Hospitaller: Knights of St. John (Part 4)

A supplement for For Church Knight: the Cainite Crusade otherwise known as Militia Christi

Written and compiled by Jamie Seidel October 1996

Chapter Five: Defenders of the Faith

The Modern Order

And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
-- Revelations 6:8

When Napoleon swept through the Mediterranean, the Knights who had withstood the Turks two and a quarter centuries before were unable to offer resistance. They were summarily expelled by Napoleon, who claimed Malta for France, only to lose it again to the British fleet under Horatio Nelson.

A period of confusion ensued. For the Order of St. John. After being expelled from Malta in 1798 the Knights of St. John were homeless for the third time in their history. It was not until 1834 that the Knights were able to establish for themselves a new base in Rome.

Despite the loss of their island, the knights adopted the additional title Order of Malta to differentiate themselves from the "breakaway" Protestant Orders of St. John being formed in Britain and Germany. With their last military stronghold now in British hands, they devoted themselves once again to hospital work. During the century that followed, this work earned them considerable prestige as they were the only organised medical-based relief force available in the world.

With the Order removed from its seat of power, the shadowy forces behind the governments of all Europe acted with resolve to finally rid themselves of this thorn of faith in their side. The Templars had been overthrown in 1307 and the Teutones were already in deep decline. Now the opportunity to prevent the Knights of Malta from re-establishing themselves beckoned.

Although the weak Grand Master Fra Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim never abdicated his position after the fall of Malta, a group of disillusioned knights illegally elected the Emperor of Russia as Grand Master in 1799. When this bizarre episode ended with Emperor Paul's death in 1801, the future began to look brighter. The British had recaptured Malta. However, the powerful nation refused to return it to the Knights.

Now all the influence of Ventrue and Toreador political intrigues was brought to bear against the Order. The French priories had already been confiscated after the French Revolution as the Order had been found guilty of attempting to help King Louis XVI escape. When Napoleon conquerored Italy, he saw that the Order's property there was also confiscated. In 1802 the government of Spain confiscated the Orders property in that country. This was followed by Germany, Venice and Lombardy in 1806. In 1810 the priory of Russia was confiscated, with the handful of knight-commanders retreating to their grand priory in Sicily. However, even this was taken from them in 1826, followed by the priory of Portugal in 1834.

With only the grand priory of Bohemia and some Austrian commanderies left in the Orders possession, it began to look as though the there was very little future left for the Knights of Malta.

Nevertheless, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta refused to despair. It was resolved to prepare the Order for an existence of exile -- a life made possible because of its diverse membership from among the nobles of Catholic Christendom. Despite the rantings of politicians, the general public still held sympathy for the Knights of Malta. Authors and political commentators stoically defended the Order against the constant barrage of political attack and character assassination.

This resolved paid off, first with the re-establishment of the Grand Priory of Rome in 1816.

The Ventrue and Toreador had over-played their hand. The influence of the Vatican began to bite back, with new governments and royal families restoring confiscated properties to the Order. The Grand Priories of Naples, Sicily, Lombardo and Venice were restored in 1839 -- three years after a new headquarters was established in the former Embassy of St. John at the Palazzo Malta, Rome. Austria, Italy, Germany and Finland followed suit.

But the Order itself was in disarray. It had not been able to organise a Grand Chapter for the legal election of a Grand Master. A papally appointed Lieutenant Master was to lead the Order until the early 20th century when a gathering of Knights of Justice was once again possible. By 1921 the Order's strength had recovered, with 1800 members of all grades -- among them 40 Knights of Justice and 250 Knights of Honour and Devotion.

In the 1930s the League of Nations talked about returning Rhodes to the Order, as part of Turkey's reparations for World War I. This idea was raised again after World War II, though it came to nothing. Fortunately the Maltese look back on the days the knights ruled over them with a sense of nostalgic pride. The fortress and chapel of St. Angelo was returned to the Order in the 1950s -- much to the consternation of Ventrue involved with Napoleon's successful invasion.

The prestige of the Order was such that, after World War II, the fledgling United Nations even considered handing over Jerusalem to the Order to hold as an open city for Jew, Palestinian, Moslem and Christian alike. However, non-Christian nations wouldn't have a bar of it.

In 1979 the Sovereign Militant Order numbered 9562 full knights, a thousand of whom were American and more than three thousand of which were Italian. In 1992, the Order had grown to more than 12,000 full knights with most of that growth coming from the United States. The number of Knights of Justice remains steady, with about 50 having taken the full vows of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience just as their brother-knights did 700 years ago.

The Hospitallers were among the first to perceive the existence of vampires and their slaves within the Holy Land. Wounded pilgrims brought to its Jerusalem hospital often bore marks stranger than any sword blow. The Hospitallers, remarkably advanced in medical knowledge for their era, rapidly recognised one of these ailments as blood loss.

Other deluded pilgrims told tales of demons of the night that lurked the crossroads between Jerusalem and the sea. Until now, no-one paid much attention to these obviously sun-struck individuals. But a spate of blood-loss victims caused the Hospitallers, at this time non-militant, to ask the Templars to extend their patrols into the evenings.

The results were instantaneous. The first patrol disturbed a feeding vampire. It cost the lives of several knights before the creature was detained and questioned -- only to smoulder into ashes as the morning sun rose.

This event, more than any other, propelled the Hospitallers into adopting the sword of knighthood. This was a new and serious threat. Simple men-at-arms were not sufficient to combat the supernatural enemies of the Church. Only a knight strong in both the sword and the Word could face a demon without peril to his own soul.

The Holy Land was in turmoil. It was a lonely outpost in a pagan world. Enemies surrounded it on all sides, except from the sea. The Hospitallers massed their knights and sergeants against the armies of man. But several bands of knights roamed the country side and towns at night -- looking for an enemy of a far more threatening kind.

The black-clad knights became greately feared by all creatures of the night. Only their expulsion from this ancient land would ensure the bite of their sword would no longer be felt. Many dark plots were hatched to this end.

Today, from their headquarters at Palazzo Malta in Rome overlooking the Vatican, the Order is once again emerging as a a strong military force: though this time covert.

There is an emergency aid section to provide help in case of natural disaster. There are hospitals and leper camps run by the Order in many countries. And, like their brother Protestant Orders of St. John in Britain, Germany, Holland and Sweden, the Knights of Malta has its own ambulance service. In Northern Ireland, ambulances of the English order of St. John and of the Sovereign Militant Order are on the streets simultaneously, ministering to the needs of their respective denominations and communities.

Under international law, the current status of the Knights of Malta is still that of an independent sovereign principality. The Grand Master is recognised as a head of state, with a secular rank equivalent to a prince and an ecclesiastical rank equivalent to a cardinal. The Order maintains formal diplomatic relations with more than 40 countries, especially in Africa and in Latin America, and in those countries its envoys enjoy standard diplomatic privileges.

Unlike purely charitable institutions, the members of the Order of Malta have a very special and particular responsibility to "lead an exemplary Catholic life, and to follow the magisterium of the Church" (Grand Master Bertie, 21 April 1989). This duty and both the honor and obligations of membership require the Order, its knights, dames and donats, to provide an example of leadership. The eight-pointed white Cross is a badge of religion, distinguishing those who bear it as members of a religious Order of the Roman Catholic Church and, as such, confers a direct, personal responsibility. Recent events in Eastern Europe have left a moral vacuum and a potential breakdown of society which the Order of Malta is well-placed to counter. The Order, unlike many of the leaders of the Church, never compromised with the communist regimes and, with its long-standing historic connections in the countries concerned, is now in a position to embark upon a new mission, restoring civilized Christian values to these severely disrupted societies.

