Squire

From An Tir Culture Wiki
Revision as of 14:09, 17 February 2007 by GrianRuadh (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

A squire is an associate of a member of the Order of Chivalry.

It should be noted that "squire" is a job description not a title. Squires are properly announced "Lord/Lady Spearcarrier, Squire to Sir Wargod". The term is also sometimes used as a shorthand form of address, e.g, "Squire, fetch me a beer!"

Squires are taken by Knights for a variety of reasons and an assortment of roles. Each instance of this sort of relationship is unique, some are more formal arrangements than others, but all generally share the traits of one providing training and guidance to the other in exchange for service. Such relationships can often become fast and enduring friendships that can outlast the period of squiring. A squiring generally presumes that the student has purposefully placed themselves on the path of aspiring to knighthood.

In An Tir, there does not seem to be a customary protocol for the initiating of an associate relationship. Knights observe and select squires, but unbelted fighters also observe and select Knights, requesting the opening of a discussion of the possibility of becoming a squire. It is not unusual for there to be a trial period as a Man-at-Arms or other retainer to a Knight before a squire's belt is offered.

See Sumptuary Laws for information on squires' belts.