"Steel is not made noble by the hand that forged it, but by the oath of the one who bears it."
You were raised in the service of one of Ironhall's sworn households, where loyalty was measured through deeds rather than birth. From an early age you learned the disciplines of shield-work, formation fighting, mounted patrols, and the ancient code of knighthood that had protected the western mountains for generations. Though not born to nobility, you understood that honour was earned through steadfast service, courage, and sacrifice.
When war came to Ironhall, you stood beside miners, smiths, retainers, and the Knights of Ironhall in the city's final defence. Amidst smoke, blood, and collapsing walls, there was no time for grand ceremonies or noble courts. Veteran knights carried the authority of the Old Code themselves, recognising courage where they witnessed it.
Before steel, before witnesses, and beneath the ancient vows of knighthood, another knight laid a blade upon your shoulders and welcomed you into their brotherhood.
You did not inherit your title.
You earned it.
Though Ironhall now lies beneath foreign occupation, your oath has not been broken. You remain one of the last Hedge Knights of Ironhall, carrying the honour of a fallen homeland wherever your road leads.
- Skill Proficiencies: Persuasion and History.
- Tool Proficiencies: One type of gaming set or musical instrument
- Languages: One of your choice
- Equipment: A set of traveller's clothes, a weathered cloak or tabard bearing the colours or device of your household, a knight's signet, badge, or token marking your sworn service, and a belt pouch containing 10 gp.
Though kingdoms rise and fall, honour is remembered.
Veteran knights, loyal retainers, refugees of Ironhall, former servants of House Mayer, and those who still uphold the Old Code recognise the vows you carry. They will generally provide reasonable assistance, including modest shelter, food, information, and aid, so long as doing so does not place them in unreasonable danger.
Your oath may also earn you audiences with those who respect the traditions of knighthood, even where your name carries little influence. Those who share your values may conceal you from unjust persecution, guide you through unfamiliar lands, or quietly assist your cause if they believe your actions uphold the honour of your vows.
Such aid is freely given only while your conduct reflects the ideals of the Old Code.
The Old Code
Every Hedge Knight of Ironhall bears the ancient vows, spoken before witnesses during the ceremony of knighthood.
Knight: (Name of recipient), bow and state your name.
Recipient: I, (Name), choose the Old Code as my own.
Knight: A knight is sworn to valor.
Recipient: I am hereby sworn to valor.
Knight: His word speaks only truth.
Recipient: To speak only the truth.
Knight: His blade defends the helpless.
Recipient: To use arms to defend the helpless.
Knight: His might upholds the weak.
Recipient: To use my might to uphold the weak.
Knight: His heart knows only virtue.
Recipient: My heart knows only virtue.
Knight: His wrath undoes the wicked.
Recipient: My wrath will undo the wicked.
The presiding knight then lays a sword upon each shoulder before proclaiming:
"For all who bear witness, I dub thee Sir (Surname). Arise, Knight of the Old Code."
From that moment onward, the knight is bound not by crown or noble blood, but by the honour of every knight who has spoken the Old Code before them.
Suggested Characteristics
Use the tables below as the basis for your traits and motivations, modifying the entries when appropriate to suit your identity as a Hedge Knight of Ironhall.
Your Oath almost always involves the order to which you belong (or at least key members of it), and it is highly unusual for a knight’s ideal not to reflect the agenda, sentiment, or philosophy of one’s order.
| d8 | Personality Trait |
|---|---|
| 1 | I speak little, believing actions carry more weight than words. |
| 2 | I instinctively place myself between danger and those who cannot defend themselves. |
| 3 | Every promise I make is treated as an oath. |
| 4 | I maintain my arms and armour with almost ritual precision. |
| 5 | I respect honest labour as much as noble birth. |
| 6 | I remain calm under pressure, believing panic serves only the enemy. |
| 7 | I carry myself with quiet dignity regardless of my surroundings. |
| 8 | I believe every person deserves the chance to prove their worth. |
| d6 | Ideal |
|---|---|
| 1 | Duty. My oath defines me more than my title ever could. (Lawful) |
| 2 | Protection. Strength exists to shield those who cannot shield themselves. (Good) |
| 3 | Honor. Even when kingdoms fall, honour must endure. (Lawful) |
| 4 | Perseverance. Iron bends before it breaks, and so shall I. (Any) |
| 5 | Redemption. No failure is beyond atonement while breath remains. (Good) |
| 6 | Hope. One day my homeland will stand free again. (Any) |
| d6 | Bond |
|---|---|
| 1 | My homeland may have fallen, but my oath never will. |
| 2 | I carry the memory of those who died defending Ironhall. |
| 3 | The knight who granted me my spurs entrusted me with more than a title—I must prove them right. |
| 4 | Every refugee from my homeland deserves my protection. |
| 5 | I will restore the honour of those history has judged unfairly. |
| 6 | I cannot abandon someone once I have sworn to protect them. |
| d6 | Flaw |
|---|---|
| 1 | I blame myself whenever someone under my protection suffers harm. |
| 2 | I find it difficult to trust those who place politics above honour. |
| 3 | I throw myself into danger before considering my own safety. |
| 4 | I judge myself far more harshly than I judge anyone else. |
| 5 | Once I decide someone has broken their oath, I struggle to forgive them. |
| 6 | I would rather endure hardship myself than ask others for help. |
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