A deep religious commitment and extensive hospitaller and humanitarian activities, however, cannot be considered the only obligations of knights of Malta. The Order has always included the word "Military" in its title, and with good reason; in the words of a senior member of the British Association it is necessary "not only to support good works but to fight evil" and the Order is well placed to play an active role not only on a local, national level but in the international sphere.

Eternal Warfare

"From my Saviour's Cross I draw my noble blood -- from it, as page and as soldier I was a monk. I accounted it all my joy and all my riches. By it I overcame the Grand turk in battle."
-- fra Gabriel

With the Order's re-awakening to the Cainite threat, it has exploited its international recruiting network to establish a core of knights devoted to hunting down and removing their corrupt influence from humanity. But their original vocation is still impressed upon them -- that it is the sick and poor who gave the orders, and it is the duty of the brethren to obey them.

This places a much greater level of demand upon a Knight of St. John than his Templar or Teutonic brethren. Singleness of purpose is not a luxury a Hospitaller can enjoy.

But the Order of Malta's position is also highly advantageous. The international reach of its diplomatic and relief agencies provides a vital supportive base to almost all covert operations. While the reach of this influence is not as widespread as that of the Templars association with Freemasonry, it is much more valid and legally recognisable. It is also less subject to the internal power-plays and hidden agendas so rife among the brother masons.

The 21st Century Order of Malta is, needless to say, ideally placed for intelligence work. Its network of membership is international and at the same time well organised. Its hospital and medical services often place it strategically at points of crisis -- as in Northern Ireland and the former Yugoslavia. Its membership extends from medical staff and ambulance drivers to important figures in politics, business, diplomacy and finance who have access to spheres that ordinary priests would not.

Much of this intelligence gathering activity is not traditional espionage and counter-espionage work. The Order's very structure functions as an ideal conduit for intelligence gathering procedures. A great deal of it simply comes from "informal" chats between members. Thus, for example, a cardinal and a high-ranking intelligence officer, both of whom happen to be knights, may come together at one or another of the Order's social functions. Each may introduce the other to an influential banker or a prominent politician. In this way a project may be implemented and coordinated without any official directives or vulnerable reports and assessment files. The lack of such tell-tale paperwork trails is incredibly valuable in maintaining secrecy about exactly what the Order knows and is up to. The freedom of the Order to manoeuvre in such ways is facilitated by its diplomatic prestige, its relatively low profile, its international networks and the respect attached to its humanitarian endeavours.

In consequence, the Knights of Malta are closely associated with the Vatican's own Intelligence Department.

The Order has become a primary channel of communication between the Vatican and the CIA, and it is a relationship the knights do not attempt to hide. In 1946 the CIA's station chief in Rome received a decoration from the Order for his counter-intelligence work. Another CIA operative, Dr Luigi Gedda, also received this award. In 1948 the Knights awarded their highest decoration, the Grand Cross of Merit, to General Reinhard Gehlen, head of the West German Secret Service -- at the time little more than a branch of the CIA. Gehlen had previously been in charge of Hitler's spy network in Russia. Cardinal Francis Spellman in New York -- a CIA operative when in Guatemala -- became "Spiritual Adviser" to the American Knights of Malta in the 1950s. This was an unfortunate association for the Order, and Spellman joined with another American cardinal in an attempt to take-over the Order for their own political purposes. It is also not uncommon for Directors of the CIA to be members of the Order. In the early 1980s director William Casey was a knight, as was his predecessor John McCone. Many existing members hold positions such as deputy chief of counter intelligence, internal affairs director and coordinator of threat assessment. Many US diplomats also hold membership of the Order -- making many US embassies "friendly" toward the knight's activities in remote regions of the world. Other knights include the former chief of French Intelligence, former chiefs of the Italian Secret Service and chiefs of the Spanish Military Intelligence.

Originally only a channel for the Vatican, the Order formally organised its own Intelligence wing during the 1960s. While supplying the Vatican with diplomatic and political information, it also serves to provide the Order with much detail on supernatural influences in a wide variety of areas. While the number of operatives is small, they are often ideally placed to relay information gathered by other intelligence services. Like most secret service operatives, their links to the Order are deeply hidden and only revealed under the most extreme circumstances.

Political Shadow-Play

The Order of St. John has long since realised that it will encounter a Cainite's political machinations long before any tangible link is drawn to an individual. To this end the Order's own political strength must be brought to play.

It was the Templars failure to recognise this appreciably that contributed toward their spectacular demise. The Hospitallers themselves were almost brought down at a time when its popularity and diplomatic support was at a low ebb.

Political intrigue is a delicate balance of reputation, honour, public perceptions and personal alliances. It is just such a game that the Order's diplomatic corp plays with high stakes.

In many ways the efforts of the Order's diplomats, intelligence operatives and political associates are far more significant than the role of knight-combatants. For it is from the halls of power, and the shadowy rooms behind them, that comes the greatest threat of the supernatural. Despots such as Hitler and Pol Pot are the tools through which evil advances its cause. The Order must find ways to destroy the schemes of Corruption before they bare their bloody fruit. Often this means abandoning a covert hunt for those directly involved and exposing the Order's hand by directly blocking dangerous power plays.

It is rare for such shadowy manipulators of politics and power to reveal themselves in such a way as to allow combatant Knights to slip behind their guard.

The modern knights on the cutting-edge of the fight against evil come from all social castes, classes and backgrounds. What is common between them are their devotion to a cause: the eradication of the cainite curse upon mankind.

This core group of combatant knights is carefully hidden within the existing structure of the Sovereign Militant Order. While they answer to their own Knight Marshal, they are dispersed throughout the Order's other humanitarian operations. When not wearing their intimidating combat uniform of fire retardant suit, mask, helmet and body armour, these knights can be found at the surgeon's table conducing eye-operations for the destitute and homeless. Others can be found at diplomatic gatherings in the ballrooms of the world, or distributing food-aid to the hungry victims of natural and man-made disasters. But all are ready at a moments notice to don their fighting gear and help rid the world of another corrupt spirit.

While the "above the law" status they once enjoyed and the freedom of movement it conveyed is long gone, the reach and reputation of the Order's humanitarian mission has restored a high degree of mobility to operations. Diplomatic immunity, direct influence with the world's leading bureaucrats and governments -- and a certain tolerance allowed because of its indispensable charity work -- allows knights to move about with little impediment. Only the most overt breach of secrecy and security cannot be "covered up." In such cases, knights realise that they must be left to their own resources in order to protect the Knights of Malta from any damaging public exposure.

New Novitiate

No religious vocation, no aptitude for hospital work, for fighting or for administration is needed to enter the ranks of the Hospitallers. Nor is nobility a necessary pre-requisite. But they are all highly advantageous traits -- especially in a Knight of Justice. What is required is an inherent holiness, a strong and true desire to assist those in need and to maintain God's law. Once in the Order, however, the applicant's skills and talents are assessed so that they can be trained to reach their maximum potential.

