Paladin

Paladins are martial zealots, devoted to a god, a ruler, or even a way of life. They can be found in any culture where a fanatical group of like-minded individuals have formed a warrior society dedicated to advancing their cause. Among those aligned to their worldview, paladins are viewed with respect and admiration, if a bit of fear. Many paladins hold leadership positions in armies and mercenary companies, but in the heat of battle their fanaticism often overrules the chain of command -- and common sense.


Skill Bonuses:

• Athletics +2
• Lore +1

Stats:

• Endurance = 42 + (14 * [Level - 1])
• Health = 5 * Endurance
• Accuracy = 25 + (3 * [Level - 1])
• Deflection = 25

Starting Ability:

• Faith and Conviction: Paladins have an inherent bonus to all of their defenses. Over the course of the game, the value of this bonus may shift based on the Reputations the paladin gains relative to the behaviors that are preferred by his or her order.

Paladin Orders:

• Bleak Walkers
  
  The Bleak Walkers are soldiers dedicated to conducting warfare mercilessly and with extreme brutality in order to bring a swift end to conflicts. Because they are renowned for their terrible and unyielding nature, most nobles will only call on them as a last resort. The Bleak Walkers' behavior reinforces cruelty because the quickest resolution to a battle is one in which the Bleak Walkers' arrival is announced and a surrender immediately follows. To ensure that people understand that no mercy will be given by Bleak Walkers, they never give quarter under any circumstances.
  
  Favored Dispositions: Aggressive, Cruel
  Disfavored Dispositions: Benevolent, Diplomatic
  
  
• Darcozzi Paladini
  
  The oldest known paladin order in the world, the Darcozzi Paladini were founded as the guards of the Darcozzi Palace in Grand Vailia over 2000 years ago. Since the shattering of Grand Vailia, the Darcozzi Paladini have transformed into the protectors and ambassadors of the immense Darcozzi family as well as Old Vailian culture. The Darcozzi Paladini are widespread and occasionally even come into conflict with each other due to the machinations of the Darcozzi family. Paladins of the order are renowned for their wit and love of life.
  
  Favored Dispositions: Clever, Passionate
  Disfavored Dispositions: Cruel, Stoic
  
  
• Goldpact Knights
  
  The Goldpact Knights are an order of mercenary paladins who sell themselves for all sorts of defensive and offensive engagements. They emerged on the Pearl Coast a few hundred years ago and managed to survive the destruction of the dwarven nation that created them. Goldpact Knights are not especially brutal and are willing to shift direction based on the desires of their employers. As their name suggests, the Goldpact Knights believe payment forms a binding contract. They are known for being non-judgmental, professional, and impressively mirthless.
  
  Favored Dispositions: Rational, Stoic
  Disfavored Dispositions: Aggressive, Passionate
  
  
• Kind Wayfarers
  
  The most widespread paladin order, the Kind Wayfarers are guides and protectors for travelers, often people of limited means traveling in dangerous areas. Kind Wayfarers lack the noble prestige of other paladin orders, but are widely respected by commoners for their generosity and compassion. Kind Wayfarers lack a centralized structure and many members operate independently in remote areas. Though the order is known for not being wealthy, in recent years they've improved their finances via cartography and working with groups like the Hand Occult to develop travel guides for little-known parts of Eora.
  
  Favored Dispositions: Benevolent, Passionate
  Disfavored Dispositions: Cruel, Deceptive
  
  
• Shieldbearers of St. Elcga
  
  During a peace negotiation, an archer from the kingdom of Aedyr shot the noblewoman emissary of Kulkin, Elcga, in the arm, provoking battle. Elcga nevertheless made a second attempt at negotiation, accompanied by three elven knights whose only arms were shields they held in front of Elcga to protect her. Elcga succeeded, helping form the Aedyr Empire. The knights who protected her founded the Shieldbearers of St. Elcga, who continue to act as guardians and diplomats in Aedyr and beyond. They are well-known for their honesty and skill in negotiations.
  
  Favored Dispositions: Diplomatic, Honest
  Disfavored Dispositions: Aggressive, Cruel