Profile: Paladins of Faith

History

The history of the Paladins of Faith is a long and glorious one that spans countless eras. Some say that the first group of faithful warriors to be dubbed Paladins was the ones that guarded Princess Rhea. This is not true however, for paladins have been around for longer than the Empire has been around, before it was even a whisper in the minds of the Aelyrians, for as long as there has been Gods and Goddess there have been the mortals that follow them. Some mortals turn into peaceful priests while others turn into warriors who fight in the name of their patron deity. These warriors, who we now know as Paladins, were not always called such. The order was never truly given a name until Archprelate Lancaster gathered those holiest of warriors into one force and named them the Order of the Chalice. This was done during the Lancaster's short term of one pattern, and is considered one of his greatest achievements.

The first leader of The Order of the Chalice was a woman named Kitara Iluviatis, a young human girl who had shown great strength through faith in the Gods. She was the one who wrote the Tenants of the order and was also the one who had decided to build the now great Chapterhouses of the Paladins, the first one in Kriskinstat. Her accomplishments were great and she was loved dearly by the Gods for her fervor and unyielding faith in them. Unfortunately, she was mortal, and mortals do not live forever. Kitara was killed at the hands of a malicious follower of Jorel during the battle of the Divine Throne that split the fissure before the grand Temple of Aetheria in the mountains of Arium.

Through the years the Order of the Chalice came and went through the minds of the people. They were the soldiers of the faith, though they were not truly recognized as the militant order of the Church of the Faith. It was an unspoken bond between the two organizations that the faithful warriors did battle for the church when need be. Through the patterns the numbers of the Order rose and fell, the same went for the Chapterhouses with it. It was not until the Archprelate Maximillian had made an attempt on Princes Valimar's life that they were pushed into full view of The Empire.

The leader of the Order at the time was a man named Rodrin Uurthheimer, a giant of a man and stoic follower of the faith. He was the one that called Maximillian an invalid and declared that the Order of the Chalice no longer supported him. It was this action that eventually helped end the tyranny that was his reign as Archprelate. He was also the man that gave the Order the name that it is known by this brightening; the Paladins of Faith. It was during the ascension of Archprelatess Vesta that this was announced and the restructuring of the faithful order. Some may say that this is untrue as it is known by many that Princess Rhea can coined the term Paladin, but that is wrong. It was Rodrin Uurthheimer, who was told by Ioannes himself, to take the order in a new direction and cast off its old bearings for new ones. The very word Paladin is the words Pala and Din which in Ancient Aelyrian means "Faith" and "Sword". It is those two words that describe best what the Paladin order does. - As told by Gathrim Norvegan, Chronicler of the Paladin Order-

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The Tenets

Honor thy God above all else
Honor the teachings of Aetheria and your patron without question

Honor the Church in all forms
The Gods show themselves in many different ways, their churches may stand beneath a tree and a blind beggar their disciple, honor him as you would honor the Archprelatess/Archprelate

Honor the Empire
The Empire is the mortal realm of our Gods and you will show it the utmost respect

Spread the word of Aetheria
Bring the words of light to those who have not heard it

Remain pure in mind, body and soul
Do not suffer the wastes of mortal urges for in pureness you will prosper

Root the darkness from the world
Find those who preach the poison of Aeternia and silence them

Know humility in everything you do
Do not grow so inclined in yourself that you are blinded

Give respect where earned
Give those who earn respect that which they deserve

Do not kill needlessly
Strike not the harmless or those unable to defend themselves

Defend the weak
You are the shield, you are the sword, you are the armor that protects Their children

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The Virtues

Valor
Show courage in the face of fear, pain, danger and uncertainty for you will overcome for you are blessed

Generosity
Give graciously your help and services to those that need and deserve them

Liberality
Show stability and grace in your actions to those who view you

Diligence
Do not back down from that which you seek, continue on even through the hardships for you will prevail

Patience
Do not speed the process of justice for in time all will be made well

Kindness
Your life shall benefit those that you look upon and help with acts of charity and goodwill

Humility
Show those before you that although you hold great power it does not rule you

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Order Makeup

At any given time there are only three hundred Paladins within a single chapter. The small amount of armed power that the Paladins of the Faith wield goes to show that they are not an army in the sense as the Imperial Legions. This small number means that within the whole of the Empire there are a mere three thousands and thirty four members of the Order. The number may be small, but the incredible skills that each individual wields are enough to match or even outdo the senior officers of the Imperial Legions.

Each chapter house and the individuals within them decide the path they will take. Nobody but the Gods and themselves decide if they will fight by sword or with a bow. Due to this the precise number of any of the divergent paths is unable to be tracked. What is known is the number of Paladins in each house.