The upper grades of the Order are still fastidiously aristocratic. The most senior knights must display a coat of arms dating back at least 300 years in unbroken succession from father to son. But in the New Worlds of America and Australia, the knights consist almost entirely of Knights of Magistral Grace who are not asked for proofs of nobility.

Membership of most Militant Orders is by invitation only. However, the Hospitallers are too large and well-known an organisation for this to be realistic.

The Order has many segments, including disaster relief, hospital service, medical research and diplomatic attachments, around the world.

It is impossible to extend in-depth background checks to every member.

Also, the militant monks of the Hospitallers are much more visible than those of the Templars and Teutones. They have an undeniable public profile, especially among the public of Rome and the nobility of Italy, England, Germany and Hungary in particular.

As a result, they have many more applicants for the "quaint" role of monastic knight. While the vast majority of these are little more than dreamers, extremists and pranksters, the Hospitallers also attract the attention of disaffected Inquisitors, concerned priests and motivated members of diverse congregations.

Some of the Order's best operatives have simply "stepped in off the street."

Each candidate's application is closely scrutinised. A commission of four members of the Order is set up to examine each case. It calls witnesses and visits the candidate's family, workplace, congregation and friends.

Special dispensations can be granted by the papacy to compensate for a lack of nobility, a previous divorce or other similar barriers for the rank of Knight of Justice. If dispensations cannot or will not be granted, it is still possible for the applicant to become a lay-brother who has taken the same stringent vows as the Knights, but only earns the title of sergeant. Lay brothers still possess votes in the councils, are allowed high-ranking positions and are held in great respect. In fact, a Sergeant First Class actually out-ranks a Knight of Grace and Devotion.

It is also still theoretically possible for a sergeant to be elected as Grand Master.

The Sovereign Militant Order still requires proof of nobility for its Knights of Justice and Knights of Obedience. Knights of Grace and Devotion, however, need only to subject themselves for an analysis of their genetic history to determine any Lycanthrope extraction or tainted Ghoul heritage.

Novices are usually assigned to a chapter house close to their place of origin. The local Knight Commander would begin instruction in the traditions and requirements of the Order while encouraging the novice to determine his fields of expertise.

Once the Commander feels the novice is ready (usually after six months), he is sent to Rome where an individualised training course is devised. The novice may spend the next three to four years in study, attending secular and church universities. Three days a week are set aside for combat training. The novice must stay in a common house if aspiring to be a Knight of Justice, while other applicants may receive dispensation to stay with friends or family.

Novices rarely get a chance to choose their own field or career. Their talents and abilities are assessed before being directed toward the fields of medical relief, research, diplomacy, espionage or combat. Each field has specific areas of training, all provided for (overtly or covertly) through the Vatican's own resources and training facilities.

The Fully Fledged Knight

The organisation and structure of the Order has changed little over the centuries. The political structures and ranks are the same. Grand Masters hold their same status, as do Knights Grand Cross, Piliers and Commanders. The only difference is that the formal side of the Order is smaller than the numbers of honourary members, associates and charitious works staff. A knight is more likely to end up commanding a hospital than an estate, and leading a troop of ambulance officers than mercenaries.

The Order of St. John is still a hereditary-based organisation. To represent this noble class structure in the modern world, three separate classes of knight have been created -- with sub-categories representing the type of vow undertaken. These classes are:

First Class: (allowed Gifts, Prayers and Rituals) Knights of Justice Professed, Conventual Chaplains, Ad Honorum (lay brothers)

Second Class: (allowed Gifts and Prayers) Knights of Obedience, Donats of Justice

Third Class: (allowed Gifts) Knights and Dames of Honour and Devotion, Knights and Dames of Grace and Devotion, Knights and Dames of Magistral Grace, Donats of Devotion

Each class of knight is divided into a common rank structure. This rank structure has three Tiers based on seniority, or length of service. These are Knights Grand Cross, Small Cross and Knights. Within these Tiers are specific titles, such as Grand Master, Commander etc. Only the ranks of Grand Master and Seneschenal are restricted to any one Class -- Knights of Justice These ranks are, in order of seniority:

Knights Grand Cross:

Grand Master
Seneschenal
Knights Pilier:
Grand Chancellor
Grand Conservator
Grand Commander
Grand Admiral
Turcopilier
Grand Pilier
Grand Priors (provincial commander)
Capitular Piliers (provincial legates)

Knights Small Cross
Knight Commander (estate commander)
Knight Commissioners
Knight Castellan
Knight Captains (naval)

Knights:
Knight Lieutenant
Knight

Personal Equipment

Hospitallers, by nature, tend toward lighter and more traditional weaponry in their crusade against Corruption. As such, the sword and bow are often items of choice to the exclusion of all other. This is not merely an anachronistic affectation: it fits well with with both the demands of their "underground" conflict and the strong code of conduct and responsibility Hospitallers subject themselves to.

The sword remains the most efficient method of dealing final death against a vampire. It is also an incredibly precise weapon -- with little or no chance of "collateral damage." Swords also tend to be much less of a threat in untrained hands than a gun. One subtle advantage is that swords are regarded as an item of curiosity: not lethality. It is much easier to get a gleaming longsword through customs than a fully optioned automatic shotgun.

Archery is a world recognised sport -- as is competition shooting. However, the bow has less of a lethal "reputation" than guns: a curiosity, less a concern. Bows require careful aim and action. While regarded as a drawback by the Teutones, the Hospitallers are attracted to the consideration and careful thought needed before a shaft is let fly. While providing a reduced chance of harming unlucky innocents through ricochet and unspent bullets, a shaft has a more than powerful enough effect on the enemy.

A small "forearm shield" is an important recent addition to the knight's personal equipment. Reaching from the hand to the elbow, the oval-shaped titanium and kevlar sheet offers protection against both bladed and ballistic weapons. It's collapsible design allows it to fold in half for discrete storage with the sword and bow.

A shoulder bag based on a design used by archers has been developed to "openly conceal" the knights "tools." With pouches for all necessary extras (such as gaffa tape), the bag is highly portable and convenient. The fact that everything is neatly packed "in the open" helps convince any inquiring minds that the items are for "recreational" use only.

Hospitaller Creed

Do not hurt
where holding is enough;
do not wound
where hurting is enough;
do not maim
where wounding is enough;
and kill not
where maiming is enough;
the true knight of Christ is one
who does not need to kill.

The Order of St. John's humanitarian background has had a strong influence on the modern character of its knights.

Only two hundred years ago, Hospitallers joyfully went into battle wielding blunderbuss, rapier and pistol in order to kill in the name of their God.

Now their attitude has changed.

Killing is seen as an act of last resort. Nurture and redemption is the true reason for the existence of the Order. Ghouls and other slaves of the enemy are to be pitied and protected as they have often succumbed only to human weakness -- not evil.

While the true servants of Satan can only be expelled by the sword, even some vampires and lycantropes have demonstrated true repentance and a desire to be saved from what they have become. All things deserve the best chance for life.

Espionage Operations

The single largest area of intelligence gathering for the Order is simply the debriefing of its members. Many diplomatic attache' serve only to move among members of the Order of Malta that hold positions high in intelligence, military fields, politics and finance. These attache' are ideally placed to link obscure pieces of information gleaned through "informal" chats with these sympathetic "ears." If a lead is considered important, the "old-mates" network is exploited to arrange interviews or "social chats" with other powerful figures in whatever field is involved. This form of intelligence gathering is among the most rewarding and dangerous. The information trails are often difficult to unravel, but it is a process that is hard to trace -- if the operative is discrete in his line of questioning. If a subject becomes suspicious, however, the attache' situation may deteriorate dramatically.

