Lemajen Sterrich and the Knights of the Hart

The Knights of the Hart have a long history. Di- vided into three separate branches, the Knights of the Order of the Hart were organized to assure that the central-western good Flanaess states (Veluna, Furyondy, Highfolk) retained their freedom, pur- pose, and allegiance. Historically, Ket and the Baklunish states have been perceived as the major threat, although these days, Iuz is seen as the prime enemy of the three nations.

Historically, the Knights were organized as a vanguard that could be ready at a minute’s notice to fight for the states that had relatively weak and decentralized armies and only a few standing troops. After the wars this is less true, especially in Furyondy and Highfolk. To their permanent preparedness for battle, the Knights have sought to protect the lifeblood of beleaguered nations, trade, and aid from those states that can provide it. The Knights are learning skills of diplomacy, and are especially active in Veluna in this regard. In the Free City of Greyhawk, their main concern is trade and the protection of it. They seek merce- naries and allies whenever they can find them. The Knights maintain certain strongholds of their own, some being nobles and landowners; these fortified castles and humbler residences are scattered throughout Furyondy, Veluna. and (to a lesser extent) tie valley of the Velverdyva. The three branches of the Order follow.

Knights of Furyondy: There are some 125 surviving Knights, many having died in the war with Iuz. This branch of the order is now most concerned with maintaining strongholds and recruiting soldiery.

Knights of Veluna: There are some 70 Knights in Veluna, the majority being seasoned veterans (F7 and higher), many owning at least some lands, and a few being close to the counsels of power in the land. Diplomacy is the major concern of this branch of the Order.

Knights of the High Forest: This Highfolk branch comprises perhaps less than 30 elves (and only elves). This branch of the Order is concerned with guerrilla warfare in the Vesve, and with trade, the latter not because they truly wish it, but because the proceeds from it are so vital, to a lesser extent, in supporting the Highfolk and Furyondy.

Knighthood in any branch of the Order of the Hart is bestowed only on freemen (and women) who have demonstrated by deed their concern for the well-being of the states they are dedicated to uphold and defend. All Knights have traditionally been accomplished warriors, but fighting priests have recently been accepted into the Knights of Veluna also, although any accepted candidate must have performed at least one remarkable deed of courage in battle (slaying a fiend, saving fallen comrades against great odds, slaying a giant, etc.). The Knights of the Hart have traditional enmities with Iuz (intense), Perrenland (despite their trade links with the Highfolk), and Dyvers (the reasons for this are very obscure). There has always been a rivalry with the Knights of Holy Shielding, a rivalry intensified by the events of the wars for the Knights of Furyondy in particular (who regard the Knights of Holy Shielding as idiots, and contemptuously dismiss reclamation of the Shield Lands as a worthwhile goal).

The Knights of the Hart consider the Knights of Luna helpful, since they have helped Highfolkers, but are somewhat distanced from them since they regard them as essentially concerned with the affairs of Celene, a nation the Knights of the Hart have no love for.

In the Free City, Lemajen Sterrich is the main representative of this Order.