Squire
Overview
A Squire is an apprentice to a Knight of any Order, most commonly found working for The Royal Guard. While this position does not itself raise the social status of those that hold it, a Squire is still seen as highly honored and respected. Becoming a Squire is highly competitive, and one of the only paths one can take to become a member of the Royal Guard. A Knight's Squire is often their most trusted confidante and companion, and when a Squire completes their training and achieves entrance into the Order they've chosen, they often become that Knight's second in all personal matters and battles. This connection is a sacred bond of trust.Qualifications
There are no formal qualifications, but an individual Knight often sets their own qualifications before they will accept someone as their Squire. These can range anywhere from memorizing a pledge to completing a quest.
Requirements
A Squire must be willing to pledge themselves to the Knight that accepts them. Every Knight has their own variation, but it typically involves a commitment to completing their training and a promise to obey every order they are given, regardless of their own moral compass or level of ability. This pledge is less drastic than the pledge a Knight makes to their Laird, but just as sacred.
Appointment
Typically, a young person that desires to become a Knight of a particular order will approach a current member (often they will have a specific person they wish to learn from) and petition to be their Squire. If the Knight has interest, they will supply their list of requirements. When the prospective Squire has accomplished these requirements, they return to the Knight with evidence of their success, and the Knight will make a ruling. If the Knight chooses to accept them as their Squire, they are asked to take their pledge with a minimum of two witnesses that are also members of the Order.
While this all sounds simple, becoming a Squire is a highly competitive field. Each Knight can only have one Squire at a time, and the person they choose is their constant companion. They must have faith that this Squire will not only be loyal to them, but has the skill to be a valuable second, both in battle and in social situations. Because of this sacred bond, a Knight will only accept a Squire they feel has what it takes to be both their closest confidant and to eventually join one of the most elite military forces in the kingdom.
While this all sounds simple, becoming a Squire is a highly competitive field. Each Knight can only have one Squire at a time, and the person they choose is their constant companion. They must have faith that this Squire will not only be loyal to them, but has the skill to be a valuable second, both in battle and in social situations. Because of this sacred bond, a Knight will only accept a Squire they feel has what it takes to be both their closest confidant and to eventually join one of the most elite military forces in the kingdom.
Responsibilities
Completing all training exercises and tasks that their Knight sets for them. This can range anywhere from training from sunrise to sunset, to handling their Knight's mending or fetching their meals.
Benefits
Primarily, the opportunity to join an Order and learn the skills of a Knight both in battle and in the highest echelons of society. However, as a Squire, you are sponsored by your Knight. While a Squire likely will not live comfortably, they will always have a solid roof overhead, sturdy clothes on their back, and food in their belly, along with a handful of pocket change.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
If a Squire fails to finish their training, breaks their pledge, betrays the personal trust of their Knight, or does not complete the trials to join the Order when they have been recommended to the Seneschal or Captain, they can be dismissed from the service of their Knight. If a Squire fails the final tests to become a member of the Order, and their Knight takes responsibility for recommending them too soon, it is possible for them to continue their training and try again in the future, but this is not a common occurrence.
History
The position of Squire was created soon after the Kingdom of Éirigh was founded, in order to create an official path into The Royal Guard. At first, a prospective Squire would petition the King, and if their petition was granted, the Captain would assign them to a Knight. As the kingdom expanded, the King and Captain removed themselves from the initial process, leaving it up to the Knights of the Royal Guard to manage for themselves.
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