Antoran Chivalry: Difference between revisions
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The idea of chivalry in Antora traces its roots to the cavalrymen of the eastern principalities where the terrain was favorable to mounted combat. The day-to-day lives of these cavalry involved military proficiency, constant training as an individual, service to a higher authority, and battlefield control. As mounted combat become more culturally intrinsic and more ritualized, so too did the lifestyles of the cavalrymen. Concepts emerged that became central to combat of the day, such as it being forbidden for an infantryman to directly fight a horseman or vice versa. This was due to the common disparity in quality of training and equipment between the two, resulting on one hand an unfair match for the infantry, and on the other the potential shame of the cavalier if he lost, as many were landowners and nobles. The service of these self-equipped and trained soldiers became so important to the lords of the east that the formal office of knighthood was eventually created. Knights, as the most powerful individuals on a battlefield, became expected to become ideal people as well as warriors. The ideals of chivalry became codified in 1355 after several centuries of evolution as the '''Antoran Precepts of Honorable and Chivalric Life'''.
Chivalry is ingrained heavily into the culture of Antora. For much of its history its two constituent kingdoms were at war, and knights featured heavily in the militaries of both parties. There are five Chivalric Orders of Knighthood in the present day, three of which trace their heritage to the longest and bloodiest war between the kingdoms, the Thirty Years Bloodshed. So many knights were created during this war it is said that 80% of the population can trace their ancestry to one. In the modern era, chivalry has come to be accepted as a general social norm. 'Casual Chivalry' in contemporary Antora is a philosophy on living life which combines a knowledge of '{{wp|Courtesy|courtly}}' or high society manners, being true and honest with one's beliefs be they spiritual or otherwise, and the ability and capacity to defend oneself or others. These ideals combine into the moral and ethical concepts of Antoran honor and nobility, which all are generally expected via {{wp|social contract}} to follow. People are expected to act honorably and selflessly, to perform good deeds on occasion, to respect and consider their neighbors. Antora’s populace remains one of the few in the world that integrates a written social code that is neither politically or spiritually focused into their everyday life. As a point of cultural uniqueness, the battlefield usage and practices of knighthood remain alive today in the [[Royal
== Terminology & Origins ==
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==== The Order of the Candle ====
[[File:Badge of the Order of Alcantara.svg|thumb|150x150px|Badge of the Order of Eleçeron|alt=Badge of the Order of Eleçeron, depicting a green four pointed cross with fluer de lis on each point]]
The Order of the Candle was created in 1424 by King Victor of Réal. A more military Order than the Golden Eagle, it was designed to provide defense for the various Votive spiritual sites across Réoran territories. These places often were burgled or defaced by criminal elements or disgruntled members of other religions. Knights of the Candle were charged with living with the clergy of their assigned station This way, they could undergo spiritual betterment while also being available to defend the clergy. Larger institutions were assigned more knights; the largest hermitage would likely include twelve fully-fledged Knights of the Candle and their associated retinues. Over time this Order would be intrinsically linked with the Votive Way in Réal, and many members were simultaneously
In the modern day, Knights of the Candle continue to protect places associated with the Votive Way. It serves as official security for all sites operated by the various Votive aspects. The ranks are: Knight of the Candle (''Caballero de la Vela,'') Defender of the Path ( ''Defensor del Camino'',) Sergeant of the Hearth (''Sargento'' ''del Hogar'',) Captain of the Sepulchre (''Capitán'' ''del Sepulcro'',) Commander of the Flame (''Commandanté'' ''del Sepulcro'',) and Paladin of Honor (''Paladín'' ''de Honor.'') The Order is also awarded to Votive practitioners who undergo the rite of Exchange. The rank reserved for these members is Steward of the Path (''Mayordomo del Camino.'')
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==== The Chivalric Order of the Red Eagle ====
{{Main article|Chivalric Order of the Red Eagle}}
The Chivalric Order of the Red Eagle is the youngest order. It was created in 2022 by King [[Sebastián II]] together with his brother, Prince-Emeritus [[Astolfo de Naranza-Carratéo|Astolfo]]. The Prince-Emeritus had recently re-entered public life after being believed dead for over thirty years. He had built himself as the leader of the world's most prominent mercenary company under a false identity. His exposure of corruption and treason within the government led to wide-sweeping reforms, including that of the Royal Corric Guard. The King agreed to include the most skilled and trusted members of Astolfo's [[The Company of the Quill|Company of the Quill]] alongside the Guard to create an organization that not only protects against threats to the Monarch, but to Antora as well, even if said threat is the Monarch themselves. The Order of the Red Eagle is the most militant of any current Order, maintaining a standing force of elite soldiers independent of any other organization. Membership is highly exclusive and is an appointment given only to those soldiers who have proven their fitness, skill, wit, and loyalty to the nation and its people. A special review board for addressing personnel needs and vetting candidates exists within the Order to limit the influence other government departments have over membership.
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==== Knightly Order of the Southern Sun ====
The Knightly Order of the Southern Sun is a martial order that has existed in various forms since 1401. Founded in Casilló by Volscine knights settling in Iravala, the Order has evolved from a community defense force to a paramilitary group that blends traditional HAMA practices with modern special forces training. They are widely considered second only to the Chivalric Order of the Red Eagle in combat effectiveness. Ranks follow the traditional model: Knight, Knight Sergeant, Knight Commander, Knight Captain, Knight Banneret, and Master of the Order. Bannerets lead the individual Chapters, of which there are four. The First Chapter is still based in Iravala, while the largest, the Second, is attached to the 1st Venture Legion "Silver Cross Cavaliers" deployed to Volscina.
==== Knightly Order of the Sapphire ====
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