The path to becoming a Stellar Knight is one of unparalleled rigor, discipline, and sacrifice. From birth, those chosen for this life are marked for greatness, their bodies and minds shaped to meet the demands of the Arkanis Imperium. Their training is not simply education in combat—it is a lifelong forging of loyalty, skill, and resilience, designed to produce paragons of human potential.
Early Childhood: Birth to Age Eight
From birth until age five, children selected for the path of the Stellar Knights are permitted to remain with their families. However, this period is closely monitored, as the gene editing implanted at birth requires regular maintenance. Children must visit the academy several times per year to undergo gene therapy, ensuring that their enhancements develop correctly and safely.
From age six to eight, the young candidates transition to life at the academy full-time. During these formative years, their education focuses on:
The history and structure of the Arkanis Imperium, including the hierarchy of nobility and the role of the Imperator.
The lore and influence of the Storm Sovereign, instilling faith and understanding of the Archon’s divine authority.
The traditions, responsibilities, and legends of the Stellar Knights, preparing them mentally and culturally for the path they will follow.
Squirehood: Age Nine to Sixteen
At age nine, candidates are formally inducted as Squires and assigned a master Stellar Knight. This relationship is central to their development, combining mentorship, guidance, and hands-on experience. Under their master, squires train in combat, tactics, discipline, and strategy, while continuing their studies in history, Psionica theory, and martial philosophy.
Squires are allowed to share the academy’s facilities with other students:
Stellar Knight Facility: Primary training grounds for squires, including combat halls, obstacle courses, and weapon simulators.
Shared Dining Hall: Where squires eat alongside Initiates (Psi-casters in training) and Cadets (future officers), fostering camaraderie and understanding among the Imperium’s elite ranks.
At age sixteen, squires face their first mission trial alongside their master. Success in this trial demonstrates their readiness for greater responsibility:
Success: The squire is advanced, permitted to undertake more missions, select their preferred plasma melee weapon, and even participate in broader military operations if qualified.
Failure: Those who fail face a duel to the death against other failed candidates. Victory allows for redemption, while defeat results in death, reinforcing the Imperium’s harsh standards and the lethal consequences of failure.
Advanced Training and Promotion: Age Seventeen to Nineteen
Following their initial trial, squires continue their training under their master, honing combat skills, strategic thinking, and leadership. They undertake increasingly challenging missions and are gradually integrated into real military operations, preparing them for the demands of command.
At age nineteen, squires undergo the final trial at the academy—a comprehensive test of combat, tactics, discipline, and loyalty. The stakes are absolute:
Success: The candidate is promoted to Stellar Knight, assigned to a unit, and given a role that reflects their training, skill, and aptitude. This promotion marks the culmination of years of preparation, granting the Knight freedom and recognition within the Imperium.
Failure: Those who fail again must fight a duel to the death, with survival dependent on both skill and willpower. Only those who triumph may continue their path; failure results in permanent removal from the order.
Family and Academy Life
During their years as squires, candidates are allowed one month per year with their families, providing a brief connection to their home and heritage. Once promoted to Stellar Knight, they gain significantly more autonomy, free to operate within the Imperium and fulfill their duties without the constant supervision of the academy.
The training system ensures that every Stellar Knight is not only a master of combat and strategy but also deeply loyal to the Imperator and the Storm Sovereign. Their life in the academy instills discipline, resilience, and a profound understanding of the Imperium’s ideals, preparing them to serve as generals, fleet commanders, royal guards, special forces, and symbols of human supremacy across the stars.
Life for a Squire at a Stellar Knight academy is highly regimented, designed to instill discipline, endurance, and mastery of both body and mind. Every day is structured to balance education, training, and personal development, ensuring that by the time a Squire faces their first trial, they are prepared for the rigors of service.
Morning Preparations
The day begins before dawn, with Squires attending to personal hygiene, maintaining their uniforms, and readying themselves for the day. After preparations, Squires gather for their first meal, a carefully balanced portion designed to fuel both the mind and body for the long day ahead.
Academy Assembly
Following the morning meal, Squires attend the Academy Assembly, a formal gathering led by the Academy Grandmaster. During the assembly, the Grandmaster addresses the Squires on:
Current events within the Arkanis Imperium, including political developments, military campaigns, and social directives.
Updates on academy operations, including training schedules, performance evaluations, and announcements.
Inspirational lessons, speeches on loyalty, honor, and the virtues expected of a Stellar Knight.
This assembly reinforces the Squires’ connection to the Imperium, the Storm Sovereign, and the values of the Stellar Knights.
Morning Classes
After the assembly, Squires proceed to their morning classes, which last until the second meal. These sessions cover a wide range of subjects, including:
History and governance of the Arkanis Imperium.
The lore and doctrines of the Storm Sovereign and the Stellar Knights.
Martial theory, tactics, and strategy.
Psionica studies and integration for future cooperative missions with Psi-casters.
Afternoon Classes and Training
Following the second meal, Squires return to afternoon classes, continuing their intellectual and tactical education until the third meal.
Afterward, Squires spend several hours in practical training under their assigned master, honing combat skills, weapon mastery, agility, and tactical coordination. During this period, Squires may engage in:
Plasma melee combat exercises.
Tactical simulations and strategic drills.
Physical conditioning and agility training enhanced by their innate psi-abilities.
Personal Time and Lights Out
Following training, Squires are granted two hours of personal time, which they may use for reflection, study, or minor recreational activities. This time allows them to maintain some semblance of individuality within the highly structured academy life.
Finally, the day concludes with lights out, ensuring Squires receive sufficient rest to maintain their physical and mental performance.
Post-Trial Freedom
Once a Squire reaches age sixteen and successfully completes their first mission trial, their daily routine becomes more flexible. At this stage, their training is largely dictated by their master, who tailors their education and preparation according to their strengths, specialization, and aptitude. While the core principles of discipline and education remain, advanced Squires enjoy more autonomy in managing their time and activities, reflecting their growing independence and capability as future Stellar Knights.