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Imperial Knight

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==Society==
There are thousands of Knight houses across the [[Galaxy]].{{Fn|10}} 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|7a}} the highest of these and lord of the ruling house is often referred to as a [[High King]]/[[Princeps]]. To become a Knight Pilot, one must undergo the grueling [[Ritual of Becoming]].{{Fn|11b}}
 
===Questor Imperialis===
[[Image:KnightHouseOrg.jpg|thumb|right|Organization of a Knightly House sworn to the [[Adeptus Terra]] ]]
Knight Houses pledged directly to the [[Image:KnightHouseOrg2.jpg|thumb|right|Organization of a Knightly House sworn Adeptus Terra]], the '''Questor Imperialis''', largely were forced to survive on their own during the [[MechanicumAge of Strife]] ]]===The Nobility===There are thousands of Knight houses across and were rediscovered during the [[GalaxyGreat Crusade]].{{Fn|10}} The Knight Worlds operate under a strict Today, their societies are known for their feudal system nature, emphasis on chivalrous codes of conduct, and prideful nature. They are typically sworn to either the fiercely independent and often will take part in extended [[Adeptus TerraCrusade]] or s across the stars to defend Humanity. Their [[Adeptus MechanicusKnight World]]. Each world s are more overtly organized along feudal lines, and often consist of several lesser Houses pledged to a ruling dynasty whose lord is led by either akin to a single or number of [[Knight HousePlanetary Governor]]s, whose ranks are made up of '''Nobles''' which pilot Knight suits into battle.{{Fn|7a29}}  Religiously, all of the highest Houses of these and lord the Questor Imperialis are members of the ruling house is often referred to as a [[High KingImperial Cult]]/and venerate the God-Emperor. Many Questor Imperialis Knightly courts include [[PrincepsMinistorum]]clergy and their worlds are often dotted with Imperial cathedrals. To become a Knight Pilot, one must undergo the grueling The most pious of such Houses will commonly take part in [[Ritual War of Faith|Wars of BecomingFaith]].{{Fn|11b29}}
Knight The territories of Questor Imperialis Houses sworn to the [[Adeptus Terra]] are led by a [[High Monarch]]divided into fiefdoms, baronial realms, manor-states, and many other local terms. Directly beneath them are a number of Their [[BaronKnight World]]sare often home to several Knightly Houses, which each rule all maintain their own territories and are pledged to the ruling greater house. These territories are often isolated to a fief single world, but may sometimes consist of territorysmall interplanetary empires. While all Barons owe allegiance to Most Houses maintain their king or queenown support forces, all are not equal such as [[Knight Household Guard|militas]] and some have different ranksfleets of transport ships. The baronial rank logistical necessities of Kingsward protects his liege on the field transporting, fielding, and at court.{{Fn|6a}}{{Fn|18}} A pair of crossed swords signify rank of Kingsward.{{Fn|6b}} Others may serve as the King's herald or maintaining gargantuan Knight suits mean these entourages are often the gatekeeper size of his fortresssmall armies. Each Baron in turn controls a number of '''Knightly Vassals''', which operate alone or in formations known as lances.{{Fn|7a}}{{Fn|1829}}
Knight ====The Nobility====Questor Imperialis Houses sworn to the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] often accompany the [[Collegia Titanica]] into battle or are garrisoned to defend key [[Forge World]]sruled by dynastic noble houses. Their organizational structure is similar to those The ruling nobles of these Great Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra. Each is led by a usually style themselves along classic monarchical lines and their rulers maintain titles such as [[Princeps (Knights)|PrincepsHigh King]] and below him , High Queen, or Grand Master. Directly beneath these ruling Nobles are a number of [[Baron]]s , which can hold each rule a variety fief of titlesterritory. Below the While all Barons owe allegiance to their king or queen, all are Vassalsnot equal and some have different ranks. Unlike with Houses sworn to The baronial rank of Kingsward protects his liege on the Adeptus Terra, Mechanicum-sworn Houses field and at court.{{Fn|6a}}{{Fn|18}} A pair of crossed swords signify rank of Kingsward.{{Fn|6b}} Others may be stationed with 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|7a}}{{Fn|18}} Knightly Vassals are often Bondsmen, which pilot smaller [[Titan LegionArmiger Pattern Knight]] permanentlys.{{Fn|7d29}}
Besides these broad titles and ranks, a number of lesser and more exotic Household ranks also exist. These include:{{Fn|17}}
*'''Aspirant''' - Younger Scions who have taken apprenticeships with an older Knight. They represent the future of the Household, so any Knightly order is reluctant to field them all at once.{{Fn|17}}
====The Commoners====
[[Image:KnightArt.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Knights operating alongside [[Imperial Guard]] ]]
The bottom tier of society on any Knight World are its serf class, also referred to as commoners. These serve as labourers for their liege lords in exchange for protection. Their most common roles outside of physical labour are artisans, bonded militias, farmers, hunters, and builders.{{Fn|29}}
 
