Rules of the Realm
Knights, Squires, and Chivalry
The rank of knight is awarded by the King or Queen to a squire who has been deemed ready by the Marquis. The First Knight normally seeks the opinions of his brother knights who are appointed as trainers to squires in this manner. As well as skill with weapons, a knight or squire should espouse the chivalric ideal, and possess suitable arms and armor for his preferred combat style. He should be an ornament and shield to the realm. Any knight may be appointed or take a squire for training. Any combatant who is neither knighted nor squired to another knight can be chosen. This is a very personal matter and there are no hard and fast rules. A knight will not take a squire unless he and the potential squire are willing; neither party should be pressured. Canvassing of the knights should be done very subtly, if seeking to be taken as a squire. All squires should first be friends with those who undertake the task of training. Being taken as a squire is an honor in itself . It means that the knight believes him/her to be a worthwhile and trustworthy person, which is why the title is recognized at court. There is no guarantee that a squire will ever be knighted, as this depends on many factors. There are precedents for remaining a squire indefinitely, and this is fine if both knight and squire are satisfied with the relationship. It can be just the normalization of someone joining the knight's household. The squire should, however, practice with weapons on a reasonably regular basis. The knight will oversee the training of his squire, trying to pass on his skills and also ensure that he/she has the chance to learn from others with complementary skills. He will also help with the development of the squire's arms and armor, and possibly with costumes and persona also. The squire, in return, will serve the knight in various ways. The traditional ones include helping him in and out of armor, attending him at events, and watching his back in battles. The limits depend on the particular case. A squire is not expected to spend every moment associating with the knight . Things should even out so that each party benefits and neither feels taken advantage of. The knight aims to guide the squire's development until he is worthy to be knighted, and meanwhile has a trusty retainer to make his life a little easier. Knighthood is one goal to work towards for those whose persona is a warrior. There are other, equally valid ones. As it has been said, striving to be a good, or at least entertaining, squire is perfectly valid. Those who wish to develop a non-noble persona {or a renegade noble} may not wish to fight in a chivalrous fashion. They will not, of course, win glory in tournaments but they can still gain great skill and recognition by induction into the Order of the Realm. It should be pointed out, however, that most of the cutlers which existed in our period produced warriors with a strong sense of honor and the truly unprincipled are usually ostracized. Since we mostly recreate the ideal of high medieval society, this means that chivalrous behavior is expected and non-conformists suffer certain sanctions. Remember, in a period there was a clear difference between what was done in battle {when winning is all that matters} and how people behave during duels and tournaments, when they were often judged as much on their chivalry as their prowess. Kings famous as flowers of chivalry committed atrocities on campaign, and non-nobles don't count anyway. Also bear in mind that we all have an obligation to maintain the atmosphere at events and especially during court when unchivalrous behavior rapidly brings us back to the real world. This applies to non-combatants just as strongly!
The Duty of the Knights of the Realm
It is the duty of all knights to oversee the rooms of the realm, and only the knights shall respond to any visitor or guest about their way of dress or manner of speech. No resident shall take it upon themselves to tell any guest of the realm how to dress in the open room. All residents will ignore an unruly or unwanted visitor. There will be no exceptions to this and if an unwanted guest will not respond to a knight's or request to alter their avatar or manner of speech then the knights or will announce to the room to "ignore" the guest. Also there will be no tolerance of public squabbles, arguments, or fighting so if there is a problem with another resident then it should be taken it to a "private room" or handled in "IM" but not in the public room as other guests and residents do not want to see this type of conversation, any more.
Rules of Guidance
Lesson 1) Always use "IM's" when talking to an intruder or improperly dressed guest. Be polite, and remember that when someone comes into a room they need time to load the room. If, after a couple minutes, they don't change an improper avatar, ask them no more then twice in "IM's" to change, and give them the reason why (i.e.: "There are ladies and children present. Please dress accordingly.") Thank them, and wait a couple of minutes. If they don't change or respond, then "IM" them once more. If they do not respond again, go too Lesson 2. ( Also see Lesson 6 )
Lesson 2) Encourage all to use "ignore." If they get no resolution after Lesson 1, then announce in the room for all too place that person on "ignore."
Lesson 3) Never use vulgar language. Always check "observe" to see who is there and check their profile to see what they are wearing, so it is known what to expect before they enter the room. "IM" them, and welcome them to join, but to please wear a proper avatar as we have women and children present.
Lesson 4) Be Courteous to all. No exceptions. If a lady is unattended and someone of questionable ways enters the room, link with her avatar, and then "IM" her and explain it is for her protection only. When the intruder leaves unlink again.
Lesson 5) Be ever watchful.
Lesson 6) Do not retaliate against verbal abuse with same. It will not be tolerated by anyone. Always be polite and talk in "IM's" to those who are wearing nasty or improper avatars. Ask them to change to a proper avatar, and offer to give them one if they do not have one. If they do not respond then place on "ignore" and tell all room guests to do the same.
Lesson 7) If a person does not change their avatar, then cover them and ask all to place on "ignore"
Lesson 8) Remember to show by example. Be polite and courteous and respond to all with title due (i.e.: M'lady , M'lord, Sir, Your Majesty,Your Grace, Your Highness, King, Queen, or Sire, as these are honored titles and should be treated as such always.
Lesson 9) To receive respect, one must first give respect.
Conduct for Courting
Rule 1) You shall be polite and courteous at all times.
Rule 2) When you find a person who interests you, the man should always ask permission to link to the woman publicly before sitting with her. If after one month, or you become engaged, you need not ask for permission to link any longer.
Rule 3) While linked, politeness to those in the room should be observed and maintained in a normal manner.
Rule 4) Always be mindful avoiding all forms of falsehoods.
Rule 5) You shall not knowingly strive to break up a proper love affair in which someone else is engaged.
Rule 6) You shall keep yourself chaste for the sake of he/she whom you love.
Rule 7) Be respectful of other's privacy, as uou would wish your own to be respected.
Rule 8) In giving and receiving love's solaces, let modesty be ever present.
Rule 9) In practicing the solaces of love you shall not exceed the desires of thy lover.
Championing
Championing simply means that the knight swears to uphold the honor of a lady of the court; to serve, honor, and protect her from harm before all others. In our virtual lives it often ends up as a step towards marriage even though that is not for which it was intended in midieval times.
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