The Seven Virtues of Chivalry

The Seven Virtues of Chivalry are a creed of sorts held in high esteem by the Knights of Atralran.

## Background

While the line between knight and mage is oft an arbitrary one within Atral borders, the requirements necessary to declare oneself a True Knight are anything but. It is only that through a successful Trial of Spirit that one may take up their own banner, sigil or other heraldry and may stake a claim to land upon which to build a tower or keep. In doing so, most will create a design that features one or more virtues that they particularly seek to exemplify in all their future acts, as is the case with the Knightly Houses of Erstborn, Alderstaff, Craneward, Brassadorn and Starkhorn.

Once successful, all Knights are expected to dedicate themselves to the protection of Atralran and its people from threats of all kinds - whether mundane as of bestial or political means, or curiosities of more arcane or planar natures. Not all Knights are by definition warriors, and all manner of priests and spellslingers have passed the Trial throughout the centuries.

### Types of Knight

Upon declaration of intent to partake in a Trial of Spirit, a prospective candidate is expected to take the title of *Knight-Errant*, and proclaim this title to any that they meaningfully cross paths with, best they know to keep in mind the individual's intents should they be called to testify to the virtuous nature of someone's actions.

After completing the Trial of Spirit, a Knight usually becomes a *Knight-Régyr*, or simply a *Régyr*, the title given to Knights that reside within the barony or likewise of the liege, instead of maintaining definitive lands of their own. The *Régyr* are expected to maintain the lands given unto them by their liege, serving as their numerous and minor vassals in times of peace and war alike. They do not, however, formally own the land upon which they settle, for they are instead seen more stewards or caretakers. As such, they are expected to defer directly to their liege on most matters.

Knights that continue to display the Virtues may one day be granted a territory of their own, either by nature of their liege formally portioning off part of their own lands and relinquishing their claim to it, or, more commonly, unclaimed or contested territories surrounding them - or those claimed in conquest. These *Knight-Régysseur*, or *Régysseur*, are still vassals to the Marquis of the Province in which their territory is located, but act with further autonomy in interest of Atralran. They may raise armies to defend their lands independently of the orders of their liege, and enact justice in line with the Laws of the Kingdom of Atralran. Further ascension through the noble hierarchy may subsequently grant *Régysseur* the titles of Baronnet, Baron or greater still.

## The Trial of Spirit

To fulfil the requirements of the Trial of Spirit, a *Knight-Errant* must establish themselves in their chosen martial field, and then prove they have already partaken in acts that cover all of the Seven Virtues of Chivalry, as well as laying in place the provisions to maintain such Virtues throughout their life.

Any Knight that has passed the Trial of Spirit may deem one yet to do so as virtuous, but only with regard to one of the Seven Virtues. For a Knight to find success, they must find approval from seven separate individuals, the greater and more famed the individual in question, the better.

### Ambition

Exemplified by the symbol of the flame, ambition is the feeling of endless hunger for more - achievements can and should always be pushed further and further, for the betterment of both self and those around you. Remembering that any task, however insurmountable can be achieved in time with sufficient determination, even the greatest of invading forces can be defeated one soldier at a time. Pettiness and lack of forward vision are the opposite of ambition, and while consequences are an inevitable price that must sometimes be paid, there is no cost too high to realise your dreams.

### Fealty

Thoughts of the good of Atralran must linger at the forefront of all actions of a True Knight of the Realm, for it is for sake of utmost fealty that they ride in its defence. A ring is used to represent fealty, an endless bond associated also with marriage pacts, teaching that fealty requires not just words or deeds, but rather a combination of both. The Atral adage "in times of loyalty amongst the wicked", used to describe fortune-filled times comes from the more archaic saying strongly associated with the concept of fealty.

*"Even the wicked can be loyal when times are prosperous and judgements are unfailing; the truly virtuous are loyal even through hardship and misfortune"*

### Mettle

As many foe has found when met by an Atral countercharge, mettle in the face of all manner of threats exists in all forms within Atral culture. An axe is the symbol of mettle, capable of being used as a weapon and tool both, intended to facilitate the taming of the wilderness and overcoming obstacles as they present themselves. Sometimes other tools such as the hammer or pick are also featured. The Virtue of Mettle teaches that one must never be scared to act, for the only true shame is that of inaction. Adaptation and attempts anew are preferable than acceptance of defeat, as well as the despisement of cowardice.

### Pride

Though to an outsider or non-Atral the concept of the Virtue of Pride might seem out of place, it holds a particular niche within the Seven Virtues of Chivalry, teaching Knights to embrace their past, learning and bettering themselves from it. Encouragement to strive for continued excellence capable of creating a personal sense of contentment is most commonly depicted with the symbol of the flag, for the heraldry of a landed True Knight is a lasting legacy of their actions while upon the Mortal Plane. Those knights that place particular emphasis on the Virtue of Pride are often Paladins pledged to Kroai, the Battlemistress.

### Prosperity

An apple is the symbol most commonly used to represent Prosperity, but sometimes wheatsheafs, wagons, coins and cups are also used. Each represents a different type of prosperity, symbolising the hard work of ploughing, sowing and tending farmlands and vineyards, as well as the rewards of such labours. As well as revelling in the bounties of your efforts, the Virtue of Prosperity encourages that one must know how to enjoy the fruits of labour freely for the future can bring all manner of uncertainties. In accordance with teachings from Buwello and Ilemer, particularly at contrast to the Virtue of Prosperity is that of food and drink unenjoyed and coin unspent.

### Vigilance

Most precious amongst the Seven Virtues of Chivalry to those particularly zealous of both Taranis and Emes, vigilance calls Knights to remain alert to all dangers, within and without. Falsehoods should be met with truth, malice thwarted before it can take hold and foes managed through word and deed before they are even presented a chance to strike in return. This Virtue is the burden of all in society, for without seeking out the poison befouling your neighbour, your own crops will in turn be blighted. Most commonly a tower is used as a symbol of vigilance, but sometimes a bell or candle is instead utilised.

### Wisdom

Often most challenging of the Seven Virtues of Chivalry, Wisdom is seen by the Atrals as a journey rather than a mere milestone. The truly wise acknowledge that this journey can never be completed, and that there is always more to be learned. Succinctness in all aspects of life is seen as exemplifying wisdom, for potent use of a few words can be more powerful than countless meaningless ones. The scale is the symbol of wisdom, used to weigh and measure the world around in all its aspects.