Difference between revisions of "Knight"

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An individual who has been inducted into at least one of the four orders of Knighthood.
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[[Image:Dragonspine Knights circle.jpg|right|frame|The [[Knights Circle]] of the [[Kingdom]] of [[Dragonspine]], taken in [[2008]]. From left to right on the top row; [[Gorin]], [[Randall]], [[Emer]], [[Pollux]], [[Ironpaw]], [[GoldCrest]]. Bottom Row [[Quicksilver]], [[Kyran]], [[Azrael-Jade]]  ]]
  
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http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u214/Lindenpublic/sept-crown_2004_3273_std.jpg<br>
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'''An individual who has been inducted into at least one of the five orders of Knighthood'''
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An [[SCA]] knighting, in the kingdom of the West.
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''"Don't aspire to the knighthood. Aspire to do your best. Whatever happens beyond that point is just frosting."-[[Aphaydren]]''
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''"Knighthood is what happens when someone falls in love with a certain aspect of the game, and improves both themselves and Amtgard as a result of that love."-[[Kaads]]''
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''"Hey, [[Knight of the Flame|guy with the red and white belt]]!  Go help the [[Knight of the Serpent|guy with the green and white belt]] make the [[Knight of the Sword|guy with the silver and white belt]] look cool!" -[[Knight of the Crown|Guy with the gold and white belt]]''
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===From the [[V8|V8 Rulebook]]===
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Knights are members of Amtgard who have been recognized as exemplars in a given area as well as rolemodels. Knighthood is a recognition of character in addition to possessing a level of skill equal to that of a Master in their field. Knights are recognized by a variety of reserved symbols, such as a [[Belt|white belt]], an [[Unadorned Chain]], [[spurs]], and a white or black [[phoenix]]. There are five orders of Knighthood in Amtgard, each of which recognizes a different skill and has its own belt trim color:
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:[[Knight of Battle|Battle]]: Awarded for [[battlegame]] excellence. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in blue.
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:[[Knight of the Sword|Sword]]: Awarded for martial excellence. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in silver.
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:[[Knight of the Serpent|Serpent]]: Awarded for excellence in the arts and sciences. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in green.
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:[[Knight of the Crown|Crown]]: Awarded for excellence in elected office. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in gold.
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:[[Knight of the Flame|Flame]]: Awarded for excellence in service. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in red.
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Knighthood may only be bestowed at the [[Kingdom]] level.
  
 
===Knighthood in the real world from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight Wikipedia]===
 
===Knighthood in the real world from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight Wikipedia]===
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The history of knighthood involves, therefore, the history of the social institution, which began somewhat differently in the various European regions; the history of the word, and the corresponding terms in French and Latin; and the history of the technology which made heavy cavalry possible.
 
The history of knighthood involves, therefore, the history of the social institution, which began somewhat differently in the various European regions; the history of the word, and the corresponding terms in French and Latin; and the history of the technology which made heavy cavalry possible.
  
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Knighthood is designated by the title Sir (e.g. Sir Tom Jones) or Dame (e.g. Dame Judi Dench) within the Commonwealth of Nations. The French title "Chevalier" or the German "Ritter" are usually used in Continental Europe. Outside the Commonwealth, the title is respected but may carry less gravitas, and thus may or may not appear, for example, in the mass media and other publications. There are technically differing levels of knighthood, but in practice these are even more symbolic than the title itself today and thus only express the greatness of the recipient's achievements in the eyes of the Crown.
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Knighthood is designated by the title Sir (e.g. [[Sir]] Tom Jones) or Dame (e.g. [[Dame]] Judi Dench) within the Commonwealth of Nations. The French title "[[Chevalier]]" or the German "[[Ritter]]" are usually used in Continental Europe. Outside the Commonwealth, the [[title]] is respected but may carry less gravitas, and thus may or may not appear, for example, in the mass media and other publications. There are technically differing levels of knighthood, but in practice these are even more symbolic than the title itself today and thus only express the greatness of the recipient's achievements in the eyes of the Crown.
  
