Beck’s Knighting

Hail and well met!  I would share with thee a tale.   The tale of a warrior’s ascension to knighthood.  ‘Tis the tradition of our guild that all who take the warrior’s path should undergo ordeals to prove their worth prior to bearing the mantle of knighthood.  This past week, one of our members did just that.  The proceedings did begin with a ceremony, and saw in attendance many noble folk.  From our compatriots of Liberalis, to the noble representatives of the City of Mith and the Order of the Sacred Rose.

As the guests did gather, the ceremony ensued.  It began with a tale of the Ordeal that Beck would soon endure.  I have scribed it below for thine benefit.

“Friends, Allies, Guildmates, and Guests. I thank thee for attending this most important occasion. Tis on this eve that Beck, of Clann Marrach Faol, embarks on the Ordeals that shall lead to his Ascension into Knighthood.  Tis nae a small task, for Beck has risen through the ranks, and proven his honor and valor on many occasion. And through dedication and training, hath met the prerequisites to become a candidate for Knighthood.

But skill alone do nae a Knight make. For now Beck shall pass through two quests before his ascension. It is on this eve that we send him on the first of these ordeals.

Tis many the warrior that can prove their skill with the blade, and their valor in battle. But the Knight must temper this with compassion for his fellow, and be humble of his station and his deeds. He must be learned of the virtues, and apply them in his life as he walks on the path of Knighthood.

Tis the virtue of humility that will set the theme for Beck’s first trial.
He shall surrender all of his equipment and possessions, to be held until his return. He will then don the simple robe of the monk, and carry with him as his only possession a Shepherd’s crook, symbolizing the virtue of humility.  He will then be sent forth into the lands where he will prepare for a pilgrimage.

First, he must acquire through honest labor the book ‘Virtue’, written by Lord British himself.  He will also acquire eight candles, one for each of the virtues.  Should he have any possessions remaining after acquiring these items, he shall give all but the book, his crook and the eight candles to worthy folk.

Then, his burden of material wealth lifted, he shall set off into the wilderness.  His journey will be done on foot as he travels to each of the eight shrines.   He may nae acquire any items in his travels, for his will be a path of total humility.  He may nae use any magics or the great moongates for his travels, with the exception of the shrines of Honesty, Valor and Humility.  For these he must seek out the compassion of the folk of Britannia to safely deliver him.

Chould he lose conciousness on his pilgrimage, he shall once again toil in honest work to reacquire the book and remaining candles for his quest.  For the pilgrimage itself, he shall perform the following task.  At each of the shrines, he shall place a single candle, and meditate on its respective virtue. He shall chronical these deeds, so we may all hear of his journeys upon his return.”

Tis these writings that Beck made as part of his journey that we would share with thee now.

-Aedilwulf of Marrach Faol

 

“Hail good friends and gather around for a story most perilous.

Known professionally as the Quest of Humility, but for those who have endured it know it more affectionately as the Britannian World Tour. For given only a Shepherd’s Crook and a Simple Robe, one is required to obtain a copy of Lord British’s own work of literature “Virtue,” and from there must visit each of the Shrines of the Virtues and contemplate the meaning of each one. For this is a Quest not everyone can do. One must be patient, resourceful, strong, and above all… fast.

Beginning with a most humble ceremony with some of Britannia’s most notable citizens in attendance, I was whisked away from my good company to begin my journey in the Chamber of Virtues in Britain.

Once there I had to rely on my wits to gain enough money to obtain the Book of Virtue. By starting at the bank and scavenging anything lying around, I purchased a dagger, then, I headed into the woods.

Shearing sheep and making kindling, I was able to make enough money to purchase some books. Imagine my surprise when the Provosioner had a copy of Lord British’s noble work. After a brief celebration spending my last 10 gold pieces on a bottle of wine, I was on my way.

I chose to do the mainland Shrines first, thinking that once having those completed I can work one by one on the three offshore ones. Examining the map more closely I chose a route that would take me from the Northeast end of Britain to the Southwest corner. I received a donation of some food and bandages from some good folk and then set out.