The Knights of Sop

## Summary

**The Knights of Sop/Hoppism** are a group of Hops that **Hop** appointed to the position of **Knight.** Sop made this special group during his rise to power. They enacted special missions, such as training his son, guarding Hoppist allies, creating temples to shelter each other, and provide military support to the **Grand Sop Army**.

This is a position separate from the Hoppist Rank Ladder. By default, all Knights are instantly Tier 7 on the **Hoppist Rank Ladder**. If they did not pass the Initiate Trials prior, they are allowed to take the test at their own request.

Their primary duty outside times of war is to maintain and to guard the **Temples of Sop.** Knights also serve as guards for Hoppist territory where standard military divisions do not qualify. If called into action, they must follow and obey Hop, with any request.

The Knights selected are the most experienced and loyal Hops to be trained in Sop's special martial arts. They monitor and protect Hoppists that visit the temples. Most modern Knights were featured members of the Hoppist Civil War, in the battalion that Hop lead to the **Battle of Tuirqo**. Survivors that Hop thought were the most devoted to **Sop** and Gop enough to deserve higher praise.

Knights carry whatever gear they desire, with two notable pieces of standard equipment. A highly advanced suit of armor with functional technology that ensures the warrior within the uniform is not only protected, but stands clear for all to see, intimidating the enemy and being a beacon of strength for allies. Secondary mandatory gear is their ribbon, functioning as they rank, special identifier and a source of backup power for their armor if it has issues functioning on its own.

## Requirements

Hop had asked Sop and Gop what the appropriate requirements for Knighthood should be. This was done after deciding the Temples would likely need protection in the event of another Civil War or external attack.

Hop was told that these are the requirements for a Knight:

* Be a natural Hop
* Complete devotion to Hoppism
* Have no interest in any form of romantic relationship, nor a family
* Excel at fighting in all forms, including a vehicle proficiency
* Teach and protect all Hoppists possible

Any Knights that were not of these requirements or behaviors were removed from service by Hop personally. Any that resisted were told they are welcome to serve the Grand Sop Army or enjoy a splendid retirement courtesy of their previous service. Many of the former Knights that felt upset about their loss of rank were comforted in any way, in order to prevent another Civil War or similar conflict.

## Mantra of the Knights

The Knights must recite a vow upon promotion and receiving their armor and weapon. It is also done when there is a change of guard at a Temple of Sop. This is roughly translated from Hopspeak. This was created Hop after his father ascended and he wanted to honor him through the Knights.

*"Divine is our lord, and his sons, our guides, the prophet of our race.*

*We are blessed to be here, to be strong and to serve hops.*

*So long as we stand, no harm will come to our kind.*

*All are not worthy will find strength in knowing we protect the less luminous.*

*For the Hopfather. For our people. Until the lord comes to grants us ascension as reward for our faith and duty."*

## Notable Members

* Sop (Founder, original Master Knight)
* Hop (Former Knight, currently Master Knight)
* **Arritz** (Awarded role after defeating the Nido beast and being a dedicated Hoppist)