 
===Knighthood in Amtgard===
 
===Knighthood in Amtgard===
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[[Image:Knights.gif|thumb|[[Heraldry]] for the guild of knights, circa [[1997]] ]]
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In Amtgard, even though the title of knight ranks low on the [[Order of Precedence]], it is probably the most honored and sought after achievement in the game. Knighthood is not for everyone, and only some are elevated to that level. Even fewer achieve more than one belt, there are only a handful that have [[:Category:Five Belted Knights|earned all five]]. Each kingdom has it's own traditions and requirements for an individual to be honored with the title of Knight. The Wetlands, for instance, the power to grant knighthood rests not with the [[Monarch]] but with the [[Circle of Knights]].A listing of the first knights of each kingdom can be found [[First Knight|here]].
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In Amtgard, even though the title of knight ranks low on the [[Order of Precedence]], it is probably the most honored and sought after achievement in the game. Knighthood is not for everyone, and only some are elevated to that level. Even fewer achieve more than one belt, there are only a handful that have [[4-belted knights|earned all four]]. Until the advent of [[Award standardization]]  each kingdom had it's own traditions and requirements for an individual to be honored with the title of Knight. But after [[2007]] the recommended paths for knighthood  were approved by all of the 13 kingdoms.  Some local traditions still remain, the [[Wetlands]], for instance, the power to grant knighthood rests not with the [[Monarch]] but with the [[Circle of Knights]].
 
  
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A listing of the first knights of each kingdom can be found [[First Knight|here]].
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===Five Orders of Knighthood ===
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====Excerpt from the Burning Lands Corpora====
 
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'''4.1 Knighthood:'''
 
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*4.11 The Monarch of a Kingdom may knight people into any of the four orders. Although not required, it is strongly suggested that candidates for Knighthood should meet the criteria set forth in the most current Award Standardization Process listed in the Rules of Play, and have the approval of a majority of the Knights of that order. Note that the achievement of criteria set forth does not automatically grant Knighthood. Also note that the traditional positive knightly virtues will go a long way towards achieving the white belt.
 
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===Four Orders of Knighthood===
 
  
 
====[[Knight of the Crown]]====
 
====[[Knight of the Crown]]====
 
[[Image:Crown.gif|left|from the old IK knights list]]
 
[[Image:Crown.gif|left|from the old IK knights list]]
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Granted for outstanding leadership.  In increasingly few [[Kingdom|Kingdoms]], this Knighthood is awarded to every Kingdom level [[Monarch]] upon their stepping down, which has the unfortunate side effect of devaluing the respect some people give Crown Knights.  Many Kingdoms now require multiple terms of service in high offices, as well as requiring candidates for Knight of the Crown to display excellent leadership skills.
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Granted for outstanding leadership.  Once it was the practice in a few [[Kingdoms]] to award to every Kingdom level [[Monarch]] this belt upon their stepping down, but that was in the distant past. Now, with the advent of award standardization, A player may become eligible for [[Knight of the Crown]] after serving with excellence, and completing, four terms in any of the following offices, in any combination, at [[kingdom]] level: [[Monarch]], [[Regent]], [[Prime Minister]], or [[Champion]]. A player may become eligible for Knight of the Crown after serving with excellence, and completing, six terms in any of the following offices, in any combination, at [[duchy]] level or higher: Monarch, Regent, Prime Minister, or Champion. '''Note:''' The position of Kingdom Monarch counts as two offices. The position of Champion can only be counted once toward these qualifications.
  
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See -[[Crown Knights]]
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'''See -[[Crown Knights]]'''
  
 
====[[Knight of the Flame]]====
 
====[[Knight of the Flame]]====
 
[[Image:Flame.gif|left]]
 
[[Image:Flame.gif|left]]
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Granted for outstanding service to the club.  Traditional requirements for this Knighthood are [[Master Rose]], [[Master Smith]] or [[Master Lion]].
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Granted for outstanding service to the club.  A player may be eligible for [[Knight of the Flame]] after obtaining [[Masterhood]] in [[Rose]], [[Smith]], or [[Lion]].
  
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See-[[Flame Knights]]
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'''See-[[Flame Knights]]'''
  
 
====[[Knight of the Serpent]]====
 
====[[Knight of the Serpent]]====
 
[[Image:Serpent.gif|left]]
 
[[Image:Serpent.gif|left]]
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Granted for accomplishments in the [[Arts and Sciences]].  Specific awards are divided amongst the [[Order of the Owl]] (for construction and scientific ventures), [[Order of the Dragon]] (for purely artistic avenues), and [[Order of the Garber]] (for hopefully superior garb, though sometimes it is merely for quantities therein.) To be knighted as a peer of the Serpent one should have achieved a [[Master]]hood in one of these categories.  Certain [[Kingdom|kingdoms]] add [[Master]] [[Hydra|Order of the Hydra]] (given for [[qualifying|Qualify]] for office at a [[qualifications tourney|Crown Quals]]) and [[Master Mask]] (for [[roleplay|Role-playing]] and or acting) to the standard qualifications to become a Serpent Knight, but these are by no means the norm.
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Granted for accomplishments in the [[Arts and Sciences]].  A player may be eligible for [[Knight of the Serpent]] after obtaining [[Masterhood]] in [[Owl]], [[Dragon]], or [[Garber]].
  
