4.1 Knighthood:
Listed first because of the attraction it holds for most Amtgard members. Amtgard has experimented with several systems of criteria for knighthood. None of them worked very well, mainly because people wanted the mark of achievement more than the achievements themselves. It is unfortunate that so many believe a white belt will elevate them past their own foibles and fears. Not withstanding the mistakes of the past, here are the latest criteria for Knighthood. It is an attempt to at least partially recognize the efforts of our brightest and our best. This system might yield a higher percentage of white belts than other medieval organizations. That only reflects Amtgard's trend away from the massive arrogance found elsewhere that implies it is the mark of a knightly persona to drive the infidels (translate to: "other guys") into the ground. In the modern "real" world, knighthood is awarded for a variety of reasons (winning a Nobel prize, organizing an effort to feed the starving,etc.). It is to be hoped that Amtgard will take a page from this more enlightened perspective.

4.11 The Monarch of a Kingdom may knight people into any of the four orders. Although not required, candidates for Knighthood should have achieved the criteria listed and have the approval of a majority of the Knights of that order. Note that the achievement of criteria set forth does not automatically grant Knighthood. Also note that the traditional positive knightly virtues will go a long way towards achieving the white belt.
4.12 The orders of Knighthood:
4.121 Knights of the Crown:
a. a civil order for serving in the highest echelons of the group
b. colors: white trimmed with gold
c. suggested criteria: complete a term as the Monarch or serve in two of the following three positions: Champion, Consort, Prime Minister.
4.122 Knights of the Flame:
a. a service order for contributions to the group
b. colors: white trimmed with red
c. suggested criteria: Masterhood in at least one of the following three areas- Rose, Lion, Smith
4.123 Knights of the Serpent:
a. an achievement order for excellence in the arts and/or sciences
b. colors: white trimmed with green
c. suggested criteria: Masterhood in at least one of the following four areas- Dragon, Owl, Garber, Hydra
4.124 Knights of the Sword:
a. a military order for fighting skills and battlefield prowess
b. colors: white trimmed with silver
c. suggested criteria: any of the following honors- Warlord, Defender,
Weaponmaster (equivalent tournament successes will be considered).
4.13 Only those Knights who have been a member of the Circle of Knights (Guild of Knights) for twelve or more weeks may play a paladin or antipaladin. Exception- if for any reason a person loses his/her knighthood, they also lose the ability to play paladin or antipaladin.
4.14 A Knight may choose to take a squire.
4.141 The garb of a squire is a red belt.
4.142 A knight should never have more squires than separate orders of knighthood that he/she has achieved.

4.2 Masterhood in the Service Guilds and Orders:
4.21 Awarded by the Monarch for achieving the criteria set forth.
4.22 Denotes excellence in contributions to the group in the area listed (see explanations of the orders themselves).
4.23 Specific types of Masterhood:
4.231 Dragon- 10 orders of the Dragon.
4.2311 Hydra- 10 orders of the Hydra.
4.232 Garber- 12 garber credits.
4.233 Lion- any combination of orders of the Lion and orders of the Griffon that add up to 10.
4.234 Owl- 10 orders of the Owl.
4.235 Reeve- 12 weeks experience as a reeve.
4.236 Rose- 10 orders of the Rose.
4.237 Smith- 12 smith credits.
4.238 Warrior (designated title: Warlord)- 10 orders of the warrior.
4.239 The Monarch may create other titles and forms of Masterhood.


4.3 Orders:
4.31 Order of the Dragon
given by: Monarch, Consort
given for: outstanding achievements in the arts (garb, art, music, literature, etc.)
limitations: none
4.32 Order of the Flame
given by: the Monarch
given for: given to a group of people (company, household, etc.) for outstanding contributions to Amtgard
limitations: only one may be given in each Monarch's reign
4.33 Order of the Griffon (Gryphon)
given by: the Monarch
given for: courage, chivalry, and honor on the battlefield
limitations: none
4.34 Order of the Hydra
given by: the Monarch
given for: entering enough Crown Qualifications events to qualify for the Crown tourney/election
limitations: each person may only receive one Hydra per Crown qualifications
4.35 Order of the Jovious
given by: the Monarch
given for: outstanding attitude
limitations: only one may be given in each Monarch's reign
4.36 Order of the Lion
given by: Monarch, Consort
given for: displaying outstanding traits of service and loyalty to Amtgard
limitations: none
4.37 Order of the Mask (Masque)
given by: the Monarch
given for: outstanding portrayal of persona
limitations: only one may be given in each Monarch's reign
4.38 Order of the Owl
given by: Monarch, Consort
given for: outstanding achievements in the sciences (armor, construction, seigeworks, etc.)
limitations: none
4.39 Order of the Rose
given by: Monarch, Consort
given for: beneficial service to Amtgard
limitations: none
4.3A Order of the Walker of the Middle
given by: the Monarch
given for: exemplification of the ideals and conduct of reeves
limitations: a person may never receive more than one of these
4.3B Order of the Warrior
given by: the Monarch
given for: fighting ability (see the criteria below)
limitations: higher levels are increasingly difficult to attain.

Level          	Belt Favor          	Animal		Criteria
1		green               	snake           win 3 straight
2		blue                 	boar		win 5
3		red			mongoose	win 7
4		brown			bear		win 9
5		rust			hawk		win 11
6		grey			wolf		win 13
7		orange			tiger		win 15
8		black			panther		win 17
9		purple			dragon		win 19
10+		yellow			phoenix		win 21
		with a (warlord) 
		red border

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