Knightly Orders

Lore & Background

Knighthoods in the UK are typically honours associated with orders of chivalry, with knights ranking in accordance with these orders. The exception is the lowest tier of knighthood, Knight Bachelor, which is not associated with any order. The sovereign serves as the fount of honour for all orders of chivalry in the UK. In the British Isles, knighthoods are not hereditary, with the exception of three Irish hereditary knighthoods created for their kinsmen by the Earls of Desmond. Since 2011, all but one of the knighthoods are dormant. The only active one is the Knight of Kerry (Green Knight); the holder is Sir Adrian FitzGerald, 6th Baronet of Valencia, 24th Knight of Kerry. Unlike other knighthoods, they entitle the holder not to the title 'Sir', but 'Knight'.

In Their Own Story

The morning mist clung to the stone ramparts of the Order's fortress as Brother Thomas inspected the line of men. Unlike the levied peasants who had arrived days prior with rusted spears, these knights moved with a synchronized precision honed by years of shared discipline. A messenger from the Lord's manor below shouted up the hill, demanding aid against bandits, but Thomas merely nodded to his squire and turned back to the horizon. Their oath was not to the fleeting whims of local lords, but to the sanctity of the land itself. As the sun broke through the clouds, illuminating the golden crosses on their tabards, the order prepared for a defense that would last long after the local lord's influence had faded.

Reader's Guide

Knightly Orders in Manor Lords are distinct military and religious entities that function differently from standard feudal levies. They are typically represented by specialized buildings or units that provide high-tier combat capabilities but require specific resources to maintain, such as gold or faith-based offerings. Unlike regular knights who are tied directly to a lord's estate, these orders often have their own chain of command and can be called upon for large-scale conflicts without depleting the local population. Their presence in a region usually indicates a high level of development and religious influence. Players interacting with the lore of these orders will find they serve as powerful allies against external threats, particularly during invasion events or when defending trade routes. However, their loyalty is conditional on the upkeep of their spiritual and material needs.

Did You Know?

• Knighthoods in the UK are typically honours associated with orders of chivalry, with knights ranking in accordance with these orders.
• The exception is the lowest tier of knighthood, Knight Bachelor, which is not associated with any order.
• The sovereign serves as the fount of honour for all orders of chivalry in the UK.
• In the British Isles, knighthoods are not hereditary, with the exception of three Irish hereditary knighthoods created for their kinsmen by the Earls of Desmond.
• Since 2011, all but one of the Irish hereditary knighthoods are dormant; the only active one is the Knight of Kerry (Green Knight), held by Sir Adrian FitzGerald, 6th Baronet of Valencia, 24th Knight of Kerry.