Lord Knights: Seal Breingiton, Rheidyr Glain, Leumas Circe, Jhervais LaFotinas, Aedon d'Aggravaine, Leumas Circe, Aedon d'Aggravaine, Aenarion dePayens
During this age, the power of Eclipse and Malice waned and the strength of Knighthood ruled. Through the strength in arms and the diplomatic foundation of the "Alliance of Light" saw Algoron rise in a golden age. To strike against one, was to strike against all.
After the long campaign shattered and disheartened those who opposed Knighthood, enemies were few of boldness, so Gareth diverted her energies and encouraged a renaissance in virtue.
The leadership of Knighthood was blessed with many leaders of great charisma, and people flocked to their banner. With such success of arms and learning came social activity. Few could have foreseen the success of this renaissance.
The Eight Virtues were introduced, studied and debated at length. These will be covered in a later chapter. Teaching and education became mandatory for all pages and squires of the Keep. Both men and women swarmed to Gareth as it had become a centre of enlightenment and the busiest court in the land, for those eager to learn and be a part of the great change.
Entrance tests were devised to challenge the worthy and deny the weak, for to fulfil the role of protecting the weak, the defenders must be strong. Thus was brought about the Triple Test:
The Test of Knowledge: The hopeful would have to prove their knowledge of location, items and enemy.
The Test of Combat: Either the hopeful would have the task of slaying an equivalent enemy or duelling a knight or ally. A critique of the battle would be offered to the hopeful hence.
The Test of Virtue: The hopeful would be presented with three moral dilemmas, pitting one virtue against another. An in-depth explanation was required of their choice to pass.
An informal relationship between a knight and his squire was formalised into learning circles and tasks. Several requirements and sets of lessons were created, and these rules of combat were learned and spread throughout all of Algoron, even to be mimicked by those who warred her - much to the chagrin of Gareth's commanding officers.
During these days many new houses of nobility were born, adding to the Madaurs and Corwens and its members sprung forth.
Never before had the desire of all serving knights to be one day worthy of joining the Crown been so high. To be a Crown knight was to show that you were a fierce fighter, but also capable of wisdom and the independent thought to exercise it. Crown knights were respected above all others, particularly by their enemies.
Military honours were created for those who performed extraordinary deeds. "Seal's Star for Valour" was awarded for outstanding acts in combat, and the "Cross of Virtue" honoured those who gave exemplarily contributions to philosophical, spiritual and virtuous discourse. The "Gold Star of Participation" honoured those who had taken their place in rank to fight in Raije's tournaments. The "Naval Cross" was awarded to those who performed admirably at sea, and the "Drop of Sacrifice" to those who donated generously to the Keep.
Giles Jollopers was hired to keep the stables, though he has had the assistance of many a page and squire and errant knight during his tenure.
The Lords of Knighthood sought discourse with the Lords of Eclipse, and in open debate the Lord�s Crown knights vanquished Eclipse�s premises of �honour� and �evil� to co-exist together. Gareth suggested that it may be possible for �chivalry� and �evil� to co-exist and those present from Eclipse conceded. Similar arguments raised with the Shadowknights drew no concession from the Lords of Storm Keep. However their stance has traversed from �honourable evil� to �honourable darkness�. I, Sehvelarious Iolius, still consider co-existence of �chivalry� and �evil� quite remote in the case of Eclipse, and the extent to which a Shadowknight may be virtuous until it suits him not. Then he does not understand that virtue is a code to follow, rather that it is clothing that may be discarded when it suits him or his �purpose�.
Three new senior positions were created, each meant to delegate responsibility to groom a second in command, and teach them the skills required to be a leader of men.
To the Shield was given the High Clerist, the spiritual leader and wise mentor for Gareth. For those requiring guidance this was to be the first place to call. The post was given to the Colonel who was most promising in the Shield.
To the Lance was given the Weaponsmaster, the knowledgeable and active combatant of the day. A Captain of the Lance was given this responsibility, though it was originally given to a Colonel, but it suited Captains better as they tended to be more active fighters. Patience was a virtue for these teachers of combat as some pupils learn faster than others.
To the Crown was given the High Justice, the diplomatic advisor to the Lord of Knighthood. If there were any dispute between the Generals, or if a Knight wished to dispute treatment given to him by the Generals, then the High Justice was to resolve the problem, calling on whomever he saw fit for assistance. One groomed for the Lord of Knighthood was to hold this position. If there were no suitable candidates, then it may be held by a former Lord of Knighthood till one may be found.
Splinter organisations were formed at Gareth during this time. The "Swords of Honour" were blessed by Nadrik and sought to uphold that virtue above all others. Hugh the Hand's band of cloak-and-dagger shadows kept the Keep well informed in subterfuge, reconnaissance and politics. Perhaps the most mysterious tale is of the mythical Templar Brotherhood, an organisation which exists in no tome or scroll. But I, Sehvelarious, remember such things, and I still see its members wearing their marks, awaiting the Brotherhood's call. In later days a renegade Paladin who joined Storm Keep would form Shadow�s Templar from her precepts.