There are several copies of the tome to be found, including several at specialized librarians and the Hall of Records proper. The tome itself is small enough to be carried with a soft white binding and the word 'Chivalry' emblazoned on the front cover in royal blue lettering. No other distinguishing mark can be found. The first page is blank except for the first sentence.
What is Chivalry?
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Chivalry is Piety
A Knight knows no higher duty than to Heaven. In all actions a Knight resolves to be pious and reverent of the divine and all its agents. A Knight does not tolerate blasphemy without protest nor allow those who would desecrate hallowed temples to do so unhindered. A Knight is a guardian of the faith and upholds the dogma of their Church without fail or hesitation. A Knight sways other not with words nor blades but with actions. A Knight holds fellow agents of the faith in highest esteem and does not falter in their stewardship of Heaven. To gaze upon a true knight is to witness faith unsurpassable. Strive to nurture such steadfast piety in your heart at all times.
Chivalry is Humility
A Knight understands their place and their role. Although exalted and standing tall as mountains the Knight casts no shadow over those under their protection. They know that they are bound to service and that there is no higher truth. Service to Heaven. Service to Crown. Service to the People. Service is the soul of humility and to serve one self first and foremost is to lose sight of the spirit of Chivalry. A Knight willingly bends knee to those who hold rightful authority over them and does not lord their prowess nor their nobility over those who do not share their status. To do so is improper and vain. Seek to banish vanity and hubris from your mind and heart in all things. Let only wisdom and temperance be your guides, for in the humble soul there is much sagacity. Never allow any to think your own name greater than your deeds. For vainglory leads to corruption and has no place within Chivalry.
Chivalry is Duty
Duty is everything. Loyalty is only the most direct of duties but the knight is sworn to many vows and oaths and upon the shoulder of any knight there lies countless responsibilities. A knight neither shies away nor shirks duty but embraces it. In duty there is strength and those willing to follow it shall never lose themselves. Never turn your eyes away from your duty lest you lose that which made you a knight in the first place. Do not betray your liege. Do not purposefully misinterpret the orders of your liege. Uphold all duties to the fullest extent of your ability and hold pride not in your success but in knowing that you were granted purpose in fulfilling your duty. Seek to understand your duty to the best of your aptitude every new day. In responsibility you shall find strength you never suspected was your own to begin with for you will stand for something far greater than yourself.
Chivalry is Virtue
There is no higher wisdom than that of Heaven. And if there is a name for Heaven's wisdom then surely it must be virtue. Let your heart never be stained by impure impulses nor your mind mislead by moral weakness. Virtue is the standard by which the worth of any knight is measured. Although fulfilling one's duty is honorable it is nothing without virtue. Righteousness and valor are the pillars upon which virtue is built. Righteousness is the guide by which one understands virtue. Valor is the strength with which one upholds virtue in the face of adversity. Seek to best yourself and overcome any flaw of character at every turn. Never allow your weakness to stray your hand away from what you understand to be right. Heaven's justice demands no less and you are to be its instrument.
Chivalry is Truth
Deceit and trickery are the tools of lesser hands. All falsehood stands revealed for the flittering shadow it is under Heaven's light. Do not be deceived and do not deceive. Be sincere to your own convictions. Be honest to your own words. Be true to your own nature. Be willful in defeat and magnanimous in victory. Do not protect those who rely on falsehood to protect themselves for they would mislead and abuse you. Seek only to present the truth and share it with others so that they may do the same. Inspire all around you to love the truth as you yourself do. When the hour is darkest then truth shall be the only light by which you can choose your path.
Chivalry is Devotion
Devotion is at the beating heart of chivalry. Devotion is the desire to protect and nurture something greater than yourself. Devotion is an unwavering faith to comfort others that there is hope. Devotion is absolute virtue to inspire others to walk in Heaven's light. Devotion is an even hand so that all will love and welcome justice in their hearts as every knight does. Beyond all this however devotion is sacrifice. Devotion is time spent in service when the heart yearns. Devotion is frugality when others must fulfill their needs before yours. Devotion is blood shed willingly to protect the innocents. Devotion is prosperity brought by an incorruptible leadership. Seek to deny all temptations and know that no sacrifice is vain. When you are called to forfeit your life in service to Chivalry, know that there is no greater honor in this life or the next.
Chivalry is Compassion
A Knight cares about their charge. They do not hold themselves above and far from those under their protection lest they be deaf to their cries and blind to their suffering in their hour of greatest need. A knight shows forbearance when vengeance would be the path of least resistance. A knight shows mercy when the heart compels them to do so. A knight knows that justice can only be served by a sword that knows when to refrain from the deepest cut. A knight does not spill blood casually nor take a life without due cause. Never forfeit your heart as you do battle. For you are a Champion and no mere soldier. Your battle is first and foremost for the salvation and peace of all round you. A knight's blade is a means to an end. An implement toward a greater good. Let compassion be the wisdom by which you decide when to unsheath it
Chivalry is Conviction
On the other hand, a knight does not allow the goodness and kindness of their own heart to prevent them from holy retribution. Those who prey on the innocent must meet justice for know this: there is no greater compassion than they who would stand for the weak and innocent where others would only despoil and abuse them. Let wisdom temper your compassion until it is as refined as the light of the sun itself. Seek to bring hope and justice where both cannot be found. Do not shy away from the plight and suffering of others in their hours of greatest need. Know that there is no greater valor than to stand where others would kneel to the darkness. As a knight, this you must do.
Together these all form the pillars upon which Chivalry itself is built. None is more important than the others. They all stand equal and must be upheld together to the best of your ability. In doing so you serve Chivalry as is only proper and well.
Lastly, I wish to leave a word to those who lack the title to claim the nobility of knighthood. Let this not deter you from the words therein. Chivalry is first and foremost a bright flame held in one's heart. It can be carried by kings and paupers alike.
I would stand by the side of any who lives by these principles.
Heaven guard us all in these dark times.
A Book titled Chivalry
