Category:Orders of Chivalry

Orders of Chivalry on Anikett may take many different forms. They typically are hierarchal in nature with similar structures and titles, such as knights, commanders, grand master/mistress, etc. They might be led by a grand master, patron, monarch, council, or deity (though a grand prior acting in the name of a deity is far more likely). Some orders may require a knight be of noble birth, others (if authorised) may confer nobility to knights, while others may hold the chivalric rank entirely separate from ranks of nobility.

Knights typically carry a prestige among the populace, as it denotes a level of prowess and the respect of other order members. While members of the public might not be any quicker to offer goods or services to a knight without recompense, they tend to be cut a wide berth with a reputation that may help or hinder cooperation. Orders have a political interest in respecting other orders, even when warring against them. As such, equivalent ranks are typically respected by all. This may not be the case in all instances, however, such as with an order of ill repute, or two orders with irreparably conflicting ideals.

Entry into a chivalric order depends entirely on the order's rules. Typically it requires someone of rank conferring a title after the swearing of oaths. For paladins this is often the Oath of Devotion. Some may be granted the rank of knight (such as by a monarch) without belonging to an order, or perhaps they were called to service directly by a deity without involving an order devoted to them. Such knights are traditionally referred to as Knights Errant, Knights Bachelor (for male identifying) or Knights Maiden (for female identifying).