Knights Templar

*“Then with God as our ultimate judge and witness, let this be regarded as the official stance of the Templar Order. May God go with you all; serve the Lord without regret.” ―Grand Master Renaud de Vichiers, Order of Yaktosh - Chapter 5*

The Knights Templar was a Catholic military order that was active from 1119 - 1312 CE, and quickly gained a reputation for its quality military discipline and favoritism from the Papal State. The Templar over the course of its existence operated in or around Jerusalem, constantly in a state of conflict with the Muslim world during the crusades. The Templar were renowned for their iconic red cross and use of white garb.

## History

### Founding

Following the Catholic Church's successful First Crusade, a Frenchman known as Hugues de Payens suggested the creation of the Knights Templar for the stated purpose of protecting pilgrims in their journey to Jerusalem. The suggestion was taken, and the Templar was granted quartering in Jerusalem itself. With de Payens stepping forward as the order's first Grand Master, a strict set of codes were agreed upon dictating that members of the Templar order remain chaste, keep their beards unshaven, distance themselves from women, attend routine worship, and many more. The result of this strict Templar code was one of the most disciplined military orders in the Christian world.

### Rise and Fall

The Knights Templar, eventually gaining the favor of Pope Innocent II, enjoyed great funding and therefore by extension greater development of their order's infrastructure. The strength of the Templar was put on full display in their conflict with Muslim Fatimid Egypt, where the crusaders dealt heavy blows to the country, including the successful occupation of various settlements.

Although undoubtedly strong, the Templar would reach the apex of its existence only decades into its existence, as internal disputes between the Knights Templar, Teutonic Order, and Knights Hospitaller would cripple the crusader cause while the Muslim world effectively united against them. Very gradually over time, the Muslim world would chip away at a weakened Christian shield, so much so that the crusaders would eventually lose Jerusalem and be forced to retreat to Acre and the island of Cyprus.

### Discovery of Suri Yaktosh

Around 1250 CE, a mission of high priority was called by Grand Master Renaud de Vichiers that would have him and a group of high ranking knights travel to the long abandoned Crimean Gothic settlement of Yaktovus. An old Vatican report written by Father Modestus had been found, pleaded for the rescuing of a supposedly immortal woman, Suri Yaktosh, who had been exiled down a well centuries ago on charges of paganism. Convinced that Suri could be a confused gift from God, de Vichiers led his men to the well and discovered the necklace that the woman wore, which shortly after acted as a spawn point for the woman, confirming her supernaturalism to the group. Now free after centuries, Suri discovered that the Crimean Goths who betrayed her had long vanished. As a result of this discovery, de Vichiers made a highly controversial decision to take Suri in at their castle in Acre, where she would be educated in French culture and Catholic faith.

The 'Suri dilemma' that followed would nearly tear the Templar Knights apart, with many members demanding Suri's immediate removal from Templar walls, some instead wishing to see Suri sent to the Papal State, while others sided with the Grand Master in keeping Suri under their jurisdiction. Desperate to keep the order from collapsing under this dilemma, de Vichiers decided on a compromise that would segregate the order between those who wanted nothing to do with Suri, and those who could tolerate her presence. In the beginning, the majority of the order stayed on the side of the castle where Suri was prohibited. Over time, as Suri demonstrated a proficiency to heal people with her Godcraft powers, as well as serve the interests of the order, more and more knights would warm up to her presence and join her presence.

It was during Suri's initial stay at the Templar castle that Renaud de Vichiers decided to name Suri as the Templar's treasure hunter, a role that would have her seeking out Biblical treasures with which he believed could grant divine strength to the order, and therefore turn the tide once more against the Muslim world. Despite Suri's role as the Templar treasure hunter, she was in fact not a member of the Templar order, adhering to their strict prohibition of Templar women. This issue would later turn into a matter of flashpoint tension, as Suri would take great offense at the refusal to admit her into the order, and even Templar supporters of her would go on to dissent as well.

## Artistic License

In Shrouded Piety, a number of fictional adjustments were made to the portrayal of the Knights Templar for the sake of storytelling.

* The Knights Templar have a governmental structure where members have a somewhat democratic voice. The Grand Master presides over a chamber consisting of members, where debates are held among factions of knights and ultimately decided upon by the Grand Master.
* The successor to the Grand Master is seemingly known far in advance, with the future successor acting as a form of deputy to the current Grand Master.
* The Knights Templar are depicted as living in a fictional castle in Acre.
* The Templar are portrayed as being more tolerant than they were in reality.
* Members socialize in a far more casual manner than was historically sanctioned.
* The Knights Templar view the Papal State as both a political and religious authority over the order, while the historical order was more so just sponsored by it.