The Order of the Hellbender
The Knights of Solara are the Order of the Hellbender. Legends of the Hellbender reference its steady presence, resilience, strength, a warrior’s spirit, and a protector.
The path to knighthood is a disciplined path of training, prowess, learning to teach others, and providing good service to the Kingdom. Prowess alone is not the sole quality that is paramount in becoming a knight of Solara.
It is not always the strength of the sword arm, but the measure of the man or woman seeking such accolade. Knighthood is a duty to protect the people. It is a responsibility, not a title or station. It sets one to service to the Kingdom, not for one’s own vain glory.
We honor the old ways of chivalry through the mighty Templar warriors of ancient times.
Knightly Virtues
- Courage. To have courage is not a lack or fear but doing what is good and right in the face of such fear.
- Loyalty. This is measured through service to your local group and/or Kingdom.
- Honor. Being truthful in word and deed, being honorable on the field. For as the quote goes “Honor is what no man can give you, and none can take away. Honor is a man’s gift to himself” Rob Roy McGregor
- Humility. Those who wish to be a knight for the sake of the title will rarely achieve such accolades. Those who show humility, admit their mistakes, and strive for self-improvement may receive such honors.
- Justice. Being fair and impartial with others and adhering to the rules of combat.
- Generosity. This is measured by the person’s willingness to assist others, teach them what they know, and encourage others to be their best.
The Knight’s Oath is taken to the people of Solara and the Crown only as it symbolizes the people. For as King Rekkr, the first king of Solara stated “We wear these crowns for you. We are here because of you and for you.” Knights are held to the same standard.
The path to knighthood has waystations where milestones are achieved. We utilize a belting system to encourage up-and-coming fighters to strive toward.
- Man (Shield Maiden) at Arms (MAA) is the first step. This is when a knight or squire takes you under their wing to train and encourage you. It is not an accolade but a statement that the knight or squire believe in you and see your potential. There is no specific time when this may occur, and it may never occur as it is an unnecessary step in your path.
- Squire is the middle step. Whether you are an MAA or not, a knight may see you and take you under their guiding hand, teaching you, training you, and encouraging you. Much more discipline is expected of a squire who may be required by their knight to learn other things to enhance their skill set such as repairing armor, a form of art, a service provided (such as helping set up list fields, etc.), learning how to marshal the field, or other such “game” duties. This may vary from knight to knight.
Knights may also be made at the Duchy level. These are Knight Bannerets which still are entitled as Sir or Dame (as they choose to be called). Being a knight of any of the duchies of Solara does get you on the radar for the Kingdom knights to watch. A Kingdom knight may take a duchy knight as a student training them further. This is not a squire position, but a mentorship.
The Order of the Quasar
This Order is for knights who may no longer have the ability to always heed the call of the Crown to battle. It may be due to various factors in which they must semi-retire or fully retire. They may be inducted into the OotQ and may still fight as they please and/or marshal the field. It is expected they continue to raise MAAs and Squires and train new fighters by sharing their vast knowledge and skill.
While this article is a summary explanation of the path of knighthood, the full rules are available in the Kingdom of Solara Book of Law and any variance defaults to the Book of Law.