Templar Knight Ranks -
Ranks within the Templar Knights are judged by the virtues within them. No Knight is greater than the virtues he displays. The only way to gain rank in the Templar Knights is by displaying these virtues. Others will notice. When one of your fellow Knights thinks you have done enough to earn so -- you will be granted with their recommendation. Ranks, however, are not necessarily solid. For various reasons, Senior Knights (those who make up the founding body of the Templar Knights, or those who play important administrative roles) might decide whether or not someone deserves a badge or promotion with or without the displayed number of recommendations. Jim and Grim have executive power in these decisions, while the Senior Knights themselves are merely representatives to speak to our two leaders. Do not forget that all members have a voice.
Templar Knight Virtues
Loyalty - In order for the Templar Knights to prosper, loyalty must exist between the members and the clan itself, and among members with each other. Loyalty is achieved by interaction between clan mates and by fighting for the clan and its virtues. It can also be shown by their obedience to Senior Knights. Because loyalty is so easily neglected, yet its worth invaluable, it is regarded as one of the greatest virtues in the Templar Knights.
Requirements:
Knight of Loyalty - 1 Month in the Templar Knights; 1 Recommendation
Defender of Loyalty - 2 Months in the Templar Knights; 3 Recommendations
Guardian of Loyalty - 3 Months in the Templar Knights; 4 Recommendations; 1 Recommendation from Senior Knight*
Sentinel of Loyalty - 4 Months in the Templar Knights; 3 Recommendations from Senior Knights
*-Note: Senior Knight recommendations count for both Senior AND regular recommendations, thus, you could get 3 recommendations and 1 Senior recommendation and still be eligible for Guardian of Loyalty.
Perseverance - A Templar Knight must persevere and remain patient when dealing with others as well as fellow Knights. Without this virtue, a Knight may act harshly and without careful thought when under difficult circumstances. By showing perseverance, a Knight shows himself trustworthy and strong in all conditions. While perseverance itself takes much patience to learn, it is another of the greatest virtues a Knight can obtain.
Requirements:
Knight of Perseverance - 1 Recommendation
Defender of Perseverance - 1 Month in the Templar Knights; 3 Recommendations
Guardian of Perseverance - 3 Recommendations; 1 Recommendation from a Senior Knight
Sentinel of Perseverance - 2 Months in the Templar Knights; 4 Recommendations; 2 Recommendations from Senior Knights
Honor - Honor is what defines a Templar Knight; it is what separates us from others. A Knight must show Honor to himself, fellow Knights, and others -- especially their enemies. Displaying honor under fire is undoubtedly the most difficult achievement a Knight can obtain. Honor is nothing without the actions to sustain it. Because honor combines attitude with action, a true Knight will stand out. The greatest demand of a Knight stems from this virtue.
Requirements:
Knight of Honor - 1 Recommendation
Defender of Honor - 3 Recommendations; 1 Recommendation from Senior Knight
Guardian of Honor - 5 Recommendations; 2 Recommendations from Senior Knights
Sentinel of Honor - 5 Recommendations; 3 Recommendations from Senior Knights
Sacrifice - Sacrifice is the detriment of oneself for the prosperity of others. This virtue is critically important to display the nature of what the Templar Knights are. A Knight can demonstrate sacrifice in many ways, from simply backing up a fellow Knight, to putting one's 'life' down for a stranger, to spending time with a fellow Knight in need. Sacrifice is a great service to those around the Templar Knights as well as to those in it.
Requirements:
Knight of Sacrifice - 1 Recommendation
Defender of Sacrifice - 2 Recommendations
Guardian of Sacrifice - 4 Recommendations
Sentinel of Sacrifice - 4 Recommendations; 2 Recommendations from Senior Knights
Justice - A Knight should remain just and fair in the judication of others and himself. A Knight not displaying justice is showing dishonor to the rules that govern him and those in authority over him. Because justice is such a necessity, it is a fundamental rule of a Knight rather than an improving virtue.
Valor - Valor is a virtue which, when well-developed, can greatly aid a Knight in accomplishing tasks that bring honor to himself and the clan. Without valor, a Knight will have difficulty performing the deeds that are asked of him. Although courage and valor is customarily thought of as a character trait, a Knight can still improve in this field. Valor ranges from simple bravery to willingness to complete a task. True courage and valor are usually easily noticeable, even early in a Knight's career.
Requirements:
Knight of Valor - 1 Recommendation
Defender of Valor - 3 Recommendations
Guardian of Valor - 4 Recommendations; 1 Recommendation from Senior Knight
Sentinel of Valor - 5 Recommendations; 3 Recommendations from Senior Knights
Templar Knight Code -
Fight with honor.
Strive for justice.
Believe in valor.
Defend the innocent, the pure, and the honorable. Smite the wicked, the corrupt, and the decadent.
Never deliver the first blow. Always deliver the last.
Do not belittle your vows, for they are the measure of your honor.
Ask no mercy of your foe, but give it in return.
Always hold yourself above your enemy. Do not sink to their level; surpass it.
Honor is nothing without the actions to sustain it.
Templar Knight Rankings -
Probationary Initiate - The Probationary Initiate rank is held USUALLY because of one of 3 reasons:
Case 1 - A member has just joined the Knighthood
Case 2 - A member has committed an act deserving serious judication
Case 3 - A member has returned to the Knighthood after leaving
For the Probationary Initiate to continue on to Initiate, he/she will usually be voted on by the other members after a probationary period, although in Case 1 it may be possible to simply get more time under his/her belt to continue on.
Requirements: N/A
Initiate - An Initiate has joined the Knighthood recently and has yet to prove him/herself. They are given a somewhat lenient learning period, however, if too many mistakes are made, it is unlikely they will move on beyond Knight. Initiates are to be watched carefully and instructed when at fault, but Initiates are less likely to be judged severely if a mistake has been made.
Requirements: None
Knight - A Knight has proven him/herself in the field of Battle, has shown respect to the Code, but has yet to fully prove him/herself in the field of Heart. While much is expected of a Knight, a Knight will not be held too strictly to the highest of Templar Knight standards.
Requirements: Status of Knight (or higher) in all Virtues
Defender - A Defender has shown promise in the Way of the Code. Once a member reaches this status, he/she is no longer considered "in training" by any means. Defenders are to uphold the principles of the Code and are expected to follow in the path of the Templar Knight's virtues.
Requirements: Status of Defender (or higher) in all Virtues
Guardian - A Guardian has placed him/herself in the path of danger so that another might be spared it. Guardians are valuable assets to the Templar Knights and have conducted themselves accordingly. Being a Guardian is an honor among the Templar Knights.
Requirements: Status of Guardian (or higher) in all Virtues
Sentinel - Sentinels honor both the Code and him/herself with their deeds. This rank is the greatest honor a Templar Knight can be given. Once the rank of Sentinel is achieved, he/she is automatically instated as a Senior Knight. The greatest care must be taken by a Sentinel when dealing with others, lest the Templar Knight name be disgraced.
Requirements: Status of Sentinel in all Virtues