General Organisation of the Order -- 6. Bias & Prejudice
by Bruce HeardThe Heldannic Knights do not favour
one gender over another as far as functions, ranks, and status
are involved. Separate barracks are otherwise designated for
different genders to avoid discipline problems. Members of the
Heart are predominantly female. The main factor influencing this
tendency is Vanya's past existence as a warrior princess. All
members of the Order who have taken the Oath of Service must
observe chastity, the others merely celibacy. Disgrace and
banishment awaits knights and priests breaking this rule. Lesser
members are severely punished but not released until the end of
their term.
Over the decades of the Order's existence, its founders and those
who were later permitted to take the Oath of Service often harbour
a dislike of races other than human. Prejudice has more to do with
the knights' own arrogance and ignorance of other peoples. The bias
of the knights' unfortunately goes further, although it is not
openly admitted. Discrimination has been directed toward any
"brethren" unable to prove clear Heldannic lineage (referring to
Hattian origins). Some among the Heart have alluded to the
deplorable attitude as baseless and ill-serving the Ways of Vanya.
The fear is that this on-going hypocrisy not only deprives the
Order of useful skills, but may also encourage dangerous internal
conflicts and threaten the whole Order's cohesion. A quiet struggle
goes on behind the Order's curtains.