test to be passed. If the test is passed the Round Table knight acts as sponsor to the would-be Companion. On the day before the Great Feast, when new Round Table knights are ordained, the oath is administered in the presence of the High King. New candidates are brought forward and take the oath, en masse. Then all knights who wish to may renew their oaths in another public ceremony that is, of course, much larger since it is customary for all Companions to participate. Duties of a Companion
Membership is voluntary and unofficial, and so are the duties. But knight should always seek to maintain honor, keep their word, and support the ideals of the High King whenever possible. Benefits
The benefit is to become part of a widespread network of people working to further the cause of the High King. Companions also gain 100 Glory for receiving the honor, once only. Characters may get a new passion of Loyal (King Arthur). The starting value is equal to the average of Energetic, Generous, Honest, Just, Merciful, Modest, and Valorous, and the passions of Loyalty, Honor, and Amor (Lady). Gamemasters should permit player characters who are Companions to more easily gain assistance and make important contacts during adventures, at least in Logres. Most knights of Logres are Companions, as are many in Cambria (including the Irish there) and Cumbria. However, it is as yet accepted among Saxons only by a few individuals, and the Picts do not like it at all.
Every year a special ceremony is held during the Pentecost feast at Camelot, or wherever King Arthur may be found. At it knights may take an oath of allegiance to the High King. Knights must first present themselves to any Round Table knight, who will speak with him and test the knight's knowledge of Arthur's ideals. This is handled by the gamemaster, who checks the character's traits and passions. Desirable areas include the traits of Energetic, Generous, Honest, Just, Merciful, Modest, and Valorous, and the passions of Loyalty, Honor, and Amor (Lady). If five or more of these have a value of 16 or better, the test is passed. If less than five have a value of 16 or better, and any have a value of 4 or less, the test is failed. Otherwise the gamemaster must make a decision in character, as the Round Table knight (probably Sir Gawaine) administering the test. Requesting a speech about Arthur's ideals from the player is a fair and entertaining solution to the problem, with a good speech permitting the test to be passed. If the test is passed the Round Table knight acts as sponsor to the would-be Companion. On the day before the Great Feast, when new Round Table knights are ordained, the oath is administered in the presence of the High King. New candidates are brought forward and take the oath, en masse. Then all knights who wish to may renew their oaths in another public ceremony that is, of course, much larger since it is customary for all Companions to participate. Duties of a Companion
Membership is voluntary and unofficial, and so are the duties. But knight should always seek to maintain honor, keep their word, and support the ideals of the High King whenever possible. Benefits
The benefit is to become part of a widespread network of people working to further the cause of the High King. Companions also gain 100 Glory for receiving the honor, once only. Characters may get a new passion of Loyal (King Arthur). The starting value is equal to the average of Energetic, Generous, Honest, Just, Merciful, Modest, and Valorous, and the passions of Loyalty, Honor, and Amor (Lady). Gamemasters should permit player characters who are Companions to more easily gain assistance and make important contacts during adventures, at least in Logres. Most knights of Logres are Companions, as are many in Cambria (including the Irish there) and Cumbria. However, it is as yet accepted among Saxons only by a few individuals, and the Picts do not like it at all.