The Codex

Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum
(Defence of the faith and assistance to the suffering).

In the Society of Creative Anachronism (from now on referred to as the SCA), many adults practice some
form of martial weapons combat. This codex is for the use of the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid, as well as
all those considered allies and friends upon the field of battle, to use in fulfilling the role of a productive war
band as well as in the preparation of each individual in the art of heavy combat. It is wished by the authors
that the reader will take more from the book than just the help it will bring on the battle field. The reader
can use the passages and comments found throughout to help in their everyday life as well. Inside this tome
you will find advice for motivation, mental and spiritual strengthening as well as general historical
knowledge about the actual Hospitallers of St. John.

Who were the Hospitallers?
The Longest lasting of the Religious Orders, the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem has existed
before the Crusades and is still in operation to this day. Father Gerard founded the Order with the
permission of Pope Paschal II in 1113 C.E. In 1100 Father Gerard was elected master of the Hospital of St.
John the Almoner for pilgrims at Jerusalem. As the number of pilgrims increased in the Holy Land, Father
Gerald abandoned the Benedictine rule for that of St. Augustine and also adopted St. John as patron. In
1120 Father Gerard was succeeded by Raymond of Provence and according to Desmond Steward:
Raymond was expert in providing an administration for these European possessions, setting up houses
whose revenues were spent in forwarding food, wine, clothing, and blankets for hospital use; some were
specifically charged with providing luxuries, such as white bread for the sick. The Papacy gave the
Hospitallers many privileges: Innocent II forbade bishops to interdict Hospitaller chapels; Anastasius IV gave
them their own priest; and the English Adrian IV gave them their own churches.

In 1178 Pope Alexander III decreed that they should carry weapons only to defend the kingdom of
Jerusalem, or to attack a Pagan city. The Order was divided into four classes: the Knights of Justice, who
had to be of noble birth; sergeants; chaplains, who were charged with maintaining the spiritual well-being of
the members; and serving brethren. The Hospitallers took part in major campaigns in the Crusades,
including the capture of Ascalon in 1154. When Jerusalem fell to Saladin in 1187 the order moved to
Margat then to Acre. Throughout the Crusades and beyond, the order defended Christians from the pagans
and healed the sick.

The Hospitallers of St. John of Caid
The Hospitallers of St. John of Caid are a collection of Brethren and Ley members, placed into two separate
units that work together in unison to accomplish victory upon the war field. The first Unit consists of the
Hospitaller Foot soldiers and employs the majority of the Heavy Weapons fighters in shield wall attrition
tactics. The Second Unit is the Turcopoles, which consist of light calvary, armed with Spears, Javelins, and
Archery. The Turcopolers are used as a skirmish screen and flanking unit. Together the two units form into
one large entity that is the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid. The Hospitallers of history served as protectors of
pilgrims, healers of the sick and lame and defenders of God's people. In like manner, do the SCA
Hospitallers serve.

"In each of us are heroes; speak to them and they will come forth"
(Anonymous)

Every person in the SCA is considered to be born of Noble Blood. There are no serfs or slaves, no peasants
to toil in the land. Only those of noble ancestry walk among us. However, noble blood does not make a
person noble in stature. First and foremost for all warriors is to find the nobility of spirit within oneself, to
become a bastion of honor and to become a hero for those around you. Lead by Example and care deeply
for the emotions of friends and foes alike. There is none within the SCA, and especially within the
Hospitallers of St. John of Caid that can not live up to their potential. It is our duty to make this not only our
goal, but a solid quest to better ourselves and the Kingdom in which we call home. In Order to accomplish
this we must raise our self potential, constantly thinking of ways to better ourselves in fighting and life in
general.

ORDER MISSION-To enhance the experience of its members through the recreation of events and
philosophy of the Hospitallers. The pursuit of excellence and perfection through combat and chivalry.

