The Silver Handbook

=Preamble= "My church is the field of battle."

- Uther the Lightbringer

A Knight of the Silver Hand is a steadfast warrior of the Light and Virtue who stands at the ready in the face of the unending perils of the world, and holds stalwart against the temptations of darkness. A small spark can light up the darkness, and the Silver Hand exists to be the torchbearer to keep that light shining bright.

As an aspiring Knight, you begin the charge of a new generation to take up that torch and guide the Light’s supplicants to prosperity, and shall face many trials and tribulations in order to become closer to the Light. In your time of taking on the teachings of Knights of old, great expectations will be placed upon you for greater glory in the Light’s name for years to come.

=Part I: The Novice= While many seek out glory and due diligence when becoming a Knight of the Silver Hand, they must first understand the origins of the Order and those who were heralds of its name.

Origins of the Order
The Order of the Silver Hand was first brought to Light during the Second War when Alonsus Faol introduced the Alliance of Lordaeron to his development of steadfast warriors who utilized martial skill, and the Holy Light as powerful weapons against Orcish Death Knights.

The Silver Hands name stems from the legend of a great Titan Watcher by the name of Tyr, who guided the Human race to the Eastern Kingdoms and showed them the Holy Light. Tyr had lost his hand doing battle with the great proto dragon Galakrond, and replaced the lost hand with one forged of pure silver. He sacrificed his life defending fleeing mortals in a battle against two spawn of the Old Gods, managing to kill one.

During a battle against the Orcs in Northshire Abbey it was noted the greatly devastating power the Light had against Orcs. It rendered their flesh and caused them great harm. However, the Clerics of Northshire were ill prepared for combat, and thus swiftly defeated by the orcs. This hybrid between a cleric of faith, and a great warrior was exactly the tool the Alliance needed to combat the Orcish threat.

The Knights of the Order accomplished great feats, and helped turned the tide in many battles. After the Second War they became the tales of legend. But, the Plague of Undeath spelled the end for the Order as it was known in Lordaeron. The destruction of Stratholme saw the loss of their barracks, and Prince Arthas’ sweep across the lands along with the Scourge brought a swift separation of the Order, and spurred the founding of the Scarlet Crusade, and soon after Crusaders separated to form the Argent Dawn.

In the fight against the Lich King, Tirion merged the remnants of the Order with the Argent Dawn to defeat the Lich King, and its Knights found new purpose.

Today, the Silver Hand is reformed under its Highlord to fight against the Legion.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Champions of the Silver Hand
The Novice must take time to do personal research on the legends of the Order, as well as the history behind them. These notable figures include the founders of the Silver Hand, whom are:

Alonsus Faol
Alonsus Faol was the Archbishop of the Holy Church during the Second War. After witnessing the terrible devastation the Light had on the Orcs, his Holiness began training noble knights and clerics in order to create the first Knights of the Silver Hand, and helped found the Order. Today Alonsus has been raised into undeath and aids the Conclave in the fight against the Burning Legion.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Uther the Lightbringer
Uther Lightbringer was the first Knight of the Silver Hand trained under Alonsus Faol. Originally destined to be a Cleric trained by the Archbishop, the Light guided him onwards to lead the Silver Hand and later train Arthas Menethil in Knightly practices. He was later killed by Arthas when defending the urn of the slain Terenas Menethil.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Turalyon
Once placing great doubt in the Holy Light, Turalyon found his conviction in the Light in the battle for Blackrock Mountain after the death of Anduin Lothar, the Lion of Azeroth. He led the first charge into the Outlands and went missing sometime later after the planet was shattered. Today, he leads the Army of the Light against the Burning Legion.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Gavinrad the Dire
Gavinrad had first accompanied Anduin Lothar to the North after the exodus in the First War. For his pious nature and faith in the Light it was requested that he be trained as one of the first Knights of the Silver Hand. He was the Knight to give Arthas Menethil his hammer, and also lead the Champions of Peace in Lordaeron, who guarded the remains of Kel’thuzad. He died, and was consumed by Frostmourne.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Saidan Dathrohan
Originally a Knight of Lordaeron, Saidan Dathrohan became one of the first Knights of the Silver Hand after studying under Archbishop Alonsus Faol. Having witnessed the destruction of Lordaeron by the Scourge, Dathrohan led a charge into Stratholme and later founded and lead a new Order, the Scarlet Crusade. Before the formation of the Crusade however, he was possessed by the Dreadlord Balnazzar and later slain by adventurers.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Tirion Fordring
Tirion Fordring was the only original Knight to be excommunicated from the Order by Uther himself for siding with an orc named Eitrigg to maintain his honor and promise to him when Eitrigg’s life was in danger. He held onto the Light within himself, and long after was the herald of the charge against the Lich King in Northrend after merging the Argent Dawn, and the Order of the Silver Hand. Having begun to reclaim lands in Lordaeron, he was killed in the battle of the Broken Shore. More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