However, old-style field-work is still a vital component. A fireside chat over a glass of red wine may reveal without a doubt an intrigue to damage the Order's interests, but the paperwork and physical evidence is necessary before any substantial action to block the move can be made.

Such operatives are scattered throughout the world, living normal lives as "sleepers" until the Order calls their services. Only then are their finely tuned skills called into play -- often involving evidence gathering in the time-honoured James Bond style.

Also helping in the information gathering task are groups of telephone and fax interceptors -- including the ubiquitous white-vans full of delicate detection devices.

Recently added to this scene has been a handful of highly skilled computer hackers. These unconventional individuals are given much leeway within the Order, operating in the glow of their computer screens in darkened rooms to penetrate the computer networks of major banks, political parties, interest groups and individuals to unravel the trails of intrigue that are invariably stretch across international boundaries.

But most important among all intelligence operatives is the counter-espionage unit. Comprising a small group of the most trusted knights, this unit seeks to expose the plants, sleepers and spies within the Order itself. The diversity, size and dispersion of its relief agencies leave the Order of St. John open to such penetration. While the dictates of true faith protects the core, it is not impossible for a false member to cause the knights great harm and scandal through their behaviour, intelligence gathering or incitement. The Knights of St. John are well aware of the dangers of rot within their own organisation. The loss of Malta stands as mute testimony toward letting one's own guard down.

Research Operations

With a wealth of medical expertise at its fingertips, it is hardly surprising the Militant Order has chosen its best biologists, DNA analysts and researchers to undertake a detailed study of what makes supernatural creatures "tick."

These experts have combined with similar Vatican research teams and share facilities in underground vaults below the holy city itself. The strictest security is imposed upon this site. Knights from all three Orders guard the only entrance. Most Vatican residents believe this is the Militant Order's armoury. High-tech sensors and screening devices monitor every inch of the three-storey premises and regular random checks are conducted on all rooms and records.

Along with vaults containing evil relics -- such as human-skin books of demon lore -- are repositories for tissue, blood and hair samples taken from encounter scenes. Several complete Kindred and Lycanthrope corpses are also held.

In depth analysis of these specimens are starting to bear results. A chemical compound has been synthesised that is believed to be capable of forcing a were creature to undergo its change. Similar substances are under development to congeal blood infected with the essence of vampirism -- now understood to be a powerful gene-altering virus. Among the doctors and research scientists are some of the Church's top Theologians: hoping to formulate new prayers based upon their greater understanding. In recent years the wards surrounding the facility have been frequently "tested," raising fears of an impending assault.

Inter-Order Cooperation

The three international Militant Orders have shared a long and turbulent history. While established to serve a common purpose, their individual goals have often caused clashes of pride. Under the spirit of renewed purpose that currently prevails, the Orders are cooperating at a level never seen before. It is hoped relationships stay that way as the Orders expand and mature once again.

The Hospitallers and Knights Templar have had a difficult past -- a fact unfortunately reflected in modern operations. A suspicion still lingers among the Knights of the Temple that the Hospital was more than a little involved in the conspiracy to overthrow the Order in the early 14th century. The fact that no similar charges were laid against the Hospitallers and that most Templar property was quickly handed over to it is still a cause of resentment. This, combined with the traditional sense of competition between the two oldest and largest Militant Orders, still "colours" their relationship. In modern times this division is embodied in the differing senses of religion: the Hospitallers maintain a strict observance of traditional ways while the Temple follows an almost heretical approach of tolerance and individual determination. The Templar lifestyle, while devout, is by no means monastic. In times of weakness, Knights of St. John have been known to heap scorn on their "lax" counterparts. The Sovereign Militant Order feels the Grand Master of the Temple is less than fully forthcoming about his true intentions, knowledge and strength. But no request for assistance or support has yet been turned down.

Little rivalry mars the history of the Hospital and the Teutonic Knights. Each Order had its own separate arena of operations: mainly Rhodes and Poland, preventing their purposes from clashing. In fact, these two Orders possibly have the strongest relationship of the three. The Teutonic Knights are still largely adherent to their traditional ways, though reform processes are under way. The cooperation between the Deutchritter and the Hospitaller Bailiwick of Brandenburg during World War II has left a deep respect between many senior knights -- as well as the common sense of loss for those executed under Adolf Hitler. The Hospitallers often rely upon Teutonic combat teams to supplement their own forces in more hostile regions.

Order Personalities

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
-- Edmund Burke, 1729-97.

Fra Andrew was elected as the first English Grand Master of the Order for seven centuries in 1988. One of seven British Knights of Justice, Fra Andrew has gained much popularity among the Italian and English publics as the "crusader pope." Among his achievements has been the consolidation of the Order's renewed militant activities and the expansion of scientific research into the nature of its supernatural enemies. But most of the Grand Master's time is necessarily taken up with the more public face of the Order of St. John -- such as matters of state, diplomatic negotiations for its charity services and coordination of relief efforts. His presence is also often required in Rome as a papal advisor and delegate to cardinal committees.

His reign has been one of firm conservatism, adhering to the tried and true ways of the Rule and Customs -- but understanding enough to accept the necessary changes within the Order that reflect the world about it.

Formerly the deputy director of French Military Counter-Intelligence, Juan Cerda has held a long career in the Order's own espionage service. This background has had a heavy influence on the Order's militant activities. Most surgical strikes and cleansing actions have been closely tied to espionage related missions. Fra Cerda is fully aware that simply hacking off a vampire's head is not a total solution. First, the creature's far reaching power structure must be dismantled and its evil influence lanced from society before it is itself destroyed. Otherwise, the reins are simply left behind for another to pick up. The Grand Marshal has created a small but highly efficient core of knights-combatant. The only major criticism raised against his style is that of over-reliance upon the Order's affiliate members. Concern is often raised that these people, including pilots, diplomats and bankers, are not reliable enough to entrust with the fate of a knight-combatant. But Fra Cerda remains unconcerned -- maintaining faith in the abilities of the Order's counter-intelligence operatives to expose any such bad seeds.

One of the first Americans to gain a significant rank within the Sovereign Militant Order, Fra Kalvern has brought the radical and direct approach of his countrymen to the position of Grand Commander. Fra Kalvern knows what he is talking about, and doesn't attempt to hide it. When it comes to matters of medical policy, emergency relief requirements and operation of the Order's hospitals, his actions are fast and to the point. While his techniques often upset the sentiments of staid European conservatives who believe in a more subtle approache to such issues, he is recognised as at least being efficient. However, his direct manner has often brought him in conflict with Fra Cerda. Fra Kalvern does not like the idea of medicos and relief teams "piggy-backing" knights. His outspoken belief is that such actions endanger the Order's reputation. The situation has degenerated into a power-play between the two men, with one citing military imperatives and the other medical privilege. While the Order's operations have not yet been severely affected by this conflict, many fear the argument will soon get out of hand.

The prioress of the Order's nuns and decorated Dame of Devotion, Mother Vilelle is a stoic believer in the clear definitions between male and female responsibilities within the Catholic Church. No sister dares whisper of inequality and unfairness under her stern leadership.

