Economics (CPaH)

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Many paladins live in a state of near poverty. Their ethos limits the amount of money they can save, while living expenses, church tithings, and stronghold costs put heavy demands on whatever meager funds they manage to acquire. Most paladins have neither the time, resources, nor aptitude to make a living as craftsmen or merchants. Business ventures, other than those associated with their strongholds, are often impractical or forbidden. Paladins from affluent backgrounds rarely benefit from their families' wealth; their ethos restricts them from accepting large allowances or handouts, and strict inheritance laws usually turn most of the holdings over to the state when the parents die. Adding to their difficulties, most governments and churches require paladins to buy and maintain their own mounts and equipment, believing they'll take better care of these items if they owns them outright.
So where does a paladin get his money? Aside from treasure and rewards, here are a few of the most common sources:
==Stipend==
Though paladins are expected to serve their government out of loyalty rather than an expectation of financial reward, many monarchies give their paladins a small monthly stipend, rarely exceeding 10 gp per month. The paladin is expected to buy all of his equipment, clothing, and supplies, though the government may provide him food and a place to live. As the paladin becomes more experienced, the stipend may increase modestly, perhaps 1-2 gp per level. In most cases, the stipend ends when the paladin builds his own stronghold.
Stipends generally aren't available to free-lance paladins, paladins who have pledged fealty to mentors instead of governments, or paladins who work primarily or exclusively for churches. Churches may provide room and board, but give cash only in emergencies. Cash given by a church usually works as a loan, which the paladin is expected to repay as soon as possible.
==Mercenary==
When his government or church is at peace, a paladin may hire out as a mercenary to friendly monarchies or other employers. The paladin's superiors negotiate the terms, including the length of service, expected duties, and remuneration. Ironically, a paladin can earn much more as a mercenary than as a soldier on salary to his government; monthly wages in excess of 100 gp are common. However, the paladin may be obliged to pay as much as 90% of his wage to his superiors, in recompense for the loan of his services.
==Mortgage==
A paladin may raise money by securing a loan from his government or church, using his stronghold or other property as collateral. Collateral requirements and repayment terms are usually strict. The required collateral may be as much as 100 times the amount of the loan. Monthly payments may be equal to 10-20% of the amount loaned, paid for a minimum of one year. A paladin may also secure a loan based on a pledge of future service as a soldier, teacher, or laborer. Moneylenders are usually agreeable to such arrangements, knowing that a paladin always keeps his word.
==Hostage Ransom==
In times of war, a paladin may capture enemy soldiers or dignitaries, then demand ransom for their return. Hostage footsoldiers or household staff seldom bring high ransoms—if any—but a dignitary or other important person can command a fortune (a "king's ransom"). If he works for a government or church, the paladin's superiors usually demand a large portion of all ransoms. Ransoming prisoners is not considered an ethos violation, so long as the prisoners are of good or neutral alignment; evil-aligned prisoners are usually slain or turned over to the authorities for disposition.
==Tournament Ransom==
In addition to winning small monetary awards in tournaments, paladins may earn money by ransoming their opponents. Certain tournaments require defeated opponents to flee the field, taking refuge in nearby forests or mountains. The victors may pursue. If the victors locate and capture the losers within an allotted time period (say, by sunset), the losers must pay the victors a ransom for their release. A typical ransom ranges from 1-10 gp, though ransoms for high-level opponents may be two or three times that amount. A paladin's superiors usually skim off a high percentage of all ransoms.