Alexandros Mograine
The first Ashbringer, and the Scourge of the Scourge, Alexandros Mograine was famed for his discovery of the dark crystal that was used to forge the Ashbringer. He was later slain through the betrayal of his own son Renault after being baited into fighting a slew of undead within Stratholme.

More information can be found within the libraries of the Silver Hand.

The Virtues Three
A Novice of the Silver Hand is expected to learn of the three tenants of the Holy Light. These three key virtues encompass all knightly values the order follows. It is expected of the Novice to speak to a Knight of the Silver Hand to explain each virtue in further detail than listed here. These excerpts on each virtue were spoken in a sermon by High Inquisitor Paletress of the Argent Crusade.

The philosophy of the Holy Light boils down to the three teachings, called the Three Virtues. These virtues—respect, tenacity, and compassion—are each defined into a principle and a lesson. Acting on these three tenets helps make the world a place everyone can appreciate; a world of honor and justice.

Respect
Respect is the first virtue taught to those joining the path of the Light. When looking at an enemy, one must look past the hatred that separates. There are qualities to respect and prowess to be acknowledged. Conducting oneself with honor and treating one's opponent as one wishes to be treated shows respect. Respecting one's opponents on the field is acknowledging a connection, which brings one closer to the Light.

Tenacity
Tenacity is the second virtue. This is the virtue of persevering through troubling times and painful experiences. In the face of despair and hatred, one must continue to stand true to their beliefs and fight on.

Compassion
Compassion is the last step on the path of the Light. In times of rivalries, it is easy to see differences at every turn. The challenge is in looking beyond appearances and understanding the similarities. Through this understanding, one can feel compassion for the losses others have suffered, even if the victim bears another banner. By feeling and understanding compassion in enemy and ally alike, one reaffirms his or her connection with the world.

Martial Training
While a Novice is expected to study hard, they must also work hard to maintain a physical capacity to endure the many hardships a Squire or Knight must face. As a Novice these tasks simply include:
 * The ability to wear a set of armor along with a weapon for an extended period of time.
 * Running and fighting in armor.
 * Properly swinging a selected weapon (maces, swords, axes).

Alternative Views
While the charge of a supplicant of the Holy Light is truly righteous, there are those who do not view the Light as the single ultimate force within the Universe. While a Novice must hold strong to their own faith, it is in their best interest to seek out one of a view differing from the teachings of the Silver Hand and show this alternative view or differing faith the respect it deserves.

Priestesses of Elune, guardians of the Wilds, Draenic Anchorites, and Priests who practice the balance of Darkness and Light are all viable, among others unlisted.

The Novice Examinations
After the Novice has completed his preliminary tasks and has proven himself devoted to their respective order they may request their examinations be given to be proven worthy of taking up the mantle of a Squire. These examinations include:

History Examination
An oral exam between a certified member of the Order, and the Novice in question. This is a ranging difficulty examination that will be covering most of the references provided at the will of the proctor. This includes the Three Virtues, infamous figures of the Silver Hand, and history beyond what is included in the Handbook. It will also include a question from the individual the novice spoke to about a differing view or different faith.

