What was the differnce between a knight of a chivalric order and a normal knight?
>>1428645
One was a member of a chivalric order, the other was just a minor land owner.
They would wear special decorations into battle, and would abide by certain codes of honor that normal soldiers didn't abide by. For instance the Knights of the Golden Fleece had a rule forbidding retreat, and routinely expelled members if they did not follow it. You would have guys kicked out and going on pilgramages to repent that they would eventually die on because of how ashamed they were.
>>1428645
For the individual there's very little difference. Historically, most knights were just like the snobby, uncaring bullies with enough resources to act like big men. Exceptions to this were generally notable and romanticized. Basically, just like today, most to-do people were dicks who made some showing when convenient.
>>1428658
That's kinda true.
At first, knights were rich landholders who could afford the equipment.
The Crusades and Crusading Orders of knights helped corral the lawless nobles from beating each other up and terrorizing their own peasants.
