Lore:Knights

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Illustration of a Knight (Oblivion)

Knights are the warrior elite whose sphere is not just warfare alone,[1] as these noble warriors follow codes of chivalry and conduct themselves with honor and dignity.[2] Knights are typically of noble birth, or individuals who have distinguished themselves in battle. These civilized warriors are well educated, and may have studied the lore of healing and enchantment.[3]

Knights are considered ancient within the context of religion. Trinimac is attributed with being "Auriel's greatest knight",[4] and Reymon Ebonarm is known as the Black Knight.[5] Mortal knights have been around since ancient times, with one of the earliest examples being the Welkynars of Eton Nir from Summerset, whose existence has spanned nearly all of the province's history.[6] Some mortal knights have cemented themselves in history, such as Sir Cadwell, who was a Merethic Era Nede whose endeavors have earned him a plethora of accolades.[7] Some knights are attached to the origins of certain artifacts of great power. The Nord warrior Sivdur is considered a knight in the modern context, and he was the first to be granted the golden katana Goldbrand.[8][9] Saint Eleidon is renowned in Breton history, his eponymous shield highly sought after.[9] The artifact Chrysamere has been in the prized possession of knightly orders.[10][11] Pelinal Whitestrake is a hero among the Imperials, and he helped free Cyrodiil from oppression[12] with the help of the Crusader's Relics.[13]

Knighthood is pivotal to the Breton identity; its earliest practitioners served under Clan Direnni,[14][15] but knights are credited with kickstarting High Rock's modern cultural history through tales of liberating the race from their Elven oppressors.[16] These knights of old set the example for those that followed by going on grand quests for adventure and glory.[UOL 1] In their free time, Breton youths of all walks of life imitate knights through chivalric pursuits in their thoughts or by their actions.[17] Indeed, the profession encapsulates the traditional chivalric principles of Breton society,[16][9][18] and the "quest-obsession" that has become a national identity for High Rock.[17] The knightly orders of High Rock were founded to carry on the tradition of nobles-in-arms and to ensure the province would have defenders at the ready should invading armies come to their gates.[16] The Lion Guard was one such order before the formation of the Daggerfall Covenant in the Second Era.[19]

The Gallants of Hammerfell are the Redguard equivalent to knights.[20] It is said that "ancient tradition has predisposed the Redguards to knightly orders". Indeed, the Order of Diagna is one of the most ancient among these, dating back to a time when they were a Yokudan[21] order of Ansei[22] People who join a Redguard order must survive dangerous tests of skill to become a gallant.[23] During the Second Era, the Knightly Orders of High Rock were different enough from Redguard Gallants to appear alien.[16]

The Imperial Legion's upper ranks include orders of Imperial Knights.[24] An example is the Order of Ebonheart, who included members that served in administrative positions on Vvardenfell circa 3E 427.[11][25]

Other races have or had knights, such as the Ayleid Knights of the Gleaming Blade.[26] The Dunmeri Buoyant Armigers were considered "knight-errants"[27] and served as a small military order of the Tribunal Temple, exclusively dedicated and answering to Lord Vivec. The Buoyant Armigers patterned themselves on Vivec's heroic spirit of exploration and adventure, and sought to emulate his mastery of the varied arts of personal combat, chivalric courtesy, and subtle verse.[28] Bosmeri city of Greenheart was known for its knights.[29] Knights of the Aldmeri Dominion frequently embellish their armor with the Aldmeri eagle symbol, paying tribute to Auri-El.[30]

Some Daedric Princes employ daedra who are dubbed knights. The Knights of Order are soulless abominations that serve Jyggalag.[31] Gloam Knights are wraith-like Daedra that are incapable of feeling sympathy and serve Nocturnal.[32]:221[33]

Templars are traveling knights who wield restoration magic[34] and call upon the powers of light and the burning sun.[35][36][37] Despite the fact that Templar magic was often referred to as Aedric or divine in nature, it was certain that the ability to use these spells had little, if anything, to do with the faith of the wielder, and just like regular magic, required an appropriate approach and aptitude.[35][38] Dragon Knights were followers of a martial tradition originating from the dispersed Akaviri Dragonguard.[39] Their martial magic, known as Ardent Flame, was fearsome art that pounds, shatters and physically alters the world around the caster. It was described as "Dragon magic" and was used to set foes afire, create flaming lassos, wreathe casters in a cloak of flame, and even breathe fire or poison similar to the legendary dragons.[40][41] A rune knight is an arcanist knight[42] that uses their connection to Apocrypha to conjure protective runes to survive attacks.[43] These warding techniques were developed by the ancient Rune Knights of the Purgatory Disquisition. Tales of rune knights being unharmed by hundreds of arrows is debated.[42]

Knightly Orders[edit]

Eleidon's Ward

Below is a list of knightly orders both extant and historic.

