Comprehensive scenario and variant guide for Catan
A Basic Knight is one of the three types of [Knight][knight-ck] introduced in [Cities & Knights][cities-knights].
In English editions up to the 6th edition, and the 1st international edition, all [Knights][knight-ck], including Basic Knights, were represented by a round disc with a sticker on both sides. Depending on which side was face-up, a knight would be considered activated or deactivated: English sets generally have a colored side denoting activation, while international sets generally show the cost of activation on its deactivated side.
International sets have used two designs for Basic Knights. Early 2nd international edition sets used a design with a moveable arm, where the position of the arm indicated its activation status. Due to the prospect of the arm wearing out or breaking, later sets now have a fixed arm design, instead relying on a separate helmet piece to denote that a knight is activated.
The English 6th edition reuses the crew piece from [Explorers & Pirates][explorers-pirates] to denote a Basic Knight. A knight is considered deactivated if it is placed on its side, and activated if it is placed standing up.
Viking wood pieces are a piece with a single head to denote its rank. Activation status is shown by placing a gold activation flag next to the piece. Note that Viking wood pieces are also able to show activation status by being placed on its side.
Consult with [the game concepts page][knight-ck] for details on the gameplay aspects of Basic Knights and knights in general.
2 Basic Knights are included for the red, blue, orange, and white players in [Cities & Knights][cities-knights]. 2 Basic Knights for the green and purple (brown before the English 6th edition / 4th international edition) players are included with the [Cities & Knights][cities-knights] extension.