Liam Cassaro, human Oath of the Templar paladin
The paladin is sworn to a sacred ideal, a paragon who truly embodies their tenets - in word as well as in action. These tenets can be anything from service to a singular entity, to protection of the populace at large. Some serve deities, such as the Pilgrim Knights, others serve a political entity, such as the Lodge of the Roses. Regardless, their loyalty only superficially lies with the leaders of their order - what they truly serve are the ideas and causes behind the organization.
Paladins can be inflexible in their thinking and their methods, but they are also loyal to a fault.
Subclasses
The different paladin subclasses swear very different oaths, and reflect the circumstances by which they became a paladin.
Oath of Devotion
Paladins of Devotion are guardians who are sworn to protect a certain creed or ideal. They may have sworn their oath in a temple ceremony, surrounded by their teachers, friends, and family.
Oath of Vengeance
A paladin of Vengeance often swore their oath in anger, perhaps vowing revenge while holding the bloody remains of a loved one. This is not an oath sworn lightly, and harboring so much hatred within oneself takes a toll on the paladin. Even if the paladin is able to achieve their vengeance, they still need to heal their own grief.
Oath of the Ancients
This oath is sworn by those who protect the wilderness, often together with druids and rangers. It is most commonly sworn by elves, taking up arms in defense of their homeland against encroaching corruption.
Oath of Glory
An oath of glory is a sacred promise to seek fame and fortune. Paladins who embody this oath are completely fearless, and willingly go where others dare not, just because it makes their story more heroic. They often seek out bards to chronicle their epic journeys.
Ideals
- Devotion: Through belief in the tenets, I will embody them. (Any)
- Chivalry: I will be an example for others to follow. (Good)
- Might: By right of conquest, I will rule this land. (Evil)
- Justice: The law is blind, and I cannot let my emotions guide me. (Neutral)
- Fealty: I trust my superiors' orders, sometimes blindly. (Lawful)
- Greater Good: Sometimes a rule needs to be broken. (Chaotic)
Backstory Questions
- What drove you to swear your oath?
- What are the specific tenets of your oath?
- Which tenet do you find hardest to obey? Why?
- Does your paladin or their order have any heraldry?
Paladins of the Past
Halvdan the First Spear (The Pilgrim Knights)
(human paladin, LN, 981-1016): One of the founders of the Pilgrim Knights. Born Halvdan Falconbrand, he became a martyr when he single-handedly delayed a horde of undead on a bridge while his comrades escaped. His spirit is now the guardian of the doors to Sessrumnir. Halvdan is buried in Arastfjord, and the Pilgrim Knights maintain a shrine in his honor there. While he was alive Halvdan wielded Dawnrender, leading the first column of knights sworn to the order.
Arwyn Elsiter (House Elsiter)
high elf cleric, LG, 911-1138
Founder of the Pilgrim Knights and namesake of House Elsiter. Arwyn was not born into nobility - she was a simple priestess of Freya who swore an oath to cure the world of its ills. At the end of her long life of devoted service, she was raised to sainthood by Freya for her devoted service. A shrine in her honor now stands in Tel Edhil, and many Pilgrims come there to pray and make offerings. Arwyn is often depicted with her sword in one hand, and her sceptre in the other.
Baron Thomas Emberbloom
(human, LN, 1156-1239): Baron of Godshearth. One of the founding fathers of the Estian League. To protect the new nation, he created the Lodge of the Roses, whose headquartered used to be the Emberbloom family seat.