KNIGHTS OF THE HOLY LANCE:

The Knights of the Holy Lance, led by Knight-Master Reynault Montalban, are a group of holy knights of the Triarchy whose purpose is to locate and reclaim the lost relics of the Triarchy (see character fluff).  The Knights of the Holy Lance accept members from all ranks, and whether beggar or duke all knights must start at the same place - as a man-at-arms.  Those men-at-arms who show skill and potential are chosen by a knight to be their squire, although each knight may only choose one squire.  Those that distinguish themselves in battle are promoted to knighthood by the Knight-Master.  They may also be appointed by the top clergy of the Triarchy or the Imperial Family, but as per tradition they do not normally knight someone without a good reason for doing so.  Weak "knights" appointed as a novelty are often quickly weeded out by the tough and rigorous training of the knights and knights not faithful to the Triarchy, treasonous against the Empire and/or treasonous against the Knights themselves are exiled and stripped of title at best and executed by noose at worst, depending on the severity of the treasonous acts committed.

At the top of the hierarchy of the Knights of the Holy Lance stands the Council of the Lance, made up of Sir Reynault and his closest advisors, all knights who have shown great skill, devotion and loyalty.  They discuss the management of the Knights, decide on judicial matters, and plan the Knights' next move.  For punishment, the Council will hold a tribunal to determine guilt and decide on punishment.  Whether an offender is guilty or not is decided by a 2/3rds majority vote.  However, any knight found guilty of a crime by the Triarchy or Empire will automatically be exiled and sent to the entity that found them guilty without a tribunal, provided a fair trial is held by either of the two groups.

As far as relations go, the Knights of the Holy Lance are a Triarchist organization, and serve the Triarchy unquestioningly, although they have also pledged loyalty to the Empire and serve as an Order Militant, meaning in an hour of need the Knights will gladly fight for either of the two groups.  However, their relationships with Salubrines and Pagans are quite sour, though they tolerate them as long as they aren't causing trouble or the Triarchy hasn't given an order to fight them.  They show no mercy towards bandits and criminals, however, and will arrest them and turn them over to the Empire for punishment or, if they resist, put them to the sword.

KNIGHTS' HOLDINGS - ALTAIRE

The lands of Altaire are located near where the River Mulholland begins its journey the sea, a land of rich farmland around the river banks accented by the wooded hills of Cantoria and the higher cliffs and mountains of Ozymanthia.  Most of the population lives in the city of Altabria along the Mulholland River, a prosperous city with plenty of industry in both farming, panning for minerals and river fishing, with the Knights' headquarters at Trinity Fortress looming above atop a nearby hill.  Both Cantoria to the north and Ozymanthia to the east have extensive mining operations, and many of those who aren't part of the Knighthood are miners and artisans.