Facta non Verba -Deeds not Words

VALUES IF THE ORDER
Observation, Tact, Resource, Dexterity, Sympathy, Perseverance, Humility, Explicitness

Protectors of Pilgrims
In the SCA those of new beginnings in the organization are considered by the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid
to be Pilgrims. They are unaware of the politics, manners and chivalry that are expected of them. As such
the Hospitallers protect them and help to educate them as befits their station. The Hospitallers visit the
newcomer's camps at every war and invite these pilgrims to the meager meals they share among one
another. The Hospitallers answer the questions they can from the pilgrims and teach them the etiquette they
will need within the SCA. The Hospitallers also try to find the Pilgrims a home within the SCA among the
various households and groups, this helps the newcomer feel like they belong to the greater whole of the
Organization.

Healers of the Sick and Lame
Each member of the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid strives to become First Aid and CPR certified. Doing so
gives them the ability to help the wounded upon the field of battle.

Defenders of God's People
The Hospitallers of St. John of Caid serve in the Royal Army of Caid under the Royal Crowns. Although many
may think that the fighting prowess of the King and the shining example of beauty of the Queen are what
placed them on the throne; we the Hospitallers know that without the grace of God they would not be the
King and Queen. The Crowns of Caid are the Almighty's will and as such we the Hospitallers serve them as
the rulers of God's Kingdom here on earth. Our Loyalty is unwavering when it comes to the Crowns of Caid.
Even if those that become King and Queen are not holding to the high standards we place upon ourselves,
it will not deter the loyalty we have for the Throne. Our support must be unmoving in this issue. This is the
first and highest standard that will make us unshakable in the stormy days ahead. If the King tells us to
fight and hold our ground against outnumbering odds with no chance of victory we will fight and die to the
man, fulfilling our duties as vassals to the Crown. Above all things we must hold this edit true.

Membership to the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid
Becoming a member of the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid can be as easy or as challenging as an
individual wishes to make it. There are many avenues to travel in the Order. One can participate as much
as he wished by becoming a confrater and simply fighting for the Order, or very involved by becoming a
professed brother. All steps will be explained in detail.

Lay Member
The Ley Member (also known as Confrater) is the first step in membership in the Hospitallers of St. John of
Caid.
If a person so wishes to become a member of the Hospitallers they must begin their service as a Ley
Member (unless they are a Knight of the Realm). To do so the candidate must present himself to the
Grandmaster of the Order while at least 50% of the voting Brethren are present to witness. Then the
Candidate must express his interest in the order on bended knee, giving his intent on what he wishes to
accomplish within the Order. At this time the Brethren in witness may question the candidates intentions
and have further explanations given to them as to why he so wishes to become a member. After the
intention and questions are finished the Grand Master then welcomes the candidate as a Confrater and he
is then assigned to either the Hospitaller Unit or the Turcopoles.

1.A Ley Membesr must be in possession of a valid SCA fighters authorization card.

2. The Ley Member does not receive any voting privileges when the council of brethren is in session.
Although their voice can be heard.

3.Ley Members do not have to pay the tithe that the other members of the Order must pay to continue to
hold rank and status.

4.Ley Members will be given a Tunic made of Black Fabric, bearing the white cross over the heart, to be
worn only when the ley member is fighting in the name of the Order, in service to the Order, in service to the
crown or its affiliations. Never is it to be worn for personal gain nor glory, nor is it to be worn if actions will
bring remorse to the Hospitallers. This tunic belongs to the Order, should the Ley Member leave for any
reason he must return the tunic.

5.For a Ley Member to progress in the Order, it is required that the Ley Member give a donation of $100
dollars to the Preceptor of the Order. This money can be given at any increment and over any amount of
time. The Preceptor will keep record of the donation and will inform the Ley Member when he has reached
his $100 Donation goal.

6. After the $100 Donation has been accepted and noted by the Preceptor then the Preceptor will inform
the Voting Brethren that the Leymember has fullfilled his Donation obligation. At this time the council can
either accept him as a member or ask for continued time to observe the Leymember. If he is accepted as a
member he will go through the ceremony of the Secular Brother. If he is not accepted he will be given the
reasons why he is not accepted, he will be asked if he wishes to continue as a leymember to work on those
reasons and try again within Six months. If the Leymember wishes to leave the assembly then he will be
given back his 100 dollar donation at that time.

