Donning a sunlit-radiant plate armor, a human warrior lays down her weapons, turning her focus to a gravely wounded man. Divine light emanates from her hands, closing his wounds and sparking awe in his newly opened eyes.
Cloaked in shadows, a dwarf blends seamlessly into the night, observing an orc war band's revelry after their recent victory. Stealthily, he infiltrates their midst, whispering an oath of his god. Before they grasp his presence, two orcs fall silent in death.
Amid a shaft of illuminating light, an elf, silver hair gleaming, laughs triumphantly. His spear moves like lightning, thrust after thrust against a monstrous giant, piercing its hideous darkness.
Paladins, irrespective of origin, mission, or deity, unite under oaths against the tide of evil. Whether sworn in solemn ceremony before a god's altar or in the solitary grief of a deathbed, a paladin's vow to their deity bonds them with formidable strength, transforming a devout warrior into a sacred champion.
Champions of Righteousness
Paladins swear to uphold justice and virtue, defending the world's goodness against encroaching darkness, hunting evil forces wherever they lurk. While each paladin might emphasize different facets of righteousness, they're all tethered by oaths to their respective deities, empowering them for their sacred duties. While most of a paladin's power stems from their deity, some arises from their unwavering commitment to justice itself.
Years of training hone a paladin's combat skills, mastering various weaponry and armor. Yet, their martial prowess takes a backseat to their wielded magical might: healing the afflicted, smiting the wicked and undead, and safeguarding the innocent in their fight for justice. Compassion for goodness, a commitment to law, and the strength to vanquish evil—these constitute a paladin's arsenal. Few possess the purity and devotion to walk the path of the paladin, but those who do are bestowed with the power to protect, heal, and smite. In a world teeming with scheming wizards, unholy priests, voracious dragons, and infernal fiends, the paladin stands as the indomitable beacon of hope.
Divine power encompasses the paladin, conferring unique abilities. It shields against harm, wards off disease, facilitates self-healing, and fortifies against fear. This power extends to aiding others, healing their injuries, and curing afflictions. Moreover, it empowers the paladin to confront and eradicate evil. Even novices can detect evil, while seasoned paladins can smite evil foes and repel undead.
One does not choose to be a paladin; it's a call, a recognition of destiny. No amount of diligence can shape one into a paladin; the nature either resides within or doesn't, impervious to willful acts. Yet, it's plausible to overlook one's potential or deny fate's beckoning. Occasionally, those destined to be paladins eschew their calling, pursuing alternative paths. Most begin their training as adolescents, serving as squires or aides to seasoned paladins, undergoing years of preparation before venturing out solo to uphold the cause of good and order. Others find their calling later in life, after pursuing different careers. Regardless of backgrounds, all paladins acknowledge an eternal kinship that transcends culture, race, and religion. Despite hailing from diverse origins, any two paladins, even from disparate corners of the world, regard themselves as comrades.
Humans, driven by ambitious spirits, often excel as paladins. Half-elves, sharing human ambition, might heed the call to serve. Dwarves, while occasionally becoming paladins, face the challenge of prioritizing the paladin's duties over family, clan, and kingdom responsibilities. Elf paladins are a rarity, preferring quests that traverse far-reaching domains, incongruent with the typical elven life. Other common races rarely feel the call to become paladins. Among savage humanoids, paladins are virtually unheard of.
Beyond Mundane Boundaries
By definition, a paladin's life intertwines with adventuring. Save for enduring injuries that impede them from adventuring temporarily, every paladin resides on the frontline of the cosmic struggle against evil. Fighters are scarce within militias and armies, but true paladins are even rarer. When answering the call, these warriors forsake prior occupations, donning arms to combat evil. While some may serve the crown as leaders of elite knightly groups, their ultimate allegiance lies with the cause of righteousness and their deity, not merely to sovereign and realm.
Adventurous paladins approach their tasks with solemn dedication. Delving into ancient ruins or desolate crypts transcends treasure acquisition; it becomes a quest driven by higher purpose. Evil skulks within dungeons and primal forests, and every victory, no matter how small, tilts the cosmic balance away from oblivion. Paladins approach their quests with reverence, considering even mundane missions as personal tests—an opportunity to display courage, hone martial skills, master tactics, and advocate for good. However, a paladin truly flourishes when leading an extensive campaign against evil, not merely looting ruins.
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