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See-[[Serpent Knights]]
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'''See-[[Serpent Knights]]'''
  
 
====[[Knight of the Sword]]====
 
====[[Knight of the Sword]]====
 
[[Image:Sword.gif|left]]
 
[[Image:Sword.gif|left]]
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Granted for excellence in fighting prowess, and often the candidate will have at least two out of the following three: [[Warlord]], [[Weaponmaster]], and [[Defender]].
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Granted for excellence in fighting prowess. Previously  a candidate was often required have at least two out of the following three: [[Warlord]], [[Weaponmaster]], and [[Defender]]. But that has changed in Award standardization.
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A player may be eligible for [[Knight of the Sword]] after obtaining [[Masterhood]] of the [[Order of the Warrior]], known as a [[Warlord]]
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Note: Major kingdom-level tournament is defined as [[Weaponmaster]], [[Warmaster]], [[Olympiad]], and/or an [[inter-kingdom]] event tournament. The level of competition and number of entrants in all tournaments must be considered before handing out [[Orders of the Warrior]] above seven. The difficulty of the tournament must warrant the level of order awarded.
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Note: The title of [[Defender]] (awarded for serving with excellence in the office of [[Kingdom Champion]]), which may be earned only once, confers a single kingdom-level tournament win upon the title's recipient.
  
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See-[[Sword Knights]]
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'''See-[[Sword Knights]]'''
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====[[Knight of Battle]]====
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[[File:Battlemaster.jpg|left|30 px]]
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Granted for excellence in understanding of tactics in class [[battlegaming]] and/or effectiveness as a player in class battlegaming.
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'''See -[[Battle Knights]]'''
  
 
===Symbols of Knighthood===
 
===Symbols of Knighthood===
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Knights are entitled to wear: [[Phoenix]], a White [[Belt]] or [[Baldric]], [[Spurs]], and [[Chain|unadorned chains]].
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Knights are entitled to wear: A white or black [[Phoenix]], a white [[Belt]], [[Spurs]], and [[unadorned chains|Unadorned Chain]].
  
 
===Responsibilities of Knighthood===
 
===Responsibilities of Knighthood===
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A Knight may choose to take a [[Squire]], or directly take one or more [[Man-at-Arms]] or [[Page|Pages]].  While each Knight/Squire relationship is different, the Knight, by offering a squirehood, is offering the potential squire training and assistance on the road to knighthood.  In some places, a knight may squire his/her self to another knight from a separate order, to receive training on that road.  Also, some kingdoms limit the number of squires a knight may take (i.e. in [[Neverwinter]], a knight may only take one squire per knighthood.) GV's rule (clarified through althing earlier this year) is that a Knight may take any number of Pages, is recommended to take only as many Squires as they have belts and a Noble is able to take MaA/WaA.  
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A Knight may choose to take a [[Squire]], or directly take one or more [[Man-at-Arms]] or [[Pages|Page]].  While each Knight/Squire relationship is different, the Knight, by offering a squirehood, is offering the potential squire training and assistance on the road to knighthood.  In some places, a knight may squire his/her self to another knight from a separate order, to receive training on that road.  Also, some kingdoms limit the number of squires a knight may take (i.e. in [[Neverwinter]], a knight may only take one squire per knighthood.)
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'''To see a Complete (as we Can make it) listing of Knights everywhere see [[Peerage of Amtgard]]'''
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===Knightings===
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Knightings take on different forms in all the kingdoms with different traditions being followed by all. The basic ceremony is largely the same.
  
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*To see a Complete (as we Can make it) listing of Knights everywhere see [[Peerage of Amtgard]]
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Knightings usually occur at large events, a [[Coronation]], [[Midreign]] Sometimes [[Quest]] during some type of [[Court]]. There are famous examples of this not taking place, (i.e. [[Drakknar]] in the parking lot at Three A.M.), but as I said we are going over the normal state of affairs. In most Kingdom's Knights are raised to their orders by the right of the Monarch, with the notable exception of the [[Wetlands]] where the power to knight rests only with the [[Circle of Knights]].
  
