The title "Sir" in Heilbronn is not merely granted—it is taken, bought, or carved from necessity. Unlike fairy tales, knighthood here is a political tool wielded by the powerful to create loyal weapons.
In Heilbronn, knighthood demands:
Blood spilled (yours and others)
Wealth spent (bribes and equipment)
Oaths sworn (some you'll be forced to break)
Patrons secured (who will use you mercilessly)
Battlefield Elevation: Survive three campaigns and perform one act of "heroism" visible to a lord with authority to knight
Tournament Victory: Best established knights in combat where nobles witness your skill—then find a sponsor impressed enough to elevate you
Political Appointment: Serve a noble house with such loyalty (or possess such damning secrets) that knighthood becomes necessary to bind you
Blood Price: Amass enough wealth to essentially purchase your title through "donations" to impoverished noble houses or the royal treasury
The Dark Deed: Perform an unsavory but necessary task for the crown—assassination, massacre, or sacrifice—that demands reward to ensure silence
The knighting ceremony itself is brief—a sword on shoulders, words mumbled by someone with authority. What matters is what follows:
Immediate challenges from established knights testing your worthiness
Sudden requests from your patron demanding return on their investment
Assassination attempts from those you surpassed to gain your position
The crushing expense of maintaining armor, horses, and retainers
In Heilbronn, the title "Sir" is both target and shield. Many who achieve it discover too late that knighthood is merely the beginning of a more dangerous game where the rules have suddenly changed, and you now have much more to lose.
Remember: The sword that knights you may be the same one seeking your neck when political winds shift.