Paladins

Mythos and History

It is hard to know when the first paladin came into being. When did the first warrior dedicate himself to a cause or a god? What is known is that they have been present at most of the points in history where evil has been resisted.

Nature

Through a select, worthy few shines the power of the divine. Called paladins, these noble souls dedicate their swords and lives to the battle against evil. Knights, crusaders, and law-bringers, paladins seek not just to spread divine justice but to embody the teachings of the virtuous deities they serve. In pursuit of their lofty goals, they adhere to ironclad laws of morality and discipline. As reward for their righteousness, these holy champions are blessed with boons to aid them in their quests: powers to banish evil, heal the innocent, and inspire the faithful. Although their convictions might lead them into conflict with the very souls they would save, paladins weather endless challenges of faith and dark temptations, risking their lives to do right and fighting to bring about a brighter future.

Organization

The paladins are almost to the last associated with some deity and religious order. They don’t necessarily take orders directly from the clergy, but paladins certainly weigh their opinions heavily. In return, the clergy often view paladins as their long arm into dangerous areas, and paladins are often the first religious figure isolated communities meet.

Lay members are exclusively those seeking to become paladins and are not seen outside of their training monasteries, as they are not deemed deep enough in their devotion and skill to adequately handle the challenges they routinely face.

Membership

Standard, though at each level, they must have Influence and their Oath at the same levels as the other skills.

Restrictions

The paladin takes an Oath to show their devotion to their cause. This oath includes swearing to

• Honesty. Don't lie or cheat. Let your word be your promise.
• Courage. Never fear to act, though caution is wise.
• Compassion. Aid others, protect the weak, and punish those who threaten them. Show mercy to your foes, but temper it with wisdom.
• Honor. Treat others with fairness, and let your honorable deeds be an example to them. Do as much good as possible while causing the least amount of harm.
• Duty. Be responsible for your actions and their consequences, protect those entrusted to your care, and obey those who have just authority over you.

Skills

Athletics, Devotion, Exhort, First Aid, Influence, Insight, Lore (Religion); Combat Style (Choose a total of 5 weapons or combat style traits)

Magic

Initiates of this order learn abilities that are similar to Folk Magic spells, but are based on the Devotion skill. Any place that calls for the Folk Magic skill, replace it with the paladin’s Devotion skill. These abilities include Cleanse, Fanaticism, Heal, Polish, Vigor, and Witchsight. Cleanse and Polish are restricted to the paladin’s armor and weapons, and their Witchsight allows the paladin to learn the passions (though not the percentage) of those within his sight, opposed by the Willpower of those seen.

Acolytes in the order are taught how to exhort and gain a Devotional Pool similar to a theist. Acolytes also learn the Theist spells Cure Malady, Steadfast, and True (Weapon)

Overseer level (called Paladins) learn the Theist spells Dismiss Magic and Exorcism.

Gifts

Initiates in the order receive a suit of mail covering all locations and two weapons or shields appropriate to their order.

Acolytes gain the ability to use their Fanaticism over an area, affecting all allies within POW meters of the acolyte. This use acts exactly like a casting of the Fanaticism spell otherwise.

Paladin-rank individuals emit an Aura of Fanaticism at will and free of cost.

Leader rank (called Paladin Lords) members can shine with an aura of holy light, making all attacks against the Paladin Lord one rank harder.