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==Knightings==
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The Monarch will call for the [[Guildmaster of Knights]] who will call the knights of Amtgard, which includes those knights visiting from other kingdoms. The Knights form an untidy arc, trying but failing to let the populous in on what's happening. The GMCoK will call for the Candidate. The Candidate kneels in front of the monarch, The Monarch gives a short speech about the person and why they have been called before the Circle. Then the monarch asks for the kingdom sword, which is usually carried by the Kingdom Champion. The Dubbing is accompanied by words that are almost always traditional to that kingdom, but almost always ending in 'Arise Sir/Dame Such and Such, Knight of the Bladdy-blah' Then the cheering, and The symbols of office  and gifts are given to the new knight. In some Kingdoms the new knight is greeted by the circle with a [[Buffet Line]] (pronounced "Buff-IT"). Others disagree with this practice.
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Knights take on different forms in all the kingdoms with different traditions being followed by all. The basic ceremony is largely the same.
 
  
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Knightings usually occur at large events, a [[Coronation]], [[Midreign]] Sometimes [[Quest]] during some type of [[Court]]. There are famous examples of this not taking place, i.e. [[Drakknar]] in the parking lot at Three A.M. however that is the exception to the rule. Most Kingdom's Knights are raised to their orders by the right of the Monarch, with the notable exception of the [[Wetlands]] where the power to knight rests only with the [[Circle of Knights|Circle]].
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====A knight no more====
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Some say that "once a knight always a knight".  But several people over the history a amtgard have had their [[belts]] removed. Usually a belt is removed for some kind of misconduct. Most [[Corpora]] include a clause for the removal of a knighthood. In Dragonspine a knighthood may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the [[Circle of Knights]], a two-thirds vote of the [[Althing]], and the approval of the [[Monarch]].
  
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The Monarch will call for the [[Guildmaster of Knights]] who will call the knights of Amtgard, which includes those knights visiting from other kingdoms. The Knights form an untidy arc, trying but failing to let the populous in on what's happening. The GMCoK will call for the Candidate. The Candidate kneels in front of the monarch, The Monarch gives a short speech about the person and why they have been called before the Circle. Then the monarch asks for the kingdom sword, which is usually carried by the Kingdom Champion. The Dubbing is accompanied by words that are almost always traditional to that kingdom, but almost always ending in 'Arise Sir/Dame Such and Such, Knight of the Bladdy-blah' Then the cheering, and The symbols of office  and gifts are given to the new knight. In some Kingdoms the new knight is greeted by the circle with a [[Buffet Line]] (pronounced "Buff-IT"). Others, such as the [[Emerald Hills]] disagree with this practice.
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===Belt lines in Amtgard===
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In the beginning there was only one knight, [[Tawnee Darkfalcon]]; Because of this there was no knights circle in the early days of the [[Burning Lands]]. Then only another knight could make knights. So when you read the histories from that time where it mentions who squired whom, sometimes that actually means that the Knight literally gave Knighthood to the Squired party. This is especially true of [[Gilos]],[[Heimdale]], [[Nashomi]],and  [[M'Deth]]. All of these were early monarchs of Amtgard, and whom ever they knighted became part of their knightly families.
  
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===Belt lines in Amtgard.===
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Now a belt line refers to a group of people who are related by who they are belted under as a Squire, Man-at-Arms/Woman-at-Arms, Page, etc. More info available here: [[Knightly Family|Knightly Families]].
  