Basic Channeling and Uses of the Light
This is a simple examination to gauge any novices understanding of the Light and how to swing it. This will begin with a small discussion about the capabilities of the Holy Light, and then the novice will demonstrate their prowess in using the Holy Light.

Fitness
Novices will be subject to basic tasks to demonstrate their own personal capabilities. This can vary from a long run in an allotted amount of time, to a series of exercises to determine how physically capable a Novice is. They will also demonstrate basic practices learned in Martial training.

Once the Novice receives a passing mark on all three of these tasks, they shall be formally inducted into the Order as a Silver Hand Squire. This induction will include them taking on a pledge to serve in humble service to the Order of the Silver Hand.

=Part II: The Squire= A Squire of the Order of the Silver Hand is one sworn to serve the Knights of the Order for their self-betterment, and eventual ascension to Knighthood. Once the Squire has pledged their oath, they may begin writing their Libram, and seeking out Knights for training.

Sponsorship
Traditionally Knights and Squires would swear to one-another in a pledge of service to protect and serve. While a Squire has the choice to do this, with the rise of the Burning Legion many Squires have begun seeking out many Knights to assist them in their training.

It is the charge of the Squire throughout the duration of their training to seek out a Knight who will eventually sponsor their ascension to Knighthood, and assist them in training when available.

Creation of a Libram
A Libram is a Knight’s most coveted possession. These holy texts are one of the few personal effects of a Knight, and are made personal through their own writings. Before Knighting, Squires are expected to have some of their first writings completed as the basis for this holy text.

These writings can include mentions of lessons learned while training with a Knight, an example of a specific virtue being exemplified in daily life, a set of prayers made by the Squire in conjunction with a Knight, and a message in the back of the text from the Squire’s sponsor.

Once this is completed, the Squire can seek out someone to assist them in binding the pages of the text for expansion during their time as a Knight.

Beck and Call
Squires live to serve and assist the Knights of the Order. While acting as a Squire, the individual is required to be ready to serve the call of any Knight to offer them assistance in various tasks, and act as the Knight’s aide. If a Squire has a sponsor, it is expected they be at the call of said sponsor first and foremost in order to situate good relations and practices between the respective Knight and Squire.

Knightly Practices
Knights are the paragons of justice, courtesy, and chivalry. An acting Paladin Squire, like all standard noble-knights is required to delve into learning about how to enact mannerisms and practices that are deemed “Knightly”.

A Squire is expected to learn from a Knight, or multiple Knights what it means to be chivalrous. In summary, this can include:
 * Defending the weak and respecting their weaknesses.
 * Remaining faithful to the Light in all actions.
 * Never surrendering against an enemy; never faltering.
 * Being generous to those who are truly in need.
 * Proper etiquette.
 * Honoring law.
 * Respecting social hierarchy, and the hierarchy of the Silver Hand.

A Squire should also be able to answer why these practices and traditions are important knightly values.

Along with chivalrous practices, Knights are also expected to be well conditioned in order to uphold the defense of the weak and innocent of the lands. They also must have a broad range of skills that they can learn from other Knights of the Order which include:

Horsemanship and Jousting
The relationship between a Knight and their steed is one crucial for the success of the any Knight. In dire straits, the benefit of having one’s horse at their side can make the difference between victory and defeat. Knights have long prized their mounts and held them at great value and have taken great care of them.

Squires, throughout the duration of their training are expected to learn how to tend to a mount of their choosing, and learn how to ride it. They will also be expected to learn about jousting, a traditional practice of many Knights to show their stability on a steed. They will need to defeat an opponent in a joust as well to present this to a higher ranking Knight-Paladin.

Weapons Skills
The most efficient manner to describe the weapon capabilities of a Paladin is often to compare this aspect of them to other types of Light-wielders. A major distinguishing point between a Paladin and a Priest is the distinction in weapon skills and use. Whereas a Priest might focus almost entirely upon the Light, a Paladin learns to use a variety of weapons that they utilize almost as a focus for their Holy energies, alongside their ordinary use as a weapon. For Paladins, expertise is typically found among the heavier side of the spectrum, as they are designed to either assist in the protection of themselves and their allies, or to be capable of bringing devastating harm to enemies.

