The Knights Excellion
The most numerous and arguably powerful of the three major factions that make up the support structure for the Monarch of The Holy Mernite Sovereignty, the Knights Excellion are famed for often being the face of the Monarch in the lands of the Sovereignty.
The Knights Excellion are impossible to talk about with comparing them to their sister organization, The Mernite Paladin Order. They follow many of the same religious doctrines of the Mernite Paladin Order, but do not take fully fledged Paladin Order, which deprives them from the powers of a Paladin, but also means they are not as tied to their oath as a Paladin. Many Knights Excellion (though not all) strive to become a Mernite Paladin, using their time in the Knights Excellion to train and prepare for their oath.
Politically, the Knights Excellion are oft considered the most powerful of the three orders that support the Monarch. Most of this comes down to their superior numbers (due to having thousands of non-combat support members), as well the fact that people descending from both Crusaders or original Mernite people can join the order, while The Mernite Paladin Order restricts its members to original Crusader families and The Muharib is made up mostly of descendants of original Mernite people (though they do technically allow anyone in, as far as anyone knows).
Structure
Unlike the Paladins and Muharid, The Knights Excellion allows non-fighters into its membership.
At the top of the Order is the Grandmaster, who serves at the behest of the Monarch and can be replaced by the Monarch, and is chosen by the Knights.
The Knights are the military arm of the Knights Excellion. Confusingly, one can be a Knight Excellion, without being a Knight. The Knights are what most people imagine of the Order, being clad in golden armor and dealing with all military matters. They also choose the Grandmaster from amongst their number when the last one dies or retires.
Beside in technicality, but under in reality, are the Sergeants. This consists of any member of the order who acts in support roles, such as blacksmiths, medics, healers, logistics, and so on. They have no real say in the organization, such as choosing a Grandmaster, nor can one become a Grandmaster, but the Charter of the Knights does say they are equal to the Knights in "stature and dignity."
Below all else are Squires, essentially new initiates to the order. Squires will spend time apprenticing under a Knight and Sergeant, before choosing a path to pursue. Most choose to become a Sergeant, as there is usually a place somewhere in the order for them, which comes with a guaranteed salary. Those who choose to become Knights must pass a series of trials, or be drummed out of the order and not be allowed to reenter.
History
When the Sovereignty was first formed its main supporting organizations were the Paladins of the Mantle and their supporting armies that made up the Crusade, and the newly reformed Muharib. But as the nature of magic began to change, many Paladins lost their connections to their oaths, and new paladins were harder to anoint. To address this issue, the Knights Excellion came into being.
By The Mantle's Guidance
Type
Military, Knightly Order
Alternative Names
The Golden Knights
Training Level
Professional
Demonym
Knight Excellion
Parent Organization
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