Breton[edit]

→For more detailed information, see: Breton Knightly Orders
Knights of the Dragon: Protectors and warriors for the city and royal family of Daggerfall. [44]
Knights of the Rose: Protectors and warriors for the city and royal family of Wayrest. [44]
Knights of the Flame: Protectors and warriors for the town and royal family of Anticlere. [44]
Knights of the Pale Order: A defunct possibly Vampiric Knightly Order from the late fifth century of the first era. Pale Order Knights supposedly kept records of the Direnni that they slew. [45]
Knights of the Owl: Protectors and warriors for the town and royal family of Glenpoint. [44]
Order of the Raven: Originally founded by Baron Othrok, they are reputed to be one of the most legendary knightly orders in all of High Rock, with high standards for recruits and accepting only the greatest warriors. [46]
Order of the Cup: Protectors of the Plessington Clan. [44]
Order of Saint Pelin: Knightly Order of Evermore.
The Lion Guard: Knightly Order that served as the elite and personal guardians of the Daggerfall Covenant's rulers. The order's tenets were to fight for the good of all High Rock and every Breton.[19]
Knights of the Silver Rose: Was a Knightly Order that swore to protect Tamriel from the corruption of Daedra.
Order of the Crypt: Knightly Order that operates out of the Crypt of Hearts.
Knights of Death's Valor: Disbanded knightly Order based in the Systres.[47]
Oaken Order: Knightly Order that prioritizes magic and magical understanding over martial combat. Because of this, they have an intimate relationship with the druids, often citing the druidic teachers as the foundation for their high level of magical understanding. Oaken knights have been known to eclipse Mages Guild spellwrights in the areas of Destruction and Conjuring.[47]
Order of the Albatross: Knightly Order that prides itself on its massive wingspan. Their numbers, both in active knights and percentage of Nirn explored, greatly exceeds that of other knightly orders based in the archipelago. This is made possible by the order's focus on adventure, discovery, and daring feats, which draws initiates from the mainland.[47]
Order of the Braided Vine: Minor Druidic Knightly Order started by the Stonelore Circle to protect points of interest considered sacred to them. It is unknown if this order was created to pique interest into Druidism, or if it was a genuine attempt to meld their lifestyle into modern Breton culture.
Order of Flame and Shadow: A mysterious Order in the Systres that some consider to be nothing more than a legend. Tomes and histories indicate this order is comprised of a sole knight who passes the mantle to a protege after an extensive and secretive training regiment. The Knight of Flame and Shadow had been sighted on a few occasions over the centuries, both working alongside the nobility and also actively entreating an uprising among the common folk.
Order of the Iron Knot: A Knightly Order that is known for its martial skills, which they hone on the road and at tournaments. Their founder, Baroness Belene Chatillon, sailed with the All Flags Navy itself. She fought the Sload, and lost an arm to Sload rot. In honor of her sacrifice and bravery, some members of the knightly order wear a black gauntlet on one hand.[47]
War Knights: A group stationed in their home city of Evermore.[UOL 2]
Crusader's Relics

Cyrodilic[edit]

Order of the Hour: The Order of the Hour serves as the militant arm of the Akatosh Chantry, and are dedicated to the Great Dragon's cause. They uphold the stability and permanence that he represents.[48] Though they have the origin as one of the oldest knightly orders in Imperial history,[49] they have most notably cemented their presence within the Kingdom of Wayrest.[48][50]
Order of Ebonheart: A knightly order based in Castle Ebonheart on Vvardenfell made up of those belonging to the upper ranks of the Imperial Legion.
Knights of the Eight: A Second Era Knightly Order that protected the Abbey of the Eight in Cyrodiil.
Knights of the Nine: The Knights of the Nine were formed by Amiel Lannus in 3E 111 for the purpose of recovering the Crusader's Relics.
Knights of the White Stallion: A Knightly Order of Leyawiin.
Knights of the Thorn: A Knightly Order formed by Farwil Indarys they were considered to be a glorified club. When Umbriel passed over Cheydinhal they along with the City guard and Imperial Legion evacuated citizens.[51]
Order of the Dragon: An illustrious Knightly Order founded by Tiber Septim. The highest rank is the Champion of Cyrodiil, which has only been awarded to seven people.[52]

