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Paladin: Difference between revisions
→Sacred Oaths
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== Oath of Glory == | |||
Paladins who take the Oath of Glory believe they and their companions are destined to achieve glory through deeds of heroism. They train diligently and encourage their companions so they’re all ready when destiny calls. | Paladins who take the Oath of Glory believe they and their companions are destined to achieve glory through deeds of heroism. They train diligently and encourage their companions so they’re all ready when destiny calls. | ||
:'''Actions over Words.''' Strive to be known by glorious deeds, not words. | :'''Actions over Words.''' Strive to be known by glorious deeds, not words. | ||
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== Oath of Inquisition == | |||
Truth. All dedicated paladins who become Inquisitors have the same goal: reveal what is hidden, and purge the planes of those who obscure the truth. Those who swear this Oath will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals, and no matter how ruthless their actions, they believe they are justified.<br> | Truth. All dedicated paladins who become Inquisitors have the same goal: reveal what is hidden, and purge the planes of those who obscure the truth. Those who swear this Oath will stop at nothing to accomplish their goals, and no matter how ruthless their actions, they believe they are justified.<br> | ||
Above all else they despise creatures that hide their true intentions or forms. Highling, fey, aberration, or monstrosity; it matters not to the Inquisitor paladin. Any creature, no matter its goals, that uses its power to deceive mortals, has forfeited their life.<br> | Above all else they despise creatures that hide their true intentions or forms. Highling, fey, aberration, or monstrosity; it matters not to the Inquisitor paladin. Any creature, no matter its goals, that uses its power to deceive mortals, has forfeited their life.<br> | ||
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== Oath of Light == | |||
Paladins who take the Oath of Light strive to become a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness. Weilding the light as a source of divine power, they nurture their allies as they strike back against suffering and despair. | Paladins who take the Oath of Light strive to become a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness. Weilding the light as a source of divine power, they nurture their allies as they strike back against suffering and despair. | ||
:'''Gather for Rest.''' Keep yourself healthy and surround yourself with those that care for each other's wellbeing. | :'''Gather for Rest.''' Keep yourself healthy and surround yourself with those that care for each other's wellbeing. | ||
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== The Oathless == | |||
Not all paladins are able to hold to their Sacred Oaths. Some break their Oath and fall into evil, becoming Blackguards, but not all who falter become paragons of evil. These paladins are known as the Oathless, those who abandon their divinely appointed cause. They wander the wilds as lost warriors, often becoming bandits and mercenaries. Some quest for purpose, some turn evil and use their power to dominate others, while others fall into despair.<br> | Not all paladins are able to hold to their Sacred Oaths. Some break their Oath and fall into evil, becoming Blackguards, but not all who falter become paragons of evil. These paladins are known as the Oathless, those who abandon their divinely appointed cause. They wander the wilds as lost warriors, often becoming bandits and mercenaries. Some quest for purpose, some turn evil and use their power to dominate others, while others fall into despair.<br> | ||
An Oathless paladin owes allegiance to no one. They hold to no tenets and are loyal to nothing but themselves. Oathless paladins are often selfish, with their own safety and power being their only concern. These lost warriors won't hesitate to obtain what they desire, even at the expense of others. | An Oathless paladin owes allegiance to no one. They hold to no tenets and are loyal to nothing but themselves. Oathless paladins are often selfish, with their own safety and power being their only concern. These lost warriors won't hesitate to obtain what they desire, even at the expense of others. | ||
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== Oath of Purification == | |||
In a world teeming with evil and darkness, some crusaders find that revealing evil by the light of day is not enough to stop it — evil must be purged to ashes itself. A growing respect for the cleansing power of divine fire leads these warriors to the Oath of Purification. Known for leading torch-wielding mobs, organizing ruthless inquisitions, and putting evil to the pyre, these paladins are devoted to purity by flame. | In a world teeming with evil and darkness, some crusaders find that revealing evil by the light of day is not enough to stop it — evil must be purged to ashes itself. A growing respect for the cleansing power of divine fire leads these warriors to the Oath of Purification. Known for leading torch-wielding mobs, organizing ruthless inquisitions, and putting evil to the pyre, these paladins are devoted to purity by flame. | ||
