KNIGHTS
As young children, many boys and some girls dream of being Knights of the Royal Court. It is the Highest Honor a young man or woman could achieve. At the Cathedral of the Cavaliers, those who can afford it, trained for the opportunity to compete for that honor but sometimes the opportunity just falls in your lap. As it did for John Lloyd and Rodger.
The Cathedral of the Cavaliers sits high above Mount Tohro like a sentinel over all the Kingdoms. The mountain was veiled in mystery and lore. Tales of ethereal beast in the woods often discredited as stories to scare the recruits were common. To be accepted there you have to be of noble stock or have sponsorship of a noble. The squires train with much vigor. A third of the squires do not make it past their first week. Only the best make it out of the Cathedral.
As little boys, John Lloyd and Rodger ran around with their wooden swords sparing and never thought their shenanigans would help them achieve this prestigious honor.
John Lloyd was born to a modest family based in northern St. Vangaltier, his father was a baker and John was destined to follow in his footsteps. As a young boy, John Lloyd helped his father in the bakery and knew that was what he was destined to be but he always dreamt of Knighthood. Every time the Royals would visit town, he’d sit and watch with stars in his eyes. The Knights seemed to be 8 feet tall in the procession. John was infatuated with their horses and their armor, especially the way it glistened in the sun. As he grew a bit older, his ideas about life had changed but his longing to serve the Royal court never ceased. John sought sponsorship but was denied due to his caste. He promised his father, he’d serve the court before his passing.
Rodger came from the town of Alistair, a quaint village near Schillingburg. Eldest of 3, he became a caregiver early. His mother had lived with a rare disease most of her life and always needed to be cared for. His father the local blacksmith had to support them and worked many hours. So Rodger became caregiver of his two brothers when his mother passed. His father often described Rodger as strong-willed even though he was bullied by the other kids due to his size, he hated being big and tall. Most people thought he was older when they came across him. Rodger’s father noticed his potential and tried to motivate him continue as a freelance. This way he could keep doing what he loved but had no particular allegiance, only to those who’d hire him. His father went as far as creating his armor. Rodger was inspired by his father however his mother’s death hindered his ability to train and gain sponsorship to the Cathedral as he had to care for his family.
John Lloyd and Rodger met as teenagers and became the best of friends. They had the same views of life and still aspired to be knights. Many nights, John Lloyd and Rodger watched the Knights from a distance and studied their behaviors. They studied them so much they began using what they saw in their own self-taught training. Mimicking them so true that many thought they were actual knights. Little did they know their lucky day was the day they’d meet Lord David in St. Vangaltier. After the melee that Schillingburg bought to St. Vangaltier, John Lloyd and Rodger vowed to get revenge on their King but how was the real question. Joining Lord David’s crusade was a blessing in disguise and would prove their loyalty.
Their off the wall coaching made them 2 of the best warriors in St. Vangaltier and crucial part of Lord David’s army. They vowed their fealty to Lord David and in return they were catapulted into Knighthood. Queen Amelia honorably knighted them at the takeover of Willshire.
Sir Raynard, on the other hand, studied and graduated from the acclaimed Cathedral of the Cavalier. Born to the Duchess and Duke of Alistair, he had the means to study and train with the supreme. From his birth, his parents had his future planned out and a Knight was not the objective. He ran away from home and joined the Cathedral at age 13. Even though his parents didn’t approve they still funded his studies and paid a scutage for him to attend. By the age of 16, he was considered one of the best pages in the land, next to Sir Guillaume of St. Vangaltier, Lord Michael of Willshire and Lord Thomas of Landford. They ranked the top 4 in the Kingdoms with Raynard being the youngest.
As a squire, he was trained in weapons, horsemanship and combat by one of the best, Sir Greyson of Landford. Jousting was his strength. He conquered all who challenged him. To everyone’s wonder, he mastered it all in a short time and received his Coat of Arms. Many said he accomplished all this because he wanted to prove his parents wrong, but others said he was an unnatural creation. His strength and abilities were more than the average man, which was rumored he made a deal with a sorcerer who put a spell on him which made him chose to serve then rule. As son of a Duke, he would have had an easier, less dangerous life. But that was just a tale told by people with large imaginations.
No matter what tales were told, Raynard worked hard and struggled to receive his title. He left everything behind to become one of the greatest knights ever. During a paladin challenge in Landford, King Francis saw Raynard battle and was quickly enamored by his capabilities. That same day Raynard became the youngest squire to be appointed to King Francis the 2nd ’s court at Ahryen Castle. An accomplishment that to this day has not been outdone by another.
