Knights of the Hart

Nofootnotes|date=February 2008
In the "World of Greyhawk" campaign setting for the "Dungeons & Dragons" role-playing game, the Knights of the Hart is a chivalric order in the Flanaess. They are one of the least militant orders in the Flanaess, although that reputation is changing since the end of the Greyhawk Wars.

tructure

The Knights of the Hart are a tripartite organization. Each branch is generally devoted to the defense of a single country -- Furyondy, Veluna, or Highfolk. No matter to which order a member belongs, all are sworn to defend the others and the lands of all three nations at a moment's notice.

Knights of Furyondy

The Knights of Furyondy is the largest branch of the Knights of the Hart; as of 591 CY, the order had 170 knights, as well as many other warriors associated with it. About 50 members died during the Greyhawk Wars and Great Northern Crusade (583–588 CY); recruitment of new members, and strengthening the Furyondyian border with the Empire of Iuz has been a primary focus since that time. The order accepts humans and half-elves.

This branch's coat of arms is blazoned thus: "Azure, a pair of antlers Or".

Knights of Veluna

The Knights of Veluna are the most politically active branch of the Knights of the Hart. All of its 120 members are landowners, and encourage resolution of disputes with diplomacy and negotiation as much as with martial prowess. The membership once consisted exclusively of fighters, but recently has begun admitting clerics with strong combat abilities. Most members worship Rao; worship of Mayaheine, St. Cuthbert, or Heironeous is also seen, though uncommon. The order accepts humans and half-elves.

This branch's coat of arms is blazoned thus: "Sable, a pair of antlers Or".

Knights of the High Forest

All forty-five members (as of 591 CY) of this order are elven. They are skilled at skirmishing in the wild, and concentrate their efforts in the Vesve Forest, but also spend brief amounts of time outside the forests as merchant lords in an effort to raise money for their causes.

This branch's coat of arms is blazoned thus: "Vert, a pair of antlers Or".

Tenets

The Knights of the Hart are devoted to opposition of Iuz; since the end of the Greyhawk Wars and the Great Northern Crusade, their goal is to destroy him, his armies, and his empire. The order also distrusts Perrenland, Dyvers, Nyrond, the Knights of Holy Shielding, and the Knights of the Watch.

History

Founding of the order

The Knights of the Hart were founded in service to the nobility of Furyondy, Highfolk, and Veluna.

References

*Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. "Living Greyhawk Gazetteer" (Wizards of the Coast, 2000).