We are the Aspiring Knights Guild of Eriador. We do not claim to be knights, we are merely training to acheive the level of skill, service, and leadership character of a knight. We do not deserve any such prestigous title as "knight" unless a reputable knight within Belegarth MCS deems us worthy of it. Our unit is moreso focused upon building leaders; pursuit of actual knighthood may be a final step in the process, but that title will not be bestowed by our own unit or kingdom.
The AKG began as an idea to create a knighthood in the realms of Iowa, yet realizing in contrast to a national scale we were not yet up to that fighting par. Thus a system was devised that included much work and investigation on the part of Alcon and Derian complimented by input from currently active knights from a number of realms. There are too many to thank for their input upon this matter, so my apologies if I leave anyone out. Thank you to Sir Brutus, Sir Kegg, Squire Darius, Sir Kyrian, Sir Owen, Sir Cedric, Sir Nolan, and Sir Tybald. I consulted all of you at least briefly upon the matters of knighthood and everyone's input was appreciated. Our system is still open to suggestions, questions, and criticism; it will only make it stronger. It should be noted that the training system we developed was intended to tier out the participants of the group, such that only one or two people may actually become the first Eriador knights in the next couple years. The unit itself has a larger goal of making leaders of people who will then help the masses of new fighters in Iowa become better. The pursuit of actual knighthood is personal to the member of the unit and their drive for that achievement. On the whole, we wish to push our unit to become better leaders both on and off the field. To learn the specifics of our training system and order read The Code.
The system in brief is as follows:
New members who pass set entry requirements are selected by the AKG Council.
Each fighter selects 3 combat styles to focus their training in. Sword/Board is required for all members as it is the classic knight style.
The member then progresses through phases of training. Each phase requires combat tests, advancements in service, construction skills, and participation in inter realm events. There are three phases before knighthood can be attained, the first two in which the participant must spend at least six months, the final one(Squiring under the guild) of which must take a minimum of one year.
Once a member of Squire status has completed all other requirements, he takes a knight trial against other members of the AKG. If he passes and is recommended by the council, he will then go on to a national knight trial in which he must fight knights from many realms and regions at a national event. Thus proves his capabilities not only in his local area but on a national level as well.
Upon passing a national knight trial, the AKG council will seek out and respectably request an existing knight to dubb the worthy AKG member the title of "knight."
Once there are a few knights in Iowa through this system, the AKG may be abolished or merely become a training/picking ground for knights to take squires from.
This system was devised to attain a knighthood that is respected for its competence on a local level as well as a national level. This is why our full system of training takes a minimum of two years, lays down specific requirements for fighting, knowledge, and service, and involves both a local and national knight trial, concluding in a knighting by an active knight of reputable standing.
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