Caballos
Qualifications
In most cases, the rank of Caballos is conferred upon an individual following either a prescribed time of loyal service or following an exceptional service rendered or achievement performed. In the case of the former, in a system unique to the Bediz, a child will become a page at the age of 7, a squire at 15 and become eligible for knighthood at 21. This is the most common method of ascension, not not the only one.
In the case of the Tuatha de Danaan, a candidate is given a "quest", a magically enforced Ere-Hud, that imposes a goal on the candidate, to prove their skill and loyalty before conferring the title. Often, the method is satisfying the condition is not relevant, so much as the task is conducted in good faith, satisfies the requirements and does not violate some social or magical taboo. At times, mundane equivalents of these tasks are carried out in Bediz societies, although this has become increasingly rare.
Caballos can be drawn from any species or social class, marking a notable avenue of social advancement among lower class Bediz. While the knighting of a individual may vary by ruler, in general there is no prohibition against any species or gender, and most scholars can point to at least one exception to a presumed precedent.
Requirements
The title of Caballos is granted as a reward for exceptional merit, elevating an individual above their peers. While the title is often granted to the heirs of a Caballos, this is not automatic.
Caballos are expected to be adept in their proficient skill, most commonly skill with weaponry or martial ability, although it is not uncommon for Arkanists to obtain the rank. In exceptional cases, diplomats, artist and craftsmen have been elevated to the rank after providing some unique benefit to the realm or the Sovereign.
Appointment
Upon completing their qualifications, an individual is granted the title of Caballos or equivalent, receiving a new moniker, the boon of the Sovereign and any ancillary benefits granted. In exchange, an oath of loyalty is sworn, creating an Ere-Hud between the knight, the Sovereign and the Genius Loci, drawing on the Law of Sovereignty.
The title is conferred in a ceremony called the Accolade, in which a ceremonial blow from a Sovereign, typically a tap on the shoulders with a flat of a sword (or in the case of some Fomorian and Norman traditions, a bare-fisted blow to the ear). A special collar is sometimes worn by a knighted individual during this event.
A sovereign may be of any rank, provided a notion of Sovereignty exists. On a political level, only those of the rank of Duke or higher may confer knighthood, with the exception of the Count of Tolosa. Likewise, Knightly organizations, such as the Urzh Kroashent and the Silverblade Company have similar positions, but typically lack the Sovereignty that provides the magical effects of Knighthood.
Duties
The Caballos is an offshoot of the relationship between the Sovereign and the Genius Loci, swearing an oath of loyalty and protection to each in turn.
The priority of these oaths, should they come into conflict or contradiction, and the moral and ethical concerns that arise from this conflict, are a subject of passionate debate among moral philosophers, without clear answers, in part due to the weak effect of most mundane Sovereignties. In extreme cases, such as the emergence of a Fisher Kingdom, these obligations come into a more dramatic effect, as the fate of a kingdom may rest with severing the connection of the Sovereign. The effect of a Fisher Kingdom on a Caballos varies greatly, but is often manifested in some way.
Many Caballos are bound by a code of Chivalry, occasionally reinforced by an Ere-Hud, typically among Fae peoples.
Responsibilities
At their core, Caballos are mounted warriors, elevated by skill above standard Foot-Soldiers, although they are not exclusively mounted, nor are all mounted soldiers Caballos.
Caballos are typically given an extensive training regimine. As pages, they are trained in both hunting and academic studies, as well as swordsmanship, equestrianism, tactics and chivalry. . The are tasked to carry and clean armor, take care of mounts and packing bags.
Upon becoming squires, an individual was expected to master "the seven points of agilities", all performed in full armor. These are: riding, swimming and diving, shooting a wide array of ranged weapons, Hastilude etiquette, wrestling, fencing, long jumping, and dancing.
Benefits
Upon receiving the title of Caballos or equivalent. an individual receive obtains a rank among the gentry, if they were not of noble blood already. This nobility, but no the title of Caballos itself, passes to heirs, with children becoming lords and ladies unless they are knighted themselves. In addition, a Caballos is given an additional moniker, which becomes part of their Fis. A Caballos is also granted a coat of arms at this time, emblazoned on the Grand Armorial of a given country.
A Caballos or equivalent is an extension of the will of a Sovereign, receiving the blessing and curses of the land, as well as additional protection from the effects of the Arkane.
A sovereign typically provides their knights with necessities, such as lodging, food, armour, weapons, horses, and money. On some occassions, a knight will be granted control of a fief or is made Castellan of a fortification with the most of the powers of its owner. This land grant may be temporary, or pass to heirs so long as the Sovereign allows it. Caballos do not own land in their own right, unless they belong to the landed class of nobles in addition ( Baron/Baronez or higher)
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Once knighted, a Caballos cannot be stripped of their rank, nor their connection to the Sovereign, although all ancillary benefits such as land, gentry status and material benefits can be revoked. The bond formed with the land and moniker granted is irrevocable, and the fates of the knight and the land are tied together as one. As a result, Caballos are especially susceptible to the effects of the Fisher Kingdom, even if they are outside a region or they have disowned a Sovereign.
Type
Nobility, Military
Form of Address
Sieur (Name) - Male/ Dame (Name) - Female
Alternative Naming
Chevalier (Norman, Anjevin, Gallian), Marc'heg (Letha), Riddari (Orkney), Zaldun (Akitania/Tolosa)
Equates to
The position of Caballos, existing in the Fortunate Isles is the social equivalent of a knight in continental societies. In social standing, a knight is the lowest rank of the gentry, below Lord, but above commoner social classes. The concept, first formalized by the Court of Kameled in Logres, has similar examples with slight variances found across Kornôgel. In Gallia, Normandi and Anjev, this rank equates with that of a Chevalier, which is the most widely used continental form of the term. In Letha), the position is known as a Marc'heg , while Zaldun is used in Akitainia, Tolosa and Navarre
The Orkish Riddari and the Ubarite Furusiyya are simplified comparisons, serving similar purposes, but with notable differences that negate direct equivalency.
Source of Authority
Authority is granted by one of the 4 Rí Buiden of the Tuatha de Danaan or an equivalent Sovereign.
Length of Term
Perpetual/Lifetime
Related Locations
Related Organizations
Related Military Formations
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