Redguard[edit]

→For more detailed information, see: Gallants
Knights of the Moon: The Knights of the Moon are a defunct Knightly order that were the Protectors and warriors for the city and royal family of Sentinel. [44]
Order of the Candle: Replaced the defunct Knights of the Moon as the official protectors and warriors of the kingdom of Sentinel. [verification needed — need ingame source to see who says it]
Host of the Horn: Protectors and warriors for the town and royal family Lainlyn. [44]
Knights of the True Horn: Followers of Lord Kain the pretender to the throne of Lainlyn. [44]
Order of the Scarab: Protectors and warriors for the town and royal family of Totambu. [44]
Knights of the Wheel: Protectors and warriors for the town and royal family of Avibon-Gora. [44]
Knights of the Hawk: Protectors and warriors for the town and royal family of Santaki. [44]

Altmeri[edit]

Welkynars of Eton Nir: Altmer Knightly Order based in Cloudrest who protect the Summerset Isles. [53]

Ayleid[edit]

Knights of the Gleaming Blade: Ayleid Knightly Order of Delodiil. [54]

Khajiit[edit]

Knight of the Sandy Mane
Knight of the Spider-Wood

Reachfolk[edit]

Witch Knights : Reachfolk knights inspired by Breton mounted warriors. [55]

Dunmeri[edit]

Buoyant Armigers : Knights-errants devoted to Vivec. [56]
Dark Knights: A group stationed in their home city of Blacklight and are said to seldom show mercy to their opponents.[UOL 2]

Undefined[edit]

Ascendant Order: A pan-Tamrielic movement turned terrorist organization. Breton-influenced, the Ascendant Order likened themselves to a Knightly Order, though most legitimate Orders thought of them as nothing more than well-armed fanatics.[UOL 3]
Knights of Hope: An order venerated by a temple called the Order of the Knights of Hope. The temple had chapters across the Empire during the Imperial Simulacrum.[57]
Order of the Lamp: These Knights are in charge of protecting the Mages guild. They are lead by a Palantinus, under the direct orders of the Archmage.[58]
Rune Knights of the Purgatory Disquisition: A small and extremely secretive order of knights associated with arcanist magics of Apocrypha.[42]
Templar Knightly Orders[edit]
Knights of the Circle: The Knights of the Circle serve the guardians of the Order of Arkay, and are as zealous as his priests. Members are expected to be skilled in combat, and are to swear unwavering loyalty to Ark'ay. [59]
Order of the Lily: As knights of the House of Dibella, they are sworn to the ideals of their patron god. While the priestesses of their temple are occupied with emanating pure beauty, the Order offers protection, and should they die in battle, they are to die gracefully. [60]
Knights Mentor: The Knights Mentor serve the School of Julianos. They protect their patron god's influence by protecting their temple's endeavors to expand their wealth of knowledge, which in turn combats ignorance. [61]
Kynaran Order: The Kynaran Order serves the Temple of Kynareth. Knights are expected to dedicate their mind, body, and sword to their patron god. [62]
Maran Knights: The Maran Knights serve the Benevolence of Mara, but they are seen as controversial among those they protect. Although their existence is seen as hypocrisy, they are in a necessity, as military might is needed to protect the peace and love that Mara represents. [63]
The Crusaders: The Crusaders (also called the Knights of Stendarr) serve the Temple of Stendarr. While their patron god represents ideals such as compassion and charity, without military strength, they cannot survive. [64]
Knights of Iron: The Knights of Iron serve the Resolution of Z'en. They represents the warrior aspect of the God of Merchants and Commerce, and act as a deterrence to any that may interrupt trade. [65]

See Also[edit]

Books[edit]

Gallery[edit]

  • Knight (Daggerfall)

  • Breton Lion Guard (Legends)

  • Bouyant Armiger (Legends)

  • Chrysamere (Blades)

  • Goldbrand (Legends)

  • Knight Class Equipment (Morrowind)

