History Main / KnightTemplar

It's important to note that despite being villains/villain''ous'' within the context of the story, Knights Templar believe fully that they are on the side of righteousness [[TheFettered and draw strength from that]], and that their opponents are not. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that [[WithUsOrAgainstUs if you're not with them, you're against them]]. Invoking actual goodness and decency will have no effect, save for making Knights Templar [[{{Demonization}} demonize]] your cause as the work of [[{{Satan}} the Devil]]. After all, they are certain that their own cause is just and noble, and anyone who stands in the way is a deluded fool at best and another guilty soul to be "cleansed" or evildoer to be killed at worst, and doing so is not even DirtyBusiness ([[ItsAllAboutMe except, sometimes, for how much it makes]] ''[[ItsAllAboutMe them]]'' [[ItsAllAboutMe suffer, having to hand out all this justice]]). Indeed, it may take them a while to [[EvilCannotComprehendGood realize that a person with sense and good will really oppose them]]; the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness righteousness]] of their cause -- and their own selves -- is self-evident to them.

One of the few ways to change a Knight Templar's mind is to, frankly, kick their ass down to the ground. This is because most are convinced that MightMakesRight, and that since they are good they only kill the evil, so if you beat them but don't kill them, you are good too. They won't necessarily join you, but with a little luck their mild concussion will stop them fighting for long enough to listen to your side of the story.

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]] are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk, or even [[ThoughtCrime THINK about]] jaywalking. And may heaven help you [[PunishedForSympathy if you so happen to show any mercy or pity for a wrongdoer.]]

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]] are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk, or even [[ThoughtCrime THINK about]] jaywalking.

One of the few ways to change a Knight Templar is to, frankly, kick their ass. This is because most are convinced that MightMakesRight, and God is on their side, so if you beat them, they were wrong. They won't necessarily join you, but with a little luck they'll stop fighting long enough to listen to your side of the story.

[[caption-width-right:300:You keep telling yourself that.]]

[[caption-width-right/300/You keep telling yourself that.]]

[[caption-width-right|300|You keep telling yourself that.]]

* {{Music/Hammerfall}} are the incarnation of this trope. If a song isn't about literal Templars it's about LawfullGood heroes deeply believing in HonourBeforeReason.

It's important to note that despite being villains/villain''ous'' within the context of the story, Knights Templar believe fully that they are on the side of righteousness [[TheFettered and draw strength from that]], and that their opponents are not. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that [[WithUsOrAgainstUs if you're not with them, you're against them]]. Invoking actual goodness and decency will have no effect, save for making Knights Templar [[{{Demonization}} demonize]] your cause as the work of [[{{Satan}} the Devil]]. After all, they are certain that their own cause is just and noble, and anyone who stands in the way is a deluded fool at best and another guilty soul to be "cleansed" or evildoer to be killed at worst, and doing so is not even DirtyBusiness ([[ItsAllAboutMe except, sometimes, for how much it makes]] [[ItsAllAboutMe ''them'']] [[ItsAllAboutMe suffer, having to hand out all this justice]]). Indeed, it may take them a while to [[EvilCannotComprehendGood realize that a person with sense and good will really oppose them]]; the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness righteousness]] of their cause -- and their own selves -- is self-evident to them.

[[folder:Video Games]]
* The Batter from OFF. He intends to "purify the world" by [[spoiler: destroying it]].
[[/folder]]

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offences, such as [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]] or ThoughtCrime, are met with [[DisproportionateRetribution Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk.

It's important to note that despite being villains/villain''ous'' within the context of the story, Knights Templar believe fully that they are on the side of righteousness [[TheFettered and draw strength from that]], and that their opponents are not. Trying to reason with one isn't much good either, because many Knight Templar types believe that [[WithUsOrAgainstUs if you're not with them, you're against them]]. Invoking actual goodness and decency will have no effect, save for making Knights Templar [[{{Demonization}} demonize]] your cause as the work of [[{{Satan}} the Devil]]. After all, they are certain that their own cause is just and noble, and anyone who stands in the way is a deluded fool at best and another guilty soul to be "cleansed" or evildoer to be killed at worst, and doing so is not even DirtyBusiness ([[ItsAllAboutMe except, sometimes, for how much it makes]] ''them'' [[ItsAllAboutMe suffer, having to hand out all this justice]]). Indeed, it may take them a while to [[EvilCannotComprehendGood realize that a person with sense and good will really oppose them]]; the [[IncorruptiblePurePureness righteousness]] of their cause -- and their own selves -- is self-evident to them.

The Knight Templar is the ultimate incarnation of LightIsNotGood, and in series where DarkIsNotEvil, you can count on this guy being the villain who believes that the "dark" characters are evil and must be destroyed. If a Knight Templar [[VillainProtagonist is]] ''[[VillainProtagonist not]]'' [[VillainProtagonist the antagonist of the story]], expect to see WhatTheHellHero and/or NotSoDifferent come into play at least once. If they are still nominally good, expect them to be a HeroAntagonist.

* The leader of revolutionaries in Music/{{Genesis}}' "The Knife", the overall message being that any revolution lead by a Knight Templar will end in a dictatorship.