Headquarters in Kriskinstat
1 Grand Master
10 Guardians of Ioannolius
90 Paladins of the Faith
50 Priests of the Faith

The Nine Chapter Houses
9 Chapter Master
9 Chapter Champion
9 Hierophants
2700 Paladins of the Faith
450 Priests of the Faith

Miscillanious Members
6 Speakers
100 Prelatine Guards

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Ranks

Holy Positions

Guardians of Ioannolius:
This group of Paladins has been granted the privilege to guard the most sacred artifacts of the order. These religious zealots are chosen by the Grand Master. They guard the Vault of Aetheria that lies deep underneath the Mother House in Kriskinstat. They are chosen because of their sheer belief in the Gods and blindness in their holy mission. To become a Guardian is to give up ones life forever, for one goes through a transformation that turns the mortal into a living saint. The being becomes like a candle in the darkness, the hair turns to silver and the eyes become transparent. The skin begins to glow with holy light that any minions of evil who gaze upon them have their eyes burned from the sockets. They are granted unnatural strength, speed, agility, intelligence during the transformation from mortal to saint. The life of a Guardian is not a long one though, for like a candle that burns at both ends it will diminish quicker.

The Champion:
There are only nine Champions within the ranks of the order. These are the second in command within the chapter houses. This rank is not a fixed rank though, for it can be gained and lost just as easily. A Champion is granted his rank by the Gods themselves, they are given a dream that they share with the Chapter Master. It is up the Chapter Master to determine if the paladin in question is truthful in his words. If he is deemed worthy then he is promoted to this rank. It is a true honor to be given this rank for with it comes with a special gift. Each gift is different for each Chapter House, it could be a sword to a sacred book, but whatever it is the Champion is sworn to have it on their person at all times.

The Speakers:
The divine prominence of the Gods given human form. These individuals are the living conduits that give words to the mortals that are spoken by the masters of Aetheria. Long lived beyond recollection, the six that have wandered the land are said to be the same six that walked the world during the time of the fall of the Aelyrians. Blind, deaf and mute, they are unable to speak any words that are not those passed along from the Aetherians. Their bodies radiate such powerful holy power that the air around them crackles and should someone wishes them harm the energy wells forth to dispatch the foe. Unknown as to how they are made, some say they are punished Archons while others whisper that they are forgotten Gods.

The Ranks

Grand Master:
This is the highest rank that can be attained in the order. The Grand Master decides things like where the blades of the Paladins will fall during an outbreak of Aeternian worship, the rules and laws of the order, which has not been changed since Kitara first penned them and who will become the Chapter Master if one is killed or dies. He is also said to be able to commune with Ioannes, Aslan and Diana. The Grand Master is the wielder of the Sword of Virtue said to be given to Kitara by Diana herself. In the event that the Grand Master died before a successor is named, the Speakers shall decide who shall lead the Order when the Grand Master died.

Chapter Master:
These are the leaders of the individual chapter houses around the Empire. There are a total of nine Chapter Masters, one for each chapter within each province. They are the ones that run the day to day business of a chapter. The enforcers of the laws of the Grand Master and the Aetherians. They promote those Paladins who are worthy. They command the fighting forces of the chapter when directed to. Out of their ranks do the Speakers choose who will become the Grand Master. The keepers of the Nine Divine items, they are the ones who grant them to the Champion.

Heirophant:
The highest ranking priest within the Paladin order. These men and women are the holiest of holy, their words can grant great happiness or great ruin to those Paladins they speak to. Not only are they wielders of a terrible might, they are not afraid to use on those they deem 'impure' but also bringers of great joy. They are the double sided coin that is the Paladins of the Faith, the preachers of the word and the slayers of the darkness. Only nine of these religious maniacs exist within the Order and when one falls, the words of the Grand Master chooses who is next in line.

Chaplain:
Those few zealots within the Paladin ranks that prove themselves worthy to be a Chaplain are rightly feared. They wear their faith like a suit of armor and strike with the words of the Gods. They administer the religious rights in the ceremonies of the chapters. Also the preachers, when a group of the holy warriors visits a village it is they that teach the inhabitants of Aetheria. Great is their faith that some go into battle almost naked calling on the Gods to defend them.

Seraph:
The Paladins who have advanced enough to call themselves the leaders of their brothers and sisters. The Seraphs are the basic officers that command the different squads of the Paladin chapter.

Paladin:
The first step through the door of the Holy ranks of the Paladins of the Faith. Here the newly made Paladins will choose which path they will walk down and begin their life truly within the order.

Squire:
The men, women and children who have begun to seek entrance into the Paladin order. They do the menial jobs like cleaning, serving their liege and helping to put on armor. The Squire is given a list of tasks to do and complete everyday along with their scheduled training.

