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{{Ambig|subject=Imperial Knights|disambiguation=Knight}}

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==History==

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 often found lethal fauna and flora alike, and/or devastating meteorological conditions. The founding materials for the colonists were the ships 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]].{{Fn|11a}} Known at the time as '''construction-defence platforms''', they were originally used as tools to clear land and construct settlements.{{Fn|36g}} 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 were replaced by ideas of authoritarianism, chivalry, and martial honour. Over the decades a feudal system formed, and those protected by the knights increasingly became vassals to their masters.{{Fn|11a}} The armaments originally used for settlement and construction would instead be dedicated to the prosecution of war.{{Fn|36d}}

==Society==

There are thousands of Knight houses across the [[Galaxy]].{{Fn|10}} The Knight Worlds operate under a strict feudal system,{{Fn|7a}} as well as a [[Code Chivalric]]{{Fn|35c}} 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}} Houses can also have [[Chivalric Order]]s, which are insulated groups of Knights who have requirements to join them.{{Fn|35b}}

===Questor Imperialis===

Knight Houses pledged directly to the [[Adeptus Terra]], the '''Questor Imperialis''', were largely forced to survive on their own during the [[Age of Strife]] and were rediscovered during the [[Great Crusade]]. Today, their societies are known for their feudal nature, emphasis on chivalrous codes of conduct, and prideful nature. They are fiercely independent and often will take part in extended [[Crusade]]s across the stars to defend Humanity. Their [[Knight World]]s are more overtly organized along feudal lines, and often consist of several lesser Houses pledged to a ruling dynasty whose lord is akin to a [[Planetary Governor]].{{Fn|29a}}

====The Commoners====

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|29a}}

===Questor Mechanicus===

Knight Houses sworn to the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] are known as '''Questor Mechanicus'''. These were usually discovered directly by the [[Explorator Fleet]]s of the [[Mars|Martian Mechanicum]], either during the [[Age of Strife]] or the [[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|29a}}

===Known Knight Houses===

{{Main|List of Knight Houses}}

Notable Knight Houses include:

==Knight Armour==

===Development History===

==See also==

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

*{{Endn|5}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Titans/CERASTUS_KNIGHT_CASTIGATOR.html Cerastus Knight Castigator] (''accessed 21-Feb-2015'')

**{{Endn|6a}}: ''House Terryn - Imperial Aligned House''

**{{Endn|6b}}: ''Baron Rhodoks, Unending Glory''

**{{Endn|7a}}: ''Structure of an Imperial-Aligned House''

**{{Endn|7b}}: ''Freeblades - Retribution Incarnate''

*{{Endn|9}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 8th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 76

*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf September 2016]], ''The Ultimate Guide to... Imperial Knights - Houses of the Imperium and the Adeptus Mechanicus''

**{{Endn|11a}}: ''A Legacy of Honour''

**{{Endn|11b}}: pg. 7

*{{Endn|14}}: [[War Zone Charadon - Act II: The Book of Fire]], pg. 38 — ''Forces of the Imperium''

*{{Endn|15}}: [[Kingsblade (Novel)]], Chapter 1

*{{Endn|17}}: [[Liber Mechanicum]], pgs. 88-89

*{{Endn|18}}: [[Codex: Imperial Knights (9th Edition)]], pg. 20

**{{Endn|21g}}: pg. 94

**{{Endn|21h}}: pg. 135

**{{Endn|22a}}: pg. 30

*{{Endn|25}}: [[The Citadel Journal 1]], pg. 38 - ''Space Marine: Knights''

**{{Endn|27a}}: pgs. 14-15 - ''Imperial Knights''

**{{Endn|27b}}: pgs. 16-17 - ''Creating the Machine''

**{{Endn|27c}}: pg. 16 - ''Oaths of Allegiance''

**{{Endn|27d}}: pg. 28 - ''Citadel Sacristans: [[Adam Troke|Adam]] speaks to the sculptors of the new Imperial Knight''

**{{Endn|28a}}: pgs. 10-11 - ''Houses and Heraldry''

**{{Endn|28b}}: pgs. 12-13 - ''Forging the Narrative''

**{{Endn|29a}}: pgs. 12-15

**{{Endn|29b}}: pgs. 26-27

**{{Endn|29d}}: pgs. 37-45

**{{Endn|29e}}: pg. 16

*{{Endn|32}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Six - Retribution]], pg. 138

*{{Endn|33}}: [[Adeptus Titanicus: Titandeath]], pgs. 66-67

*35: [[Codex: Imperial Knights (10th Edition)]]

**{{Endn|35a}}: pg. 21 - ''Glorious Lineage''