Oaths and Vows

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Oaths and Vows

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In the wake of the Longest Year, paladins were bereft of the gods. For those that did not abandon their faith completely and persevered in service without any aid or communication from their deity. And even though, eventually, their divine power did return to them, they were still left without the ability to commune. Thus the various orders began to instead commune with each other, and over the span of 1361 DR to 1363 DR they decided collectively how best to conduct themselves, forging themselves a new Paladin Code. Then they chose to scribe Oaths and Vows, focusing their efforts more concretely in recognition of their failings as mortals.

In better defining their role within the world, they felt they could more safely perform their duty - both to their gods, and to the people they had ever sworn to protect. Paladins are now somewhat akin to questing knights, though some may choose to cling to a particular place in protection of their temple or similar.

Note: In creating a paladin you are expected to follow the Oath and Vow you choose strictly, in addition to the general Paladin Code. Failure to follow these rules regularly enough may result in your paladin falling, which will in turn result in you being stripped of your ability to use paladin powers or progress as a paladin. There is no guarantee you will be able to return from a fall.

The Paladin Code

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These are the rules which all paladins adhere to.

“Without the gods to answer us, we no longer had a divine hand to instruct us in our ways. We turned to one another, conscious of our flaws, and decided amongst us what must be done.”

  • A paladin must serve their god undaunted.
  • A paladin must protect the innocent, even unto the cost of themselves.
  • A paladin must combat wickedness in all its forms, great and small.
  • A paladin must set a righteous example for others to follow.
  • A paladin must hold to their oaths.
  • A paladin must cleave to their vows.
  • A paladin must seek to atone for any failure before the eyes of their god.


OATHS


An Oath is a set of priorities that the paladin has set for themselves. They recognise that they may occasionally fail in the pursuit of it, but also clearly recognise what is anathema to it which would displease their god greatly.


Oath of Purity

“I will brook no defilement of body or mind. I will cleanse the lands of unholy rot. My heart will be pure, my blade will be true.”​

Paladins who take the Oath of Purity must:
  • Strive to remove any and all undead from their nesting places.
  • Strive to cure the sick, especially when called upon.
  • Strive to keep their minds free of impure thoughts.
  • Strive to keep their tongues free of lies.
Paladins who take the Oath of Purity must not:
  • Succumb to avarice, lust or gluttony.
  • Defile their body to the detriment of their senses.
  • Willingly aid those who work evil.
  • Prove inactive against the plague of undeath or those who cause it.

Oath of Valor

“I am the right hand of my god. I am the morning sword, bringer of light. Where I am swung, I cast away the darkness. Through me, the name of my god will be sanctified.”​

Paladins who take the Oath of Valor must:
  • Strive to combat evil foes greater than themselves.
  • Strive to prove themselves honorable in battle.
  • Strive to bring glory to their god wherever they go.
  • Strive to bring evildoers to justice.
Paladins who take the Oath of Valor must not:
  • Use underhanded methods of warfare.
  • Slay a foe that is helpless.
  • Fail to confront acts of evil or wickedness, either by word or deed.
  • Swear allegiance to any but their god.

Oath of Humility

“For who am I, by the grace of my god, that I could presume haughtiness? It is by their breath I am given life. It is by their word I am made strong.”​

Paladins who take the Oath of Humility must:
  • Strive to glorify their god above themselves.
  • Strive to encourage and help those in need.
  • Strive to be gracious in victory and defeat.
  • Strive to forgive those who show repentance of their wrongdoing.
Paladins who take the Oath of Humility must not:
  • Boast of their accomplishments.
  • Hold themselves greater than another.
  • Take any position of official authority unless called upon by their god.
  • Treat any allied forces with disrespect.

VOWS


A Vow is a set of principles the paladin has taken for themselves, their god and the people whom they protect. To fail in these vows is to fail as a paladin, and are taken with the utmost sincerity.

Vow of Courage

“I am the left hand, the shield. I am resolute, steadfast. My will is iron and I am unmovable. I fear no death, for in the halls of my god I will arrive both servant and honored guest.”​

Paladins who take the Vow of Courage must:
  • Stand up for what is right, no matter the odds.
  • Fulfill any duty they undertake, with or without the aid of others.
Paladins who take the Vow of Courage must not:
  • Show cowardice in the face of death.
  • Disguise themselves as anything other than a paladin.
Vow of Sacrifice

“Martyr I would be, though some would scoff. Yet those for whom I bled for are grateful, better for it, and I am vindicated by my god.”​

Paladins who take the Vow of Sacrifice must:
  • Reject rewards from the poor.
  • Put the needs of others before themselves.
Paladins who take the Vow of Sacrifice must not:
  • Ignore those in distress.
  • Accumulate excessive wealth.
Vow of Zeal

“None would know lest there were those who preached, speaking with the holy voice of the one that sent them. I pray that those who hear will both listen and do, make the divine words take shape and prove to others their truth.”​

Paladins who take the Vow of Zeal must:
  • Instruct others in the ways of their god.
  • Lead those who would do good against what is evil.
Paladins who take the Vow of Zeal must not:
  • Discredit or deny their god in any way.
  • Languor in comfort for long.
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