Knight

A Knight is a member of a warrior tradition that is heavily interwoven in the feudal culture of the continent of Europe, and the three main religions of Europe all have it heavily interwoven in their beliefs. Knights occupy a social standing between that of lords and smallfolk, and offer a level in between two people that would normally not. Contrary to the nobility, this rank is not hereditary and it is possible for the baseborn, and smallfolk to become knights if they have been knighted by a fellow Knight, or a high enough noble. Knights are referred to with the title "Ser" in most cultures, but some such as Dragonoph followers add variety such as "Dragon Knight".

Becoming a Knight
The traditional process to becoming a knight has three stages.


 * Page, A boy that becomes a page is attached to a knight, who becomes the boy's master. The sons of many knights and lords are sent to foster with relatives or allies, while other pages serve their own fathers. The page performs simple errands for the knight, who in turn begins to train the boy in vital skills, such as jousting and swordsmanship. Typical training involves sparring with blunted weapons and tilting at rings.


 * Squire, When a boy reaches adolescence, he graduates to being a squire. Squires learn to properly care for and use of weapons, armor, and horses as well as learn about Chivalry. In time of war Squires join their masters in war, assisting them with their equipment and fighting by their side in battles. Some squires choose to never become a full knight, and live the rest of their lives as squires. This may be because the individual does not have the inclination to live a knight's martial lifestyle, or does not have the funds to properly equip himself.


 * Knighthood, Any knight can proclaim another man a knight for whatever reason he chooses. This usually happens when a squire reaches adulthood and his master judges him worthy of accepting the responsibilities of a knight. A man who has not been raised in the knightly tradition can also be made a knight as a reward for service. This is often granted to soldiers or other smallfolk who have shown bravery or performed a great feat. Knighthood is considered valuable to smallfolk, as it raises a commoner's social standing. Knighthood is seen as primarily a martial position, so even the sons of powerful lords are not necessarily knighted if they are incapable of fulfilling the requirements. Doing otherwise would lose honor rather than gain it, and would make a lord and his family be held up to ridicule, this social pressure generally prevents knights from giving out knighthoods for petty or selfish reasons.