"We are the shield bearers of Heironeous.
Honor is our conscience.
Valor is our blood.
We uphold the law.
And protect what is right.
We offer all that we are in the service of the Shield Lands for as long as we draw breath!"
— Knights of Holy Shielding, The Code of Knighthood
The Shield Knights
Established in the mid–300s CY to support the lords of the petty domains north of the Nyr Dyv, the Knights of Holy Shielding make up the core of an impressive army. Unfortunately, the recent years have seen the Shield Lands suffer a number of defeats at the hands of the Horned Society and Bandit Kingdoms. Many Shield Knights travelled to goodly nations, establishing relations with local rulers in an attempt to shore up their military force. When the forces of Horned Society withdrew in recent times, it appeared that those efforts were successful. The withdrawal proved only a brief respite, however, given the rumors of Iuz's return. As of now the force is comprised of 1,800 esquires.
Most Knights of Holy Shielding are now engaged in preparation for war. However, several agents remain in Greyhawk, Dyvers, the Duchy of Urnst, and Furyondy, working as mercenaries and sending their revenue to support the army at home. Within the warring lands, the Shield Knights represent the best sort of heroism. Commoners regard a Shield Knight with respect and awe.
Outside these lands, the knights are looked upon with less favor. For all their idealistic chatter, these were the same knights who have failed to intelligently defend their own nation. Cynics reason that it is only a matter of time before they fall to defeat. Though the outside world knows the Shield Knights for an arrogance and naivete unacknowledged in their homelands, all know that Shield Knights can be trusted in word and deed. The Knights of Holy Shielding are noted rivals of the Knights of the Hart, who dismiss them with contempt.
The core of the Knights of Holy Shielding are paladins, though fighters and clerics of Heironeous are found among their number.
Organization
At the top of the order is the knight commander, who is traditionally the earl of Walworth, the province that contains the Shield Lands' capital city, Admundfort. It is their sworn duty to lead the Order in all matters.
Supporting the knight commander are a number of knights bannerette. Knights bannerette are knights who have served the Shield Lands and the Order with distinction and valor and have earned the right to bear their own banners into battle. Knights bannerette have also often gained the lands and titles associated with true nobility and hold as vassals several lesser knights. It is their duty to command battalions of knights, and to advise and report to the knight commander.
The knight is the next rank of knighthood within the Order. Often referred to as vassal knights (if they hold their own lands) or as knights-errant (if they do not), they are accorded the honor of being addressed as "Sir" or "Lady." The newest knights of the Order are often placed under the tutelage of a more experienced knight to whom they report and from whom they receive training. These knights-errant are the most common knights of the Order, and many spend years performing their duties loyally.
Junior knights yet to swear their oaths are called squires. They are not officially members of the Order, but most members accord them at least a small level of respect for their current position as all knights were once squires and each still depends on the services they perform as servants, grooms, and assistants.
Particularly promising youths are sometimes taken as pages to assist squires in their duties and begin learning what it takes to be a knight at a young age. Their duties are usually mundane and onerous, but these lessons in humility serve them well in later years.
The ranks of the Order of the Holy Shield are organized into several units. The smallest unit within the Order is the single knight who is attended by his squire and any other retinue he may possess. Next is the shield, consisting of six knights and their followers. For larger engagements, four shields form a lance. Lances are usually commanded by a senior Shield Knight with many years of experience. Four lances form a banner, which can boast the strength of nearly one hundred mounted knights and is commanded by young knights bannerette. Four banners form a battalion, the largest formation of Shield Knights. Battalions are commanded by senior knights bannerette and consist of as many as four hundred mounted knights and often three times as many followers and support personnel.