This is a full sworn member in the Templar Order proper.. Along with the privileges comes the right to wear the full Colours, the 'Beauseant' and the Shield, upon a black leather waistcoat. Tho only a Knight or Officer of the Order can 'fly' the Colours on an appropriate motorcycle at will (must ride a min of 10,000 miles per annum). Martial members can fly colours in attendance of a Knight or to and from events including meetings.
A would be member must prospect as a 'Novice' (limited to 'empty' patch only) for a probationary period and be prepared to prove themselves and to show they have the heart to Brothers and Sisters before being elected a Full Member or 'Man/Woman at Arms'. With full right to attend meetings, raise issues, vote and wear the Colours and become a 'Squire' to become a 'Knight'. Able men and women proactively involved in good causes in positive ways.
Most stay in this position but for some this is the probationary period before becoming a 'Knight Templar' with full rights to 'Fly the Colours' at will tho only men may become Knights, with the rarest exception, altho it hasn't happened yet I recall Jean d Arc. There is no room in this rank for arrogance or bad attitude but more the way of the Warrior it's not something you do... It's something you are. Not many attain the position because of the personal sacrifices needed and the depth of mental and physical discipline. A Knight is unlikely to be married in his younger years, tho a matter of choice, as the Order is his true Spiritual Family and he treats and guards each member as tho they were that and more. His word is Honour...
Only a Full Member may sponsor a Novice.
Must be of 18 years or over, be prepared to undergo martial arts training (minimum of in-house).
Wear the Order tattoo within 6 months (the reversed inner circle of the seal of two knights, only knights get to wear the Full Seal...) of being elected 'Man at Arms' or receiving Colours.
Dues are payable, decided by each Chapter according to the Orders need and the Brothers capability.
Here is an example of some of the Original disciplines of the historic order:
The Commander would call the brethren to hear the charges against an offender and the accused Brother would confess his fault then be asked to leave the room. At this time the Commander would seek the advice of the brethren in what penance to apply. If his infraction was small or if he was found to be innocent then no penance would be given. If however, he were in violation of a major infraction of the rule then the General Chapter would later try him. Below is a list of some of the faults and consequences a Brother of the order could face:
Expulsion From The Order
This was, and still is, the highest punishment a Templar Knight could face. Upon expulsion of the order he had an obligation to join the Cistercian order founded by Templar supporter St. Bernard of Clairvaux. It was hoped that joining this non-warrior monastic order would save the expelled brothers soul. Below are the infractions to cause such expulsion.
Murdering a Christian
Divulging the Chapter's meetings
Committing acts of sodomy
Committing an act of heresy or denouncing the Christian faith
Conspiring or making false charges against a brother
Leaving the Temple house for more than two days without permission
Fleeing the enemy during battle while the Beauseant was flying or without permission of the Marshall
Losing Your Coat (Rank)
Losing the coat of the order was a penance of shame. Taken from a guilty brother were his coat, weapons and horse. He would also be forced to eat off the floor, do menial tasks and be generally separated from his brethren. This penance befell any that committed these infractions:
Fought with another brother
Lost or murdered a slave
Killed a pack animal or lost their horse due to their own neglect
Told untruths about themselves
Injured any Christian person out of anger (not by accident)
Had sex with a woman. Sexual intercourse with a man was a much more serious Templar infraction see above
Threatened to (join the Saracens) leave without due course.
Leaving the Commandery at night in anger
Throwing their Templar coat to the ground in anger
Loaned any Temple assets without permission of the order
It is important to note that all the above crimes could be forgiven. If a brother repented with sincerity of his bad actions, and providing the brethren agreed, he would be restored with his coat and weapons.
Those in RED no longer apply...
This is not an easy road to tread and must only be undertaken by those who have thought long and hard on the issue and believe they have what it takes to be one of the greatest Warriors known in the eyes of men and God alike. Should this be too much then a place within the 'Laity' may be considered.