Many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, ChurchMilitant, or PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". Even a SaintlyChurch can have one of these as a {{foil}} for the {{Good Shepherd}}s. If the ''deity'' behind one of these churches is one of these, on the other hand, count on an EasyRoadToHell due to them being so impossibly strict that few (if any) of the mortals under them can live up to their standards of morality.

Many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, ChurchMilitant, or PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". Even a SaintlyChurch can have one of these as a {{foil}} for the {{Good Shepherd}}s.

A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian instead. In either case, she's likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by her own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion a bit too far]]. Prone to the BreakingSpeech and/or MotiveRant about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they themselves the good guys. If a ''deity'' is one of these, count on an EasyRoadToHell due to them being so impossibly strict that few (if any) of the mortals under them can live up to their standards of morality.

If you're interested in historical Templars, see TheKnightsTemplar.

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] [[GoneHorriblyRight get too hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist and, sometimes, MoralGuardians and HeWhoFightsMonsters, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]], and this extreme becomes tyrannical [[MoralSociopathy sociopathy]]. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist.

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] [[GoneHorriblyRight get too hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist and, sometimes, HeWhoFightsMonsters, [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]], and this extreme becomes tyrannical [[MoralSociopathy sociopathy]]. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist.

Usually, the Knight Templar's primary step (or objective) to his perceived "{{utopia|JustifiesTheMeans}}" is to [[TheEvilsOfFreeWill get rid of that pesky "free will" thing that is the cause of crime and evil]]. Many Knight Templar types are [[PayEvilUntoEvil utterly merciless]] in dealing with those whom they consider evil, and are prone to [[AllCrimesAreEqual consider all crimes to be equal]]. The lightest offenses are met with Draconian punishments such as full imprisonment, death, brainwashing, or eternal torture. Note that the canonical "minor offense with [[DisproportionateRetribution staggeringly out-of-proportion punishment]]" is [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking jaywalking]]. If you're in a story like this, don't jaywalk.

Sometimes, the [[LightIsGood Forces of Light and Goodness]] [[GoneHorriblyRight get too hardcore]]. In a deadly combination of WellIntentionedExtremist, TheFundamentalist and, generally speaking, [[NotSoDifferent not]] [[{{Jerkass}} so]] [[HeWhoFightsMonsters differ]][[EvilerThanThou ent]], [[BlackAndWhiteInsanity they get blinded by]] [[VisionaryVillain themselves and their ideals]], and this extreme becomes tyrannical [[MoralSociopathy sociopathy]]. It's not the Forces of Darkness' fault, but they are laughing their asses off and [[NotSoDifferent taking a great deal of satisfaction that they were]] ''[[JerkassHasAPoint right]]''. It's basically TheMole version of HeroAntagonist.

Note that not all Knight Templars are explicitly evil: There are [[PayEvilUntoEvil brutal]] {{Antihero}}es who kill criminals instead of the innocent, [[PayEvilUntoEvil Paying Evil Unto Evil]], but even they should be careful not to [[HeWhoFightsMonsters become that which they fight]].

Note that not all Knight Templars are explicitly evil: There are [[PayEvilUntoEvil brutal]] {{Antihero}}es who kill criminals instead of the innocent.

Note that not all Knight Templars are explicitly evil: There are [[PayEvilUntoEvil brutal]] {{Antihero}}es who kill criminals instead of the innocent. [[ComicBook/{{Watchmen}} Rorschach]] is a good example, as is [[ComicBook/ThePunisher Frank Castle]].

Many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, ChurchMilitant, or PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian instead. In either case, she's likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by her own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion a bit too far]]. Prone to the BreakingSpeech and/or MotiveRant about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they themselves the good guys. If a ''deity'' is one of these, count on an EasyRoadToHell due to them being so impossibly strict that few (if any) of the mortals under them can live up to their standards of morality.

Many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, ChurchMilitant, or PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian instead. In either case, she's likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by her own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion just a bit too far]]. Prone to the HannibalLecture about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they're actually the good guys. If a ''deity'' is one of these, count on an EasyRoadToHell due to them being so impossibly strict that few (if any) of the mortals under them can live up to their standards of morality.

Many Knights Templar can be found in the ranks of the CorruptChurch, ChurchMilitant, or PathOfInspiration: expect them to be screaming that they are HolierThanThou and we should all "{{Burn|TheWitch}} TheHeretic!". A Knight Templar in a fantasy setting is usually a PrinciplesZealot, religious or otherwise. In a modern or Sci-Fi setting, the Knight Templar is just as likely to be a TotalitarianUtilitarian instead. In either case, she's likely to be a bigot who hardly qualifies as {{noble|Bigot}}, but might be {{troubled|SympatheticBigot}} by her own BlackAndWhiteInsanity. Sometimes, the Knight Templar is [[TheComputerIsYourFriend an artificially intelligent computer]] that took its instructions to "protect humanity" [[ZerothLawRebellion just a bit too far]]. Prone to the HannibalLecture about how the heroes going up against them are evil and they're actually the good guys. If a ''deity'' is one of these, count on an EasyRoadToHell due to him or her being strict to the point that few (if any) can live up to his or her standards of morality.