Femmes Fatale

"Guard yourself at night time, against the evil women, who, completely enveloped in their mantles and filling all the streets, pursue their abominable trade of allurement, importuning the passers-by while seeking to cloak their sins under pretext of begging alms."
-- Knight of Justice Camillo Spreti to a nephew who had just become a novice in Malta.

Celibacy is not an easy vow to uphold. It goes against all earthy desires. But a knight becomes wedded to the Church when he takes his monastic vows. Celibacy is a mark of commitment -- a sacrifice made to demonstrate a knight's devotion to their cause.

Among knights it has an added advantage: no mourning widows upon their deaths. Such a lack of emotional ties also promotes courage and boldness among the brethren.

But celibacy is a weak link in the chain of a knight's vows. The vow of obedience can be upheld, even grudgingly. The vow of poverty is acceptable as all the knight's basic material needs are met by the order. But maintaining chastity is reliant purely upon the individual's willpower and devotion.

The Amazons were deliberately brought in by the Camarilla to exploit this weakness. Young novices, generally in their late teens, naturally found conventual life difficult. With the hormones of puberty still boiling in their veins, the attraction of a beautiful woman was almost magnetic. However, as all knights and novices took on their vows voluntarily, such temptation was more of a torment than a failing.

Unless it was encouraged.

The finely honed arts of allurement and arousal were brought to bear upon the knights of Malta with devastating effect. The powers of Ekstasis and Succubae provoked many a jealous duel to the death, encouraged broken vows and even dealt in death themselves when the opportunity arose. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned!

Chapter Six: Hospitaller Characterisation

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand,
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the
foundation of the world:
For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat:
I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:
I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
Naked, and ye clothed me:
I was sick, and ye visited me:
I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying,
Lord, when saw we thee hungered, and fed thee?
or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in?
or naked, and clothed thee?
Or when saw we thee sick,
or in prison, and came unto thee?
And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these,
my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
-- Matthew 25: 34-40

Stereotype

The knights of the Hospital were a strange hybrid of warrior, medic and monk -- unique within Christendom. The original knightly members that joined after the First Crusade were probably attracted to the idea of serving the innocent and unwell in God's own land. Treating the sick as though they were Christ was considered as holy an act as tending Christ himself. It was a sure path to salvation. But the younger sons of Dukes and Barons spent all their lives learning about the noble art of war. It was difficult to put aside their knightly profession completely. This restless few soon discovered a new way to serve their God. Surely, preventing the poor from harm was equally as pious as tending them afterwards? By guarding the pilgrims, were knights not guarding God himself?

The Hospitallers took this logic one step further than the Templars. Fighting for the innocent was not an end unto itself. Great works of charity were to set the Hospitallers apart, and helped attract those of a more pious nature.

Perhaps this is why the Hospitallers was the only Order to have any of its members achieve Sainthood.

The fundamental changes within society that mark the 20th and 21st centuries has also had an impact upon the make-up of the Order of St. John. Nobility is no longer considered a major definition within society. But certain classes of the Order remain eligible only to those with such a heritage. Nor are there younger sons of Dukes and Barons unlikely to inherit the land necessary for them to continue their knightly profession.

Instead, the modern recruits of the Hospitallers are drawn from a diverse range of civilian backgrounds. Be they common or noble, many have experience first hand the power of evil that infests this world. Many priests who become convinced that the threat of vampirism must be dealt with join the Order instead of the Inquisition because of its more humanitarian stance. Many doctors and social workers have found their way into the ranks of the militant monks -- often due to their experiences as part of St. John relief efforts in lands such as Somalia, the Middle East, Central America and Eastern Europe.

These new knights have strong personal motivations to serve God and mankind -- so much so that they are prepared to learn the art of war to prolong the survival of God's peace.

Putting aside the scalpel for the sword is not an easy task. Learning combat skills and attaining the degrees of fitness necessary takes time. As a result, the members of the Hospitallers tend to be older than the other Orders, but tend to hold more formal training and degrees from their civilian lives.

Like the knights of old, the Hospitallers emphasis on charity and humanitarian motives tends to attract a much more orthodox and caring class of recruit than the other Orders.

The perspective of these knights of St. John is also different. The emphasis is not upon ridding the world of the supernatural, but of protecting the innocent. Often this can result in the appearance that the Hospitallers are not as committed to the Cainite Crusade as the Templars and Teutones. But these perceptions are wrong.

Caring for the sick, providing for the destitute and comforting those in despair is what makes God's word worthwhile. Abandoning these crowning ideals for the sake of pursuing spawn of the devil is considered repugnant.

People come first.

Demons come last.

Character Class

Because the Sovereign Order of Malta is both a humanitarian agency and a Militant Order, the rank structure is somewhat complicated. It is possible to be a devoted Knight of Justice, without any militant role. It is also possible to be a simple Donat of Devotion, wielding a sword in the Cainite Crusade.

Knights of Grace and Devotion hold an honourary office, with little other than a vow to respect the Order and its policies. Other associates include noble Donats of Justice and commoners with the title Donats of Devotion. Attributes 6/4/3, Abilities 11/7/4, Backgrounds 5, Freebie 21, Virtues 7.

The term Novice is a broad one for the Order of St. John. It includes several classes of member, both militant and charitous. It includes Knights of Grace and Devotion and Knights of Honour and Devotion Attributes 6/4/3, Abilities 13/9/7, Background 6, Faith 1*, Freebie 24, Virtues 7.

The base rank of knight covers several classes of militant and humanitarian members within the Sovereign Order. These include the Knights of Justice, Knights of Obedience and the Ad Honorum (sergeants). Attributes 7/5/4, Abilities 19/15/11, Background 7, Faith 5*, Freebie 27, Virtues 9.

Training

Hospitallers generally enter the Order after achieving well respected positions within civilian life. This means many members are well versed in medicine, bureaucracy, theology, politics and/or science. The Order seeks to capitalise upon existing knowledge and skills through providing further training in related areas. Almost all new novices must be introduced into the world of supernatural warfare. The Order has several training facilities in its palace outside of Rome and under the headquarters in Malta.

However, most advanced training is done under the auspices of their Teutonic brothers at Marienburg castle -- an aptly remote and excellently equipped training ground.

To gain competency, a Knight must be trained in either a Major Knowledge/Skill to the level of five dots, or trained in two minor Special Skills to a level of four each.

All Knights must also be fluent in Latin and have demonstrated a clear devotion to their Code of Honour.

Religious Powers

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord,
and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places.
-- Ephesians 6: 10-12

Faith has a multitude of effects, even at the lowest levels. At its minimum it can be added to a character's Willpower and Virtue Rolls. In times of great need, if a character is entirely without Willpower points, then Faith points may be substituted.

Faith points that are lost in this manner are regained by simple acts of devotion. If the use of Faith as Willpower was successful, then lost Faith should be returned as easily as Willpower. If the use of Faith was a failure, then it should require more acts of devotion on the part of the character to regain it.

These acts of devotion are examples of what can be done to restore an individuals Faith. Always guided by the tenets of one religion, the common theme is one of self-sacrifice and contemplation.

Novenna: Utterance of a series of prayers for nine days in a row.

Meditation: Reading a chapter from the Gospels and meditating on its meaning and importance for an afternoon.

Almsgiving: Donating personal monies, time or skills to a charitous service.

Eucharist: Daily attendance in the Divine Liturgy for a week.

