Knights of the Holy Shielding

The Knights of Holy Shielding (also known as the Knights of the Holy Shielding) is an order of knighthood that originated in the Shield Lands.

Established to support the lords of petty domains north of the Nyr Dyv, the Knights of Holy Shielding once were the core of an impressive army. The years preceding the Greyhawk Wars saw the Shield lands fall to humiliating defeat however, and many Shield Knights fled to goodly nations, establishing relations with local rulers in an attempt to regain their lost homeland. Most Knights of Holy Shielding are engaged in reclaiming their homeland. However, several agents remain in Greyhawk, Dyvers, the Duchy of Urnst, and Furyondy, working as mercenaries and sending their revenue to support the army at home.

Within the reclaimed lands, the Shield Knights represent the best sort of heroism. Among the peasantry, a Knight of the Shield is afforded the same awe as a high priest. Outside the Shield Lands, the knights are looked on with less idealism, as those who failed to defend their own nation.

Though the outside world believes the Shield Knights to be both arrogant and naive, everyone knows that a Shield Knight can be trusted. The Knights of the Shield are noted rivals of the Knights of the Hart.

Structure

The head of the Knights of Holy Shielding is the Knight Commander, who leads the Order in all matters. The Knight Commander is traditionally the Earl of Walworth, the Shield lands province containing the nation's capital, Admundfort.

Following the Knight Commander are a number of Knights Bannerette. These knights have served the Order with valor and distinction, therefore earning the right of bearing their own banners into battle. These knights are often titled and landed as well. They command battalions of the Order's knights, and advise and report to the Knight Commander.

Knights make up the next level of the order, and may be addressed as "Sir" or "Lady." Knights who hold their own lands are known as vassal knights, while those who don't are known as knights-errant. These are the most commonly-encountered knights of the Order.

Squires are junior knights who have yet to swear their oaths, and therefore are not considered official members of the Order. They usually serve the higher ranks as grooms, servants, and assistants.

Pages are usually promising youths assigned to assist squires, often performing the most menial of chores, which serve to teach lessons in humility that serve them well later in life.

Military Organization

The military organization of the Knights of Holy Shielding is categorized as follows:

The Knight. The smallest unit in the Order, this consists of a single knight, his squire, and any other entourage.

The Shield. This unit consists of six knights and their retinue.

The Lance. Four shields make a lance, which is usually under the command of a senior Shield Knight who has years of experience.

The Banner. A banner consists of four lances. Young knights bannerette command these units.

The Battalion. Made up of four banners, the battalion is the largest military formation in the Order. Senior knights bannerette command these units.