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Dispatch → Factbook → Culture
Knights
Social Class: Nobility, Aristocracy
Military Rank: Field Officer or General
Types: Secular or Monastic
Political positions: Mayors or Governors
Ever since the Medieval Age, Angevin armies have been led into battle by brave and courageous Knights. Noted for their chivalry, honor, and prowess, the Plantagenets still employ the service of Knights in its armies even in the modern age. Serving as either Generals or Field Officers, depending on the prestige of their House, they are vital to the organization of the Royal Military.
Pre-Knighthood
After successfully completing their training, squires are Knighted. The night before their Knighthood, squires are to pray well into the night and seek guidance from the Almighty. This is know as the Knight's Vigil. The next day, Mass is celebrated and after the service, the squires come forth to the front of the Church and kneel before the alter. After a short prayer, the Headmaster of the School unsheathes an ornate sword, and knights each squire. Then the Priest or Bishop blesses each Knight. At certain times during the year, there are large ceremonies for the wealthier squires where the King himself knights each of them. If a common soldier has shown extreme courage in battle, or preformed an extraordinary deed, they can be Knighted and their family can join the (lower) nobility. Despite the process of becoming a Knight being centuries old, it has been modernized to keep it up to date with the current times.
Knighthood
Once knighted, the Knights begin serving in the Royal Army. Their role in the army is roughly equivalent to that of an officer, or even General, but it is much more of a prestigious rank. When they were in Knightly School, the Squires chose if they wished to join a Religious/Monastic Order, or remain a secular knight in the army. The religious orders still serve in the regular army, but they have more independence and flexibility in general than secular knights. Knights lead, command, and organize armies. The military leadership is dominated by Knights.
Knights also have political duties. Most lower level Knights are mayors of the towns or cities where they were born, and the more noble knights are governors of larger states. While most Lords (politicians) are Knights, they not considered Knights in the military sense.
