Knight of the Silver Crown

Over the years, Emperors and Empresses of Valissa have created a number of titles to credit individuals for various deeds. They have a preference for an individual proving their worth to gain a higher standing in life, rather than being born into one class or another. But none of these titles are quite as lucrative as becoming a Knight of the Silver Crown.

Requirements

In order to be considered for the title, one must be a knight belonging to any of the following orders:

• The Valissan Royal Hall
• The Valissan Empire
• Protectors of the Song

Beyond that, a knight will be considered on their deeds. There are no specific requirements on what deeds are considered worthy of the title, rather an Emperor or Empress will judge deeds based on their own personal beliefs of worthiness.

Surprisingly, there is no requirement for the knight to be of Valissan descent. So long as they serve in one of the above orders, they may be considered for the title, regardless of where they were born or where they come from.

So shall it be known. A Knight of the Silver Crown holds the highest of honours. For their bravery in the face of adversity, for their dedication to the people of Valissa, for their skills surpassing the quality of their peers.

This title grants expectation - a great burden and achievement all at once - that the knight in question remains steadfast in their valor. For an Emperor or Empress of Valissa may strip a knight of their title should they fall below the standards that the knight themselves have set.

Decree of the Silver Crown

Is it a Permanent Title?

For most knights granted the title of Knight of the Silver Crown, they will hold it for the remainder of their lives. It is rare to see the title revoked. This only really happens if a knight goes against their sworn conduct, or heavily contradicts the standout deeds that meant they were considered for the title in the first place.

Only the Emperor or Empress who bestowed the title upon a knight can revoke it. This is written as part of the Decree of the Silver Crown to ensure that successors aren’t undoing their predecessors' work out of things like spite or revenge.

Appointment Ceremony

The appointment ceremony, sometimes referred to as the Silver Forging, is a very basic affair for such a grand title. It is held in the Vaultyn Palace in Central Valissa. A feast is hosted by the current Emperor or Empress and all are invited to the Palace to attend.

Attendance is not free though - if you attend the Silver Forging then you are expected to bring a gift of some sort for the knight about to receive the title. If you don’t bring a gift, it is seen as a slight against both the knight and the current Emperor or Empress, and no one really wants to end up on the bad side of a Valissan ruler. It doesn’t have to be a massive or expensive gift; something as simple as baking the knight a small cake or giving them a bit of coin is enough to satisfy this requirement.

After the feast, the Emperor or Empress will ask the room to be silent so that the main part of the Silver Forging can begin. The knight will stand before the throne and express their thanks to the Emperor or Empress for granting them such a high honour. Then the Emperor or Empress will ask the knight to kneel, list the reasons for which they believe the knight deserves the title, then say a final blessing.

Once the final blessing has been spoken, the Emperor or Empress will present the knight with a personalised dagger.

“I don’t think I can accept this honour, Your Majesty…”

Empress Adonius turns sharply, raising the thin line of her left eyebrow, lips pulled taut, and Varienco almost takes the words back. How he feels so small in front of a woman who barely reaches his chest in height is beyond him, but somehow Empress Adonius manages it.

“You will accept it.”

“But–”

“No, Varienco. Listen to me,” she says softly - no need to raise your voice when your presence alone is so commanding - and steps closer. Close enough to place a hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently. “Whatever past you have buried, I care not for it. The deeds I have seen you accomplish, that bravery in the face of almost certain death, fighting for lives that were not your own on the off chance that you might be able to save even one person from torment. That is why you deserve to be a Knight of the Silver Crown...” A short, contemplative pause follows. Empress Adonius offers him the beginnings of a warm smile. “Do you believe you have changed from the man you were, all those years ago, during whatever past still haunts you?”

“I… yes, Your Majesty.”

“Then that is all I need to hear of it. Now go, you have a ceremony to prepare for, and I expect my knights to look their best.”

Type

Civic, Military, Generic

Form of Address

'Ser' or 'of the Silver Crown'

Current Holders

• Varienco Tyne

Reports directly to

Emperor / Empress of Valissa

Related Locations

• Valissa