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The Measure is a set of written rules and guidelines that the Knights of Solamnia are supposed to live by. The Measure is sometimes called the Solamnic Measure or the Encoded Measure. Squires study the Measure before becoming a knight.

The Old Measure

The knights' founder, Vinas Solamnus, originally wrote the Measure. The doctrine was added to by his successors and by the time of the Cataclysm it was thirty-seven 300-page volumes. It became very unwieldy and almost impossible for any one knight to understand and follow. By the time of the War of the Lance, the knights had lost the spirit of the Solamnic Oath and were just blindly following the Measure. The knight Sturm Brightblade showed the rest of the knighthood their mistake through his sacrifice. After the Measure was revised, the old Measure was still kept by the knighthood for study purposes.

One volume of the Measure was called the The Roster of Loyalty. Some believe that The Illustrated Guide to the Roster of Loyalty is a companion to this volume of the Measure.

Known Parts or Information in the Old Measure

Note that known parts of the revised Measure might have been parts of the old Measure as well.

The Revised Measure

After the War of the Lance, Gunthar Uth Wistan led a group of knights in revising the Measure. The first third of the work was brilliant, but became less precise after the death of Gunthar's last son in the Chaos War. Then after his wife's death, the work deteriorated. After Gunthar's death, Liam Ehrling worked tirelessly for a month and finish Gunthar's work. In 392 AC, the Revised Measure was unveiled and adopted by the knighthood. It is three volumes long. The Revised Measure contains what are believed to be the original writings of Vinas Solamnus and various other works. Liam wanted his work on the revision to remain a secret.

Known Parts or Information in the Revised Measure

Note that known parts of the old Measure might be parts of the revised Measure as well.

The Measure and the Orders

Each of the three orders of the knight hold the entire document as an important doctrine but each order focuses on a particular aspect. This is true with the old Measure and the Revised Measure.

Measure of the Crown

Main article: Order of the Crown

The Order of the Crown is supposed to focus on loyalty and obedience. A Crown Knight should always obey those he is loyal to without regard for their own welfare or opinion. Loyalty should go to one's family, those opposed to evil, just rulers in good standing with the knighthood, the Gods of Good (especially the patrons deities), and the new patron goddess Shinare. A Crown Knight is also supposed to help any fellow knight as long as it does not go against orders. Also, a Crown Knight must serve any kingdom on the List of Honor. The old Measure stated that a Crown Knight was to give the knighthood ten percent of all earned wealth. It is unknown if that is also stated in the Revised Measure.

Measure of the Sword

Main article: Order of the Sword

The Order of the Sword is supposed to focus on courage and spirituality. They are to act in the cause of good no matter what the personal cost. Knights of the Sword should pay homage to their patron god, Kiri-Jolith, once a day. Although in very hard times once in a quartermonth is sometimes practiced. The old Measure stated that a Sword Knight was to give the knighthood all earned wealth except what was needed for upkeep. It is unknown if that is also stated in the Revised Measure.

Measure of the Rose

Main article: Order of the Rose

The Order of the Rose is supposed to focus on wisdom and justice. The old Measure stated that a Rose Knight was to give the knighthood all earned wealth except what was needed for upkeep. It is unknown if that is also stated in the Revised Measure.

Kender Tale

One source stated that in order to become a Knight of the Rose, all other Rose Knights must approve. This is likely not quite true since new sources have stated the steps for rising in the orders involves knightly councils and Quests of Virtue.

References