Paladin

The paladin is a noble and heroic warrior, the symbol of all that is right and true in the world. As such, he has high ideals that he must maintain at all times. Throughout legend and history there are many heroes who could be called paladins. However, many brave and heroic soldiers have tried and failed to live up to the ideals of the paladin. It is not an easy task!

Lawful and good deeds are the meat and drink of the paladin. Except where noted here, the Paladin conforms to the class as presented in the core PHB, here.

### Strictures

* A paladin is Lawful Good
* A paladin must tithe to whatever charitable, religious institution of lawful good alignment he serves
* A paladin may not possess more than 10 magical items
* A paladin never retains wealth
* A paladin is known by the company he keeps

### Requirements

* Ability Requirements: Str 12, Con 9, Wis 13
* Prime Requisite: Strength & Charisma
* Allowed Races: Human
* Alignments: Lawful Good

### Abilities

* Detect Evil
* Immunity to Disease
* Lay on Hands
* Remove Disease
* Aura of Protection
* Turn Undead

### Deities Sponsoring Paladins

* Lathander
* Mystra
* Sune
* Tyr
* Helm
* Ilmater
* Torm
* Siamorphe

### **The Paladin Ethos**

At all times the Paladin must observe edicts, knightly virtues, and the highest ideals imposed unto him. The most important are the strictures that all paladins can never violate, as seen above. Two are expanded upon here:

* **Lawful Good Alignment:** The paladin must be lawful good, with no exception. In his heart is the core belief in that the system of laws can promote the welfare of all, ensuring justice and safety. With fairness of application and just reason in their writing, laws regardless of origin are to be followed and enforced. Individual laws the paladins disagree with but are cultural norms are respected by the paladin, such as the legalization of gambling which the paladin may refrain from morally, but will allow to stand. In the end, however, he is not without autonomy. Any law that runs contrary to his alignment, the paladin may find the government guilty of lawlessness if they create a system that lets run harmful enterprise, such as if a casino empire runs rampantly unregulated, corruptly influencing local authorities or bringing to ruin many families. In response, the paladin encourages citizens to nor partake or will work to change the law. In the most extreme cases, the paladin must take direct action against abhorrent practice. Slavery as example, even if legal, brings the paladin intervene no matter who perpetuates the practice. Though a paladin may be unable to support revolution due to the constraints of time and resources, he will gladly save those victims he can should he witness it, and accept leaving the area if forced to. A paladin does not kill merely suspects, nor kills for mere threat. He strikes when he knows of evil doing or all evidence tangibly shows such. He promotes the greater good with his slaying. In war he fights for his lawful good patrons, and if the punishment fits the crime, enforcement is not interfered with, or he carries out himself. Personal gain and treasure are never a reason for the paladin's blade. Even with the understanding that innocent life is sacred, most will still hunt or defend peoples against unaligned creatures.
* **Associates:** A paladin holds responsibility for his associates. Even if they take action without his knowledge, when discovered he feels responsible for their choices. He may tolerate those whom are non-evil but haven't shown goodly intent, but he understands they are a quick influence to cause his virtues to be betrayed, and that not acting against those he knows evil is an act of sloth. They will haunt his dreams should they do evil without his stopping them. Even associating temporarily with evil may be construed as an evil act to him, for his work may only advance the cause of evil that wishes to tag along.

Following this the paladin must adhere to the edicts he has pledged to obey. The shape of these edicts take are varied from commands, instructions, traditions, and laws. The edicts are uncompromising, followed to the letter, and are taken as seriously as the strictures and virtues they follow. The edicts a paladin follows are informed by the setting and background the paladin has found himself in. They can come from his religion, government, mentors or superiors, culture, and family. Examples of edicts include:

* A government may require military service or appearing at tournaments.
* A religion requires he enforce the will of the church, or take to protecting clerics on pilgrimage.
* A mentor may require he be tested or take part in a practice or exercise
* A culture may encourage a proper greeting or addressing of the elderly with respect inherently, or have specific practice in speaking to leaders.
* A family may honor the fallen by visiting a grave on a designated day once per year, or uphold a tradition of never hunting a protected animal.

