Knights

I was thinking that I wanted to do something with Knights in the game, not as a separate class but as a game-impacting status.


Qualifying;
Any fighter (or fighter multiclass) who  has reached 2nd level, owes a Heavy Warhorse, 2 light or medium  horses, a suit of plate armor, shield, lance and sword and who has recruited a squire (any schmuck), can approach any lord and ask to be knighted (maybe on certain days a year).   He has to undergo a test of arms (all 2nd level fighters pass, no one else does) and has to take an oath of knighthood to the Realm.




Privileges:

• Can wear armor and carry arms everywhere:  non-knights are subject to restrictions in towns and similar places.  
• Knights have some exclusivity relating to raising and keeping soldiers--merchant caravans and temple guards might be an exception.
• Only knights can joust at tournaments (Chainmail jousting rules) for big prizes
• Right to trial by combat or jury of other knights
• cannot be arrested by commoners

Restrictions:

• Break an oath means kicked out
• Must answer call to arms
• must serve a lord certain number of days per year