Knights of Favonius Handbook - 5th Edition
Knights of Favonius Handbook - 5th Edition
A code of daily speech and conduct for the Knights of Favonius of Mondstadt, revised in person by the present Acting Grand Master, Jean. A qualified knight must strictly regulate words and deeds according to its provisions.
This handbook is one of the shared guiding charters of the Knights of Favonius. Members should read it carefully and hold themselves to strict self-discipline in life and work, serving the people of Mondstadt with worthy speech and conduct.
As members of the Knights of Favonius, we must first uphold the three great virtues of knighthood: humility, integrity, and self-discipline. These three virtues are the three pillars of Mondstadt's freedom—remember: without responsibility to uphold it, freedom cannot be spoken of at all.
The most immediate expression of knightly virtue lies in everyday words and deeds. Therefore this handbook offers every knight formal and complete standards and guidance for speech and conduct:
I.
As a Knight of Favonius, remain vigilant at all times, and never take lightly anything that may threaten Mondstadt. When citizens are in need, take the initiative to offer help; serving the people is the proper work of the Knights of Favonius.
II.
When facing merchants and travelers who have come from afar, always show respect and courtesy. Do not display suspicion or hostility in conversation, even if the other party truly looks suspicious.
Example of proper speech:
"Mondstadt welcomes you, stranger and honorable traveler / guest! Kindly state your identity and destination; the Knights of Favonius will safeguard your security." *Remember: always use honorific forms of address.
Counter-examples:
1. "Hey! You, stop! Suspicious fellow / sneaky character / foreigner / person of unknown origin—state your identity!"
2. "Welcome to the City of Wind and Song, walker from another world / wandering beast / storm still in the womb." *Take care: restrain rude and improper speech; especially do not address merchants and travelers with bizarre titles that may make them uneasy.
III.
Do not show indolence or boredom before citizens and visiting merchants. A qualified knight must always be ready to offer sword and sweat for the people. Therefore even when resting, at leisure, or idle, maintain the bearing of a proper knight, and be ready at any moment to return to duty.
Examples of proper speech:
1. (While resting) "I need to check Mondstadt's blind spots of security, and remain responsible for safety at all times."
2. (While drinking and chatting) "As a knight, understanding everyone's daily needs is both proper and necessary." *Remember: even if you truly have no work at hand, you must not grow slack.
Counter-examples:
1. (On watch) "If only there were apple cider that never ran out. Sigh…"
2. (While resting) "No—e—lle—!" *Take care: the Acting Grand Master has instructed Noelle to record and report any lazy knight who sends her to do their work. Such violations will be punished with reduced leave and allowances. Before you slack off next time, think what the price will be.
IV.
Though Mondstadt is a city proud of its wine, a knight must have the self-discipline not to become drunk on post. Especially forbidden is urging or luring minors to drink. *Note: underage members of the Knights may not drink; when entering taverns and similar places they must be accompanied by adult colleagues.
V.
(Recent addition) Because Fatui activity in the city has grown more frequent of late, Knights must not, while off duty, reveal to outsiders any information regarding the Order's deployments or operations.
VI.
When unforeseeable disaster strikes, a knight must lead by example to protect Mondstadt's people and property from harm. When answering the public's questions, remain calm and composed, and at the same time remind citizens to protect themselves.
Examples of proper speech:
1. "Please do not panic. The Knights of Favonius will spare no effort to defend Mondstadt!"
2. "When facing danger, do not panic. You may clasp your head with both hands, crouch down, and protect vital areas. Then, under the Knights' direction, proceed quickly and in order to a safe zone."
3. (Recent addition) "Please rest assured: even if Grand Master Varka is not in Mondstadt at this moment, the Knights of Favonius can resolve this crisis swiftly and cleanly." *Take care: the third line is to be used only when the Grand Master is absent.
