The Ethics of the Paladin

Table of Contents

Page One: Table of Contents

Page Two: What is a paladin?

Page Three: The strictures of our Ethos.

All Paladins must be Lawful Good

Page Four: The strictures of our Ethos. (Continued)

When will we take a life?

Wealth and Treasure

A Paladin does not plunder the dead

Page Five: The strictures of our Ethos. (Continued)

Associations

Distractions

Behaviour

********** *** The Ethics of the Paladin *** **********

by Aenarion dePayens

What is a paladin?

Clad in shining armour, his lance gleaming in the morning sun, the paladin

is the epitome of virtue, champion of the defenseless, and the embodiment of

righteousness.

All paladins live life by a strict set of rules and principles that

structure our life and regulate our behaviour. This set of rules and

principles is called an ethos. While a normal ethos may encompass the

written laws of society, ours is much broader, incorporating spiritual

edicts and moral absolutes to form an ethical ideal. The ethos defines our

attitudes, shapes our personality, and influences virtually every decision

we will ever make.

Our ethos is uncompromising, requiring absolute dedication. Stray from the

path and there will be severe consequences. extreme violations will likely

result in a complete loss of status and permanent removal of all special

abilities. Nadrik is an unforgiving god.

Still, our ethos is a privilege, not a burden. All conduct has a moral

quality. Every action is a choice between right and wrong, the totality of

our lives a test. We relish the challenge our ethos presents us, and

maintain the highest standard we can, for the honour of Nadrik, Knighthood

and ourselves.

The strictures of our Ethos.

All paladins must be Lawful Good.

At the heart of a paladin is the belief in a system of laws that promotes

the welfare of all members of a society, ensures their safety, and

guarantees justice. So long as the laws are just and applied fairly to all

people, it doesn't matter to us whether they originate from a democracy or

a single supreme leader.

Though all lawful good systems adhere to the same general principles,

specific laws may be different. The laws of Arkane are not the same as

those of Althainia. We respect the laws of other lawful good nations and we

do not seek to impose our own values on their citizens.

However, we do not honour a law that runs contrary to our alignment. A

government that believes that unregulated gambling provides harmless

diversion is unworthy of our notice, but if it crosses the line and results

into devastating poverty and despair, the government is guilty of a lawless

act by promoting an exploitative and destructive enterprise. In response,

we, as individuals, may encourage citizens to refrain from gambling, or

work to change the law.

Particularly abhorrent practices, such as slavery and child exploitation,

may force us to take direct action. It doesn't matter if these practices

are culturally acceptable or sanctioned by well-meaning officials. Justice

compels us to intervene and alleviate as much suffering as we can. We must

protect those without the power to protect themselves.

Note, though, that other constraints, such as our overriding duty to

Knighthood may limit such involvement. While we wish for a cultural

revolution in a society that tolerates cannibalism, we may have to content

ourselves with rescuing a few victims before returning to our foremost

duties.

When will we take a life?

A paladin kills whenever necessary to promote the greater good, or to

protect ourselves, our companions, or anyone we have vowed to defend. In

times of war, we strike down the enemies of Knighthood and of our churches.

Otherwise, we avoid killing whenever possible. We never kill for treasure

or personal gain. We never knowingly kill a lawful good being unless forced

to by clan law, church mandate or divine mandate such as Raijes tournament.

Wealth and treasure

The paladin collects only as much of each to forward their own crusade.

All excess items will be donated to clan or church. We have no interest in

wealth for wealth's sake. We seek spiritual, rather than material

satisfaction.

After all, the pleasures of ownership are fleeting, superficial and

ultimately, debasing. A paladin remains true to the spirit of this rule,

never searching for ambiguities to exploit. This holds true for the entire

ethos.

While the above is the guiding rule for most material things, the exceptions

are our armour and that of our mount. Only the best armour will be used for

our mount, and the best quality armour we can obtain for ourselves is

necessary. Only then can we fight the true fight to the best of our

ability.

A paladin does not plunder the dead

The only exceptions to this are as follows. Equipment known to be stolen

from a fellow Knight may be recovered and returned. Holy relics (weapons,

etc) should always be recovered. Objects of artifact quality by which the

Lord Knight has charged the Keep with recovering should be done so.

Associations

We are known by the company we keep. Ideally, we would only associate with

other lawful good people or members of our clan. Circumstances however,

sometimes force of us associate with people who are both of neutral and

chaotic persuasion. Contact should be kept brief and to a minimum.

Association with an evil person is unacceptable and should it occur,

cleansing through prayer for days afterward is required. We also bear

responsibility for the associations of people in our company and for our

clansman. Should our clan mates stray then we are responsible for not

looking after them correctly. It is our obligation to make sure those that

look up to us are taken care of properly.

Distractions

All activities the paladin may involve themselves with must be chosen

knowing they will not interfere with their duty. Substances like heavy

drink should be eschewed because of the mind clouding and thus deleterious

effect they have. Spouses may be taken, for love is truly a gift of the

gods, but the paladins single-minded dedication to duty will often preclude

a happy marriage.

Behaviour

Any action that is immature, childish or unbecoming of a knight is not to be

performed. A paladin's dress and bearing are the face they present to the

world. Be civil, well mannered and controlled at all times. Nadriks first

lesson must be held uppermost in the minds of all paladins at all times.

Frivolous actions are for frivolous people, of which paladins are most

certainly not.

A paladin is, by their calling, a natural leader and teacher. We must guard

the faith of our comrades and teach the correct course of action in all

things. We must lead by example and in doing so lead our clan steadfastly

into the Light.

A paladin should attend all religious ceremonies held within the Keep out of

desire to commune with their god, rather than because they are forced to.

Each paladin should keep close contact with the High Clerist and the highest

ranked priest of Nadrik to help themselves remain as pure and at peace with

their god and Nadrik as possible. A paladin must confess and atone any time

they breach this ethos. A paladin is not afraid to face punishment for

their own mistakes, knowing it can only make them a better and truer servant

of the light.