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Training

Training within the ranks of the Order is not normal when compared to that of other military organizations. It is all based primarily of the skill of each individual and the choices they make. A paladin first a foremost is a Holy Warrior of the Faith, which can be anything from a boy with a cause and a sling to a knight with a sword. It most cases there are paths that each Paladin can choose to walk if they wish.

Squire:
During the time as a squire the wannabe Paladin is given mundane tasks to do. These tasks take on all forms and can vary widely from day to day. In order for a squire to move from their position into the ranks of the Order a few things must be met. First off they go before a tribunal of Seraphs where they go over his service to his lord. They ask him his outlook on life and what he wishes to accomplish.

Paladin:
These are the basic warriors within the Order. They are the ones seen most often in their proud white armor astride their battle steeds. These men and women are the foot soldiers that make up the biggest portion of the Order. The reason being is that they have chosen to focus on the martial arts of being a Paladin. They practice with weapons of their choice be it swords, hammers or bows. They also learn study deeply the arts of culture and the mind, theology being the most broadly studied.

Crusader:
The so called Battle Mages within the Paladins of the Faith. These brothers and sisters are those gifted with the ability to learn the arts of arcana. They are no different from their regular brethren aside from they use arcana more often then sword or bow. A Crusader goes through all the same ranks and trials that a Paladin does; nothing differs from one path to another. These magically gifted individuals normally study Thaumaturgy but it is not unheard of to see a Mystic or Druid among the order.

Chaplain:
The priests and priestess' of the Order. They are the religious leaders within each chapter house that hold positions of honor among the ranks. They are those Paladins that chose to walk the path of the Gods instead of the Warrior. These special individuals administer to each chapter house like the daily prayer ceremony. They say that it is the Chaplain that is truly the backbone of the Paladin fighting squads, spurring them on with litanies of faith. Some fight with such religious zeal that they go mad with Godly desire and never truly return to normal.

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Devices of The Order

Soulblades:

The main weapon of a Paladin is the Soulblade. This shining weapon is crafted by the hands of the Paladin over a period of three months. Pouring his own soul into the creation of the weapon and strengthening it with spirit the Paladin devotes himself to it. Offering prayers up to their patron deity the Paladin asks for the weapon to be blessed with holy power. For a Soulblade would not be a Soulblade without the blessings of a God to give it strength, would be just a normal weapon. The weapon bonds with its wielder on a spiritual level and is said to never break so long as its holder stays true.

There are many affects that a Soulblade can have or take on. The most common being the ability to slay the undead creatures of Aeternia in a single blow. Others glow with the power of elemental fire and yet others strike out with blows of lightening. Depending on the heart of the crafter and the amount of prayer decides what the weapon will do. No two Soulblades are ever the same, for each are singularly blessed and given shape by the Gods themselves.

The Soulblade can take many forms, the most common being a sword. There are Paladins that choose to carry a mace, spear, hammer or even long ranged weapons. These are all forged in the same way and over the same amount of time or longer. Though a Paladin does not have to forge the weapon himself he must still take part in the crafting, be it pouring the ore or pumping the bellows, a Paladin must help in some way.

Archlight Staffs:

These amazingly giant items are given to the Hierophants when they reach their position. The main use the staff is as a symbol of office and a tool in preaching, though it can be used as a melee weapon. All nine staffs look exactly the same, measuring five feet in length and weighing a great two hundred pounds each is topped with an Aetherian symbol. Running the length of the weapon are runes that none can read, these texts glow when the Hierophant places his or her hand upon them. These runic texts are what enable the holy men or women to wield them so deftly, they are amazingly light in the hands of their masters.

Repentance Beads:

Each Paladin carries one of these precious items. They are held to remind each and every one of them that they are only mortal and that they are flawed. Some Paladins have bead lengths inches long or many feet long, depending on what the individual deems they deserve to repent for.

The Nine Sacred Items

These are the divine items that the Paladin is granted when he or she becomes the Chapters Champion. These nine items are said to have been forged by Cetheron himself and given to the very first Grand Master who later divided them up between the Chapter Masters. These sacred gifts do a variety of different things for the Champion. This can change over time though, for at one time the Emerald Laurel did nothing and it now shines light that can bring about the destruction of the undead. Some think that the items change depending on who is holding it and how it is being used.

Enamoria Province - The item that is held by the Enamorian Paladins is known as the Crown of Orod . This divine given gift is shaped into a crown of laurel leaves that shine with a thousand tiny emeralds. When worn constantly, it casts a halo of holy light around the champion. The light being anathema to undead beings that it falls upon.