Confessional: Taking the time to consider and repent one's sins in a procedure accepted by their religious beliefs.

Flagellation: Generally only applicable for Medieval times, though some modern strict-observance monks continue the practice.

Storytellers may ask for a conscience roll based upon actions performed by a character during an encounter. Determine a difficulty rating based on the situation. But the standard is usually a 6. The following modifiers apply.

-2	An innocent is endangered as a result.
-1	Foe attacks without provocation
-1	Foe displays inhuman powers
-1	Foe is proven to be immoral
+1	Foe engages in kind-hearted activities
+2	Foe does not act at all in self defence

Conscience rolls should become a common event in Church Knight games. Was a little bit of sadistic pleasure involved? Was revenge too strong a motive? Was there really a better way out of the situation?

Chaplains can be the recipients of the combined Faith of those joining with him/her in a prayer or ritual. Some GM's may also allow those of Preceptor rank or higher to focus such a pool.

If the Faithful do choose to act in concert, all participants must be of the same religious tradition. This includes all those who call their religion Christian. But a Jew and a Christian cannot pool. Those who pool their Faith operate under the Faith rating of the member with the highest Faith rating, plus one level of Faith per participant.

This means that a band of knights with one chaplain (Faith 6) and three knight-sergeants (Faith 5) do not add up to a total of 21 Faith. The correct "pooled" Faith is 9. The roll is conducted by each player (the Chaplain rolls 6 die, each knight-sergeant 1).

This "pooled" Faith can be used for basic Faith actions, Beatific related powers and miracles. It cannot be used for Gifts or Prayers. Militant Order Rituals involve a different form of pooling Faith. Some Storytellers may wish to limit pooled Faith. Particularly for Militiae Christi, where there should be plenty of Faith present anyway.

One option is to simply limit pooled Faith to the action of requesting a miracle. Otherwise, a cap on the total amount of Faith that can be pooled can be put in place. Since Faith 10 is the highest attainable, perhaps no pool should exceed this.

A mortal with Faith on Holy Ground can add the site's Faith rating to their own. This adds to all basic, Beatific and Miracle rolls. It also adds to the Faith component of Gift, Prayer and Ritual Rolls. But it has no effect upon piety checks, either positive or negative. Holy Ground Faith levels do not allow a knight to attain the powers associated with higher levels of Faith.

Holy Ground also has effects upon supernaturals.

Vampires: Holy Ground is inherently repulsive to a vampire. It can resist a vampire's presence on its own merit, or supplement the powers of any of the Faithful attempting to defend the site. This works the same way as outlined earlier under the Faith section. Vampires who fail on their Courage roll to counter the repelling influence of Holy Ground must attempt to get out of its radius as quickly as possible. A botch on the Courage roll results in a derangement. If a vampire has True Faith, he can enter the site without a problem. But only a non-supernatural will still benefit from the power of Holy Ground if the vampire is exposed.

Werewolves: One major complication is caused by Holy Ground for shapechangers. When attempting to Rage, their difficulty is increased by the Holy Ground's Faith Rating. Umbral difficulties also increase according to the Faith level.

Mages: Holy Ground does not cause any particular direct difficulty for mages. However, Holy Ground does have its own countermagick dice pool equal to that of the Faith Level. This can also be added to the countermagick ability of a Knight or Novice.

Wraiths: Wraiths which are skinriding a mortal will have to make a Willpower roll, or expend a Willpower point, for every turn (difficulty the Holy Grounds Faith rating) on that site. It is also easier to ward Holy Ground than most other sites. Add the Faith of the site to the Knights Faith and Willpower ratings when establishing such a Ward.

Demons: Holy Ground is most inhospitable to demons and other infernal creatures. Any such creature wishing to enter Holy Ground must make a Willpower roll (Difficulty of 6 + the site's rating: maximum 9) each turn it is there. Even if successful, the Holy Ground's Faith rating must be subtracted from every dice action used by the demon.

Holy Ground can become "spoiled" through blasphemy and violence. This can vary from simple graffiti through to rape and occult rituals. While the ground is still considered Holy, it has most certainly been desecrated -- reducing any benefit the ground may have offered the Faithful. The loss in rank of the Holy Ground should be proportionate to the act committed. The Storyteller can roll the site's Faith with the following difficulties:

6	Minor blasphemy (graffiti)
7	Major blasphemy (serious damage)
8	Rape or Murder
9	Demonic summoning

If the roll is a success then no Faith is lost. If the roll is a failure, subtract one Faith for minor blasphemy, 2 for major blasphemy, 3 for rape or murder and four for demonic summoning. Exceeding the site's Faith rating does not produce evil ground. A botch causes total loss of the site's Faith rating.

Reconsecration involves a Chaplain conducting purification prayers and rituals on the Holy Ground. This spurrs the Ground to re-roll its remaining Faith, with the number of successes restoring lost levels. For sites that have lost all Faith, the rituals must involve one week of prayers and rituals, with the Chaplain rolling their own Faith to restore the ground's lost levels.

One often forgotten component of the Militant Orders is the role of Chaplain. Each Order has been granted the extraordinary right to have their own priests -- chaplains initiated into the secrets of their particular Rule.

These chaplains serve an important purpose: ensuring the spiritual well-being of the Knights and Novices as they fight eternal evil. They understand the pressures and trials that Knights of Christ must face. Thus, in the confessional and on the pulpit, they know what solice the soul of their unique congregation requires.

Dominus Vobiscum: Chaplains, as with most priests, are permitted to pass blessings upon another character -- even if that character does not have Faith. Hospitaller priests, following the Catholic Tradition, will usually consist of a sign of the cross being gestured above the person as a short prayer is uttered.

System: Roll Faith (Difficulty 8)

Successes	Result
1	The character feels better, but nothing else happens.
2	A temporary Willpower point is gained.
3	A temporary Willpower point is granted, as is one additional die on any one Ability roll made.
4	A temporary Willpower point is granted along with two additional dice on any one Dodge or Soak that must be made.
5	A temporary Willpower point is granted, plus three additional dice on one upcoming Dodge or Soak.

This ritual is one commonly found among the Conventual Chaplains of the Hospitallers. Known as "The Way of Remedy," this ritual combines with medical knowledge to knit bones, stop bleeding and actually reverse serious wounds. However, supernatural causes of aggravated wounds cannot be healed in this fashion.

While the knights of many Orders have means to heal themselves under extreme circumstances, this is a much gentler and less demanding method.

System: Roll Manipulation + Intuition.

Cost: One willpower point per ailment.

*	You can soothe minor pains.
**	Sprains and minor infections heal quickly. Those Bruised, Hurt or Injured heal twice as quickly.
***	All injuries up to Crippled heal twice as fast. You can temporarily lessen the dice penalties by one level for damage through to Crippled. Incapacitated characters can get to their feet and move. The wounds still require treatment, though.
****	You can heal chronic diseases such as arthritis, but it takes time and effort. Even Incapacitated characters will heal twice as fast as normal, and you touch banishes all but the worst pain.
*****	You can heal even deadly conditions such as spinal cancer, but it takes a lot out of you and requires weeks of treatment. Broken bones and major trauma can be healed within one week.

Holy water is simply relatively clean water, usually from a spring or well. This water is usually placed in a holy reliquary next to a baptismal font. Historically, this holy water was freely available for any members of a parish to use. In modern times, it is not as freely available.