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Because in the beginning there was only one knight, [[Peter la Grue]]; Because of this there was no knights circle in the early days of the [[Burning Lands]]. Then only another knight could make knights. So when you read the histories from that time where it mentions who squired whom, sometimes that actually means that the Knight literally gave Knighthood to the Squired party. This is especially true of [[Tawnee]], [[Nashomi]], [[Gilos]], [[M'Deth]] and [[Heimdale]]. All of these were early monarchs of Amtgard, and whom ever they knighted became part of their knightly families.
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===Bits of Knightly history===
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*March 27th 1983, [[Tawnee Darkfalcon]] is the first person to receive an Amtgard Knight hood. [[Joella Starwatcher]] is also knighted on this date.
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*October 22nd 1984 [[Nashomi]] is knighted for receiving 10 [[Orders of the Lion]]
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*April 28th 1984, [[Asmund Heimdale Haroldsson]] is crowned king and Knighted. [[Conan Ator Morningstar]] was also knighted on this date.
 +
*July 14th 1984, [[Deth the Direhearted]] is knighted for service and outstanding play.
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*August 10 1984; [[Tawnee]] wrote "The Responsibility of a Knight" and offers fealty to King Asmund Heimdale Haroldsson.
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*October 22nd 1984, [[Andralaine of Stonehelven]] was knighted and given the title of [[Viscountess]] for outstanding play and service. She was also married to [[Berek the Hunter]] by [[King]] Heimdale.  
 +
*March 1st 1985, Meeting of [[Nashomi]], [[Tawnee]] and [[Gilos]] to discuss policies and the future of Knighthood.
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*April 12th 1985, A new system of Knighthood is introduced, dividing Knighthood into four different categories.
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*May 4th 1985, [[Kalibria]], [[Esuom aph' taed]], [[M'Deth]], and [[Aramithris]] were all knighted.
 +
Read more about [[Beltline]]s and [[Knightly Families|Knightly Family]] Here '[[Founts]]'.
  
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Read more about [[Beltline]] and [[Knightly Family|Knightly Families]] Here '[[Founts]]'.
 
 
===Links===
 
===Links===
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020130163333-Guests.txt&dir=General The book for five (belt) Rings] by [[Cullum]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020718121232-Guests.txt&dir=General Knighthood: Paperwork or Person?] by [[Castings]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020730130956-Guests.txt&dir=General What's a Vigil?] by [[Snicker Furfoot]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020805170350-Guests.txt&dir=General Chains of Fealty] by [[Randall]] 
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020930101504-Guests.txt&dir=General Knighting by the Numbers] by [[Yoni HaMagid]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20021113122039-Guests.txt&dir=General 10 Steps to Not Getting Knighted] by [[Randall]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20021120133004-Guests.txt&dir=General Pretenders: What Shall We Do?] by [[Corum Hibernius]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20021216125822-Guests.txt&dir=General Knightly Quotas] by [[Randall]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20030105145854-Guests.txt&dir=General Trends in the Awarding of Knighthoods in Amtgard] by [[Kayrana]] 
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20030105150912-Guests.txt&dir=General Revisiting Emerald Hills Knightings] by [[Kayrana]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20030210103220-Guests.txt&dir=General Is My Knight Like Your Knight?] by [[Azmandius]] includes knighting criteria circa [[2003]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20041211000000-Guests.txt&dir=General Qualify it] by [[Randall]]
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*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20041213000000-Guests.txt&dir=General The Stigma of Belt Hunger] by [[Fitz]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20041216000000-Guests.txt&dir=General My first Vigil]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20041224000000-Guests.txt&dir=General The Scrooges of Amtgard ] by [[Matthias]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20071001120958-Guests.txt&dir=General Letter to a New Knight]
 +
*[http://forums.amtgard-im.com/viewtopic.php?p=580#p580 How The Iron Mountains Bestows Knighthood] by [[Grix]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020130163333-Guests.txt&dir=General The Book of Five (Belt) Rings] by [[Cullum]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20020217141808-Guests.txt&dir=General Different Visions: An Essay on the Future of Amtgard] by  [[Michael]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20070816154403-Guests.txt&dir=General Knight/Squire relationship] by [[Guy]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20021113122039-Guests.txt&dir=General How to not be knighted] by [[Randall]]
 +
*[http://www.chivalrytoday.com/Farrell/Knightly-Virtues.html The Seven Knightly Virtues]
 +
*[http://gimlet.outlandsheralds.org/ceremonies/knight.php SCA Knighthood Ceremony, SCA]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20110318183156-Guests.txt&dir=General A Treatise on the Promotion of Knightly Orders Within the Amtgard Peerage] by [[Ethryn]]
 +
*[http://www.electricsamurai.com/main_page.pl?action=view_article&file=20120125170236-Guests.txt&dir=General Knighthood, Beyond an Award] by [[Medryn]]
 +
 +
---------------------
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*See the [[in their own words]] article [[about Real Knights]] for more information.
 