Prime Province - The item belonging to the chapter within Prime Province is that of the Fang of Maj. This dagger is made of pure silver and completely indestructible. It is so sharp that it can cut through most armor, though only one at a time. It is written that this blade when used once will break and turn to dust. Its purpose of creation and reason for the Paladins having it is unknown.

Centripax Province - The item given to those within the Centripax Province is called the Shield of Aslan. This tower shield is the color of the setting sun and as hard as dragon scales. When in the hands of the Champion it lights with holy power and becomes encased in flames. These flames do not hurt the bearer but can cause damage to those surrounding him or even the very area. This is a gift that is to be used carefully for it has great defensive and destructive sides.

Carmelyn Province - The item held by the Carmelyn Province is known as the Patria Feather. This simple ivory feather was created with the Goddess Diana in mind. The name Patria encompasses the three different sects of the Ancient Aelyrians that once were. The tiny idol gives the wearer the appearance of having two large white wings protruding from their backs. It is unclear to if these wings grant flight or are for aesthetic purposes for there has only been one Champion ever within the Carmelyn chapter.

Arium Province - The item that the Arium Province Paladins hold is called the Hammer of Cetheron. The hammer was said at one time to have been wielded by the mighty archon himself. It does not bare any strange markings or runes, simple in design and flawless in perfection. The hammer is like a boulder in the hands of the Champion and has the ability to create some truly wondrous items.

Lauryl Province - The item of the Lauryl Province is known as the Golden Eye. It is a brooch made of gold and platinum shaped in the form of the eye of Ioannes. When in use the platinum center lights up and grants the bearer the power of empathy. The ability to feel the thoughts and feelings of those around him is a great and terrible gift for those not willed enough to control the item.

Sherian Province - The item given to the Sherian Province is called the Leaf of Carmelya. This multi-colored leaf is made of different precious gems. When held it casts upon the wearer a field of invisibility that only holds when the wearer is standing still. When moving the wearer becomes visible again.

Arakmat Province - The item held by the Arakmat Province is the Shard of Phedos. Taken from a piece of the archons armor it is, like Phedos, a keep of arcane power. Granting the Champion increased arcane abilities from being steadily in a state of clara to lessening shaping time and increasing the power of spells.

Eunesia Province - The item within the Eunesia Province is called the Archons Gift. The Archons Gift was crafted by Cetheron, enhanced by Phedos and given strength and ability by Maj. The gift includes a set of pull platemail of purest white and as hard as diamond and almost impervious to the arcane, an indestructible sword of glowing blue and a shield for protection.

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Sacred Relics

The following is a list of the relics that are sacred to the Paladin order. They are all kept within the walls of the Founding House of Kriskinstat within the Vault of Aetheria. The relics are guarded by a group of Paladins known as the Guardians of Ioannolius that would die before letting them fall into the hands of darkness.

Sword of Virtue - This mighty sword was given to the first Grand Master, Kitara. It was handed to her by Diana herself during the battle of the Divine Throne. The sword shines with a mighty flurry of pure white light that is anathema to the ghouls of Aeternia. It also weighs nothing, said to be as light as a feather yet can still strike with the force of a lightning bolt. The metal the sword is made out of is a mystery for the glow of the blade never subsides enough for any to tell. The crossbar of the sword is made out of Mythril with a large pearl set directly in the center. The crossbar sweeps upwards until it almost touches the blade of the sword. The hilt is made of an ebony wood with gold filigree etched into it; the exact words are unknown though the language is Ancient Aelyrian. At the end of the hilt is placed an unflawed diamond wrapped in strands of platinum to hold it in place.

Chalice of Purity - The Chalice of Purity is shaped like any other chalice. It is made of pure gold with seven precious stones inlaid into it. The seven stones represent the seven virtues that all Paladins live their lives by. Amethyst for Valor. Ruby for Generosity. Emerald for Liberality. Diamond for Diligence. Sapphire for Patience. Opal for Kindness. Garnet for Humility. The Chalice of Purity is the sacred cup that the Grand Master drinks from during his inauguration ceremony. Nothing but purified water that is blessed by the Archprelate may enter the confines of the cup.

The Golden Canticles - The book of holy hymns that is written in the divine language of the Gods. Bound in a book of white leather with pages made of silver leaf. Upon the pages are written the hymns and prayers to the Gods. The only mortal that has been blessed enough to read them was Kitara Iluviatis, the first Grand Master of the Paladin order.

Secrets of Aeternia - The book of the damned is what it is best know as for within its black bindings are the deadly secrets of Aeternia. The pages burn to the touch and can cause even the most pure of heart to befoul. There are so many pages within the black bindings that none have read it through and none wish to do so. Within its covers are held the words of the Aeternian Gods, the names of the heretical and blasphemous and the sins of the fallen.