Age of Legends

The Oath of the Knights of Solamnia has been the same since Vinas Solamnus founded the Knighthood. This principle — to sacrifice all for the sake of honor, for without it life means nothing — guides the manner in which all Knights strive to live their lives.

The Measure is the set of guidelines put forth by Vinas Solamnus and his successors to govern the proper chivalric behavior of the Knights. It is the Knighthood's creed, body of laws, and rules of conduct. It touches every aspect of a Knight's existence and dictates the proper hierarchy of the Knighthood.

In the centuries since its inception, the Measure grew as each generation of Knights added to it. By the time of the Cataclysm, the Measure filled thirty-seven ponderous tomes in an unwieldy attempt to define “honor” and everything associated with being a Solamnic Knight. The Measure was impossible for any one person to understand.

Measure of the Crown

The Measure states that honor begins with the precepts of Loyalty and Obedience, and a Knight of the Crown exemplifies these two traits in every action and thought.

Loyalty is a Knight's commitment to a higher authority. Justly given, loyalty becomes worth more than any treasure. Obedience is the practical application of loyalty. A Knight obeys those to whom he is loyal, regardless of his own welfare or personal opinion.

Knights of the Crown pledge loyalty to the gods of Good, specifically to Habbakuk. Loyalty is also given to one's family, those oppressed by Evil, and to the just, deserving rulers who are in good standing with the Knighthood.

A Crown Knight is responsible for serving and aiding any fellow Knight who is on the business of his Order and requires assistance, provided it does not violate a lawful order given by his superiors. He must also serve the kingdoms on the List of Honor.

Any Crown Knight found violating the precepts of the Measure will be tried before a Knightly Council. Any Knight found guilty will be reduced in rank and/or have his Knighthood stripped from him.

Measure of the Sword

The Measure maintains that the next components of honor are Heroism, Courage, and Spirituality. This is the Measure of the Sword.

A strong spirit and faith in the patron deities of the Knighthood form the spring from which courage and heroism flow. Courage is the will to strike a blow for the cause of Good, no matter what the personal cost. Heroism is this same spirit of self-sacrifice, dedicated to defending the world against the forces of Evil in all of its forms. The heroic, courageous Knight is a champion of the weak, defenseless, oppressed, poor, enslaved, and falsely accused, and he always renders aid to those in need.

While no truly courageous and herioc Knight would run from a battle or decline combat with an Evil foe, the Measure does recognize that it is fruitless to throw oneself away in a battle that cannot possibly be won. The Meausre teaches a Knight prudence in choosing his battles and that it is better to live to fight another day than to die in a battle that cannot be won.

A Knight of the Sword must pay homage to Kiri-Jolith and the other gods of Good each day. A Sword Knight must eagerly engage evil opponents without needlessly throwing his life away, protect the weak and defenseless, and foreswear the use of his Knightly powers for unrighteous reasons.

Measure of the Rose

According to the Measure, the final components of honor are Wisdom and Justice. These are the ideals embraced by the Knights of the Rose.

Wisdom is the ability to combine knowledge, experience, understanding, and common sense with insight. Justice is applying that wisdom to what is written in the Measure and using it to defend those in need and to further the cause of Good. The wise Knight is a beacon of reason and good in the darkness of ignorance and injustice.

A Knight of the Rose is expected to honor the gods of Good in all things at all times. He is to fight for justice without regard to personal safety or comfort, and sacrifice all in the name of honor.