PBEM:Lands Apart/The Code of Noble War

This protocol states that a warrior may not claim the privileges of Knighthood unless (s)he is (1) trained and sponsored as a Knight by an existing Knight, or (2) recognized deserving of the title by an existing Knight or head of state. Such recognition, without formal training, is rare and usually requires the defeat of a worthy opponent under honorable circumstances. A warrior may not claim the privileges of Knighthood unless (s)he also accepts the requisite responsibilities.

This protocol demands that hosts protect their guests from mortal harm and that a guest respect the rules put forth by a host. Neither host nor guest can make unreasonable requests of the other. Note that a host usually invites a guest for a specific period of time, after which the guest is no longer welcome and must leave unless the invitation is renewed. Only the actions of a guest can prematurely end the period of invitation.

This protocol requires that a Knight inform honorable enemies of an impending attack. Thus, an warrior cannot attack an unprepared enemy, nor attack from behind. However, an enemy who is engaged in an attack on a friend or ally is considered prepared. For individual combat, the Knight issues a challenge, and the Knight's enemy must have time to respond. For large-scale combat, a declaration of war is necessary; once this has been done, the armies of the enemy are considered prepared, and surprise attacks are allowable. A Knight can never participate in an ambush except against enemies in a declared war. This protocol only applies to reasoning, living, honorable opponents; it is not considered a matter of honor to warn beasts, monsters, or the undead of imminent attack.

This protocol demands that a Knight learn and remember the informal dueling rules of any land it which he travels and be prepared to duel should honor demand it. It is not considered dishonorable to refuse a challenge from an opponent who is of lower social rank except in certain circumstances (i.e. the superior has challenged the lesser and then seeks to withdraw, or the superior has committed some grievious insult to the lesser). It is also not considered dishonorable to refuse a challenge from one who you acknowledge as your better in arms if the duel is to the death or serious injury.

This protocol states that an honored enemy, usually a leader of an opposing force, is accorded certain privileges. An honored enemy should be felled only in single combat. Such combat, however, must be initiated by ?reaching? the enemy and touching them, without harm, during melee. Such a touch initiates single combat or invites honorable surrender. If captured, an honored enemy must be treated as a guest. If called for, a captured honored enemy can be executed, but only in a formal ceremony. Honored enemies can be returned to their people in return for material or other concessions.

This protocol declares that negotiations are sacred. They are a cause for a truce, and a truce should not be broken. To insure this, opposing forces may exchange hostages during negotiations. These hostages are warriors who understand that their lives are held as proof of their force's honor. If the truce is broken by one side, the lives of the hostages from that side are forfeit - this often means they are held for ransom or must negotiate their release rather than simple execution.

This protocol declares that a Knight must not betray, by action or inaction, their sworn liege lord. Nor may a Knight speak falsely to their sworn liege lord. A Knight is not required to serve every whim of their lord, nor are they necessarily required to answer a question put to them.

This protocol declares that any Knight who breaks these protocols shall be stripped of the title. Furthermore, it is consider a singular honor for a Knight to slay any Knight who one has personally witnessed betray the protocols.
Uploaded from Robin?s Wiki http://www.kallisti.net.nz/LandsApart by Andy Tall.