Water blessed by any priest -- even without True Faith -- will have a Faith rating of 1. If blessed by a bishop, or blessed on a major holy site, the water will have Faith of 2.

Water blessed by a priest with True Faith will gain a Faith rating equal to that of 1 point for every 2 the priest possesses. Holy water does not act like a holy relic: its Faith rating does not supplement that of its bearer.

Holy water remains "fresh" for about a month on holy ground and deteriorates faster elsewhere (2 weeks in normal terrain, days on "tainted" ground).

Faith	Effect
*	Causes discomfort to supernaturals, noticed by a mortal making a Perception + Empathy roll, difficulty of target's Willpower.
**	Can inflict aggravated damage equal to the water's Faith rating.
***	An unbroken line of holy water of this value can form a barrier against all manner of dark creatures. Opponents must make a Stamina roll (difficulty 10) to step over this barrier.
****	The presence of this water will affect ghouls and even humans of low humanity.
*****	When sprinkled about, the holy water forms a "safe zone" from supernatural powers (immune to Presence, Dominate, Obfuscate etc). However, creatures can use powers that affect themselves (Fortitude, Potence etc). The effect is only for one day and one night.

This is a form of holy water that has its powers specifically focussed on healing. While inherently holy, the water does not have the same properties as holy water. It's healing properties are dramatically effective, however.

Use the wielder's Faith + Medicine (difficulty 6 for normal damage, 9 for aggravated). Successes equal levels healed.

The Faith rating of Graal water is affected in the same manner as holy water (graal water Faith = Faith of maker etc). It also deteriorates, though at half the rate of holy water. Its properties also vary with Faith rating:




Faith	Properties
*+	Standard roll.
*****	-1 for normal difficulty.
******	-1 for aggravated difficulty.
*******	-2 for normal difficulty.
********	-2 for both normal and aggravated.

Graal water has an opposite effect upon the supernatural "enemies" of the Church. Instead of raising Health Levels, it will lower them.

Almost 2000 years of history has caused the Church to amass a vast array of relics associated with its greatest and finest members. It is not the relic itself that generates its power: but the Faith of those who believe in its association with the powers of good. Some of these relics are particularly useful in the Order's pursuit of the Cainite Crusade.

Relics were particularly important during the Middle Ages. To have something associated with the Saints was to ease one's own path to heaven. Almost every noble spent great portions of their treasuries attaining such dubious relics upon the conquest of the Holy Land. Whether or not it is truly associated with what it is said to be, it is the belief of the masses that counts. For example, scientists have produced some questionable evidence that the Shroud of Turin is a Middle Ages forgery. Whether it is genuine or fake makes no difference. Because people have and still do believe in it, its Faith rating remains at 6. Unfortunately, the same applies to pagan idols. Statues of Baal -- dormant for centuries -- can still contain the Faith of their worshippers.

The Relic: Most relics are associated with the Saints. Only the most holy of relics are associated with Christ himself. These often take the form of a mummified portion of the Saint's body, such as a fingerbone (or hand, in the case of St. John). Others are pieces of personal property owned by a Saint, such as his sword, robes, cross or rings. The most holy of relics are those associated with the One True Cross.

The Reliquary: Holy objects such as bones or fragments are used to contain and protect the relic. It is often a simple box, or equally as often an ornate and bejeweled container. Many reliquaries are unportable because of their size and weight. Others are simply too fragile, risking damage to the relic inside. Some, such as Crusader Swords, are designed to carry the relic safely into battle.

The Power of Relics: Relics have a permanent Faith Rating, much like Holy Ground. It supplements the Faith of a Knight or Chaplain, with the added benefit of allowing these faithful the use of abilities associated with that higher ranking. Most relics with a militant history, such as a dagger or sword, can inflict aggravated damage. Other relics have strange an inexplicable powers, often mimicking those associated with its original owner. Supernaturals directly touching a relic must soak aggravated damage (on the relic's Faith roll). Only a Strength roll (diff 8) with 5 successes can destroy a relic.

St. John the Baptist was adopted as the patron of the Order of the Hospital, and his feast-day became the most solemn festival in their calendar. The Hospitallers even went to the extent of purchasing his mummified arm from the Ottoman Emperor Bajazet to become their most treasured relic. It survives even today.

Shortly after the Knights of St. John were repulsed from the Holy Land, Dieudonne de Gozon slew an incarnation of Satan himself: a dragon. Combining his faith with his intelligence and creativity, he succeeded where many other knights had failed. His sword is preserved as an icon to the deed that earned him the title Dragonslayer.

The seemingly miraculous successful defence of Rhodes in 1479 by Grand Master d'Aubusson gave rise to another notable relic for the Order. The battered armour he wore during his inspired last stand -- and during which angels are said to have come out of the setting sun to repulse the Turks from the breached walls -- is a treasured icon to this glorious time.

When the Hospitallers were forced out of Rhodes they safely took with them their precious icon of Our Lady of Phlermo and the hand of St. John the baptist. The symbolic key to the gates of Rhodes was also taken -- a final act of defiance in the face of the victorious Suleiman. This icon was taken to Russia after the fall of Malta, and then to Yugoslavia after the 1917 revolution. It is now lost and the subject of several search teams.

Reverence is also placed in the formal armour of Grand Master La Valette who led the vastly outnumbered knights in a victorious defence of their newly established base on Malta. This armour has been worn by succeeding Grand Masters in times of great need in an attempt to become associated with his military genius.

Hospitaller Gifts & Prayers

Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
-- Ephesians 6: 13-17

These are abilities that Knights are able to call upon at any time, instantaneously. They are generally boons which allow the Knight to be aware of and deal with the supernatural forces of Darkness. Gifts apply to all members of the Militant Orders at all times. Any member, be he novice or knight, is given these abilities as a sign of Gods favour. The strength of many abilities do vary with Faith, and others may only be granted with particular Faith ratings. But they are still Gifts. Expenditure of Grace Points is often required -- though not always. Sometimes the warrior's Faith is all that he needs to empower his Will or Word with an ability. These are the only supernatural powers that a Novice has access to. Only Investiture as a Knight gives a character the status to learn the Prayers and Rituals. All of the powers outlined under White Wolf's Faith Table system are regarded as Gifts. Gifts are used at will, and only one Gifts can be used per turn.

The * rating before a Gift, Prayer or Ritual designates the number of Faith Levels required before that Holy Power becomes available. The numerical rating (say, 7) specifies what number of Grace Points must be expended to initiate the Power.

Panacea: The knight with this training can heal and help others with their powers. Many knights believe the healing properties of Panacea are in a sense "forgiveness" to the body for its wrongs, allowing it to heal, but all know how useful it is. Each level of Faith increases the strength of Panacea, thus gives the knight a new healing ability:

*** Sense Health: The knight can, by rolling Perception + Empathy, sense the condition of anyone they wish. This gives the character a sense of their current health level, any diseases, poisons or taint at work, etc. Additionally, the knights can sense supernaturals with this ability -- they can sense the thundering vitality of a garou, the near-death of a Life-Stealer, the void of a Ghost, etc.

**** Give Strength: By laying on hands, the knight is able to impart his strength to others, allowing a weakened warrior to fight on. The knight can give any of their Grace or Willpower points to another, no more than his Faith each turn. Note that the other still rolls against the same permanent Grace and Willpower scores he always had, they simply have more points to spend. ***** Absorb Wounds: The knight is able to absorb the wounds of another into himself. He rolls Panacea + Empathy, and each success draws one damage level into his own body. The knight can say ahead of time that he will limit how much he will absorb, but he will always absorb aggravated levels first.