Counter-examples:
1. "This is a situation I've never seen before…"
2. "A disaster of this scale would be troublesome even for the Knights…" *Remember: even if the situation was truly unforeseen, do your best not to show bewilderment before the people, or doubt the strength of the Knights of Favonius.
VII.
When facing merchants and travelers from afar, proactively and kindly introduce Mondstadt's service locations and famous sights, and offer appropriate help to those who need it.
Examples of proper speech:
1. "If this is your first visit, I recommend you take a look at the great cathedral of Mondstadt."
2. "When you feel weary, you might try Mondstadt's famous fine wine at the Angel's Share tavern."
VIII.
Toward colleagues and comrades, remember also the virtues of humility and sincerity. Before companions, remain humble and deal with them in good faith. The brotherhood and unity of the Knights' members is the firmest shield of the Knights of Favonius.
Example of proper speech:
"Truly splendid—that last fight was an eye-opener!" *Remember: the tone need not be overly exaggerated; enough to express respect and friendship.
IX.
As guardians of Mondstadt and firm shield of the Anemo Archon, members of the Knights of Favonius must set the example and must never violate Mondstadt's rules and ordinances. If any public property or citizen's property is damaged while off duty, after assessment a corresponding sum will be deducted proportionally from salary and bonuses. Underage members without a formal salary will receive a fixed term of confinement in place of a fine. *Note: fish in any body of water in the Mondstadt region belong to the citizens' common property. Damaging them for any reason is forbidden!
X.
Members of the Knights of Favonius must remain vigilant at all times and treat strangers with caution. Even if the other party bears no ill will, explain the stakes clearly and, with friendly firmness, set forth Mondstadt's regulations and customs. *(Recent addition) Take care: pay extra attention to foreign diplomatic personnel whose movements seem suspicious.
XI.
Members of the Knights of Favonius must likewise watch the skies carefully to prevent wind-glider flight accidents. Knights should verify that flyers hold complete licenses. If anyone is found flying illegally within Mondstadt, stop them promptly and, if necessary, restrain them. *Even internal members of the Order who violate the rules while off duty must not be shielded; if necessary their flight licenses may be revoked.
Appendix: Reference Table of Knights' Standard Terms
1. Knightly Virtues
The three virtues of a Knight of Favonius are humility, integrity, and self-discipline; the three support one another as one whole. Members of the Order must remember this well.
2. Honorific Speech
The Knights of Favonius are public servants of Mondstadt's free citizens and hosts to guests from outside. Therefore when facing commoners, first address them with polite honorifics. The study of etiquette is one of a knight's required courses.
3. Duty
A Knight of Favonius's duty is to serve the people of Mondstadt and guard Mondstadt's freedom. In daily speech and conduct, formal members of the Order must not make light of responsibility and honor at will, lest they stain the dignity of knighthood.
4. The Anemo Archon
(Recent addition) The Anemo Archon Barbatos is the god of wind and song, the guardian god of Mondstadt's freedom, and the core of Mondstadt folk faith. The Knights of Favonius must jointly uphold his will, and fight for it when freedom is threatened. *Because certain members within the Knights and the Church have been careless about faith in the Anemo Archon, this term urgently needed to be added.
5. Fatui
Diplomats and agents of Snezhnaya stationed here, who enjoy diplomatic immunity. Their actions are secretive and cunning; their aims are obscure. *Exercise special caution. If suspicious behavior is found, report promptly to headquarters, and mind your own safety.
6. Abyss Order
Ancient and mysterious enemies from the Abyss; their origin and motives are unknown. They are occasionally active around Mondstadt. *These enemies are extremely dangerous. If you encounter them, promptly notify headquarters of their location and movements, and mind your own safety.
7. Stormterror's Lair (Recent addition) Ancient city ruins northwest of Mondstadt. Once the capital of the legendary tyrant of the tower, recently occupied by the wind dragon Dvalin as a temporary refuge. These ruins have therefore of late been named "Stormterror's Lair."
…