Common weapon types among Knights consist of swords, shields, maces and hammers, as well as halberds.

Endurance, Dexterity, and Athletics
The staples of any good fighter, the ability to endure when harsh forces are placed against the Squire, or great feats need to be committed in order to protect those in need. Squires are expected to seek out Knights in order to cover each specific topic on a personal level, as well as partake in general training exercises with their respective forces.

Leadership Skills
To be a leader is much more than simply possessing a title. Hard work, devotion, charisma and good standing are crucial in gaining the respect a proper leader deserves. In order for a Squire to develop these skills, they will be tasked on taking a group out on an outing or mission and planning it entirely on their own with limited aid from others.

Charitable Service
A Knight of the Silver Hand is expected to sacrifice his own life in order to protect the innocent of the world, and surrender himself for their benefit if necessary. A Squire is expected as one of their tasks to commit a random act of kindness to a stranger and write a small excerpt about the experience.

While a requirement, the Squire should not forget to uphold the virtue of Compassion and only offer assistance to those who truly are in need of it. Their service can range from volunteer work at a local clinic, to gathering donations to a soup kitchen, or something as simple as fending off a bandit seeking to steal from an innocent.

=Part III: The Three Trials= The Three Trials of Virtue are a staple in testing aspiring Paladin-Knights of the Order of the Silver Hand. These tasks will examine the degree a Squire has managed to exemplify the Three Virtues of the Holy Light. A Squire may seek out a Knight, their Sponsor, or a Paradigm of the respective virtue they wish to be tested in representing.

Each trial is designed to be personal, and it is suggested they be conducted by someone close to the Squire.

Should a Squire fail anyone of the three, they shall be given a period of reflection before retaking the trial. If they fail on multiple occasions, they shall subject themselves to a hiatus from being able to retake the trials until they further study the virtue they cannot surpass through its trial.

Trial of Respect
A Trial of Respect should make a Squire present their ability to act in a knightly and courteous manner to those around them, while demonstrating their kindness and good tidings towards others.

Trial of Tenacity
During the Trial of Tenacity, a Squire should be able to present determination to their cause no matter how dire. They must also show how they will succeed in daunting situations while maintaining their resolve.

Trial of Compassion
A Trial of Compassion should test the Squire on their ability to represent Compassion through their words and actions to aid in encouraging those who need inspiration, or aid those who are truly in need through a means deemed compassionate.

=Part IV: A Final Pilgrimage & Ascension= As a rite of passage to enter the Order of the Silver Hand as a Knight, the Knight-Elect must endeavour on a holy pilgrimage to a location of their personal choosing. The location they choose shall also be used as the location to conduct their Knighting Ceremony once they arrive.

The Knight-Elect must begin their journey in a set of simple chain armor, along with a dull sword and a meager amount of supplies that will suffice to get them to the selected location. This is designed to represent the Knight-Elect’s mastery and undying devotion to the Silver Hand.

Along the journey, the Squire is tasked with creating a personal prayer which they shall pen in their libram as a reflection of the long and dangerous journey.

Ascension
After the Knight-Elect has had a successful journey to the selected holy site they are then able to be inducted into the Order of the Silver Hand in the same manner the Knights before them had for many past generations.

The ascension ceremony will be conducted by a present Bishop, or higher ranking Silver Hand Official if one is present. During the ceremony, the Knight-Elect shall receive their ceremonial pauldrons, cloak, and weapon from their selected sponsor.

In addition to receiving their ceremonial affixes, the Knight-Elect shall be infused with the powers of the Holy Light from their fellow Knights, washing them clean of any impurities that exist within them, and filling them with the Holy Light.

At the end of the Ceremony, the newly inducted Knight and their sponsor are free to state words to the audience, and the new righteous weapon of the Holy Light can pass down their knowledge and lessons learned to future generations, as well as protect the weak and innocent with utmost resolve as a blade of the Light. As a member of the Silver Hand, they become a tool in the Light’s arsenal for years to come.