Empire

Knights are supposed to be brave, courageous, honorable, and true to their word. They should be loyal to their feudal overlord, and are tasked with defending their faith. In practice, most knights fall short of sustaining such high and noble ideals. Many do not try particularly hard, and instead seek knighthood mainly for the prestige and opportunities. To a degree, that is understandable and perhaps unavoidable; for bastards and smallfolk, knighthood is one of the few paths for improving their social standing and monetary prospects that does not involve seriously restrictive vows such as celibacy or abstaining from marrying, having children or owning lands of their own. Knighthood by itself brings few advantages and significant expenses and risks, but it opens the doors for significant opportunities as well. In reality, skill at arms is the most important aspect of knighthood. Knights are expected to fight whenever there is a need for them. They traditionally fight as heavy cavalry, wearing plate armor and fighting from horseback with lance, sword and shield. Some knights choose to fight with other weapons such as axes, hammers, and spears as well. They own at least one horse, and typically own two: a fierce warhorse and a milder horse for daily riding. According to Ser Jaime Lannister three hundred dragons is a fair ransom for a knight.[1] Knights display a coat-of-arms on their shield and surcoat to identify themselves. They generally wear their family arms. Those who do not have family arms, or do not wish to use them, can create their own. These personal arms often portray the manner in which the man achieved knighthood or have some other personal significance. Many knights wear large crests on their helms that embellish the theme of their arms. Wealthy knights often seek to further distinguish themselves by wearing ornate weapons and armor. Lacquered or jeweled armor and capes of exotic materials are some ways that knights can flaunt their status. Sir Damen, want to be Knight?