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'''Knights''', also known as the '''Questor Imperialis'''{{Fn|109}}, are smaller and less powerful one-man versions of [[Imperial Titan]]s. Knights are smaller than [[Warhound Scout Titan]]s, and can only mount one Titan-class weapon. These can range from [[Vulcan Mega-bolter]]s to [[Volcano cannon]]s. Knights themselves are operated from [[Knightly House]]s located on [[Knight World]]s. Pilots of Knights are known as '''Knight Scions'''.{{Fn|98}}

The original [[Knight World]]s were founded during the [[Dark Age of Technology]], settled by [[Humanity]] in its first great stellar exodus. In an event dubbed the '''Long March''', over the course of decades colonization ships reached their pre-chosen worlds. When they arrived however, they found often lethal wildlife and plant-life alike, or devastating meteorological conditions. The founding materials for the colonists were the ship themselves, while they were able to flourish and expand thanks to [[STC]] machines. Among the creations of the STC during this time were the first [[Knight]] suits to defend against predators and hostile [[Xenos]]. The pilots for these suits were carefully chosen, but over extended exposure to their [[Throne Mechanicum]] console their concepts of practical self-defense and communal survival was replaced by ideas of authoritarianism, chivalry, and martial honor. Over the decades a feudal system formed, and those protected by the Knights increasingly became vassals to their masters.{{Fn|1211a}}

Later during the [[Age of Strife]], [[Mars]] sent out many expeditions of spacecraft, hoping to find remnants of human knowledge on other worlds. They found an anarchic galaxy where the ancient confederacy of interdependent human planets no longer existed. The human worlds discovered retained little of their old technology. They had devolved into feudal states ruled by aristocratic nobles who welcomed the [[Techpriests]] as long-awaited saviours. The Tech-priests settled among these feudal empires, or [[Knight Worlds]], choosing planets that were mineral rich where they could rebuild their industries. They established contacts with the Knights, trading with their worlds and investigating the ancient ruins where surviving technology could still sometimes be found. The Knights provided manpower and security against enemies such as marauding [[Ork]]s and land-hungry Eldar [[Exodite]]s. In return the Tech-priests provided technical expertise and help rebuilding their planets.{{Cite ThisFn|1}}

Over the millennia the [[Forge World]]s became powerful and the Knight Worlds flourished under their wing. The Tech-priests and Knights became mutually dependent and each Forge World became the hub of an empire consisting of a Forge World and its surrounding Knight Worlds. The Knights learned much from the Tech-priests and their societies were gradually transformed into technically sophisticated cultures. Many of the Forge Worlds managed to maintain sporadic contact with each other, and the Tech-priests' obsession with knowledge ensured that discoveries on one world were distributed to others throughout the galaxy. The most important innovation that the Tech-priests brought to the Knight Worlds were the fighting machines called Knights. These machines were one-man versions of a Titan, much smaller and less powerful than a real Titan, but far better suited to the mobile style of warfare prevalent amongst the nobility of the Knight Worlds.{{Cite ThisFn|1}}

During the early [[Great Crusade]], the [[Rogue Trader]] [[Jeffers]] discovered the first [[Knight World]] and many were subsequently sought out and assimilated into the fledgling [[Imperium]]. Later during the [[Horus Heresy]], many [[Knight World]]s and their [[Knight House]]s pledged their banner to the traitorous [[Warmaster]].{{Fn|1211a}}

In the current [[Age of the Imperium]], these Knights fight alongside the Titans and form a reserve of troops which can be called up into the [[Titan Legions]] when required. Each Knight is piloted by a noble of the Knight Worlds, these worlds having maintained their feudal societies over the millennia. Indeed, the acquisition of technology enabled the warrior nobility to strengthen its position of power on their worlds.{{Fn|1}}

There are thousands of Knight houses across the [[Galaxy]].{{Fn|1110}} The Knight Worlds operate under a strict feudal system and are typically sworn to either the [[Adeptus Terra]] or [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. Each world is led by either a single or number of [[Knight House]]s, whose ranks are made up of '''Nobles''' which pilot Knight suits into battle.{{Fn|77a}} To become a Knight Pilot, one must undergo the grueling [[Ritual of Becoming]].{{Fn|11b}}

Knight Houses sworn to the [[Adeptus Terra]] are led by a '''High King'''. Directly beneath him are a number of [[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 '''Knightly Vassals''', which operate alone or in formations known as lances.{{Fn|77a}}

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 below him are Barons which can hold a variety of titles. Below the Barons are Vassals. Unlike with Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra, Mechanicum-sworn Houses may be stationed with a [[Titan Legion]] permanently.{{Fn|77d}}

Some Knights do not owe allegiance to any House, and instead wander the galaxy as [[Freeblade Knight]]s.{{Fn|4a4}}

Knight armour comes in a variety of forms, with the two most common types seen being the Knight Paladin and Knight Errant. These both use the same basic body form but are fitted with different weapons arrays. However all Imperial Knights are protected by thick [[adamantium]] armor and potent field generators called [[Ion Shield]]s.{{Fn|4a4}}

Other, much rarer, types of Knight armour are used on some [[Knight world]]s. Amongst the heaviest types of Knight armour made by the forge worlds are the Crusader and the Castellan. Although slower than other suit types, these two benefit from substantially increased firepower and much thicker armour, and are instead used in a fire support role. The Lancer is a faster version of a standard Knight suit. These agile machines are used to outflank the enemy, scout out their defences and distract hostile forces while slower units get into position to attack. This type of armour is sophisticated and extremely difficult to manufacture, and its use is therefore usually reserved for rulers of knightly houses, or for Nobles that have proven themselves worthy of it in the fires of victory. However, while the Crusader, Castellan and Lancer are rightly revered, the Paladin and Errant’s perfectly balanced combination of speed, firepower and armour make them the supreme examples of Knight design.{{Fn|4a4}}

*'''Knight Seneschal''': A ceremonial role (rather than a specific model of Knight armor) that works closely alongside the ruling Lord of a [[Knightly House]].{{Fn|77c}}

*[[TybaltDyros]] - High King of [[House TerrynFreeblade]]*[[Hekhtur]] - The Chainbreaker

*{{Endn|1}}: [[WD178|White Dwarf 178(UK)]] , pgs. 43-50 ''The Titan Legions'', by [[Rick Priestley]]

*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Imperial Knights (6th Edition)]] **{{Endn|4a}}: , ''The Imperial Knights''**{{Endn|4b}}: pg. 11

**{{Endn|7a}}: ''A Noble LegacyStructure of an Imperial-Aligned House''

**{{Endn|87d}}: [[Sanctus Reach: The Red Waaagh!]]''Mechanicus Knights at War''*{{Endn|98}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/en-EU/Mechanicum-Cerastus-Knight-Atrapos Forge World]*{{Endn|109}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook]] pg.76*{{Endn|1110}}: [[White Dwarf September 2016]], ''The Ultimate Guide to... Imperial Knights - Houses of the Imperium and the Adeptus Mechanicus''*{{Endn|12}}11: [[Codex: Imperial Knights (8th Edition)]] - **{{Endn|11a}}: ''A Legacy of Honour''**{{Endn|11b}}: pg. 7  ==Uncited=={{Uncited}}*[[Sanctus Reach: The Red Waaagh!]]