Royal Knights

The Royal Knights represent the pinnacle of martial prowess within the Draconic Kingdom. Selected from the finest warriors of the realm, these knights swear an unyielding oath to protect the monarch and the royal family. Their allegiance is solely to the throne, and they operate independently from other knight orders to ensure the safety and sanctity of the royal lineage.
Candidates for the Royal Knights undergo rigorous training, with a heavy focus on combat skills, strategy, and courtly etiquette. Only those who pass a stringent set of physical, mental, and ethical examinations are deemed worthy of the royal blue and gold armor.
While their primary duty is to protect the royal family, they also oversee the security of the royal palace and other significant royal properties. They act as personal guards to the king and queen during public events and ceremonies. In times of war, they form the protective vanguard around the monarch on the battlefield.
They maintain a nightly vigil an ancient rite of passage involves a Royal Knight in the Sanctum of the Celestial Serpent, ensuring there's always a knight praying for the safety of the kingdom.

Structure

Hierarchy of the Royal Knights of the Draconic Kingdom
1. The Grand Paladin: The supreme commander of the Royal Knights and the king's most trusted military advisor. They are directly responsible for the security of the royal family and coordinate all activities of the Royal Knights.
Selection: The position is often a lifelong appointment, chosen based on merit, leadership skills, and years of service. Upon the Grand Paladin's retirement or death, the king personally selects the successor.
Privileges: They have direct access to the king at all times, and they reside within the royal palace. They also bear a unique weapon, symbolic of their rank.
2. Paladins: Senior commanders under the Grand Paladin. Each Paladin oversees a division of the Royal Knights and is responsible for training, discipline, and mission assignments within their division.
Selection: Promoted from the ranks of the Elite Guard based on merit, battlefield accomplishments, and leadership qualities.
Privileges: They have their private quarters within the royal barracks and are the few who can directly advise the Grand Paladin on matters of security and strategy.
3. Elite Guard: These are the cream of the Royal Knights, handpicked for their exceptional skills. They often undertake special missions, guard vital locations, and serve as the king's personal guards during high-profile events.
Selection: Chosen from the general pool of Royal Knights based on their combat prowess, loyalty, and years of service.
Privileges: Higher pay, access to advanced training programs, and priority in selection for prestigious assignments.
4. Standard Royal Knights: Role: The backbone of the order. They perform regular duties, guarding the palace, accompanying the royal family on trips, and maintaining order during official ceremonies.
Selection: Chosen from the Central Knights after a stringent examination and training regime.
Privileges: Besides the honor of serving directly under the king, they receive a generous stipend, have the opportunity to rise through the ranks, and are given land grants upon retirement.
5. Squires: Young trainees aspiring to become Royal Knights. They assist established knights in their duties, undergo rigorous training, and learn the ways of the order.
Selection: Chosen from noble families or exceptional warriors from the kingdom's armed forces. Their training period varies, but only the best are eventually inducted as Royal Knights.
Privileges: They are tutored by experienced knights, get a first-hand experience of royal ceremonies, and upon successful completion of their training, are knighted in a grand ceremony.

"By Crown and Claw, We Protect All."

Type

Military, Knightly Order

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Leader

Grand Paladin leader

Leader Title

Grand Paladin

Location

The Royal Precinct: Vendrick's Central Domain