Twelve and Seven Precepts
The Twelve and Seven Precepts are the code of conduct of the Knights of the Watch.[1][2][3]
General
Common knowledge
"While not commonly known to the average denizen of the Sheldomar Valley, the Twelve Precepts are not secrets and can be learned by anyone interested enough in the Knights. The Seven Precepts are closely guarded secrets, detailing “life beyond the self” and giving powerful insights into the physical and spiritual world. Knights learn these Seven Precepts as they advance in the organization, so higher ranking knights know more of the precepts than lower ranking ones. The mysterious Seventh Precept, which is said to contain ancient secrets about the creation of Oerth, is known only to the head of the knighthood, the Grandiose Imperial Wyvern (currently the severely ailing and aged Hugo of Geoff (LN male human Ftr6/Knight of the Watch10). The teachings are not connected with any one specific religion, but they fit well with the philosophies espoused by the militant followers of St. Cuthbert, Pholtus, Allitur, Mayaheine, and especially Heironeous. The Knights consider the Church of Heironeous to be one of their strongest allies."[3]
The exact wording of all twelve precepts isn't specifically known,[3] but there are "rare few scraps of writing from Azmarender's pen that exist outside the walls of the Watchers' strongholds",[1] which have led sages and scholars who study chivalric orders to agree that they can be generalized.[3]
Order and ranking
The first two precepts hold more significance than the following ten. The Grand Precept is the principle belief of the Order, and the Precept of Judgment, which essentially boils down to "follow the spirit, rather than the letter of the law," explains that it's the intent of the code which is more important than any specific wording.
"The other ten precepts define the behavior of a Knight, but all ten are shaped by how the two highest precepts define such behavior"[3] but are not given any specified order or ranking.
Highest Precepts
- Grand Precept
- A Knight is known by their actions and will lay down their life rather than violate a Precept.[3]
- "Value the honor of our order above our personal honor; value our order above our lives."[1]
- Precept of Judgment
- The Precepts are of mortal hand; a Knight remains true to the spirit of the Precepts and never contrives to find excuses for their actions.[3]
Precepts of Duty
- Precept of Duty to One’s Order
- A Knight remains true to the rules of their Order and the commands of their Order’s leaders.[3]
- "Obey the Knight of higher station in all things."[1]
- Precept of Duty to One’s God
- A Knight must remain true to the teachings of their god and those who represent their god on Oerth.[3]
- "Assemble each day upon rising to partake of our fellowship, and to rededicate ourselves to the Twelve and Seven which we pledge to defend even at the cost of our lives."[1]
Precepts of Courage
- Precept of Bravery
- A Knight may never flee battle unless failure to do so would place their charges in mortal harm. A Knight shall not allow another to take their place before danger, nor dishonor their companions by failing to allow them their rightful share of glory.[3]
- "Let no patrol or command be tainted with the stain of cowardice; once the enemy has been engaged, let them fall under our sword, or let us fall under theirs."[1]
- Precept of Chivalry
- A Knight must never doubt their prowess or their worth, nor give the appearance of such. A Knight mustn’t take unfair advantage of an opponent, striving to show the righteousness of their cause by the fairness by which they fight.[3]
- "Engage the enemy forthrightly that they may know the origin of their doom; set no ambush nor indulge in any base trickery to overcome the foe. ... Refuse no honorable truce or parley."[1]
Precepts of Demeanor
- Precept of Deference
- A Knight must pay appropriate honor to those above them and see to it that those below them witness such actions.[3]
- "Address each Knight always with their proper title, that we may be reminded of the respect and honor due one another."[1]
- Precept of Mannerliness
- A Knight’s manner, behavior, and etiquette must be beyond reproach.[3]
- "Let the magnificence of our arms and armor proclaim our worthiness and readiness to the world."[1]
Precepts of Honor
- Precept of Oath-Taking
- A Knight must never violate an oath they have sworn nor swear an oath they cannot keep.[1][3]
- Precept of Retribution
- Knights who have broken an oath must be brought to justice.[3]
- "Suffer not to shelter among us any who would violate, ignore, or dishonor this code."[1]
Precepts of Charity
- Precept of Service
- The poor, oppressed, widowed, orphaned, and those seeking justice are all worthy of a Knight’s service.[3]
- "Render such aid to those in need as to a fellow Knight; indulge the ignorant or witless even unto a fault, but suffer no slur or insult to our honor from those who lack such excuse.[1]
- Precept of Property
- A Knight owns nothing; they merely hold items in trust to fulfill the purpose they serve for the Order. A Knight must be generous and never seek the accumulation of wealth for its own sake.[3]
References
Notes
Citations
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Sword and Fist (2001), p.48.
- ↑ Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000), p.160.
- ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Conforti, Stephen. Knights of the Watch (Part 1). [Wizards.com | Power Groups. WotC, May 13, 2005. Archived from the original on March 14, 2006. Retrieved on 17 February 2025.
Bibliography
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve and Seven Precepts | Verbal communication | Philosophy/Belief, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 160 |
| Twelve and Seven Precepts | Verbal communication | Philosophy/Belief, | Sword and Fist | 48 |