*See the [[in their own words]] article [[about Real Knights]] for more information.
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*[http://www.chivalrytoday.com/Farrell/Knightly-Virtues.html The Seven Knightly Virtues]
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[[Category:Amtgard Terms]][[Category:Knights]]
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[[Category:Amtgard Things]]
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[[Category: Amtgard Things]]
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[[Category: Amtgard Terms]]
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[[Category: Knights]]
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[[Category: Awards]]
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[[Category: V8 Awards]]

Latest revision as of 14:03, 18 September 2023

The Knights Circle of the Kingdom of Dragonspine, taken in 2008. From left to right on the top row; Gorin, Randall, Emer, Pollux, Ironpaw, GoldCrest. Bottom Row Quicksilver, Kyran, Azrael-Jade

An individual who has been inducted into at least one of the five orders of Knighthood

"Don't aspire to the knighthood. Aspire to do your best. Whatever happens beyond that point is just frosting."-Aphaydren

"Knighthood is what happens when someone falls in love with a certain aspect of the game, and improves both themselves and Amtgard as a result of that love."-Kaads

"Hey, guy with the red and white belt! Go help the guy with the green and white belt make the guy with the silver and white belt look cool!" -Guy with the gold and white belt

From the V8 Rulebook

Knights are members of Amtgard who have been recognized as exemplars in a given area as well as rolemodels. Knighthood is a recognition of character in addition to possessing a level of skill equal to that of a Master in their field. Knights are recognized by a variety of reserved symbols, such as a white belt, an Unadorned Chain, spurs, and a white or black phoenix. There are five orders of Knighthood in Amtgard, each of which recognizes a different skill and has its own belt trim color:

Battle: Awarded for battlegame excellence. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in blue.
Sword: Awarded for martial excellence. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in silver.
Serpent: Awarded for excellence in the arts and sciences. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in green.
Crown: Awarded for excellence in elected office. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in gold.
Flame: Awarded for excellence in service. Its symbol is a white belt trimmed in red.

Knighthood may only be bestowed at the Kingdom level.

Knighthood in the real world from Wikipedia

Knight is the English term for a social position originating in the Middle Ages. In Great Britain and the Dominions, knighthood is a non-heritable form of gentility, but is not nobility. In the High and Late Middle Ages, the principal duty of a knight was to fight as, and lead, heavy cavalry; more recently, knighthood has become a symbolic title of honor given to a more diverse class of people, from mountain climber Edmund Hillary to musician Paul McCartney. By extension, "knight" is also used as a translation of the names of other honorable estates connected with horsemanship, especially from classical antiquity.

The history of knighthood involves, therefore, the history of the social institution, which began somewhat differently in the various European regions; the history of the word, and the corresponding terms in French and Latin; and the history of the technology which made heavy cavalry possible.

Knighthood is designated by the title Sir (e.g. Sir Tom Jones) or Dame (e.g. Dame Judi Dench) within the Commonwealth of Nations. The French title "Chevalier" or the German "Ritter" are usually used in Continental Europe. Outside the Commonwealth, the title is respected but may carry less gravitas, and thus may or may not appear, for example, in the mass media and other publications. There are technically differing levels of knighthood, but in practice these are even more symbolic than the title itself today and thus only express the greatness of the recipient's achievements in the eyes of the Crown.

Knighthood in Amtgard

In Amtgard, even though the title of knight ranks low on the Order of Precedence, it is probably the most honored and sought after achievement in the game. Knighthood is not for everyone, and only some are elevated to that level. Even fewer achieve more than one belt, there are only a handful that have earned all five. Each kingdom has it's own traditions and requirements for an individual to be honored with the title of Knight. The Wetlands, for instance, the power to grant knighthood rests not with the Monarch but with the Circle of Knights.A listing of the first knights of each kingdom can be found here.

Five Orders of Knighthood

Knight of the Crown

from the old IK knights list

Granted for outstanding leadership. Once it was the practice in a few Kingdoms to award to every Kingdom level Monarch this belt upon their stepping down, but that was in the distant past. Now, with the advent of award standardization, A player may become eligible for Knight of the Crown after serving with excellence, and completing, four terms in any of the following offices, in any combination, at kingdom level: Monarch, Regent, Prime Minister, or Champion. A player may become eligible for Knight of the Crown after serving with excellence, and completing, six terms in any of the following offices, in any combination, at duchy level or higher: Monarch, Regent, Prime Minister, or Champion. Note: The position of Kingdom Monarch counts as two offices. The position of Champion can only be counted once toward these qualifications.

