Knights of St. Collen
The Knights of St. Collen are an entitlement dating back to the 7th century whose membership began waning around the 17th century, due to a Church that had become increasingly hostile toward all things fae.
Background
| “ | Ours is the burden of the cross and the sword. We bring succor to the weak, and judgment to the wicked. We serve Him who wore the crown of Thorns, our Lord and Savior, who knows our pain like no other. | ” |
A traditionally well-respected organization, the Knights of St. Collen are highly associated with the Church, feeling that the story of Christ’s suffering in many ways mirrors that of the Lost. The members of the order feel that it is their duty to provide charity for the less fortunate. This can manifest in ordinary mortal charity, helping newly-escaped Lost, and aiding those whose Clarity has begun to atrophy. Additionally, Knights may be called on to arbitrate inter-Court disputes, given their neutral stance.
Organization
Members are divided into Synods based on region. Each Synod is led by a Bishop, under whom are the Priest-Magisters who lead individual freeholds. At the bottom of the ladder are the ordinary Knights.
Joining and Membership
Prerequisites: Clarity 5+, Willpower 5+; at least two of the following must have a score of 2+: Academics, Investigation, Politics, Empathy. Cannot possess Mantle.
Title: Sir, Lady, Magister, Bishop. Nuns and clergy in mortal churches may choose to refer to themselves by their monastic or ecclesiastical title.
Joining the Knights of St. Collen requires a demonstration of courage, sound judgment, and good character; the particular test of these characteristics will vary based on the Knight testing the aspirant, but may include acts of asceticism and/or self-flagellation. The final trial is a formal confession, wherein lying induces the usual penalty for leaving an order.
Unsurprisingly, members of the Knights tend to be drawn from Christians (particularly Catholics). Due to their focus on politics and charity, Mental and Social skills are common, as is the Religion specialization of Academics. Social Merits like Allies, Contacts, Status, and Mentors are also common.
Mien
Changes to the mien after joining the order tends to lean toward the religious: the development of stigmata, wounds similar to Christ's wounds, on the hands and forehead; the stillness and calm associated with religious contemplation; the manifestation of a halo or crown of thorns.
Privileges
- Phial of St. Collen (Token 4): A phial of water blessed by one of the Knighthood's Bishops, this token is granted to Priest-Magisters of the order. Once per day, it can be sprinkled on a target, compelling him or her to truthfully answer a single question. When used on a target whose Clarity is five or less, the water deals one level of bashing damage. Further, it dissolves dreamstuff and Hedgespun items.
Action: Instant
Drawback: The caster cannot enter a Hollow until the next noon. If in a Hollow at the time of use, he is immediately transported to the entrance.
Catch: The phial burns the caster for one level of lethal damage. This also occurs when the token is used by someone not of the order.
Gallery
Knight of St. Collen
References
- CofD: Chronicles of Darkness: Dark Eras, p. 353-355