A sub-class also exists called the [[Drover (Knight World)| Drovers]] who looked after the animal herds, as the nobility would not soil their hands with such work. The Drovers used [[Drover Walker]]s, bipedal frames 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}}
As well as 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}}
 
===Questor Mechanicus===
[[Image:KnightHouseOrg2.jpg|thumb|right|Organization of a Knightly House sworn to the [[Mechanicum]] ]]
Knight Houses sworn to the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] are known as '''Questor Mechanicus'''. These usually were discovered directly by the [[Explorator Fleet]]s of [[Mars|Martian Mechanicum]] either during the [[Age of Strife]] or [[Great Crusade]]. The rulers of these Knight Worlds traded resources and services with these newly arrived [[Tech-Priest]]s, and in times bonds of service and alliances were formed. The Knight Houses greatly valued the technological support and knowledge the Mechanicum offered, while the Tech-Priests exploited Knight Worlds for resources, service, archaeotech, and in some cases even [[STC]]s.{{Fn|29}}
 
Unlike the Questor Imperialis, which worship the [[Imperial Cult]], those of the Questor Mechanicus venerate the [[Cult Mechanicus]] and the [[Omnissiah]]. Its members have the unmistakable influence of the Adeptus Mechanicus on their culture, and their Knight Worlds are often more industrial and urbanized compared to those of the Questor Imperialis.{{Fn|29}}
 
====Nobility====
The Nobles of the Questor Mechanicus are broadly similar to those of their [[Adeptus Terra]] counterparts. However instead of titles such as High King or Baron, these Nobles utilize Adeptus Mechanicus terms such as [[Princeps (Knights)|Princep]]s and in turn command lesser vassals, bondsmen, and serfs. These rulers are pledged to a greater [[Forge World]], taking part in their defense in exchange for technology and resources, making Questor Mechanicus Houses particularly well-supplied. Besides these roles, their Nobles often take part in [[Explorator Fleet]]s, [[Archaeotech]] crusades, or the protection of Mechanicum trade routes. Their courts will consist of [[Tech-Priest]]s, who ensure the House's [[Sacristan]]s are more powerful and influential than those of the Questor Imperialis.{{Fn|29}}
 
The Houses of the Questor Mechanicus are usually less autonomous than those of the Questor Imperialis and unlike with Houses sworn to the Adeptus Terra, Mechanicum-sworn Houses may be stationed with a [[Titan Legion]] permanently, where they act as vanguards, flanking support, and engagers of lesser foes.{{Fn|7d}}{{Fn|29}} However Knightly Princeps are still driven by honour, their Nobles are rarely slaved to the will of their sworn Forge World's Tech-Priests. Sometimes this puts their nobles at odds with Tech-Priests, who demand more of the Knights than their vows of realty require.{{Fn|29}}
 
====Commoners====
The serfs of Questor Mechanicus Houses will perform similar roles to those of their Adeptus Terra counterparts, acting as labourers, support, and [[Knight Household Guard|militia]]. They often live in vast heavily polluted urban [[hive]] sprawls and slave away in manufactorums for their ruling Noble masters.{{Fn|29}}
===Known Knight Houses===
[[House Taranis]] was considered the strongest of the Knight Houses, with 600 Knights, and held the Grade of "Primus (Maximus)".{{Fn|21a}} [[House Coldshroud]], a Primus Grade household, possessed 389 knights at the outbreak of the Horus Heresy.{{Fn|21b}} [[House Terryn]], a Primus Grade household, was capable of field "almost 300 knights".{{Fn|21c}} [[House Procon Vi]], a Primus Grade household, was considered better categorized as two Secundus Grade houses. While possessing 447 knights, they were often fielded as two separate groups, with one of them containing roughly 215 knights.{{Fn|21d}} [[House Col'Khak]], a Secundus Grade household, boasted a strength of 254 knights, even after the losses at [[Isstvan V]].{{Fn|21e}} [[House Krast]], a Primus Grade household, possessed 400 knights at the outbreak of the Horus Heresy.{{Fn|21f}} [[House Moritain]], a Tertius Grade household, possessed 125 knights two decades before the Horus Heresy.{{Fn|21g}} [[House Zavora]], a Secundus (Maxis) Grade household, was known to be at the higher end of its Grade strength. It possessed 383 operational knights with an additional 100 in storage due to a lack of scions.{{Fn|21h}}
 
==Culture==
===Questor Imperialis===
 
===Questor Mechanicus===
==Knight Armour==
**{{Endn|28a}}: pgs. 10-11 - ''Houses and Heraldry''
**{{Endn|28b}}: pgs. 12-13 - ''Forging the Narrative''
*{{Endn|29}}: [[Codex: Imperial Knights (10th Edition)]], pgs. 12-15
{{Knights}}
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