Secular Brother
2nd ranking member of the Order

At this point the warrior may choose of two distinct paths one way leads to the Hospitallers and the other to
the Turcopoles. A secular brother is a sworn member. To enter this group you must pay the $100 dollar
donation to the Order and be approved by the Council of Brethren and accepted by the Grandmaster in
the ceremony of the Secular.

1.Allowed one Voting tile for ballot.
Pays Monthly Dues of $10

2.If the Secular Brother can not pay the Dues for three months he will be demoted to Confrater Status until
a time he can pay the three month dues. If ever the Secular Brother goes over three months and returns, he
only has to pay the three months to retain his status.

3. At anytime a Secular Brother knows he will be gone for a great deal of time he can request a hold be
placed on his dues, the hold must be accepted by both the Preceptor and the Grand Master. The Hold can
not take place if the Secular Brother owes Penance to the Chaplain. The Penance must be fulfilled before
the Hold is registered

4. When attending a war event, Secular Brethren must volunteer a minimum of 4 hours at the war. Two are
recommended as time spent helping the Chirurgeons, water bearers, or the marshallate (not required to
help those listed, only recommended). If on the Queens Guard or Baronial Guard, that time is considered
volunteer time. Each member must bring his volunteer card to the Preceptor or his lieutenant on Sunday of
war; it must be initialed by the autocrat and the participant to be register within the log.
The Additional Two hours are used to help in set up of the Hospitaller Camp.

5.Receives 1 vote when Council is session on each subject that is voted on.

Keeps all equipment given and loaned to him as pledge. (Loaned equipment still being loaned out to him).

Professed Brother
3rd ranking member of the Order

1. Receives 2 votes when Council is in session on each subject being voted on.
2. Continues to pay dues.
3. Must be a Warented Marshall, a Constable and a Chirurgeon (or First Aid CPR Certified).
4.Keeps all Equipment loaned given by order a pennant with the symbol of the order to be placed
upon a spear.
5.Given by Order a Banner with the symbol of the Order to be Placed
within his house (loan)
6. When attending a war event, Professed Brethren must volunteer a minimum of 4 hours at the war. Two
are recommended as time spent helping the Chirurgeons, water bearers, or the marshallate (not required to
help those listed, only recommended). If on the Queens Guard or Baronial Guard, that time is considered
volunteer time. Each member must bring his volunteer card to the Preceptor or his lieutenant on Sunday of
war; it must be initialed by the autocrat and the participant to be register within the log.
The Additional Two hours are used to help in set up of the Hospitaller Camp.

Knights of the Order
1. Recives 3 votes when Council is in session on each subject being voted on.
2.Continues to pay dues.
3.Keeps all equipment loaned to them by the Order.
4. When attending a war event, Knights of the First Order must volunteer a minimum of 4 hours at the war.
Two are recommended as time spent helping the Chirurgeons, water bearers, or the marshallate (not
required to help those listed, only recommended). If on the Queens Guard or Baronial Guard, that time is
considered volunteer time. Each member must bring his volunteer card to the Preceptor or his lieutenant on
Sunday of war; it must be initialed by the autocrat and the participant to be register within the log.
The Additional Two hours are used to help in set up of the Hospitaller Camp.

Positions within the Order

The Grand Master
Must be a Secular Brother
He is the leader of ceremonies, he is the voice of the order in court, he makes sure that all the other
positions are working together and getting their job done. Every four Reigns of the Kingdom of Caid, the
Hospitallers of the Professed, Secular and Knightly Orders come together and vote a new Grand Master.
Once a new Grandmaster is chosen, it is the duty of all those that held that position in the past to act as his
council and strictly enforce his edits. To give him support in his position and to never mark against him.
If a Grandmaster has behaved in a manner that is seen in a bad light by ANY VOTING MEMBER, that
member has the power to bring it before council and have the council vote on some sort of action.
Grandmaster has final say in the determination of advancement within any aspect of the Order. The
Grandmaster's word is law and can be only superseded by the King.
The Grand Master is the one who appoints the other positions in the Order.

