Rites of Passage and Rituals

The Trial of the Five Graces

Immediately after swearing the Oath of Service newly joined brethren of the Concordic Knights are made aware of this task. The Trial of the Five Graces is a test of understanding and commitment to the will of the Mandate. This trial is the reason for which all new applicants, regardless of skill or service, must become Acolytes before all else; it is an affirmation of the guiding philosophies and will behind the Concordic Knights.

The Trial is a simple Concept. The five united lords of the Concord, Kossuth, Tyr, Ilmater, Torm, and Helm each purport different values, being Purity, Judgment, Sacrifice, Loyalty, and Duty. Thus, each Acolyte of the Knights must preform an act that portrays their understanding of these and commitment to these values.

This Trial has another purpose, beyond its simple function as a test of character. It is designed in a way to teach both the local community and the Acolyte himself that the Concordic Knights are not a cloistered, self-important order. By forcing newly joined members, of all walks of life, skilled or unskilled, to serve the community in the manner of the Five Graces, it establishes that the Knights are a truly selfless, serving organization.

Acolytes are encouraged to discover their own way to fulfill these Graces and to live among and understand the community while doing so, and are thus given little in the way of instruction save an explanation of the Graces. Each and every Acolyte must complete this task before they can advance beyond their rank.