Paladin

Bound by strict oaths Paladins of Aesalia are heavily clad warriors who have pledged their life to uphold a code of virtues in the eye of a patron. Most often this patron is a god but faeries, angels, genies, devils and any number of powerful creatures can offer their might to a Paladin who do not always know the source of their power but from the tenets of his oath itself. Paladin's oaths are the source of their power and if the oath is broken in a way that their patron views as unforgivable or justifiable their power fades and dissipates leaving them no more than a man in heavy plate unless they corrupt themselves into Oathbreakers.
The divine, or otherwise external, origin of Paladin's power means they rarely understand the Arcan language unless through personal study and channel their power through recital and practice of their oath. 
Following the restriction and criminalisation of unauthorised magic in the empire Paladin oaths were mandated to be sworn under the observation of a member of the clergy who would have it registered within the church. Those who swore unauthorised oaths were, unless a just and noble reason was given, were considered apostates and hunted by the inquisitor and templar order.

Career

Career Progression

Paladin Oaths vary greatly but often subscribe to common notions and themes relative to the powers bestowed upon them. The first recital of an oath marks the transfer of power and many paladins make efforts to recite the tenets as oft as possible. Some common oaths are:
Oath of Devotion

• I Will Be Honest. I will not lie or cheat. My word will be my promise.
• I Will Be Courageous. I will never fear to act, though I will use caution when wise.
• I Will Be Compassionate. I will Aid others, protect the weak, and punish those who threaten them. I will show mercy to my foes, but temper it with my wisdom.
• I Will Act with Honour. I will treat others with fairness, and letting my honourable deeds be an example to all. I will do as much good as possible while causing the least amount of harm.
• I Will Observe My Duty. I will be responsible for my actions and their consequences, protect those entrusted to my care, and obey those who have just authority over me.

Oath of the Ancients

• I Will Kindle The Light. Through my acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, I will seek to kindle the light of hope in the world, beating back despair.
• I Will Shelter the Light. Where there is good, beauty, love, and laughter in the world, I will stand against the wickedness that would swallow it. Where life flourishes, I will stand against the forces that would render it barren.
• I Will Preserve My Own Light. I will delight in song and laugher, in beauty and art. I will not allow the light to die in my own heart, less I am unable to preserve it in the world.
• I Will Be The Light: I will be a glorious beacon for all who live in despair. I will let the light of your joy and courage shine forth in all my deeds.

Oath of Vengeance

• I Will Fight The Greater Evil. Face with a choice of fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil.
• I Will Show No Mercy For The Wicked. Ordinary foes might win my mercy, but my sworn enemies do not.
• I Will Fulfill My Task By Any Means Necessary. My qualms cannot get in the way of exterminating my foes.
• I Will Show Restitution. If my foes wreak ruin on the world, it is because I failed to stop them. I must help those harmed by their misdeeds.

Oath of Conquest

• I Will Douse The Flame of Hope. It is not enough to merely defeat an enemy in battle. My victory must be so overwhelming that my enemies' will to fight is shattered forever. A blade can end a life. Fear can end an empire.
• I Will Rule With An Iron Fist. Once I have conquered, I will tolerate no dissent. My word is law. Those who obey it shall be favoured. Those who defy it shall be punished as an example to all who might follow.
• I Will Show Strength Above All. I shall rule until a stronger one arises. Then I must grow mightier and meet the challenge, or fall to my own ruin.

Oath of Redemption

• I Am A Seeker Of Peace. Violence is a weapon of last resort. Diplomacy and understanding are the paths to long-lasting peace.
• I Am A Guardian Of Innocence. All people begin life in an innocent state, and it is their environment or the influence of dark forces that drives them to evil. By setting the proper example, and working to heal the wounds of a deeply flawed world, I can set anyone on a righteous path.
• I Will Know Patience. Change takes time. Those who have walked the path of the wicked must be given reminders to keep them honest and true. Once I have planted the seed of righteousness in a creature, I will work day after day to allow that seed to survive and flourish.
• I Will Show Wisdom. My heart and my mind must stay clear, for eventually I know I will be forced to admit defeat. While every creature can be redeemed, some are so far along the path of evil that I have no choice but to end their lives for the greater good. Any such action must be carefully weighed and the consequences fully understood, but once I have made the decision, I will follow through with it knowing my path is just.

Oath of Glory

• I Will Use Actions Over Words. I will strive to be known by glorious deeds, not words.
• I Will See Challenges As Naught But Tests. I will face hardships with courage, and encourage my allies to face them with me.
• I Will Hone My Body. Like raw stone, my body must be worked so its potential can be realized.
• I Will Show Discipline Of The Soul. I must marshal the discipline to overcome failings within myself that threaten to dim the glory of my friends and I.

Oath of the Watchers

• I Will Show Vigilance. The threats I face are cunning, powerful, and subversive. I will be ever alert for their corruption.
• I Will Show Loyalty. I will never accept gifts or favors from fiends or those who truck with them. I Will stay true to my order, my comrades, and my duty.
• I Will Show Discipline. I am the shield against the endless terrors that lie beyond the stars. My blade must be forever sharp and my mind keen to survive what lies beyond.

Oathbreakers
Paladins who have broken their oaths often long for their lost power and yearn for their lost glory. Those powerful and desperate enough can pull power from their own grief and fuel their magic with the arcanum within themselves just as wizards do. Unlike wizards Oathbreaker magic is not balance and careful and cases agonizing pain to seep through the paladin often leading to madness and hatred for the patron that took their power from them.

Type

Military