Duties of the Grand Master
1. Lead the Hospitallers of St. John of Caid to and from the battlefield.
2. Be aware of scenarios and inform the Gonfanier of the Primary Objective on the war field
3. Communicate with the King, Army General, Brigade Commander along with Hospitallers and other allies
about practices.
4. Communicate with Marshal of the filed to see if anything is needed from the Order.
5. Communicate with Chiurgeons to see if anything is needed.
6.Communicate with water bearers to see if anything is needed.
7. Visit newcomer encampment and meet with the pilgrims
8.Adjudicate Disputes
9. Make sure everyone is equipped and ready for the field.

Chaplain
Must Be a Secular Brother

Leads in Prayer and Moral, keeps record of Pennance owed my Brothers of the Order.
CHAPLAIN ALSO HOST ALL ORDER CEREMONIES.
Counselor of the members of the Order.
The chaplain's chief role is to help the members of the Order become Chiurgons,First Aid and CPR certified.

Castellian
Must be a Secular Brother

The Castellian is the Orginization manager of the Hospitaller camp.
Duties of the Castellian
1.Land Allocation at war.
2.Make Sure Members of the Order Pre Register for the War.
3.Camp construction-make sure there is space for the Chapel.

Preceptor
Must Be a Secular Brother

Keeper of the Logistics and Loaner gear and Treasurer. The Preceptor is to keep detail accounts on each
member of the Order in finances pertaining to what that member has donated in time and money and what
items were given in trust to the member from the order. No money or items can be bought in the name of
the Order without the Preceptors permission to do so.

Chronicler
Must Be a Secular Brother

Historian Chronicler is to keep a written account of all meetings as well as a record for all awards given to
the members of the Order; these awards being Kingdom, Baron
ial and Order apparent.

Gonfanier
Must Be a Secular Brother

The Gonfanier is the overall commander of the Hospitallers on the field. Only the Grandmaster can overturn
his Orders when the Hospitallers are fighting. The officers under his command are the Shield Commander,
Spear Commander and the Turcopler.

Commands the Hospitaller Secular Brothers and the Lay members on the field and is directly responsible for
there training and equipment.
Duties of the Gonfanier
1. Be aware of Prime Objective laid down my Grand Master
2. Get Hospitallers into position to execute orders to accomplish the prime objective
3. Supervise training in shield work, sword work, maneuvers and team work.
4.Carry the Gonfannon upon the field.
5.Make sure the Honor Shields are decided upon before the fighting and they are in the front of the march
to the field.

Turcopolier
Must Be a secular brother

Under the command of the Gonfanier. Commands the Turcopoles on the field and is directly responsible for
theretraining and equipment.
Duties of the Turcopoler
1. Be aware of Prime Objective laid down by Grand Master through the Gonfanier
2. Get Turcopoles into position to execute orders to accomplish the prime objective
3. Supervise training in spear work, archery, great weapon, maneuvers and team work within the Turcs.
4.Setting the Guards of Confraters around the Chapel when a ceremony is being preformed.

Sergeant of the Watch
Under the command of the Gonfanier-Commands the Fire Teams of the Shield wall on the field.
Duties of the Sergeant of the Watch
1.Be aware of the Prime Objective laid down by the Grand Master through the Gonfanier.
2.Get the Shield wall into position to execute the orders to accomplish the Prime Objective.
3.Suprivise the training of the fire teams on the shield wall.

Spear Sergeant
Under the Command of the Gonfanier- Commands the Spearmen of the Hospitaller Unit on the field.
Duties of the Spear Sergeant
1.Be aware of the Prime Objective laid down by the Grand Master through the Gonfanier.
2.Get the Spearmen into position to execute the orders to accomplish the Prime Objective.
3.Suprivise the training of the spearmen in the main unit of the Hospitallers.
4.Protect the Shield wall in engagements.

