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The Knights of Westmarch are a Paladin order in service of Westmarch.

Lore[]

Pure at heart, during the Darkening of Tristram, the knights closely followed the teachings of the Zakarum.[1] The knights have since become a largely secular order, more focused on defending Westmarch from physical rather than spiritual harm.[2] They are led by a knight commander.[3] The Duncraig Cross is awarded to nobles who lead knights in defense of the realm.[4] The Knights have their own coinage.[5]

Most of the Immortals serve as elite Knights of Westmarch, and ultimately owe their authority to Daedessa.[6]

History[]

Early History[]

The Knights of Westmarch were founded after Rakkis's conquest of Westmarch,[7] and were in service to the realm by the time King Korsikk came to the throne.[3] At some point, the Knights battled against the Veradani at Mount Zavain.[6]

The Knights used the Zakarum Cathedral in Westmarch as their headquarters before they became a more secular order.[8]

Recent History[]

In 1263,[9] the knights defeated the forces of King Leoric of Khanduras,[1] who had ordered an invasion of Westmarch.[10] An infantry charge by the Royal Army of Khanduras caught some knights off-guard,[11] but the battle was still a solid victory for Westmarch.[10]

After Mephisto's corruption of the Zakarum Church was revealed, the knights, eager to diminish their connections with such corruption, absorbed the Order of Paladins into their ranks.[7]

In 1285, a branch of the Templar under the command of Lord Norlun took control of the Zakarum Cathedral in Westmarch, renaming it the "Church of the Holy Order." They quickly established a sense of authority over the capital's citizens, even if they possessed no official standing. Tensions quickly developed between the Templar and the Knights of Westmarch. While some knights defected to the Templar, most remained true to their own order. The Zakarum Cathedral had once been the Knights' base of operations, and the slight of the Templar taking it as their own had not gone unnoticed.[8]

The Knights came to believe that the Templar were planning a rebellion against King Justinian IV. Whatever the truth of the matter, they made their move in the early hours of the morning. Under the command of General Torion and Commander Barnard, the plan was to make a show of overwhelming force, and to keep hand-to-hand combat to a minimum. Ideally, the people of Westmarch would wake up and have no idea as to what had occurred. Unfortunately for the Knights, their force was discovered, and combat began in the streets. Eventually, the Knights fought their way into the cathedral, by which point, the Templar had the disadvantage, as they were also under attack by the Horadrim. However, most refused to surrender, and vicious fighting raged in the cathedral's underground chambers. Eventually, Lord Norlun cast down his weapon and the remaining Templar surrendered.

In total, the Knights lost eleven knights in all, including Commander Barnard.[8]

Known Members[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Paladin, The Arreat Summit. Accessed on 2014-03-07
  2. 2014-03-10, CRUSADER LORE AND HISTORY Q&A. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2014-06-30
  3. 3.0 3.1 Diablo III, Defender of Westmarch
  4. Diablo III, Blackthorne's Duncraig Cross
  5. Diablo Immortal, Hilts
  6. 6.0 6.1 2022-05-31, DIABLO IMMORTAL: THE STORY SO FAR. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2022-06-03
  7. 7.0 7.1 2014-03-10, THE HISTORY BEHIND THE CRUSADE. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2014-03-07
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Storm of Light
  9. Book of Tyrael
  10. 10.0 10.1 Diablo Manual
  11. Diablo Immortal, Little Lance
  12. 2013-10-23, What if a Paladin and Crusader runs into each other?. Blizzard Entertainment, accessed on 2013-10-23
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