Knights-Errant is a fantasy webcomic that, in the author's words, "details the lengths to which Wilfrid, a once exalted member of society, will go to reclaim favor with the courts". Namely, joining the "Errant Knights", a mercenary band known for actually having a code of honor. They are led by the young (and handsome) knight Oswald.
So far it's been mostly comedic and a little slashy. Then Chapter Three comes along and catches everyone off-guard.
Was originally posted on Smack Jeeves but that version is no longer available. However, the author has published a reboot called "Knights Errant: Pavane" that is currently being posted on the Sparkler Monthly site.
The characters are the same, the major difference being the sequence of events.
For the trope, see Knight Errant.
Tropes present in this work:
- All There in the Manual: Some of the art that Doyler has drawn for and written about the comic has ample amount of foreshadowing for future characters, events, and much darker things to come (or rather, to be remembered or reflected on, most specifically right now with Amir)...
- Alt Text
- Art Evolution: Acknowledged by the creator, Doyler, who says they didn't manage to get Wilfrid's character design right until around chapter 3 (two or so years after the comic's launch) because their art back then wasn't up to par to how they could draw now. While their art was good-looking from the start, it has improved tremendously over the years. Compare the first page to the improvement even in chapter 1, to the kind of escalation in art evolution that begins to grace pages late in chapter 2 and onward.
- Art Shift: During some of the comedic moments. For example.
- Bishie Sparkle: Happens with war imagery happening in the background
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer: Wilfrid's really good at killing, but it's hard to deny that they're a bit of a ditz.
- Deadpan Snarker: Kadeen fits this trope pretty well, particularly in his fight with Anton.
- Character Name Alias: Wilfrid uses the name Amir when asked by Kadeen.
- The Comically Serious: A lot of the non-Wilfrid humor comes from the other strait-laced characters being put in awkward situations.
- Costume Porn: Seems to be based on Renaissance Italy.
- Dissonant Serenity: Wilfrid tends to take murder in stride, if not outright enjoy it.
- Don't Make Me Take My Belt Off!: A rather brutal example that leads to Oswald's brother's death.
- Every Scar Has a Story: Oswald's noticeable facial scar was received on the night of his brother's accidental death
- Expecting Someone Taller: Oswald.
- Field of Blades: "The king liked the Errant Knights best because their swords weren't stupid looking"
- Foreshadowing: There were actually quite a few hints leading up to Chapter 3's reveal, such as Oswald's height, Amir's constant "shaving", and their sudden rage when Anton touches their chest.
- Grim Up North: Before the Aster-Morgarian empire declared war on Vetal, the only jobs available to mercs were in the north.
- High Fantasy
- How We Got Here: The story starts with Oswald and Wilfrid in jail, then flashbacks to four years prior.
- Luminescent Blush: One right on page 11
- The Magnificent: "Wilfrid The Heartless"
- Moment Killer: A particularly funny one pulled by Amir.
- Only a Flesh Wound: Averted with Kadeen.
- Names to Run Away from Really Fast: Wilfred The Heartless
- Pretty Boy: Oswald.
- Oswald is transgender.
- Amir, as well. Except not really
- Sad Clown: Kadeen believes Amir to be one.
- Scars Are Forever: Quite a few characters. Considering most of them are mercenaries, it's not surprising.
-
Schedule Slip: Knights Errant did not conform to a regular update schedule and was on a hiatus— this has changed with the reboot. - Shell-Shocked Veteran: Wilfrid admits to suffering from PTSD, due to being forced to eat their loyal horse. Used in a much darker way with Oswald's father.
- Shout-Out: Occasionally in the Alt Text.
- Sweet Polly Oliver: The entire plot was designed as a vicious Deconstruction of this from the start. Chapter Three sets up Oswald as a Sweet Polly Oliver, only to subvert it by revealing he's a trans man. The real Polly Oliver? Wilfrid/Amir. It took years for this plotline to emerge.
- That Came Out Wrong:"The remains of your manhood will be safe in my grasp—wait. That sounds kinda bad—"
- War Is Glorious: Discussed by Wilfrid.
- Would Hurt a Child: Oswald's father.
