Brethren of the Silver Hand
A militant and monastic order of knights closely associated with the High Magistry. The name commemorates the legendary Silver Hand of the Hierophant.
The arms depicted is the Brotherhood's own, and is displayed on its own banners and on the shields of rank and file soldiers. Higher-ranking Knights tend to display their own coats of arms; in this case it is generally their ancestral arms, though with the addition of the silver hand as a charge either replacing or superimposing over the original charge.
Structure
It comprises the following levels of initiation:
The Knights Ordinary
These are basically soldiers drawn from Zaratheni and Mòvadhi nobility. Though still free men, they are sworn to uphold certain vows of obedience to the Church of Mankind’s Redemption. The Knights Ordinary form the bulk of the order's military strength, comprising largely of heavy infantry and medium- and heavy cavalry.The Knights Initiate
These are drawn from the Knights Ordinary. These are knights who are unmarried and without issue, exhibit matchless valour and piety, and bequeath their lands and titles in entirety and perpetuity to the Church. They are held to strict vows of chastity, obedience, and piety. There are only ever 301 Knights Initiate; they are divided into seven chapters of 43, each led by a Komtur. Knights Initiate are free to travel anywhere their work takes them. They are entitled to lodging and shelter – and if needed, protection – from any other officer of the Church. This is interpreted to extend to most nobles as well, though this is not universally recognised. In battle, Knight Initiate tend to form the leadership cadre of other detachments, or, when formed up together, generally deploy as an elite division of heavy cavalry.The Silver Hand
This is a semi-secret level of initiation drawn from the Knights Initiate; its members remain Knights Initiate, and in principle subject to the same rules and rank as before. They are not permitted to hold the title of Komtur in their own Chapter. The Silver Hand forms the unofficial bodyguard of the High Magister. Much is rumoured about the Silver Hand, little is known. The wrath of the Silver Hand is not risked lightly.
Type
Military, Knightly Order
Alternative Names
The Hierophant's Hand
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Parent Organization
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