:'''Banish the Darkness.''' With darkness comes terror, and with the light of fire comes courage. The purity of my purpose must drive out the uncertainty, fear, and doubt I encounter. | :'''Banish the Darkness.''' With darkness comes terror, and with the light of fire comes courage. The purity of my purpose must drive out the uncertainty, fear, and doubt I encounter. | ||
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== Oath of Redemption == | |||
The Oath of Redemption sets a paladin on a difficult path, one that requires a holy warrior to use violence only as a last resort. Paladins who dedicate themselves to this oath believe that any person can be redeemed and that the path of benevolence and justice is one that anyone can walk. These paladins face evil creatures in the hope of turning their foes to the light, and they slay their enemies only when such a deed will clearly save other lives. Paladins who follow this path are known as redeemers. | The Oath of Redemption sets a paladin on a difficult path, one that requires a holy warrior to use violence only as a last resort. Paladins who dedicate themselves to this oath believe that any person can be redeemed and that the path of benevolence and justice is one that anyone can walk. These paladins face evil creatures in the hope of turning their foes to the light, and they slay their enemies only when such a deed will clearly save other lives. Paladins who follow this path are known as redeemers. | ||
While redeemers are idealists, they are no fools. Redeemers know that undead, demons, devils, and other supernatural threats can be inherently evil. Against such foes, paladins who swear this oath bring the full wrath of their weapons and spells to bear. Yet the redeemers still pray that, one day, even creatures of wickedness will invite their own redemption. | While redeemers are idealists, they are no fools. Redeemers know that undead, demons, devils, and other supernatural threats can be inherently evil. Against such foes, paladins who swear this oath bring the full wrath of their weapons and spells to bear. Yet the redeemers still pray that, one day, even creatures of wickedness will invite their own redemption. | ||
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== Oath of Vengeance == | |||
The Oath of Vengeance is a solemn commitment to punish those who have committed a grievous sin. When evil forces slaughter helpless villagers, when an entire people turns against the will of the Three, when a thieves’ guild grows too violent and powerful, when a rogue drake rampages through the countryside — at times like these, paladins arise and swear an Oath of Vengeance to set right that which has gone wrong. To these paladins — sometimes called avengers or dark knights — their own purity is not as important as delivering justice. | The Oath of Vengeance is a solemn commitment to punish those who have committed a grievous sin. When evil forces slaughter helpless villagers, when an entire people turns against the will of the Three, when a thieves’ guild grows too violent and powerful, when a rogue drake rampages through the countryside — at times like these, paladins arise and swear an Oath of Vengeance to set right that which has gone wrong. To these paladins — sometimes called avengers or dark knights — their own purity is not as important as delivering justice. | ||
:'''Fight the Greater Evil.''' Faced with a choice of fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil. | :'''Fight the Greater Evil.''' Faced with a choice of fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil. | ||
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== Oath of Watchers == | |||
The Oath of Watchers binds paladins to protect mortal realms from the predations of extraplanar creatures, many of which can lay waste to mortal soldiers. Thus, the Watchers hone their minds, spirits, and bodies to be the ultimate weapons against such threats. | The Oath of Watchers binds paladins to protect mortal realms from the predations of extraplanar creatures, many of which can lay waste to mortal soldiers. Thus, the Watchers hone their minds, spirits, and bodies to be the ultimate weapons against such threats. | ||
Paladins who follow the Watchers’ oath are ever vigilant in spotting the influence of extraplanar forces, often establishing a network of spies and informants to gather information on suspected cults. To a Watcher, keeping a healthy suspicion and awareness about one’s surroundings is as natural as wearing armor in battle. | Paladins who follow the Watchers’ oath are ever vigilant in spotting the influence of extraplanar forces, often establishing a network of spies and informants to gather information on suspected cults. To a Watcher, keeping a healthy suspicion and awareness about one’s surroundings is as natural as wearing armor in battle. | ||