Meetings
Meetings are held at the first Sunday of each month to discuss the future endeavors and preparations of
the Order. It is during this time that dues are recorded and volunteer time is confirmed of each member.
What is discussed at meetings are to Be kept within the confines of the warriors of the Order, unless stated
otherwise by the Grand Master. We must always Be truthful with each other and open. If any warrior has a
problem with another, it is to Be dealt with in the open at meeting.

Practice
Practice is to Be held two times a month, one being brigade and the following in two weeks after, provided
no events interrupt schedule. Advance practices can Be called upon at any time by the Gonfanier,
Turcapolier and Grandmaster.

CAMPING
THE ORDER AND ITS MEMBERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO CAMP TOGETHER, HOWEVER IT IS RECOMMENDED
THAT THE MEMBERS DO SO TO FURTHER THE BROTHERHOOD AND COMPANIONSHIP WITHIN THE ORDER.
EACH MEMBER OF THE ORDER CAN HAVE AFFILIATIONS WITH OTHER HOUSEHOLDS AND WAR BANDS AS
LONG AS THOSE HOUSEHOLDS AND WAR BANDS DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE STRUCTURE THAT IS THE
ORDER.

Key Functions of the Hospitallers of Caid on the Field of Battle
The Spirit, soul and body of the Hospitallers is the warriors that make up the unit. Each individual brings his
own strengths and therefore strengthens the unit as a whole, thus each individual is considered a great
asset to the unit. No warrior is considered higher in esteem then the other. We are all equals within the
Order.

Our strength must Be in our flexibility, adaptability, and steadfastness. As a War band with the unwavering
trust in our brethren, we can act decisively and secure for our forces or deny our foe the advantage, exploit
opponents or elevate Allies weaknesses, and surprise our enemies with aggression and tenacity.

1. We deny our foe his leadership by killing off key individuals on the battlefield. Examples are opposing
monarchs, commanders, knights and squires. We destroy moral by taking away those that give commands
and those that bestow courage by their sheer presence on the field. Without the leads, our enemy will Be
disorganized and reluctant to come into contact with the Hospitallers.

2. Exploit weakened positions and flanks by sheer power of attack and aggression. The Knights of the First
order and Turcopliers of the Hospitallers act as a wolf would when looking over a heard of elk. The Shock
locates the weakness and penetrates the enemy. Turcopolers hunt the weakness before the main unit is
engaged and destroy other skirmishing units that would prove to Be a threat.

3. Force Units into a defensive Posture by Maneuvering units to expose flanks to our allies in combat.

4. Turcopolers employ delaying actions to hold or slow down larger units, allowing Hospitallers and allies to
reform and counter attack.

Off the Field of Battle
1.Serve the King, help the Queens Guard if possible.
2. Serve the Pilgrim
3. Serve the Sick
4. Become inspiration for all those around you.

Lex Scripta - The written law
Honor Causa- for the sake of honor.

Chivalry and Honor above all. To sacrifice your honor for victory is to suffer the most humiliating defeat, one
that takes your name and comrades-in-arms down with you. Never call your blows upon an opponent. It is
the honor of the foe to accept or not accept a killing blow. Never tarnish your honor by becoming the one
questioning a killing blow. If a foe does not take a blow you deliver and you think it was good then hit the
foe harder. If the foe continues to brush your killing shots away then call for aid from your Hospitaller
brothers, sisters and allies. If the foe still continues to brush killing blows aside then use Shock tactics to
knock him down and call him dead on the ground, or flank him and call him dead from behind. If he still
does not accept the death blow-leave him. You are only human and god can only kill him.
Never let your temper speak for you.
Always remember that ghosts can kill. No matter how many killing blows your opponent shrugs off, the first
one you receive is good. It's always better to allow a dishonorable fighter to take your life than your honor.
You get another life in the next fight, but honor lost is hard to regain.

