The Mernite Paladin Order
The original Crusaders into Efaanu from Kalin, the Mernite Paladin Order is, in part, responsible for the modern founding of The Holy Mernite Sovereignty. Dressed in gleaming armor and wielding the power of the Mantle, the Paladin Order is the face (for better and worse) of the Sovereignty.
The Mernite Paladin Order is made up entirely of Knights (either self made or originally members of The Knights Excellion) that have taken a Paladin's Oath. Wielding the power these oaths give, the small order serves as one of the three supporting legs of the Monarch of the Sovereignty, as well as their personal bodyguard.
Structure
The Paladin Order is extremely small compared to The Knights Excellion and even The Muharib. Because of this, much of the hierarchy of the order is flat.
The Order is technically led by the Paladin Commander, but the position mostly exists to serve the Monarch. Below the Paladin Commander all members of the Order are equal, though deference is given to those with seniority. Major decisions are made by a majority vote of the Paladin's themselves, and new members are inducted by two Paladin's agreeing its a good idea (with one usually selecting the inductee, and the second one confirming it).
Despite this sense of equality, a new inductee of the Order must be able to somehow prove that they are somehow descended from an original Crusader (whether military or camp follower) that helped form the Sovereignty.
Culture
The Paladin's take their religious edict and lifestyle rather seriously. Prayers are part of every Paladin's life, and many Paladin's make time to visit the nearest chapel they can with every opportunity. Despite this, the Paladin's can range from boisterous and charming, to quiet and dour.
History
The Mernite Paladin Order descends from the old Kalin Paladin Order housed in the Fallen City of Heldir. When the city was destroyed during the Consuming Darkness, many of its Paladins and its followers took to defending the world as best they could. After the darkness passed, the Paladin's gathered themselves and their followers and traveled south, braving the Desert of Ulb and the strange arcane blocks between continents. When they arrived they began a Crusade to help free the Mernite people from their overlords The Realm.
The Crusade was successful, and resulted in the formation of The Holy Mernite Sovereignty. In the aftermath, The Paladin Order reformed into The Mernite Paladin Order and became one of two "legs" supporting the new Monarch of the Sovereignty. But after some time passed and the magic of the world changed in The Shifting, many Paladin's lost their abilities and even more were unable to survive a Paladin's Oath and get their powers. This led to the creation of The Knights Excellion, and the reformation of the order into what it essentially is today.
Defense of the Faith
Type
Military, Knightly Order
Alternative Names
The Paladins
Training Level
Elite
Veterancy Level
Decorated/Honored
Demonym
Paladin
Parent Organization
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