I'm reading through the Book of Warlords, fantastic reading!

One thing got me thinking.

What would be the colloquial name of a household knight?

"Bachelor", I'd imagine. It is unambiguous in its context. In general discussion, I doubt people would make any big distinctions: "Baron So-and-so and his 20 knights..." It doesn't matter for the discussion if those knights are household or vassal knights, they are all sworn to him.

"Sir X is a knight of Baron So-and-so..." I'd take to mean that Sir X is a household knight. It is the vassal knights, rarer of the two breeds, that would require clarification. And if Sir X's affiliation with Baron So-and-so is not important, then it wouldn't be mentioned in discussion and again, it wouldn't matter if Sir X is a knight without a master (mercenary), a household knight or a vassal knight. It is enough that he is a knight, IMHO.

In the book of the Warlord, it is mentioned that using first name is a strictly family/close friend thing. That, or the other person is of equal or greater in rank (i.e. a Baron speaking to another Baron). I guess that could mean one household knight is on first-name basis with other household knights? It's not that it's a big thing.... I just found it interesting. Is personal name only important for greater lords and barons? Is all "lower" knights on first-name basis?

The thing I kind of find strange, is that it's fully possible to be a Famous knight without rank in Pendragon, not all famous and well respected knights are lords and barons after all. I guess deeds could be interpreted into the titles?

In the book of the Warlord, it is mentioned that using first name is a strictly family/close friend thing. That, or the other person is of equal or greater in rank (i.e. a Baron speaking to another Baron). I guess that could mean one household knight is on first-name basis with other household knights? It's not that it's a big thing.... I just found it interesting. Is personal name only important for greater lords and barons? Is all "lower" knights on first-name basis?

The thing I kind of find strange, is that it's fully possible to be a Famous knight without rank in Pendragon, not all famous and well respected knights are lords and barons after all. I guess deeds could be interpreted into the titles?


Oh, I am sorry. I misunderstood your question earlier.

The distinction between titles and first names is, I believe, mainly a higher rank thing. Household knights, especially amongst themselves, would be using 'Sir First-Name'. Not to mention that historically, last names were pretty much a rarity, still. People tended to refer to their homes (manors, villages, towns; and within a town, to their fathers) if a distinction was needed. As you say, first name would be acceptable, with a suitable honorific (Sir), between equals.

I don't find it strange at all. Especially later, during Arthurian times, when the chivalric idea is a modest knight despite his deeds. You don't find, say, Gawaine insisting to be called 'Prince of Orkney' or something like that. He is just fine with 'Sir Gawaine', at least in our campaign. Addressing him as 'Gawaine', though, would be raising some eyebrows.

Thank you Morien, you are truly a scholar. :)

I think I know how to handle this now!

Thank you Morien, you are truly a scholar. :)


Well, yes, but not of history. That is just a hobby! :)