If a conflict does occur, get the Grand Mater, or the next in line of authority immediately and let him Be your
judge and jury. His word should Be law and respected on the field and he should Be the final say in a
matter. Even if you do not agree with his decision, respect his position and go along with him on the field.
Afterwards when honor permits it, you may question his decision in private or even bring it up to the Council
of Brethren. Do not question him on the field in front of those not of the Hospitaller war band. We must show
the world that we respect our roles in the Society. Most likely the Commander will back your side of an
argument (especially if you're right).

If the Hospitaller Commander is ever in conflict with someone, immediately pull him from the field and
question him as a whole, the
entire Council of Brethren then must decide if the Commander is still capable of leading them on the field. If
not, then the Hospitallers and Turcopoles will leave the field and return to camp to end the day of fighting
and to determine what will Be come of the Commander.

How it all Works
The Grand Master operates the Order on and off the field. He is the ultimate in decision. The Gonfanier with
the help of the Turcopoler , Sergeant of the Watch, and Spear Sergeant make sure the will of the Grand
Master is put into action. If there is no Grandmaster, then control of the Order falls to the Gonfanier and
Chaplain under the guidance of the Council of Secular and Professed Brethren.

Doctrine
Aggression on the field, applied creatively both, as an offensive tool and a defensive tool, will win the day. A
few men with the right mindset can Be formidable opponents even when vastly outnumbered. Skill of arms is
secondary to working together as a team.
One Mind:
The Commander is the thinker; all else are eyes and ears. Instruments of his decision and executioners of
his will. We are all brothers and as such it is important to worry about our brother's well being on the
battlefield. The Commander will worry about all other aspects of the Battle to insure that each warrior can
focus on the goals that are intended for them to accomplish. This does not mean that we are automatons
and just follow blindly into battle. If a member of the Hospitallers notices a danger upon the field (enemies
circling the flank, assassin crossbow preparing to fire), it is the duty of all in the Unit to let the Commander
know about the threat. If he does not hear or foresee the threat, then act upon it and take initiative.

Formation:
First Rank- No less than four warriors armed with Hospitaller War kites, bearing the symbol of the Order and
Single-Hand Weapons (Swords, Mace, and Hand Axe). The shield will Be supplied by the Hospitallers and
maintained by the warrior.
If ever the warrior leaves the Hospitallers for whatever reason, he must return the shield as property of The
Hospitallers of St. John of Caid. Under no circumstance is any member of the Order to decide a shield
belongs to the individual. The war shields belong to the Hospitallers, kept under record by the Preceptor and
issued out by the Gonfanier.
Shields should never lay face down on the earth as this is disrespecting the colors of the Order on the field.
If a shield is found in this state, the Gonfanier can ask for penance from the wielder as he sees fit.
The front line will consist of seasoned warriors that have had the experience of at least five wars and new
fighters. The ratio is two new warriors for every seasoned warrior, each new warrior flanking the seasoned in
a standard line formation. This allows the new warriors a chance to learn to fight in the line as well as have
the seasoned warriors to help train and Be inspiration for the newer warriors around them. Ideally the front
line is where new fighters (not new members) will learn to fight alongside brothers and gain respect for the
shield wall in general. It is in this First Rank that warriors will gain Pride for the Hospitallers, Experience on
the field, and master basic skills and an understanding of SCA war fighting. Here honor will Be tested and
aggression will Be molded into a devastating weapon of war. The Sergeant of the Watch commands the
shieldwall.

Gonfanier- the Gonfanier is the Standard Bearer and field commander of the front Line. His movements and
actions direct the strength and will of the Shield men within the Hospitallers. All action is brought to bear by
his word and dead within the main unit of Hospitallers. The Gonfanier is armed with the Banner Pike of the
Order, and secondary weapon.

Bodyguard- One Seasoned fighter and one new fighter make up the guard of the Gonfanier. Their goal is to
make sure the unit hears his commands by repeating them, as well as keeping the commander alive. If the
Gonfanier falls one of the other spearmen in the unit will take his place on the front line.

Second Rank- Spears make up the second wave of warriors.
Spear men are only to March to and from the Battle field with the spears of the unit held vertical to display
banners and pennants.
During Battle spears should Be held at the hip in ready position to hide them being counted by our enemies
and give the Hospitallers a little element of surprise.

