And More about Simbasta and the Knights
by Bruce Heard Simbasta may be present among the
knights, outside of Davania. These warriors have come to test their
bravery and learn the ways of the knights. It also helps verifying
that the Order honours its oath. The Heart of Vanya(*) has accepted
their presence with some conditions. Simbasta are subject to
Heldannic Laws as long as they remain with the Order, and are
equivalent to brother knights (without horses). Simbasta must obey
the orders of their commander. Simbasta shamans and other
spellcasters are not allowed in the Order. Simbasta aren't
officially part of the Order since they have no defined terms of
service (they aren't paid like other lay brethren) and have not
taken an Oath of Service (**). The knights have assumed that no
Simbasta would be willing to take this oath, and therefore could
not earn official ranks. The situation has not occurred and hasn't
been officially addressed by the Voice of Vanya (***) precisely
because of the prevailing bias and the fear of provoking another
schism.
Simbasta living among the knights are called Companions of the
Order, or "Sir Companion". These Simbasta are few enough that they
normally are organised in small detachments (a Simbasta war-party
of ten to twelve members). Simbasta remain under the authority of a
Knight Bachelor commanding an infantry company, with one such
detachment for roughly forty or fifty such companies. One of the
Simbasta among the war- party is a chieftain responsible for
executing the Knight Bachelor's orders. So far, Companions of the
Order have proven both reliable and outstanding warriors.
(*) & (***) Various branches of the Heldannic priesthood that
run the Order, as opposed to secular knights who form the military
branch.
(**) Knights and priests take this oath, swearing allegiance to the
Order and obedience to Heldannic Law. The Oath of Service implies
service for life (without pay).