The Code of the Knights of Karolan

Established by Nirolad the Great

Reaffirmed and amended by Corzogad the Peace-Bringer

In these ways may a man become a Knight of Karolan:

He may study under the sages and Knights at Aaronkal until deemed ready, and then after a night of vigil and prayer to the Lord God, he may be dubbed a Knight by the King or Crown Prince of Karolan.

Or, after deeds of magnificent valor on the field of battle, he may be dubbed a Knight on said field, on the very same day, by the present King or Crown Prince of Karolan.

Or, if he has done such deeds, but neither King nor Crown Prince of Karolan was at the battle, he may be dubbed a Knight by the King or Crown Prince within the space of twelve days, after a night of vigil and of prayer to the Lord God.

Let none hastily choose to be Knights of Karolan. It is a high honor, to be won only by courage and steadfastness. A Knight must keep to this Code, and obey the Law of the Lord God and the commands of the King of Karolan, unwaveringly unto death. For all who will take up this challenge, here is the Code:

A Knight of Karolan must love all that is good, honorable, or beautiful. These things must he strive for, and defend at need even unto death.

A Knight of Karolan must be a man of truth. He must keep his word, even unto death, and even under threat of death must speak no word he will not keep.

A Knight of Karolan must hold the defense of women and children as his sacred charge. He must never lay violent hands on them. If God wills, he shall bring his bride to a home filled with joy, but until then he shall lie with no woman, nor afterward shall he lie with any but his bride, however great the temptation, even unto death.

A Knight of Karolan must do all that his King commands, unless it is evil. He must suffer none to turn him aside from this obedience, and he must turn no others aside from it. He must do the King’s will, even unto death.

A Knight of Karolan must be faithful to his friends and companions, deserting none in their need, and defending their lives with his own. If a Knight accepts companions on a journey, he may not abandon them, except they willingly part in a place of safety, or they die.

A Knight of Karolan must care for the poor, for widows, orphans, and strangers in the land. He should do good to them when it is in his power, delaying even an errand for the King, unless it is of surpassing urgency.

A Knight of Karolan must keep himself in good training for battle. Always he shall seek to increase his skill and strength where he can. He shall manage the affairs of his castle well, that all may be ready at the need of the King and realm.

A Knight of Karolan must be a man of courteous words, which make for good cheer and friendship among people. Even to his enemies he shall speak with courtesy, as long as it is possible. At need he shall denounce them and defy them with words of truth and thunder. He shall honor women, and his words to them shall never be vile or harsh.

A Knight of Karolan must remember that the only words or deeds that can dishonor him are his own.

A Knight of Karolan must not die foolishly, removing a life from the service of the Lord God and the King of Karolan.

If a Knight breaks this Code, he may be forgiven and retain the knighthood, but this shall not be held a light or easy matter, and it shall be possible only for him who repents with all his heart.