Paragons of Virtue

A paladin is a warrior bound by a sacred oath; their unshakable resolve and devotion empowering them with divine magic to smite their foes and uphold their ideals. They fight for justice and righteousness, dedicating themselves to their oaths with unwavering conviction. Whether standing against evil or protecting the innocent, paladins embody the ideals of honor, sacrifice, and perseverance.

While devotion to a deity is not a strict requirement to take up the mantle of a paladin, in the Flanaess, most serve religious orders aligned with gods such as Heironeous, Hextor, Cuthbert, Pelor, and Rao. Other paladins swear their oaths to kings, nations, or noble causes, and some dedicate themselves to a singular quest or duty, pursuing it with relentless determination. Regardless of the source of their power, a paladin’s strength lies in their unwavering adherence to their chosen path.

Each paladin abides by a code of honor, which differs depending on their order and oath. These codes are rarely inflexible or foolish, allowing for strategy and discretion. A paladin is not bound to charge recklessly into battle against overwhelming odds but is encouraged to use wisdom and cunning to achieve their goals. For instance, using the terrain to outmaneuver a red dragon rather than engaging it directly would align with their pragmatic sense of duty.

Paladins are commonly found among the Knights of the Hart and the Knights of the Watch, while those who follow the Oath of the Ancients often serve nature-focused groups like the Rangers of the Gnarley Forest. Paladins of Heironeous trace their lineage to Arnd of Tdon, a legendary figure who established the first Paladins of the Invincible One among the Oeridian tribes before the Great Migrations. Many regard their order as the origin of the paladin tradition, a lineage that has inspired generations of holy warriors to uphold the light of justice.