Knight

A knight is a figure of esteem in Andal society. He is both the equivalent to the heroes, warriors and champions of the First Men, but also the embodiment of the chivalric values of Andal Society.

The Knights of Andalos are feared and renowned for their horsemanship, and prowess in mounted combat.

Becoming a Knight

Knighthood is an institution of Andal society inherently tied to Faith. Any true knight must not only be dubbed by an existing knight (indeed, this is the less essential step in Andalos, and more of a show of respect for the man who trained the ascendant knight) - but must be anointed with the Seven Oils by a Septon of the Faith. He must also swear certain vows that bind himself to a code of honour, and the Seven.

The vows of a knight each correspond to an aspect of the Seven - and it is by these tenets they are expected to live their life. Whilst the First Men strive to live by codes of honour, the Andal Knights are devoted to live by Chivalry as dictated by the Seven, which includes ideas that would be foreign to the First Men of Westeros - including protecting the weak, upholding the virtues of women, amongst others.

Example Oath:

In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just.

In the name of the Mother I charge you to defend the young and innocent.

In the name of the Maiden, I charge you to protect all women.

In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave.

In the name of the Smith, I charge you to be diligent.

In the name of the Crone, I charge you to act wisely.

And all these vows I charge you keep, until you come face to face with the Stranger.

Life as a Knight

Life as a knight can vary greatly depending on the type of knight one is. There are Hedge Knights, who simply travel from one keep and settlement to the next, seeking service with some local lord, or offering protection to smallfolk in exchange for bed and board. These knights can often fall to the side of banditry, and end up as outlaw brigands.

Sworn Swords are knights sworn to the service of a particular lord, as is bound to serve him until he is released from his charge. Certain knights swear their swords not only to their lord, but to the Faith. These knights often forsake marriage and child-rearing in order to dedicate themselves to the Seven.

Most children of Andal lords aspire to be knights, in order to prove their prowess and better court potential spouses. They often seek ways to test their mettle against one another, leading to the rise of Andal tourneys.

Knighthood is also seen as a potential path to nobility, since Landed Knights are the first rung on the ladder of station in Andal Society. Landed Knights hold a keep, and often villages and resources they can use to provide a certain degree of comfort and wealth for their family.

Noteworthy Knights:

Many knights have lived lives that have become legend. Others have become a black mark on the memory of the Andal people:

• Ser Samwell Wythers - Died protecting his king Gaston Darklyn in a decisive battle for the fate of throne and kingdom. Is still revered in the Blackwater for bravery, honour and devotion.

• Ser Ardros Bracken - Born Ardros Rivers, this knight led battles against Tristifer Mudd himself, the claimaint to Oldstones and would continue to lead battles for the duration of the war. He was a close friend to Edric Mudd and Barion Gaunt and died whilst leading a battle against the heathens in the Gaunt-Grey war. He was in many ways the pinnacle of a knight, being a great fighter, but also open-handed with mercy and compassion.

• Ser Corliss Den Ford - one of the great lords of the Rivermark, Corliss Den Ford is revered not only for his supreme command of the battlefield, but for his chivalry and devotion to the Andal cause.

• Ser Barrett Blackdell - Known as 'the Black Knight', Blackdell became famous and infamous both for his role fighting the forces of the Reach in the service of the Kings of the Rock. He was knighted following slaying King Mern Gardener by Robert Risley and announted with the Seven Oils, despite the fact he was said to hail from over the Red Mountains. Barrett robbed the corpse of the slain king and kept much of his arms and finery. Thus, Barrett Blackdell is considered a legendary figure by Hedge Knights and Brigands alike, who seek high rises in station, carved in steel and blood.

• Ser Galladhon of Morne - A cautionary tale for aspiring knights across Westeros. Galladhon was gifted a magic sword from the Maid herself, and swore to never use it in unworthy cause, for honour. Instead, he fell to the sins of the world, causing great harm and suffering to declare himself king of Tarth, and seek out further wars. He died a wandering, broken man - and his sword lost to the ages. Many knights attempt to quest for the Just Maid, even centuries later.