Knight of the Lily

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Darthsylver

Knight of the Lily by Sticko

As with the Knights of Solamnia and their orders, any who wish entry into the Knighthood must begin as a Petitioner in the Order of the Lily. All Knights remain in the ranks of the Lily until they attain the rank of Warrior and are ready to advance to Novice. At this level, Knights may choose entry into either the Skull or Thorn Knights, or may remain with the Lilies.

The Knights of the Lily are the military might of the Knighthood. On Ansalon, they were once the political center as well, but this has changed since Lord Targonne became the Lord of Night. On Taladas, the political power has been distributed within the three orders to ensure they do not tread the path their brothers in arms on Ansalon have taken.
Hit Die: d10

Requirements

Race: Human, Half-Elf, Elf, Minotaur, Dwarf
Base Attack Bonus: +2
Alignment: Any Evil

Class Skills

Climb (Str), Craft (Int), Diplomacy (Cha), Handle Animal (Cha), Intimidate (Cha), Jump (Str), Knowledge (History of the Order) (Int), Knowledge (religion) (Int), Knowledge (The Code) (Int), Profession (Wis), Ride (Dex), Swim (Str)
Skill Points per level 4 + Int modifier

Class Features

All of the Following are class features of the Knight of the Lily.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: The Knight of the Lily is proficient in the use of all simple and martial weapons and all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields. Note that armor check penalties for armor heavier than leather apply to the skills, Balance, Climb, Escape Artist, Hide, Jump, Move Silently, Pick Pocket and Tumble. Also, Swim checks suffer a –1 penalty for every 5 pounds of armor and equipment carried. The Knight is given a weapon (his choice) with a pommel shaped like a lily, a breastplate and a shield with the symbols of the knighthood (all items are of masterwork quality).

Bonus Feats: At 2^nd level, and every odd numbered level thereafter the Knight of the Lily receives a bonus feat. These feats must be chosen from the following list: Ambidexterity, Blind-Fight, Combat Reflexes, Dodge (Mobility, Spring Attack), Exotic Weapon Proficiency*, Expertise (Improved Disarm, Improved Trip, Whirlwind Attack), Improved Critical*, Improved Initiative, Improved Unarmed Strike (Deflect Arrows, Stunning Fist), Mounted Combat (Mounted Archery, Trample, Ride-By-Attack, Spirited Charge), Point Blank Shot (Far Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Shot on the Run), Power Attack (Cleave, Improved bull Rush, Sunder, Great Cleave), Quick Draw, Two-Weapon Fighting (Improved Two-Weapon Fighting), Weapon Finesse*, Weapon Focus*, Weapon Specialization*.

Some of the feats available to the Knight cannot be acquired until the Knight has gained one or more prerequisite feats; these feats are listed parenthetically after the prerequisite feat. A Knight can select feats marked with an * more than once, but it must be for a different weapon each time. A Knight must still meet all prerequisites for a feat, including ability score and base attack bonus minimums. (See chapter 5: Feats of the Player's Handbook for descriptions of Feats and their prerequisites)

Important: These feats are in addition to the feat that a character of any class gets every three levels. The Knight is not limited to the above list when choosing those feats.

Dark Blessing: A Knight of The Lily applies his Wisdom Modifier (if positive) to as a bonus to all saving throws. During the Loss of Vision-1SC until 15SC, the Knight does not receive this bonus. Before this time Mistress Takhisis bestowed it upon her followers, and after this time the faith of the knights generates the bonus from the mystic power within, unbeknownst to them.

Tests of Takhisis: for all orders, continuation past the rank of Warrior requires that the knight pass a test of loyalty. Failure in this test generally constitutes death. Even if a failed knight manages to escape, the members of all three orders use their powers to track the Knight down.

The test for the Knights of the Lily generally centers around the three themes of Vision, Order, and Obedience. Typical problems posed are: Will the Knight sacrifice whatever is necessary-power, fortune, a loved companion, life itself-in order to fulfill the vision? Will order and obedience win out over sentiment and the heart? Will the Knight obey an order at the sacrifice of the Knight's own life or the lives of kin or loved ones?

This test may be an illusion, though the tested Knight truly believes that what they are undergoing is real. Or, in some cases, the Knight may be sent on missions or quests designed to prove their worthiness. The test is dangerous and often cruel in the extreme, but those who pass are as strong as steel forged in the fires of Neraka.

The nature of the test is determined by the Knight's advocate-the one person who knows the knight best. The advocate understands and appreciates the fact that the knight must be strong in order to fulfill the Vision. There can be no weak links in the chain. No advocate wants to be known as the sponsor of a weak and ineffective knight, and, therefore, the test is designed to be as difficult as possible.

The Knight is kept in seclusion in the Temple of Takhisis, fasting and praying, for four days prior to the ceremony. At the end of this period, during which he receives the Deep Vision, the Knight is blessed by dark clerics and sent forth. The Knight comes before the rank and file of knights (all currently in residence), including the Lord of Night on Ansalon, and the Council of Power on Taladas. The procession of Knights is enacted. The Knight is formally presented by his advocate. The advancement in rank is bestowed upon the Knight: on Ansalon by Lord Targonne, on Taladas, by the Lord in the Order the Knight has chosen to join.

