The Hallowed Halls
Here you are in these hollowed halls, where our might upholds the weak, where our words speak only the truth, where our wrath undoes the weak, where honor binds our souls. With the weight of your ancestors’ legacy upon your shoulders and the spirit of chivalry burning within your heart, take your place as a knight of honor and swear your oath:
Sworn
I promise on my faith that I will, in the future, be faithful to the Lord, never cause him harm, and will observe my homage to him completely, against all persons, in good faith and without deceit.
Truth
Virtue Number One
Truth
From truth comes honesty. It is the truth that we discover when we are able to see clearly, free from other distractions. It is the foundation of justice, the shield against deceit and falsehood. It is found in the words and promises we make and in our actions towards those we are sworn to protect. It is found when you stand firm towards all temptations of deception and dishonor.
Valor
Virtue Number Two
Valor
From courage comes valor. Those who fear to try will never know their limits and thus will never know themselves. The valiant soul fears not its own visage. You do not need to succeed every time, but you will never succeed if you show no valor. Stand boldly in your actions, believe in your goodness, in your ability to bring justice and to show compassion to all who take their place next to you. Encounter danger with firmness, know the weight of your responsibilities, and stand your ground in every adversity. Danger may be real, but fear is a choice. Fear is what has come from the thoughts you have created. Do not lower yourself to such tricks of the mind. A strong mind bears the weight of suffering without causing burden towards their journey or the world. True valor is found in wisdom, guided by honor and tempered by humility. The coal will burn forever in your heart so long as valor remains.
Honor
Virtue Number Three
Honor
Courage and truth, when combined, create honor, the guiding principle that shapes our every thought, word, and deed. It is the unseen force that compels us to uphold the highest of chivalry. Honor gives greatness. You must maintain a principled uprightness of character, a personal integrity, a dignity that neither strife nor hardship can waver. Honor will not gloat nor brag, but you will know inside that you have been gifted, that you have been chosen. Beneath the banners that will bear witness to your legacy, your honor will become the greatest deed you are known for.
Humility
Virtue Number Four
Humility
From honor comes humility. The first test of a great soul is humility. You must set aside your pride. Only a quiet excellence will enhance your reputation more than any of your boasting. For you do not wield your sword with strength and skill alone, but with humility and grace. Learn from your mistakes and strive to always be better than you were yesterday.
Virtue Number Five
Compassion
Treat someone else well, and they will have reason to do the same. A mere sword will not make right; it is only the goodness and compassion behind the sword that makes right. No mortal is perfect, but you may use your compassion to give judgment to your actions and your mistakes. A knight is compassionate in all his dealings and, as such, is a guiding force for goodness in this world. Compassion is what will guide us all in the darkest of nights.
Virtue Number Six
Spirituality
From truth, compassion, and valor comes spirituality. Do not underestimate this Virtue. You must tend to your inner being, for to abandon it is to abandon all hopes for yourself and the world. Follow the divine purpose of your true path. Your journey has a purpose. Your hope will fortify your foundations and ensure the walls of your being will always stand. One will reach a point where his faith and purpose is tested. Most give up, but the chosen and the gifted recognize such illusions of despair. You must recognize the hidden blessings within your journey and carry on, for quitting never led anyone to their victory. Behind every successful journey is the story of one who was given no no choice but to carry on with strength. Your spirituality will strengthen your heart in all that you do.
Virtue Number Seven
Sacrifice
From spirituality, compassion, and valor comes sacrifice. Actions speak louder than words. From acts of selflessness comes greatness. You must lay your own desires and greed aside for the greater good. Make no mistake, sacrifice is not blind obedience; it is the choice to put the needs of others before your own. It is found in the quiet moments of your self-reflection and in the heart of battle when you face your adversity. He who has purpose to live can bear any sacrifice. True sacrifice is born from love.
And so
Now take your place among us. Your order is simple, yet heed it well and exert yourself to see it done. Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright no matter what it means. Speak the truth always and seek to correct all wrong. Save the helpless and do not fail your brothers and sisters. Fulfill your utmost duty.
Yours will be the unbreakable shield against the darkest of nights. Yours will be the blade that will be forged in flame and make your fate. Yours will be the legacy that will be a gift to our oath. Make your history forever set in stone so we may bear witness to your legacy foretold.
⚜ And within this oath, your warrior will be reborn. ⚜