The term “knight” comes from the Alt-Regalian “Knecht” which loosely translates to bondsman or vassal. Presumably, the word dates back to the old Ceardian “kniucht” which loosely translates to superior warrior. In the days of the old Ceardian Humans, proto-knights were the warlords who ruled smaller fiefs and waged wars on one another in a period that is generally viewed as Humanity’s forgotten age. When the states formed, or the Regalian Kingdom more specifically, these warriors became distinguished titleholders who ruled in the King’s stead much like how the nobility does in the present day. Eventually, Julian de Montverrat fought on behalf of the Five Families, using his military skills to seize the city gates which ultimately ended the Rebellion. This is when Knight became synonymous with ‘trained warrior’, and the first of the Knightly Military Orders were established. The term chivalry comes from the Ithanian word “chevalerie” which can be translated as horse soldier. Before Ithanian pacifism became prevalent, Ithanians cultivated the most talented horse riders. Owning a horse usually implied one’s wealth, and with wealth one was expected to distinguish themselves from the peasantry by courteous and honorable behavior.
Warfare Schools
Leaders in conflict
The Warfare Schools are methods of education dedicated to instructing their participants in the art of warfare from a strategic perspective beyond that of average soldiers and sailors. They teach various flavors of tactics, planning, and strategy; the larger moves made by a division, an army, or an entire fleet are the focus of these schools. Many who enter these lines of work are from the upper class, though in recent years more middle class groups from across the Regalian Empire have been given access to the many prestigious academies which teach these areas of knowledge.
Science Schools
Pushing the boundaries of learning and understanding
Science Schools are forms of knowledge dedicated to the scientific aspects known to the world of Aloria. These Schools teach Alchemy and the many complex mixtures involved with it, as well as the art of medicine. It is still crude in some areas but very accurate in others.
Culture Schools
Sophisticated and a sign of civilization
Culture Schools are those structures of education focused on teaching the arts, in all their forms, as well as aspects of civilization and Cultures in the Alorian world. From carving beautiful works and understanding the writings of long dead empires, to knowing the tools of trade and skills essential to the expression of one’s cultural identity, these Schools have it all. Some of these Schools also grant their students a high level of autonomy, allowing for personalization and a wide range in forms, locations, or types of education.
Agility Combat Schools
So fast, blink and you might be missing your head
The Agility Combat Schools are dedicated to the art of precise, rapid movement in a fight. Whether through offensive acrobatic movements or rapid defensive parries, they are sure to espouse elegance in their actions. Many of these Schools also make use of small blades to avoid the weight of heavier weapons, along with light armor to better grant their practitioners speed. Ultimately, they might be fast but a few wrong moves could cost them their lives.
Cavalry Combat Schools
Never complete without a hooved companion
The Cavalry Combat Schools are dedicated to the art of horseback warfare. Primarily practiced by HumanRaces, these forms of combat are often viewed with prestige and distinction by others due to their long service in the various wars raging across Aloria. However, with the rise of Regalia’s focus on technology and artillery and its shift in battle strategy, the cavalry corps has now been reduced and is not as useful as it was in the past.
Defensive Combat Schools
None can move me
Defensive Combat Schools are dedicated to protection and defense, whether of other people or of the student themselves. They often make use of heavy armor as well as heavy shields. The students of these schools are few, but those that practice them often have a proud and exceedingly useful set of traditions.
Hybrid Combat Schools
Diverse in the ways of fighting
Hybrid Combat Schools are Schools which make use of a wider variety of toolsets to get the job done. Many express this breadth in forms of combat and weaponry through Disciplines, subsets of skills that exist under an overarching banner. The most well known of these is the School of Knights, with its countless subgroups which all spun off from the same core ideals of knighthood.
Offensive Combat Schools
Press onward, no retreat!
Offensive Combat Schools are focused solely on the attack and of pushing the advantage. No retreat, no surrender; some of the most zealous Schools are practically suicidal in how they teach their students to pursue victory on the battlefield. Most also make use of large or heavy weapons, to help their wielder do the most possible damage on the battlefield and to the most possible people.
Ranged Combat Schools
A rain of wood and sharpened tips
Ranged Combat Schools are diverse forms of combat or skills all with one strong focus: ranged weaponry. These include weapons such as crossbows, longbows, and hunting bows. Beyond this, the Schools are diverse in what they teach; from hunting tactics to utility skills.
Unarmed Combat Schools
A flurry of fists
Unarmed Combat Schools are dedicated to the oldest weapon in every Race’s history: hands. Teaching a variety of skills from grappling to punching, these fighters are rarely seen in the front lines of combat unless they are also trained with other weapons. Besides that, Unarmed Combat is quite a popular and varied form of sports in the various populations it exists in; Prince Cedromar Kade has been particularly dedicated to wrestling as a form of sport and this has also increased its popularity in recent years.