* Scriptus: (1 Grace) This conveys the ability to read at an increased rate due to specifically heightened abilities. The rate at which printed matter can be read is 25 pages per turn. This rate cannot be increased.

** Memorise: (4 Grace) The ability to memorise text to the point of recitation can be extremely valuable for covert operations and special missions. It costs one point of Willpower to invoke this power and is limited to the supernatural memorisation of only one piece of work at a time. Success is based on a Will+Int roll:

1 success:	15 pages of text
2 successes:	50 pages of text
3 successes:	100 pages of text
4 successes:	500 pages of text
5 successes:	1000 pages of text

*** Intervene: (3 Grace) The character has the ability to intervene in an aspect of a subjects life. A wayward son who is drinking too much can be spoken to -- and he will listen! The final act of will remains the subjects.

System: Roll Manipulation + Empathy against the target's Willpower.

** Glow of the Kindred: (3 Grace) All Kindred within the character's line of sight glow with a pale light.

System: Upon concentration, Roll Perception + Empathy against a difficulty of 7. Compare the number of successes to any level of Obfuscate present to determine if it is penetrated -- ie 3 successes on the roll allows the character to see through Obfuscate 3.

**** Fear of God: (5 Grace) This power allows the Knight to paralyse a single target with overwhelming fear. The force of the Knight's Faith projects a pervading and crippling sense of nameless dread upon the target.

System: By spending 6 Grace Points, the user can paralyse another by rolling Charisma + Intimidation against a Difficulty of the target's current Willpower. The number of successes attained on this roll determines the number of turns that the target is immobilised. The target is allowed to spend a temporary Willpower point to gain a Courage roll to throw off the fear (Difficulty 6), with each success shortening the duration of the paralysis by one turn. Of course, breaking free of this effect in this way, even if attempted immediately will cause the target to expend his action. By raising the Difficulty to the Willpower of the strongest-willed victim +1 per additional target, the Knight can attempt to affect multiple targets with this power, although the successes must be divided amongst those affected (in any way the Kindred sees fit). With the increased difficulty reducing the number of successes overall and the dividing of successes, this option is not particularly common.

***** Voice of Command: (6 Grace) By making a Willpower roll, difficulty of the opponent's Willpower, the knight can command a target to perform one non-violent action. This command must be simple, clear, and direct, and it must be an action that the target is capable of performing (you can't command a Garou to fly if he has no wings, for instance). The victim must also be able to hear and understand the command. Once the action is performed, the victim is free. Commands which would require more than one action, like, "Pull out your klaive and attack your friend," would fail -- the victim would pull his klaive, but then be free to use it on whomever he pleased (the knight, for instance). The number of successes determines exactly what the knight can command. This Gift can only be used once on each opponent per scene, and its exact effects are up to the Storyteller.

Sacred formalised beseechments of God's intervention on this earth. Each of these Holy Prayers call for a specific power. If the supplicant has a great enough Faith, sufficient Grace Points and their need is just and true, then the Prayer will be answered and the Blessing granted. Only one Prayer can be used per turn, with no Gifts (even with God's Speed). Prayers are only available to Invested knights of the Orders. Novices are restricted to the Gifts.

Healing Hands: (see details). This is an extremely important blessing, considering knights and novices are mortals. While the blessings of God's Gifts and Prayers assist in humanity's combat against the Kindred, it does not remove their mortality. With the expenditure of One Willpower a knight may heal health levels of suitable mortals. Those with low humanities, who have been excommunicated or are otherwise condemned by god will receive no benefit from the act -- though the knight will still lose the appointed number of Grace Points. Healing Hands cannot be used more than once per day, per wound.

*****: Raise the health level of a mortal by one level per 2 Grace Points expended. One Willpower point must be expended per use.

*******: Raise the health level of a mortal by one level per 1 Grace Point expended, restore one level of aggravated wounds per 2 Grace Points. One Willpower point must be expended per use.

***** Contemplation: (1 Grace) The knight's training has progressed so far as to be able to harness the hidden depths of his soul, as well as speed up its recovery after exertion. The knight must succeed in making a Wits + Self Control roll in order to enter the contemplative state. Once there, the knight can recover spent Willpower. The knight must make a Wits + Theology roll, against a difficulty of 7 (+/- for the location: ie +2 for alongside a highway, while -2 if alone in a cathedral), with each success indicating a recovered Willpower. The Willpower is recovered at the rate of one point per fifteen minutes. If not enough time is spent in contemplation, or the knight is interrupted, the remaining successes are lost. The knight can never exceed his Willpower rating by use of this Prayer.

***** Sense The Sin: (3 Grace) By means of this power, the knight can learn about the targets personal failings and weaknesses, if any. Such things as derangements, low Willpower, Virtues or Humanity, addictions or compulsions are revealed by this power. Note that this power cannot reveal any knowledge the target may have, such as a crime committed, unless it is connected to a consistent flaw, such as kleptomania.

System: The knight makes a Perception + Empathy roll, difficulty of the target's Humanity/Path. The number of successes determines how much information is gained, and how accurate it is.

****** Forge Bonds: (7 Grace) Strengthens existing positive bonds (love, friendship) and causes those who are neutral to be better disposed to those around them.

System: The roll is made using Charisma + Empathy. The number of successes indicate how long the effect lasts. It will make enemies neutral and open to diplomacy.

****** Touch of God: (4 Grace) Touching a target and spending a Willpower point duplicates the effects of staking. The target has one chance to resist by rolling Fortitude at a difficulty of the Knight's Willpower; failure or botch indicates that the target is immobilised as if staked. In order to maintain this state the Knight must remain in contact and spend one Willpower point per minute.

******* Harrowing Conscience: (5 Grace) By the use of this prayer a Knight may raise a subject's Humanity by forcing them to confront their sins. The Target of the prayer is put into a stupor, him mind wandering in a dreamscape. The Target's sins personify themselves as demons in this dream world, attacking and tormenting him -- exposing the horror of his past actions. If the Target is able to emerge victorious from this dream conflict, one point of Humanity can be restored. If the Target fails, a further point is lost.

System: The Knight must touch the Target, using his Humanity + Faith versus their Target's Willpower. The number of successes equals the number of "humanity checks" the Target must make. Upon the action, the Target enters a dream state and must endure a heightened conscience. To determine the effects of his dream conscience, the Target must make a Perception + Conscience roll against a difficulty of his Humanity subtracted from 10. The number of Perception + Conscience rolls made is determined by the number of successes the Knight made. Each "successful" role on behalf of the Target increases his Humanity by 1.

******* Know Thine Enemy: (7 Grace) This allows the Knight to know merits and flaws, clan, generation, approximate skills talents, disciplines, approximate bloodpool, etc of an opponent. Roll Perception+Occult, target 7. The number of successes indicated amount and specificity of information. Opponents' Obfuscate ratings adds to the difficulty.

******** Curse of Michael: (Piety Point) By touching a single target and spending a Piety and a Willpower point, the Knight may dampen the use of a specified Discipline. For the remainder of the night, the target may not use one Discipline of the Knight's choosing. Note that this power does not grant knowledge beforehand of which, if any, Disciplines the target possesses.