The Temple Knights

The Temple Knights are an organization answering to the Holy See. The organization handles national defense, protecting the public and maintaining public order, as well as other specialized duties, such as porting, sapping, etc. The Temple Knights reported to the Lord Commander Aymeric de Borel. Directly below him are other commanders in charge of the five combat units.

The Temple Knights also perform humanitarian duties for the people of Ishgard. They also regularly perform training exercises with the knights of the High Houses and their Lord Commanders. Those who wish to join the Temple Knights have several avenues open to them; winning a grand tournament, recommendation from a noble or high-ranking Temple Knight for instance. However, the amount of time one may have to work to obtain knighthood is not a set length, as most who join must serve as squires for quite some time before becoming a knight proper. Once a squire becomes a knight, they can rise through the ranks through valor and perseverance, the easiest way (or most effective, perhaps) is to attain glory in battle against the Dragons, however survival rates for those who pursue this method are surprisingly low.

Notable Members

Aymeric de Borel

Main article: Aymeric de Borel

Lord Commander of the Temple Knights and, as the rumor suggests, the bastard son of Archbishop Thordan VII Owing to his father's influence, he was adopted at birth by an aged viscount of House Borel, whose wife was barren. Though they treated him as their own flesh and blood, rumors of his status as a bastard and his father's true identity eventually found their way to him. And so, after being inducted into the Temple Knights, Ser Aymeric de Borel hoped he might one day be granted an audience with the archbishop to learn the entire truth.

The thirty two year olds political views, as well as his distaste for petty power struggles, are largely the result of his upbringing, particularly his keen awareness of the limitation placed upon an individual for the circumstances of their birth.

Lucia goe Junius

Main article: Lucia goe Junius

Curiously enough, the second in command of the Temple Knights originally came to Ishgard as a clandestine agent of Garlemald, with orders to seize and Allagan artifacts that the Holy See might have hidden within their reliquaries. While she successfully infiltrated The Vault disguised as a female acolyte, she failed to conceal her identity when questioned by a young Temple Knight-Aymeric de Borel. In an unexpected display of mercy, Ser Aymeric, knowing full well that her crimes were punishable by death, offered to spare her life should she pledge to serve him. The Garlean spy agreed, if only to see another day, and with every intention of running away when the opportunity presented itself. Yet after lengthy discussions with Ser Aymeric in which he professed his visions for sweeping reform, Lucia was so inspired by his idealism that she chose instead to honor her pledge and serve as his right hand.

Handeloup de Daimbaux

Main article: Handeloup de Daimbaux

Ser Handeloup de Daimbaux earned a reputation as an excellent leader for his ability to recognize and effectively utilize the talents of those within his support and logistics unit. Recognizing the value of his skills, Ser Aymeric named him Second Commander and saw that he would oversee not only general logistics but all Temple Knights training. Though there were some who questioned the appropriateness of Ser Aymeric's appointment at first, Ser Handeloup simply went about his business, jotting down notes in shorthand and carrying out his duties as ordered, and before long all came to accept this state of affairs.