Paladin

Sworn Shields

A Paladin's life is defined by service to the ideals to which they are bound by oath. Oaths can be sworn to kings, nobles, the common people, or even to Vrashyn itself, and it is the varied contents of these oaths that makes this otherwise homogenous group of holy knights diverse. The other axis of difference is how they choose to spend the better part of their time. Though a Paladin must always be ready to act to uphold their oath, whole days may go by without the need for such action. Many Paladins become adventurers, proactively looking for opportunities to prove their honor. When they rise to a higher standing, many Paladins can hope to become nobles in their own right, governing their demesne with the same moral code that governs their daily goings-on.  

Oath of Conquest

Paladins who swear this oath are most common in Northern Rhovra, which is the most war-torn area of Vrashyn during the current era. Sileni (Satyr) paladins swear these oaths to bring further glory to their cities, while the Lizardfolk on the other side seek to reconquer ancestral lands taken by the invaders. The Elves of Siligond see the Satyrs as a threat to their way of life, and hope that conquest will serve as a proactive defense. This oath isn't limited to just this area, however. It follows war like a shadow, being found wherever holy warriors invoke the name of their gods in battle. Absent a war to help fulfill their oath, these paladins often join adventuring parties to hone their skills, substituting the individual dominance of melee combat for the collective dominance of victory in battle.    

Oath of the Crown

Most paladins on this path are lawful-aligned and swear an oath to fight for a leader they feel embodies virtue and honor. These relationships are by no means limited by race; Kings and nobles across Vrashyn view paladins from other lands as a way to display the honor and prestige of their house. The Paladins, in turn, may seek out unfamiliar or even hostile environments as proof of their strength of will. For these Paladins, honor is best demonstrated by intentionally seeking out challenges to it. This understanding is best exemplified by the common slogan shared by these Paladins: "My honor is wrought of iron and tempered by the hammers of temptation." Feudalism is the dominant form of political organization in Vrashyn, so it is quickest to point out the places where you would not find Paladins who swear this oath: The Dwarvish Communes, Arka, Erek, and the Dragonborn Settlements.     Oath of Redemption In contrast to oaths of devotion, Paladins who swear this kind of oath are ambivalent toward the rulers of their lands. Instead, they swear an oath to protect all those who live a just life, regardless of their station. As a result, Paladins who swear this oath and can be found in great cities and countryside keeps in equal proportion, and most have a neutral-good alignment. However, In a land with an unjust ruler, a Paladin of this oath may embrace chaotic, populist ideals, actively working against the ruler in some capacity. Because their oath doesn't tie them to an individual, these Paladins are likely to join an adventuring party when there is an opportunity to defend the innocent, though their oath to only use violence in defense of the defenseless can prove grating to less noble adventurers.    

Oath of the Ancients

Only elvish and satyr Paladins swear this oath. To do so, they must travel to Aina Osta and swear fealty to the Queen of Light and either guard her realms or represent her influence in the Elvish and Satyr kingdoms. Despite the chaotic-neutral nature of their liege, Paladins of this order are good-aligned, striving to protect light and goodness in the lands that revere the Fey. Though these Paladins may attach themselves to adventuring parties and are free to pursue their own ends, they are honor-bound to answer to orders given by the Fey Queen.    

Oath of the Guardian

This is a homebrew oath that I will flesh out if you wish to play it. This oath is sworn by paladins who live their lives in service to all of Vrashyn, guarding the kingdoms and cities of Vrashyn from the dangers of the uninhabited beyond. These guardians serve at the edges of Vrashyn, ensuring that the ordinary inhabitants are protected from the supernatural horrors of the burned and frozen wastes. The Aasimar of Icefowl's Roost are one such group. Their task is to keep the ghostly inhabitants of the frozen waste from crossing over to the mainland. Another order of Guardians exists in the east, monitoring Laivra’s border with The Scathe. Some guardians swear this oath at the end of long lives well lived, choosing to live their remaining years in service to all of Vrashyn; others are born into it. Paladins who swear this oath generally live a life of solitude, and their sacrifice generally guarantees them the respect of all peoples, or at the very least a place to rest at night when they venture forth from their posts.    

Other Oaths

Paladins who swear oaths of devotion, heroism, and vengeance are ubiquitous across Vrashyn and their oaths are individual in nature, making them easy to slot in anywhere in the setting.