The chevaliers are an elite military organization in
Orlais. They are addressed as either Chevalier or Dame.
A quote that many members live by is: "
Honor does not preclude tactics, and glory is not won through foolishness."
Background
Many of the nobility in Orlais are members of its famous/infamous knightly order, the chevaliers. Joining the chevaliers is a good way to improve social standing, a useful path for lesser, landless nobles and noble children not in line to inherit. The chevaliers include both men and women, although women are not often encouraged to take up arms. Those who do follow in the footsteps of the first female knight, Aveline.
The legendary training of the chevaliers at the Academie des Chevaliers in Val Royeaux is harsh, instilling in its knights a fierce discipline and code of honor that surpasses even value in their own lives. The chevaliers are said to be fearless and their loyalty to the empire absolute. The penalty for dishonor is death, something a chevalier should welcome if they have failed the order.
Chevaliers hold absolute power over those of commoner rank. The brutality of certain members of the chevaliers is infamous, and considering that the knighthood is above legal reproach, the lower Orlesian classes fear the knighthood as much as those of higher standing adore it. Indeed, chevalier privilege often leads to abuses against the common classes. The poor and powerless must tread carefully in the wake of such license or risk great danger to themselves and their loved ones.
Many groups have a deep-seated hatred for the chevaliers.
Fereldens hate this group due to their actions during the Orlesian occupation of Ferelden. During time, only about three decades ago, the chevaliers were merciless. They would regularly enslave and punish Fereldens, and often performed much more vile acts to them.
This hatred pales in comparison to how much the Dalish despise the chevaliers and all of Orlais. Due to their actions in the Second
Exalted March, the Dalish feel no compassion to these soldiers. They see them as humans who have lost any morality and seek nothing more than the blood of elves at the tips of their pikes.
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