Imperial Knight
The Elite forces of the Empire
Imperial Knights are those appointed by those of a high political standing. Most knights have a large amount of martial training and serve as elite forces for a noble. If a Knight is sent as part of a Noble's military Tithe then they count as 10 men. Many commoners aspire to being Knights as a way to start gathering social and political power to themselves.
Career
Qualifications
Imperial Knights are expected either be trained or contractually obligated to be trained to fight. Basic literacy is expected of a Knight so that he can serve his lord better. Those with training in wizardry are able to become knights if adopted and taught by a Noble. If the Knight is trained in some form of magic they are worth 5 normal Knights.
Career Progression
Knights have no natural career progression beyond simply being a Knight, it is the apex of a mercenary or adventurer career. In some circumstances a Knight may be appointed as Noble by the Emperor should he show that he is exceptional and worthy to found his own Noble House.
Payment & Reimbursement
Imperial Knights are given a monthly stipend by the Noble at appointed them until they find a new lord to serve or are killed in the line of duty. The stipend itself has a minimum set by law but a Knight of exceptional skill or loyalty may be given more for their monthly earnings.
Other Benefits
Knights are counted as Minor Nobles and have the appropriate political and social power. They may pass their title to a selected heir and are expected to pass it to an heir that will serve as another Knight instead of becoming a layabout. Knights tend to be the ones who have songs written about them by the bards.
Perception
Purpose
Knights fill the role of elite forces for the Imperial Army or of a specific Noble. They also fulfill the role of bodyguards for nobles or other figures of import.
Social Status
Knighthood is sought by the adventurous or those that have no direct path in life. The son of a smith would aspire to take over their father's smithy while a third-born son of a smith may aspire to becoming a Knight as a way to strike out on their own and not just be a helper in their sibling's shop.
Demographics
1.17% of the Imperial Population are Knights.
History
In the years preceding the founding of the Empire there were many squabbling states constantly at each others throats, each trying to subjugate each other and become the major political power of Humanity. One particular state had a soldier that was particularly charismatic. He slowly built up support within the State's military until he had enough backing to become the General of the State's army. While winning battle after battle he continued to gather political power until he believed he had enough support. Only after making sure the base of his little kingdom was stable did he walk into a meeting with his lord and stab him through the heart. This warrior took control of the state quickly, directing his military in a campaign that would unit all of the states into what became the Human Empire. The first knights were appointed by the first Emperor and were his personal shock troops during the War of Unification. Over time the Knights' expectations have decayed till where they are today. They are the elite forces of the empire, true, but their name no longer inspires heart-stopping terror in those that oppose the Emperor.
Operations
Tools
An Imperial Knight requires a weapon with which they are lethally proficient and armor befitting the elite forces of the Empire. Knights usually have either a horse or some other means of rapid transit so that they can suddenly appear in an engagement.
Materials
The day to day requirements of a Knight usually only include food and the materials required to maintain their gear.
Workplace
The Knights barracks is much better appointed than the common soldiers' barracks. Each Knight has their own room with a comfortable bed, a dresser, a desk, and a small table with two chairs.
Provided Services
Knights can easily acquire the services of any common profession by presenting a small crest given to them by the Noble that appointed them. A Knight can Negotiate with the Spellblades for the services provided by the organization should they be required.
Dangers & Hazards
Knights are subject to the dangers of being at war or being an adventurer inside or out of the Empire. So there is constant danger unless they are settling down to provide an heir for their title.
Alternative Names
Knights, Minors
Type
Military
Demand
Knights are a Military Staple.
Legality
Knights are legal and eagerly sought out by Nobles so that they do not have to provide a massive tithe of troops out of their populace.
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