  • Aldmeri Eagle Knight (ESO)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Daggerfall User's Guide Knight Class Description
  2. ^ Arena Player's Guide Knight Class Description
  3. ^ Knight Class description in Morrowind
  4. ^ The Monomyth
  5. ^ The Ebon Arm — Witten Rol
  6. ^ The Welkynars of Eton Nir — Sir Relequen, Wing Captain of the Welkynars
  7. ^ Cadwell the Betrayer's dialogue in ESO
  8. ^ Eranya's Journal — Eranya
  9. ^ a b c Tamrielic Lore — Yagrum Bagarn
  10. ^ The Army of Undead in Daggerfall
  11. ^ a b Varus Vantinius' dialogue in Morrowind
  12. ^ Predicant Maera's dialogue in ESO
  13. ^ The Prophet's dialogue in Oblivion
  14. ^ Alana Relin and Commander Parmion's dialogue during A Step Back in Time in ESO
  15. ^ Knight of the Direnni passive during A Step Back in Time and The Nameless Soldier quests in ESO
  16. ^ a b c d The Knightly Orders of High Rock — Lady Cinnabar of Taneth
  17. ^ a b Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: High Rock — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  18. ^ Dame Helenie's Quest — Sir Randyl of the Order of the Albatross
  19. ^ a b The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: High Rock — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
  20. ^ Varieties of Faith, The Forebears — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
  21. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Wild Regions — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  22. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: Orsinium — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
  23. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Hammerfell — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  24. ^ Imperial Legion dialogue topic in Morrowind
  25. ^ Sellus Gravius' dialogue in Morrowind
  26. ^ Knights of the Gleaming Blade — Lateesh
  27. ^ Buoyant Armigers: Swords of Vivec — Tarvus, Archcanon of Vivec
  28. ^ Buoyant Armigers dialogue topic in Morrowind
  29. ^ Greenheart Knight card in Legends
  30. ^ Aldmeri Eagle Knight Style description in ESO
  31. ^ Sheogorath's dialogue in Oblivion: Shivering Isles
  32. ^ The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset Collector's Edition Strategy Guide — Garitt Rocha, David S.J Hodgson
  33. ^ Shadow Veya's allegiance in ESO: Summerset
  34. ^ Restoring Light skill line description and skills in ESO
  35. ^ a b Templar class in ESO
  36. ^ Aedric Spear skill line description and skills in ESO
  37. ^ Dawn's Wrath skill line description and skills in ESO
  38. ^ Loremaster's Episode of ESO-RP ZOS Interview
  39. ^ Legacy of the Dragonguard — Kiasa-Veda, the Chronicler of Blades
  40. ^ Ardent Flame skill line in ESO
  41. ^ Ardent Flame: Draconic or Endemic? — Gabrielle Benele
  42. ^ a b c Loremaster's Archive - The Arcanists
  43. ^ Arcanist Rune Knight description in ESO
  44. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k The Daggerfall Chronicles — Ronald Wartow
  45. ^ Ring of the Pale Order codex entries in ESO
  46. ^ Faction information for the Order of the Raven in Daggerfall
  47. ^ a b c d Systres Knightly Orders — Edana Augier, Knight Chronicler
  48. ^ a b Order of the Hour faction information in Daggerfall
  49. ^ Paladin's Mail description in Blades
  50. ^ Events that occur in the mission Kastus Thorn's House, Order of the Hour Barracks, and Temple of Akatosh in The Fall of the Dark Brotherhood
  51. ^ Lord of Souls — Greg Keyes
  52. ^ High Chancellor Ocato's dialogue in Oblivion
  53. ^ The Welkynars of Eton Nir — Sir Relequen, Wing Captain of the Welkynars
  54. ^ Knights of the Gleaming Blade — Lateesh
  55. ^ Witch Knight Charger's description in ESO
  56. ^ Buoyant Armigers: Swords of Vivec — Tarvus, Archcanon of Vivec
  57. ^ Temples in Arena
  58. ^ Generic Dialogue during joining the Order of the Lamp in Daggerfall
  59. ^ Knights of the Circle faction information in Daggerfall
  60. ^ Faction information for the House of Dibella and the Order of the Lily
  61. ^ Faction information on the Knights Mentor
  62. ^ Kynaran Order faction information in Daggerfall
  63. ^ Faction information for the Maran Knights in Daggerfall
  64. ^ Faction information for the Crusaders in Daggerfall
  65. ^ Resolution of Zenithar faction information in Daggerfall

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.

  1. ^ ESO 2022 Global Reveal
  2. ^ a b Original TES: Arena texts at the Imperial Library
  3. ^ Elder Scrolls Online's Loremaster, Lead Writer Talk What's To Come In 2022
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