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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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[[Image:KnightHouseOrg.jpg|thumb|right|Organization of a Knightly House sworn to the [[Adeptus Terra]] ]]
[[Image:KnightHouseOrg2.jpg|thumb|right|Organization of a Knightly House sworn to the [[Mechanicum]] ]]
The Knight Worlds operated operate under a strict feudal system and are typically sworn to either the [[Adeptus Terra]] or [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. Each House is ruled by a The ruling Knight Houses of each world are made up of '''High KingNobles''' (or [[Princeps]] in .{{Fn|7}} Knight Houses sworn to the case of [[MechanicumAdeptus Terra]]-aligned houses), who in turn has a noble inner circle consisting of are led by a variety of titles such as '''KingswardHigh King''' (which forms . Directly beneath him are a personal guard for the Lord number of the House), '''[[Baron]]'''s, which each rule a fief of territory. Whole all Barons owe allegiance to their king are not equal and some have different ranks. The baronial rank of Kingsward protects his liege on the field and at court.{{Fn|6a}} A pair of crossed swords signify rank of Kingsward.{{Fn|6b}} Others may serve as the King's herald or the gatekeeper of his fortress. Each Baron in turn controls a number of ''Gatekeeper''', '''HeraldKnightly Vassals''', which operate alone or in formations known as lances.{{Fn|7}} Knight Houses sworn to the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] often accompany the [[Collegia Titanica]] into battle or are garrisoned to defend key [[Forge World]]s. Their organizational structure is similar to those Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra. Each is led by a [[Princeps]] and so onbelow him are Barons which can hold a variety of titles. Under these aristocrats Below the Barons are lesser nobles known as '''Vassals'''. Unlike with Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra, Mechanicum-sworn Houses may be stationed with a [[Titan Legion]] permanently.{{Fn|4a7}} A sub-class also exists called the Drovers who looked after the animal herds, as the nobility would not soil their hands with such work. The Drovers used walkers similar to those of their masters, but they were, by law, not armed with any weapons, despite the fact that they faced very serious threats in the form of predators and xenos raids. This forced the Drovers to rely on the Knights for protection, and created a dependency comfortable for the nobles, as it made revolt virtually impossible.{{Fn|3}}
In addition to the Knight war machines, every House had multiple men-at-arms in its employ, resembling [[Planetary Defence Force]]s, although possessing a much smaller amount of heavy equipment. On several worlds, artificers and technicians became the most important subjects of the warrior nobility. They maintained the Knight walkers, and over time styled themselves as a priesthood for the half-forgotten mysteries of technology called the [[Sacristan]]s. They arbitrated between the Knight Houses and ensured that the headstrong nobles did not wipe out one another in bitter feuds by ritualising the values of Duty, Honour and Valour. With the acceptance of these values, the Knights became known as The Chivalry.{{Fn|3}}
In addition to the threat presented by hostile Houses, Knights had to conduct frequent battles against their worlds' indigenous predators. Hunting these beasts honed their martial skills into a deadly art. The Knights themselves would retire when they reached old age, passing their Battle Armour down to their heir, and in its stead donning the armour of a [[Knight Warden]]. They would then take the task of protecting the household and lending its members their advice. Knights formed family units to fight with the Titan Legions or alongside the Imperial Guard. Knights of a given house would be led by a noble holding the rank of a Lord, or the corresponding title of a Seneschal if he happened to be a Warden.{{Fn|3}}
Some Knights do not owe allegiance to any House, and instead wander the galaxy as [[Freeblade Knight]]s.{{Fn|4a}}
