Paladin
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Paladin description updated by Ralinde on May 26th, 2017.
Combat Style: Melee, Minor Magic Combat Rating: Strong Magic Style: Restorative, Holy, Light Magic Rating: Moderate Preferred Races: Human, Elf, Half Elf Preferred Alignment: Lawful Good Preferred Weapon(s): Warhammer, Sword Skills: Beserk, Healing Hands, Holy Smite, Full Heal, Deathblow Skill Weapon: Melee Skill Centers: Temple of Light, Warrior's Training Grounds
Description
A paladin is a holy warrior who has earned a god's favor, and fights on their god's behalf. Paladins differ from knights in that they do not primarily serve monarchs or countries, and instead only serve in a military capacity when the army's goal coincides with their god's goal.
Most paladins begin as orphans left to a church, though some paladins are enlisted or even conscripted instead. Due to the nature of their service, paladins are not normally considered part of the noble class, like knights are, except in those cultures which hold paladins in the highest regard. Even so, paladins may take vows of poverty and will not covet treasures such as gold or land. Paladins are often associated with a code of moral conduct even higher than some knights. Paladins may recieve payment for services, but tend to donate any income they make to their church. And on missions, their benefactor may pay for travel expenses such as food, room, and board, but the paladin tends to prefer to sleep in local churches or temples, if they are available.
While knights are annointed by monarchs, paladins are annointed by high priests of their church. Paladins may also recieve divine inspiration that allows them to join the causes of certain kings and queens who fight evil tyrants or dark forces. In these cases, paladins may be granted honorary knighthoods and even land, titles, deed, or monetary compensation, which is also often donated back to the church.
Lastly, some sects bestow unique titles to their exceptional paladins. For example, renowned paladins of Aramoth may be called Gladiators, while advanced followers of Xalious may be called Inquisitors.
Paladins of evil gods are called death knights.
Combat Style
Paladins take religious vows that require them to use their weapons to protect the weak and defenseless. Paladins are primarily melee combatants. Seperate sects usually have armaments that are unique to them and teach advanced paladins in the arts of these weapons. For example, paladins of Loda normally use warhammers or maces, paladins of Cyris prefer broadswords or greatswords, paladins of Xalious use staves, and paladins of Arkhen opt for bladed weapons.
A paladin is normally trained in at least one type of missile weapon, which is normally the crossbow due to its ease of use. Paladins may also practice mounted combat with polearms or longswords. Most paladins are also taught at least the basic skills in unarmed combat, though followers of Aramoth may be particularly adept at hand-to-hand combat.
Paladins also spells to augment themselves, their allies, and their weapons in battle through the faith to their divine god. Although there are some general incantations taught to most paladins, some sects have specific spells they can teach that are granted to them by their gods. Paladins are often too inept in skill to learn the same abilities as priests in terms of divine ritual, but often learn smaller incantations with supportive effects such as healing and morale boosting and buffs to ability.
In term of armor, paladins typically wear full platemail or heavy armor, though this is usually a personal choice. Some use various sizes of shields to different effect, and shields are often blessed.
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