Training and Oaths

New members of the Order upon being brought to Sunshield are given the title of Initiate. During their time as Initiates they learn the history of Order, of its varying tactics, and the ideals and purpose that the knights of the Order serve. They may from time to time go out to the local towns and villages behind Sunshield to offer aid with small problems and issues that require someone with their martial training.   Initiates are usually assigned to a mentor within the Order. These mentors are full fledged Knights who has at least served more then five years within the Order. When an Initiate meets their perspective mentor they swear their first oath. "I swear to learn from my Mentor, and to protect those who can not protect them self" As they serve and learn, the mentor is required to keep track of their charge. Making notes to keep track of progress. When the Mentor believes the Initiate has sufficiently met the requirements of advancing they will report it to their respective Knight Commander. When this is done the initiate will be asked by their mentor to describe their weapon of choice, whatever it might be. This telltale sign to an initiate lets them be aware their time in this role is almost done.   Once the ceremony is prepared and the weapon made. The mentor, the other members of the unite, and the Knight-Commander of that unit will be present. It is here a Initiate is offered the chance to continue in the ranks of the order. If the Initiate wishes to continue they are asked to kneel in front of their mentor, and repeat after them an Oath of Duty. "I swear to protect Sunshield, to be a bastion against the evil that is past its mighty walls. I swear to protect those who can not protect themselves. I swear to protect those within the order, and to shield them as my brothers and sisters. As long as i do breathe, and as long as i can stand, i will uphold the honor of the order, and my Commander. I swear this until i am either relieved of service, or until time takes me." This is usually followed by gifting the chosen weapon as a sign of their advancement. Some others add more to it.   Once this oath is sworn, the initiate advances to the rank of Knight-Errant. They are still considered to be under the mentorship of the original mentor but are given far more freedom and autonomy to act as they need to unless ordered otherwise.   A Knight Errant is often in service as such for several years, either until they prove their ability and worth and dedication to the order the opportunity to rise further may appear. This takes place in a similar ceremony to that of becoming a Knight-Errant. At the end of the ceremony they become a Knight. This ceremony is followed however with a strong slap to the face by the Knight commander. Knights, and Knights-Errant tend to make the bulk of the order.   After at least five years of service, or exemplary service which goes above and beyond the norm. A knight may be nominated for the rank of Knight-Scutari. These knights are much more few in number and are seen as hardened veterans. Knight-Scutari are sworn by the Grand Protector, but are assigned to serve as officers underneath a Knight-commander. New armor, weapons, and quarters are also given.   After Extraordinary service, and or at least 10 to 20 years of service. A knight-scutari may be offered the rank of Illutari. These Knights serve as second in command to Knight-Commanders. They have done great deeds service that is worthy of this rank as judged by the commander. They are once again sworn by the Grand Protector. There are two Illutari per Knight Commander. Normally there are only twenty of these Knights at any one time.   If one of the ten Knight-Commanders seats are empty. Members of the Illutari are considered to replace them based on merit, service, and votes of the Knight-Scutari. Once chosen they are sworn by the Grand protector and given command of the unit. They are also given the right to administer lower ranking oaths.