Third Rank- Reserves, Crossbowmen and Allies:

Fourth Rank-Knights of the First Order
The Forth rank is the Shock aspect of the Hospitallers. It consists of Knights, squires and Good Swordsmen
that excel in tournament style fighting. These warriors are armed with long swords and Tournament Heater
Shields. The Fourth Rank is used as Shock Troops and for protecting the flanks and rear of the main Unit.
The whole goal of the Unit of Hospitallers is to create situations within the enemy that will allow us to release
the Knights of the First Order upon them in order to achieve maximum effect from their fighting styles.

Turcopolers- Turcopolers are light cavalry armed with Pikes, Spears, Javelins, Throwing weapons and
Archery. The purpose of the Turcopolers is to attack the enemy in skirmish tactics, to thin the numbers of a
rather large force before the Hospitallers get into contact. To cover the falling back of Hospital's from
combat so they can get into position to charge once again. To attack the flank or rear of a unit engaged
with the Hospitallers

Rules of Conduct for Archers of the Hospitallers
1.Give supporting fire on targets that the Shield Wall and Turcopliers is destined to engage.
2. Target other missle combatants.
3.Unit Commanders, Royals and Knights with Spears.
4. Provide suppressing fire on target so Shield wall can fall back in an orderly fashion.
5. Weaken an enemy flank engaged with an ally unit before Shield wall attacks.

Formations
Battle Line- Minimum of Four Shield in the Front Rank, Every one else in the shadow of the four
shields, behind them in a spacious area. Front shields are arm plus sword length apart( measures by
extending the sword arm with sword out until it touches the shoulder of the shield men next to you). All other
shields are in single file behind both flanks with equal distribution of shields on both sides. This lets Spears,
Archers and the Shock Charge move easily through the unit.
Wedge- Shield wall forms a wedge to create large impact hole in enemy.
The Sergeant of the Watch is the point of the Wedge. Used in conjunction with a large ally unit, moments
before they charge or slightly after.
Column- also known as the Train. Unit Shields form two line columns, each warrior behind his brother.
Primary movement Order.

Command Orders
All Orders start with the word, "Hocs" to Be shouted by the Gonfanier, and repeated by his guard, as well as
the Segeant of the Watch and the Spear Sergeant. Actions that move the Turcoploes Start with the word
"Turcs", shouted by the Gonfanier, and repeated by the Tucopolier or just Shouted by the Turcoplier when
our of earshot of the Gonfanier.
These words is to get the attention and let each person know that the command of movement is to follow.
For example,
"Hocs" then followed by "Collum of Two".
The commands should Be shouted out clearly and repeated clearly as well. The unit should not move on the
command word of the commander but should move instantly on the repeat word of the guard.

Each command must be met with absolute determination on the part of the unit to accomplish the test at
hand. There is no room for hesitation.

On me- Gonfanier shouts the command, "on me". He then holds the Gonfannon Horizontal before him
using it as a guideline to which the unit will form upon. The Gonfanier should Be flanked on each side by his
guard and these three forms the center of the unit. All other shield men form up on them. The unit will form
in whatever movement formation they were in before the call was implied. For example..if the uit was in a
battleline and chaged the enemy..when the Gonfanier calls "Hocs..On me" they will form on him in a Battle
Line.
Forward- Used in either Battleline, Wedge, Or Collum Formation. Issues the Unit to move foward and a
walking step.
Clip Charge- Used to Form aggression in new fighters and confusion in
the enemy. If Charger is on the right corner of Hospitaller Formation
and ordered to Clip, the Charger sprints to his left at a diagonal to
hit the enemy unit right corner. This will build aggression in the
lone charger to not let his Brothers and Sisters down, and draws all
enemy eyes on the Charger for a Brief moment taking their attention
from the Next command given to the whole unit.
Pulse Charge- The Hospitallers will be Ordered to Pulse, the shield wall will ccharge the enemy and
move him back..taking the opponents possition and swinging his own weapon three times before pushing
again.
Deus Vult!- Charge means to break through the opposing line, preferably a gap between two units and
'form up',(in line) in the direction indicated by the Gonfanier. It will usually Be facing the line we just broke
through
Reform- Gets shields into position as quickly as possible. If the Gonfannon is pointing at a foe, then the
Hospitallers will reform before that foe
Circle the Wagons! When we find ourselves in the thick of it, Circle the wagons gives us the best all
around defense, until the Gonfanier Can determine a more promising position elsewhere. The formation
places the Gonfanier in the center of the unit with all else facing outwards in a tight circle
Follow me; The Gonfanier. Has determined a good direction to run to. The Gonfanier will yell, "HOCs
Follow Me". Hocs should give chase in columns of two and then wait for the next order to be given.

