Knight

Overview

Knights are the primary military forces in the Kingdom of Éirigh, and work in service to either a Laird or the King himself as part of an Order. Though they are not a Noble, they enjoy many of the benefits of that class. All knights are masters of combat, strategy, and horsemanship, and are highly trained in noble etiquette. A working knight has made a pledge to the Laird they serve, and will likely remain in that service until they die.

Requirements

A knight must be of working age, which is typically considered to be 16.

Appointment

Traditionally, a Knight must prove themselves through a series of trials created by a Seneschal after training as an apprentice beneath another Knight. They must be highly skilled in a variety of combat skills, as well as horsemanship and Noble etiquette. However, there is the occasional exception to this path. If a Noble or Tenant commits a heroic act of bravery and loyalty to a Laird, they can be knighted as an honor. In these cases, the Seneschal of the Laird that has knighted them is expected to train them before bringing them into the Order. Immensely rarely, a Bond Servant can be elevated to the rank of a Knight, but in these instances their service to the Laird continues, and their status does not change (See: Lucian "Deordhan" Cathasach).

Responsibilities

To serve as a member of their Laird's Order.
In the occasional instance that a Knight is dismissed from their Laird's service, they typically either look for a new Laird to serve, hire themselves out as security, work as mercenaries, or set aside their sword and become a tradesman and Tenant.

Benefits

They are not quite considered a Noble, but as they intermingle with the upper classes in serving their Laird, it is not uncommon to make powerful connections or even marry into the family of a lesser noble. Additionally, they receive room, board, and salary from their Laird, and typically want for nothing.

Grounds for Removal/Dismissal

A Knight can be dismissed by their Laird or his Seneschal at any time, for any reason. Due to the pledge that a knight makes to their Laird upon joining his Order, a dishonorable discharge nearly always leads to the knight's execution on charges of treason, so these instances are rare. Poor behavior usually results in punishment, and failure to fulfill their duties can lead to a less drastic dismissal. Honorable discharges typically occur when a knight either marries into nobility, or wishes to retire in their old age.

History

As with Tenants, Lairds, and Orders, Knights have been around for longer than anyone can remember, and predate the founding of the kingdom.

Notable Holders

Lucian "Deordhan" Cathasach
Sir Lorcan Dorchadas
Sir Dílis Amaladh
Sir Lassair

Quick Facts

Type

Civic, Military, Generic

Status

In Effect

Form of Address

Sir

Source of Authority

Laird

Length of Term

Lifetime, or until they are dismissed

Reports directly to

Seneschal

Related Organizations

• The New Order
• The Slánaitheoir Royal Family
• Allies of the Traitor King
• The Máirtín Royal Family
• The Order of the Green Cloak