Knights of the Star

While not the only knightly order in the  Empire , the Knights of the Star are certainly the most famous. They make up one of the secondary institutions in the  Church of Unity , and are composed of skilled and theoretically honorable warriors. The order was established close to the founding of the Empire, and was modeled after the knightly orders present in the old High Kingdom of  Idar-Morbach , where the institution of knighthood originated.

The Knights are charged with protecting the highest echelon of the Empire. They are used as personal guards for the closer Imperial family, visiting royalty, as well as the members of the High Council. Aside from this, they also serve as an elite guard in the Imperial Palace, though this is considered the lowest of their assignments.

In order to join, a warrior must first be presented to the Imperial Monarch by the reigning Knight Capitaine, who is in command of the entire order. The monarch may command the Capitaine to present a specific candidate, though this puts the prospect’s skill in question. If the prospect is anointed by the Emperor or Empress, he or she swears a vow of celibacy and a vow of loyalty to the monarch. Knights of the Star may be male or female, though certain cultures in the Empire discourage female warriors, and thusly there are more male prospects to choose from in the realm. Their vows are for life, and they do not lack for personal care. Overall, there are usually between one and two hundred Knights of the Star, and each is assigned to a different task by their officer, or by the Knight Capitaine.

Knights of Radiance

Within the order, there exists another; the Knights of Radiance, also known as the Radiant Guard. This smaller order is directly controlled by the Knight Capitaine, and is in charge of protecting the Imperial Monarch and their direct family at all times. While the capabilities of the Knights of the Star are never in doubt, the Radiant Knights are the true masters of battle. The sub-order has never numbered more than a dozen fighters in two hundred years, and has contained some of the most well-known warriors in history.