Every member is encouraged to point out opposing formations that they feel are a threat to us that the
Gonfanier may not have noticed yet.

Dispute procedures;
We wish that things will not come to this, yet as experience has shown there are bound to be issues and
problems that people can not reconcile with. If those problems pertain to the Hospitallers and the Members
within the Order they should be dealt with as followed.

Step1. Communicate the problem face to face
Nobody likes someone talking about them behind their back. If you have a problem with another member of
the Order, then tell that person. If you feel you need an arbitrator when doing so seek someone on neutral
grounds-that being the Grand Master. Deal with the problem the instant it is perceived and do not delay.
Step 2. Communicate the problem in writing
Placing it in writing and giving it to the Preceptor places it in our Historical Documents. We as historians
need to document the good and the bad. If you do not want your name seen in the pages of out past in a
bad light, then do nothing to make people act so harshly. Fix the problem before it gets to this step.
Step 3. Communicate the problem to the Grand Master
If the Problem is brought before the Grand Master he will take account all sides and judge what should be
done. Respect his position and the road that got him there, respect his judgment.
Step 4. Grand Master communicates with both parties and attempts to
resolve the issue.
A peacefull resolution should be obtained from the grandmaster that both sides should agree on.
Step 5. Dispute is brought before a Counsel of the Brethren
If the Grandmaster can not deal with the Problem, or the decision made by hte Grandmaster is not one to
that is agreeing with both parties, then the problem can be brught before the council of the brethren to be
judged upon.
Step 6. Counsel advises the Grand Master
The council will look into the situation and make sure that the Grandmaster has a nuetral opinion and that
he is using his power to benifit both parties. They can intervine and over rule the Grandmaster if needed.

The Grandmaster's decision is the final outcome, if the participants of
the dispute can not agree with the decision they risk the chance of
expulsion from the Order.

Pennance
Pennance is given out by the Grand Master, Gonfannon, Turcopolier, Sergeant of teh Watch and CHaplain
for the follow offenses.
1.Profanity while wearing the Mark of the Order. The Cross represents everything we hold dear about our
brotherhood. Speaking falsely while wearing it and using words others find offensive will cost a Hospitaller
one Pennance.
2.For every hour missed in the Minimum of the four spent in Volunteer will cost Pennance.

Pennance can be paid for working one hour in the Shop, or 5 dollars.

Regalia of the Order.
At anytime a Hospitaller wears the Cappa of the Confrater, Secular Brother, Proffessed or Knight of the first
order, or the Cloak of the Professed, the Scarf of the Chaplain, bearing the Gonfannon, the Honor shield or
any shield bearing the cross, or wearing a Shirt with the symbols of the cross and the name of the order; the
Hospitaller must abide bthe Codex and bring no shame to the name he represents.

Campfire.
The Campfire of the Hospitallers is for everyone to enjoy the company of his fellows, to drink and feel safe. If
is not a place for drunken ludeness and loud profanity, nor a place for excessive parties.

The eight points of the cross Stand for the beatitudes of Christ's Sermon
on the Mount (Matt 5.3-10):the poor in spirit they who mourn they who
are persecuted for the sake of righteousness the meek the peacemakers
they who hunger and thirst for righteousness
the pure in heart the merciful