The Knight then undergoes a period of training of about six months. This grueling instruction generally takes place at the headquarters of the Knighthood, but occasionally extends into other regions if the training specifically requires it. Only after this training, is the Knight considered a full member of the Order.

Smite Good: Once per day a Knight of the Lily of 1^st level may attempt to smite good with one normal melee attack. He adds his wisdom modifier (if positive) to the attack roll and deals 1 extra point per level. For example, a 5^th level Knight armed with a longsword would deal 1d8+5 points of damage, plus any additional bonuses for high Strength or magical affects that normally apply. If the Knight accidentally smites a non-good creature, the smite has no effect, and is used up for that day. This ability cannot be used on dragons. Smite Good is a supernatural ability.

The Vision, the Blood Oath and the Code: The Vision, to Knights that have not attained the rank of Warrior, is mainly a statement of the ultimate goal of the Knighthood. It is embodied in the phrase: "One World Order." The goal is no less in the total and unquestioned domination of the entire world of Krynn.

When Knights moving beyond the rank of warrior have passed the Test of Takhisis (see tests of Takhisis,) part of the ceremony is the Deep Vision-a magical impression on the Knight's mind of the will of Takhisis and the goals of the Knighthood. Experienced after four days of fasting and prayer to the Dark Queen, the Vision gives the Knight a clear understanding of the goals of the Knighthood and the knight's own place in the grand plan.

The Blood Oath is simple: "Submit or Die" for those Knights on Taladas, and "No one else matters. Only I," for those Knights on Ansalon. When joining the knighthood, each knight dedicates body and soul utterly to the cause. All thoughts of self are submerged, sublimated. Yet, this does not mean that knights may not think for themselves.

The Code is complex in the extreme, yet elegant in its detail. It is principally a detailed set of laws that relate to military matters, but also can be extended into the lives of each member of the Knighthood. Strict adherence to the Code is required, but each case is considered on its own merits, and exceptions can be made.

Responsibilities of a Knight of the Lily: forfeiture of 10% of all wealth accrued by the Knight, service and aid to any fellow Knight who is about the business of his order and requires assistance.

Associates:While the Knight may adventure with characters of any evil or neutral alignment, a Knight will never knowingly associate with good characters. A Knight will not continue association with someone who consistently offends his Code.

*Order of Lords / Council of Power: In all classes of the Knighthood, once characters have reached the rank of Master of the: Lily, Skull or Thorn, they have the opportunity to enter into the Order of Lords. There are a limited number of Lord positions, and in order for a character to rise in rank, a vacancy must already exist within the order the candidate wishes to enter (Lily, Skull, or Thorn). Such a vacancy may be created, advancement through formal challenge and knightly combat is not only permissible, but encouraged.

While each of the Orders of Lords are equivalent in rank, there is considerable variation in the power and nature of the ranks depending upon the order to which the Knight belongs.

The assignment and mission of a lord Knight need not be constrained to those of his own Order. Indeed, it is common for a Lord Knight Sorceror to be placed in command of a legion of Knights of the Lily, or to find a clerical Lord Knight in command of a unit comprised of Knights of the Thorn.

Lord Ariakan realized that, since most large military units of the Knights of Neraka comprise elements of all three Orders of the Knighthood, it was conceivable that Lord Knights might favor their own order over the others. To see that this does not occur, all Lord Knights have been indoctrinated in the concept of "Power through Diversity," that a wise leader uses all of the assets available to ensure victory. Indeed, it is a point of honor among the Knights of Neraka that no favoritism is shown, and the accusation of such impropriety is a challenge to one's honor that never goes unanswered.

When a vacancy in the upper ranks of the Knighthood comes about as the result of attrition (such as dying of natural causes, or being killed in battle outside of single combat), all applicants must present themselves before a Lord Knight tribunal. The tribunal is made up of a majority of Knights in that particular order. It is entirely up to the reviewing tribunal to determine criteria under which the position shall be won. Typically such criteria will consist of elimination tournaments or particularly hazardous ventures.

Those who wish to force a vacancy in the Knighthood may challenge a Lord Knight in that position to single combat. In this case, victory assures the assumption of the defeated Knight's rank by the victorious Knight. A tribunal is not called into session in such an instance.

Assassination is not an option, this being viewed as an act of cowardice. (While it is rumored that Lord Targonne had Mistress Mirelle Abrena assassinated, none have had the courage to openly voice it in a tribunal).

Ex-Knights

A Knight who ceases to be Evil, who willfully commits a good act, or who grossly violates the Code loses all special abilities. He may not progress in levels of the Knighthood. The Knight's actions are referred to an adjudicator to determine if an exception to the Code is allowed. If it is deemed that the Code has been violated, and no exception is allowed, then the Knight is punished. The punishment is generally execution, but since Lord Targonne has taken over the Knight is generally given a quest in order to atone for his crime. Lord Targonne considers this a more economic form of corrective action. The Knights on Taladas do not believe in anything less then death.

Multiclassing: a Knight may freely multiclass with any other class that shares the Knight's ideals and his Code. However, he cannot have two classes of Knighthood, and he cannot have more than one magic-using class.

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