The Iron Knights, the defenders of the Iron Empire, have adopted the
Zellbringen, an honor code created by The famous warrior, Kerensky.
All hail to the Warriors of Kerensky who should be an example of honor
to us all.
The Rules of Engagement
1. To die in glorious combat is better than to live as a coward;
Honorable defeat is desired above a shameful victory.
2. A Warrior is an icon of Honor, not of Death.
3. The second function of mines are discouraged, but are legal, as all
things. Mines are an underhanded and indirect means of confrontation
Killing with mine traps brings no honor, as no honor lies in murder.
As a direct means of attack, mines can bring honor. When one uses
these devices, be sure that your opponent does not object. If he or
she becomes angered at their use, then the honorable thing to do would
be to stop using them, or to cut back on it.
4. NEVER Fire on a warrior with a drawn lightsaber. It is understood
that in the fog of war, mistakes can be made, but a drawn lightsaber
is an invitation to duel. Nothing is more honorable than a lightsaber
fight, and no weapon more elegant. When a warrior confronts you with a
saber, you respond in kind. These modern times require modern means
for our Knights to dispatch the enemies of our order, thus training in
any sort of weaponry is encouraged, as well as the art of saber
dueling. One must never close one's mind to new possibilities, thus
they be left behind as a memory. It is the Knight's choice to not
accept the challenge of a saber duel, but do not simply fire upon the
saberist unless he attacks you with fury. Tell the saberist that you
wish to fight with weapons if that is your choice, do not disgrace the
honorable challenge.
5. NEVER interrupt a lightsaber duel. When a warrior is engaged in
combat with another, it is a breach of honor to interfere with the
battle.
6. Likewise, Leave combatants alone in combat. It is understood that
this is sometimes not possible, and it is often that combat degrades
into a frenzied 'furball', but the most honor lies in killing a foe in
single combat, so interfering with such a battle takes away from both
warriors' honor.
7. An Iron Knight must speak with respect for everything that surrounds
him or her, or they will not be given respect in kind. Profanity
towards another being that is meant to harm is prohibited. If
verbally attacked, one MUST try and resolve the conflict before
violence or profanity begins on our part. It is at the discression of
the Knight when the line is drawn, and where one must defend oneself's
honor. Profanity and Vulgarity are frowned upon, and it is always
better to fight back with one's saber or firearm. Act with honor in
all things, those who see the dealing that is going on will respect
you for it!
8. Extend battlefield courtesey. A few simple words of praise or
thanks can turn a humiliating defeat into a honorable loss. Commending
your opponent on well executed manouevers and displays of skill and
honor will usually allow for the same courtesey to be extended to you.
It is never honorable to insult, and even a battle in which nothing is
said and no recognition is given can turn into a sour experience.
9. As dictated by the Zellbringen, overkill brings no honor. The Iron
Knight's version of the Zellbringen allows the use of superior
firepower, but when confronting someone of considerable low skill with
weaponry, one must be courteous to not frustrate him. A various range
of weaponry when encountering such opponents is encouraged.
10. A Warrior must always strive to better oneself, continually work
to home in on one's weaknesses and to defeat them. No human, Jedi or
not is perfect. It is the Iron Knight's responsibility to enlighten
and strenthen oneself!
11. The Zellbringen is a guideline for the Iron Knights, not to be
taken word for word. This is a sure fire way to honor and respect,
but there is always the more serious times where one must do what is
necesary to defend Imperial Honor. Keep all in context, moderation is
the key. Honor is life, but one must sometimes sacrifice perfection
for the good of the Knighthood and the Empire.
