The Knight of the Lily

The Knights of Takhisis divides itself into three orders. Each of the three emphasizes different aspects of the Code (a set of rules defining how a Knight should advance the interests of the Order). However, neither the Order of the Skull which stresses spiritual power or that of the Thorn-Dark Knight sorcerers -- epitomizes a true warriors role like the Knight of the Lily. The members of this order of Dark Knights, the death lily emblazoned on their armor, form the backbone of the Knighthoods formidable military power. While the Dark Knights model their Order after the Solamnic Knighthood, they dedicate their lives to the Evil goddess Takhisis rather than the forces of Good. Even though she and the other gods have withdrawn the affairs of Krynn, these Knights remain committed to world conquest in the name of their Dark Queen. Their continued brief glimpses of the Vision believed to be her divine plan for her Faithful help them maintain their allegiance to the Blood Oath: Submit or die. The entry-level order within the Dark Knighthood, the Order of the Lily includes inducted Knights as well as squires who have yet to petition for Knighthood. Steel Brightblade, fallen hero of the Chaos War, was a Knight of the Lily.

Heroes entering the Knighthood must begin as squires in the Order of the Lily, demonstrating their loyalty before becoming full Knights. (See page 43 for more information on this process.) All Knights of Takhisis are reviled almost everywhere except in the land of Neraka, which they control, and in the various Dragon Realms. Nonhuman races almost universally detest the Dark knights. Nevertheless, the Knights have a reputation for honesty; some of the dragon rulers employ them as mercenaries and constables. Knights of the Lily usually do not make good additions to adventuring parties. However, many of them operate covertly, gathering information for their superiors. Whole parties of Dark Knights also roam the land, seeking glory and booty.

Role-Playing

Like all Knights of Takhisis, a Knight of the Lily must live according to the Code: He must obey his superiors, respect all friends and honorable foes, and willingly sacrifice anything for the Order. The Order of the Lily stresses the value of obedience in particular, as well as the strength of the group-to be independent is to be weak.

During his attempt to become a Knight of the Lily, a hero receives a personal version of the Vision, showing him his part in the future of the Knighthood.

A Knight also can, at any time, receive information from his superior through the Vision. The workings of the Vision, are described more fully on page 38.

Disadvantages

A Dark Knight's honor is his life. Should a hero fail in his petition for Knighthood, the Order immediately puts him to death. In addition, a Knight of Takhisis can be called upon to answer for conduct deemed unbecoming a Knight (see page 44). All members of the Order of the Lily are subjected to a rigorous mental examination by their superiors upon joining as youths. This experience wrenches the mind and drains the spirit, such that a member of this order never receives a trump bonus when resisting mysticism. All Knights of Takhisis remain subject to a rotating duty roster, which assigns them forty to sixty days of direct service to the Order each year. As in the case of cavaliers, the Narrator can devise a "duty" quest for a Knight of the Lily and his companions, or the Knight can simply leave play for a time. To become a Knight of the Lily, a hero must join the order as a youth. No older hero can acquire this role--or join the Knights of Takhisis--during play. If a Knight of the Lily wishes to abandon this role, he must immediately begin playing the role of a rogue knight (see page 20).