On Being Knightly

At one point, I googled the word "knightly". Here is what returned:

associated with or typical of a knight; chivalrous.

"a knightly quest"

synonyms: gallant, noble, valiant, heroic, courageous, brave, bold, valorous; chivalrous, courteous, honorable

Notice what's not listed? There's nothing about personal achievement, either on the battlefield or in crafting. This is why I disdain the "lifetime achievement award" that most take when determining knighthood. Instead, I feel that knighthood should be about chivalry and service, which is the approach taken by the Order of the Morning Sun (the official order of knighthood for the Free Kingdom of the Shrouded Isles). 

A King for the Isles

Earlier this month, the inhabitants of the Shrouded Isles met at Freehaven to formalize our new kingdom.

Coat of Arms of the Free Kingdom of the Shrouded Isles

The representatives of the various islands signed the appropriate treaties; we were now pledged to the realm. But who would be the monarch?

Lord Xhorja, a half-orc leader, first put his name into the mix. Others quickly stepped up - Rage and Ferrum from the Sentinels of the High Forest and Beast, a former Sentinel. We decided to have a grand melee to decide the matter.

The candidates formed their supporters, lay on was called, and the combatants charged one another. Ferrum soon lost his healer to a dagger (or axe?) thrown by Lisander. Rage was eliminated, although one of his supporters (XIII) remained to plague the other forces. Xhorja, using his bardic powers, seemed to be doing quite well. Ferrum's and Beast's armies were whittled down.

At this point, Beast issued a challenge to personal combat to the remaining candidate. He first faced off against Ferrum and defeated him. Then he turned on Xhorja. With a scowl, Xhorja strode out from his battle line and engaged Beast. The clash of their arms echoed across the valley of Freehaven. Ultimately, Beast prevailed, and was declared the first King of the Shrouded Isles!

All hail King Beast I!