The Pentarchal Codex

The Pentarchal Codex is a set of codes of Anskian Knights, which binds them to their chosen path and aspect of Tiamat. While each knight focuses on their specific vow, they are expected to respect and collaborate with those who uphold the other vows. The vows, allow the Knight to worship primarily Tiamat and its corresponding vow.   It is not uncommon for a knight to take many oaths of different heads, however, they cannot take more than one deity other than Tiamat and they do not follow second deities.  

Oath of the Five Aspects

1. The Ruby Vow

   Aspect: Red (Wrath and Ambition).
   Focus: Strength, Ambition and Dominance.
   Allowed Secondary Worship: Abel, Bane, Deep Duerra, Garyx, Kord, Surtur, Thrym, Torog, Vaprak, Yesugei.
   Knights of the Red Aspect prioritize physical prowess, raw ambition, and an unrelenting drive for power. They are the vanguard of the order, embodying Tiamat's fiery wrath and insatiable hunger for conquest.

2. The Sapphire Vow

   Aspect: Blue (Cunning and Control).
   Focus: Strategy, Foresight and Leadership.
   Allowed Secondary Worship: Bane, Ella'li, Ioun, Lendys, Maglubiyet, Sophis,
   Knights of the Blue Aspect are the order's tacticians and leaders. They rely on intellect and careful planning, excelling in the art of control and mastery over circumstances.

3. The Emerald Vow

   Aspect: Green (Subtlety and Deception).
   Focus: Espionage, Diplomacy and Maniuplation.
   Allowed Secondary Worship: Ashmedai, Astilabor, Atzul, Cain, Khaziba, Masech, Zinzerena.
   Knights of the Green Aspect are the order's spies, diplomats, and infiltrators. They specialize in subtlety, deception, and persuasion, achieving the order's aims through careful manipulation of allies and foes alike.

4. The Obsidian Vow

   Aspect: Black (Resilience and Tenacity).
   Focus: Resilience, Endurance, and Perseverance.
   Allowed Secondary Worship: Baisha, Chronepsis, Ella'li, Falazure, Heimdall, Imon, Torog, Vhaeraun.
   Knights of the Black Aspect are the order's unyielding defenders and stalwart protectors. They endure all hardships, serving as the backbone of the knighthood, unshaken by adversity.

5. The Ivory Vow

   Aspect: White (Primal Instinct and Ferocity).
   Focus: Primal instincts, Ferocity and Loyalty.
   Allowed Secondary Worship: Bahgtru, Luthic, Menas, Morana, Sekolah.
   Knights of the White Aspect channel their raw, primal energy in battle. They are ferocious warriors who defend their kin with unshakable loyalty, embodying Tiamat's savage and untamed nature.

 

Interpetation of the Vows

Many Scholars look upon the vows and say, that they are many oath , which took inspiration from the The Silver Chalice;

The Draconic Covenant

The Draconic Covenant is the ultimate pledge, a sacred and binding oath taken by every Anskian Knight upon their induction into the knighthood. It is the knight’s eternal submission to Tiamat and the Anskian Order, a declaration that their life, ambition, and soul are devoted to her dominion. Knights who swear this covenant commit themselves to a singular path, prioritizing the order’s vision above all else.  

Core Philosophy

Submit or rise in service, for the weak shall perish, and the strong shall bring Tiamat’s glory to all realms.  

Rules of the Covenant

• A knight may think for themselves but must always act for the good of the knighthood and Tiamat's vision.
• Acts such as lying, stealing, or killing are permitted only if they further Tiamat’s cause or serve the order’s grand design.
• Personal ambition is encouraged but never at the cost of the unity or strength of the order.
• Torture, rape, pillage, and senseless destruction are forbidden, as they foster chaos rather than control.

 

The Dragon’s Edict

The Dragon’s Edict is the overarching set of principles and laws governing the actions, discipline, and hierarchy of the Anskian Knights. It serves as the moral and strategic compass of the order, dictating the proper conduct of knights in their service to Tiamat.   The Dragon’s Edict is upheld by the Adjudicators of the Edict, knights chosen for their wisdom, loyalty, and mastery of the five aspects. They arbitrate disputes, ensure adherence to the edict, and dispense justice to those who falter.  

Core Tenets of the Edict

• Discipline Above All: A knight's mind, body, and spirit must be honed to perfection. Lack of discipline is the seed of failure.
• Cunning in Action: Every decision, whether on the battlefield or in diplomacy, must be calculated to strengthen Tiamat's dominion.
• Unity of Purpose: Disputes between knights are settled swiftly, for division within weakens the whole.
• Glory Through Vision: A knight must never lose sight of Tiamat’s grand design—the restoration of her supreme rule.
• Retribution Unleashed: Any insult or harm to Tiamat’s name or the order must be met with merciless and decisive vengeance.

 

Violations and Consequences

Violations of the Covenant or the Edicts are considered acts of treason against Tiamat herself. Punishment is swift and severe:

• Minor Violations: Lesser offenses may result in public reprimand or tasks to redeem the knight’s honor.
• Grave Violations: Betrayal or selfish actions result in death or expulsion. In some cases, the knight may be turned into an undead servant, bound eternally to the order as a grim reminder of their failure.

   

Interpetation by the Aspects

The Ruby Aspect

• “Strength without purpose is a flame without fuel.” Knights of the Ruby Aspect are encouraged to seek conquest but must direct their wrath strategically. They burn through enemies with precision, ensuring their victories always serve Tiamat.
• Ambition drives them, but unchecked personal ambition that undermines the unity of the order is seen as a grave violation.

The Sapphire Aspect

• “A web well-spun is a kingdom won.” Sapphire Knights are the architects of Tiamat’s dominion. They use their intellect to build alliances, crush opposition through manipulation, and ensure every step taken serves the larger vision.
• Any form of chaos or disorganization within their plans is seen as a personal failure and an affront to the Code.

The Emerald Aspect

• “The shadow carries the truth of victory.” Emerald Knights excel in espionage, subterfuge, and manipulation. Lies told in service of the order are sacred; lies told for personal gain are heresy.
• They ensure Tiamat’s enemies are undone from within, leaving them vulnerable for the Ruby and Ivory Knights to strike.

The Obsidian Aspect

• “To endure is to conquer.” Knights of the Obsidian Aspect serve as the immovable foundation of the order. They endure hardships and fortify the order through unwavering loyalty and fortitude.
• Failure is not an option, and those who falter are expected to rise stronger, proving their worth through resilience.

The Ivory Aspect

• “Strike first, strike true, and never waver.” Ivory Knights are the untamed warriors of the order, fighting with primal ferocity while maintaining discipline within the hunt. Their instinct is honed to serve their kin and the order with unwavering loyalty.
• Senseless destruction is not their way; every action must secure the survival and strength of the pack.