Beyond strictures and edicts, are the core virtues of the Paladin. All prior parts of his ethos are to be followed virtuously, will lead to virtuous behavior when followed. Where they do not apply, the virtues will always give the paladin clear action and wash away regret. The virtues that the paladin can expect from all others of the same class, regardless of edict and faith, are Fealty, Courtesy, Honesty, Valor, Honor and Chastity. Though there are more virtues one may posses, the five universal virtues are defined here:

* **Fealty:** The relationship between a warrior and his various patrons is an important part of a Paladin's cause. It gives him a sense of working for something greater than himself, belonging, and defining the Paladins moral code by defining right and wrong, good and evil. His patrons being lords, religions, and or lawful good governments, the allegiance sworn between them and the paladin is a promise not to be trifled with. Either party breaking the promise is considered a grave violation. The obligations of fealty involve several aspects. The paladin must observe faithful service regardless of their own presumption and hesitance. They must promote the ideals of their patrons, as well as honor and respect the patrons and their symbols. Ultimately, the paladin would sacrifice their lives in the name of fealty
* **Courtesy:** As a Paladin, he walks with pride, dignity, politeness, and self control. Ill mannered behavior of others is treated with grace, and customs adhered respectfully. The paladin considers the feelings of others, and takes care not to offend. He practices proper etiquette, manners, and grooming. He is reminded to speak with awareness of those around them, showing kindness and tact. Dignified, the paladin refrains from unnecessary outbursts of emotion, foul language, or excessive consumption. Boorish acts such as these are telling of his true self being lacking.
* **Honesty:** The trust that the Paladin is granted is reflected in the weight of words and promises kept that are spoken by him. He always tells the truth or what he would think to know to be the truth. The paladin would never sell out his friends to an evil doer, he will remain silent or respond appropriately. When others insist, if appropriate, a paladin will answer honestly, but may have to withhold vital information for the sake of the virtues, edicts, or strictures. Though when it may hurt another or the paladin wishes to remain courteous by avoiding answering, when pressed for the truth, the paladin will not allow it to be shrouded or softened by euphemism or excuse.
* **Valor:** The paladin is known for their courage. This courage is wielded in all aspects of the paladin's existence. He knows no danger is too great to leave the mission unfinish, or a promise unfulfilled. The fear of pain, hardship, death, or other adversity is braved by the strength of his commitment. The battlefield and war are the paladin's place to show the glory of his patrons. A paladin fights without hesitation, striking immediately against his known enemies until they surrender or are defeated. The paladin prefers to pick the most imposing enemy as his target, looking to have them engaged face to face. He can withdraw honorably when outnumbered with capable opponents or clearly foolish to combat, especially if such foolishness would be harmful to more than the paladin.
* **Honor:** Integrity in every circumstance is shown by the paladin. Whether witness behold, or in silence and dark, the paladin is morally sound. Though it is goodly to comfort the dying ally, it is honorable to comfort the dying enemy. The paladin holds respect not only for their superior and patrons, but all whom share their commitments. Additionally, the following reflect the virtue of honor
	+ He defers to his lawful good superiors of social class, rank, and or level.
	+ He treats **all** lawful good beings with courtesy and respect.
	+ He accepts duels with those of comparable status and power. They may spare a foolish drunk or an arrogant youngster of such a humiliation.
	+ He will die before breaking his fealty, principles, or abandoning those he protects

The Code of Chivalry as observed by Tethyr is a traditional edict in decades past. It was often a guide for the paladin whom has been raised within the lands of Tethyr, so he recognized these as part of his five virtues. Even the lay man in a decade without knights can name a few. The following list is adapted for Tethyr and the Forgotten Realms from AD&D sources:

* To nobly serve with drive and passion.
* Honed in combat and tactics, applied to service to one's lord.
* Honorable actions and personal glory proven through battle.
* Death before dishonor.
* Courageous and Enterprising obedience to the laws and to one's superiors.
* Courtesy for peers and nobles.
* Earned reputation and compliance by one's deeds.