See -Crown Knights

Knight of the Flame

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Granted for outstanding service to the club. A player may be eligible for Knight of the Flame after obtaining Masterhood in Rose, Smith, or Lion.

See-Flame Knights

Knight of the Serpent

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Granted for accomplishments in the Arts and Sciences. A player may be eligible for Knight of the Serpent after obtaining Masterhood in Owl, Dragon, or Garber.

See-Serpent Knights

Knight of the Sword

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Granted for excellence in fighting prowess. Previously a candidate was often required have at least two out of the following three: Warlord, Weaponmaster, and Defender. But that has changed in Award standardization.

A player may be eligible for Knight of the Sword after obtaining Masterhood of the Order of the Warrior, known as a Warlord

Note: Major kingdom-level tournament is defined as Weaponmaster, Warmaster, Olympiad, and/or an inter-kingdom event tournament. The level of competition and number of entrants in all tournaments must be considered before handing out Orders of the Warrior above seven. The difficulty of the tournament must warrant the level of order awarded.

Note: The title of Defender (awarded for serving with excellence in the office of Kingdom Champion), which may be earned only once, confers a single kingdom-level tournament win upon the title's recipient.

See-Sword Knights

Knight of Battle

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Granted for excellence in understanding of tactics in class battlegaming and/or effectiveness as a player in class battlegaming.

See -Battle Knights

Symbols of Knighthood

Knights are entitled to wear: A white or black Phoenix, a white Belt, Spurs, and Unadorned Chain.

Responsibilities of Knighthood

A Knight may choose to take a Squire, or directly take one or more Man-at-Arms or Page. While each Knight/Squire relationship is different, the Knight, by offering a squirehood, is offering the potential squire training and assistance on the road to knighthood. In some places, a knight may squire his/her self to another knight from a separate order, to receive training on that road. Also, some kingdoms limit the number of squires a knight may take (i.e. in Neverwinter, a knight may only take one squire per knighthood.)

To see a Complete (as we Can make it) listing of Knights everywhere see Peerage of Amtgard

Knightings

Knightings take on different forms in all the kingdoms with different traditions being followed by all. The basic ceremony is largely the same.

Knightings usually occur at large events, a Coronation, Midreign Sometimes Quest during some type of Court. There are famous examples of this not taking place, (i.e. Drakknar in the parking lot at Three A.M.), but as I said we are going over the normal state of affairs. In most Kingdom's Knights are raised to their orders by the right of the Monarch, with the notable exception of the Wetlands where the power to knight rests only with the Circle of Knights.

The Monarch will call for the Guildmaster of Knights who will call the knights of Amtgard, which includes those knights visiting from other kingdoms. The Knights form an untidy arc, trying but failing to let the populous in on what's happening. The GMCoK will call for the Candidate. The Candidate kneels in front of the monarch, The Monarch gives a short speech about the person and why they have been called before the Circle. Then the monarch asks for the kingdom sword, which is usually carried by the Kingdom Champion. The Dubbing is accompanied by words that are almost always traditional to that kingdom, but almost always ending in 'Arise Sir/Dame Such and Such, Knight of the Bladdy-blah' Then the cheering, and The symbols of office and gifts are given to the new knight. In some Kingdoms the new knight is greeted by the circle with a Buffet Line (pronounced "Buff-IT"). Others disagree with this practice.

A knight no more

Some say that "once a knight always a knight". But several people over the history a amtgard have had their belts removed. Usually a belt is removed for some kind of misconduct. Most Corpora include a clause for the removal of a knighthood. In Dragonspine a knighthood may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the Circle of Knights, a two-thirds vote of the Althing, and the approval of the Monarch.

Belt lines in Amtgard

In the beginning there was only one knight, Tawnee Darkfalcon; Because of this there was no knights circle in the early days of the Burning Lands. Then only another knight could make knights. So when you read the histories from that time where it mentions who squired whom, sometimes that actually means that the Knight literally gave Knighthood to the Squired party. This is especially true of Gilos,Heimdale, Nashomi,and M'Deth. All of these were early monarchs of Amtgard, and whom ever they knighted became part of their knightly families.

Now a belt line refers to a group of people who are related by who they are belted under as a Squire, Man-at-Arms/Woman-at-Arms, Page, etc. More info available here: Knightly Families.

Bits of Knightly history

Read more about Beltlines and Knightly Family Here 'Founts'.

Links

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