The Dawnbound Oath

Philosophy and Purpose

• The Dawnbound believe power is a gift to be shared, not wielded.
• They interpret Lykania's sword and shield not as tools of conquest, but of courage and sanctuary.
• Their oath is to lead where there is fear, protect where there is danger, and inspire where there is doubt.

Structure

• Oathkeepers: Older paladins, who have chosen to retire and pass on wisdom. Though they hold no rank, they remain revered as mentor figures.
• Dawnbound Knight: The full-fledged paladins, wandering or posted where needed.
• Kindled: An aspirant paladin, undergoing trials of compassion, endurance and resolve. They carry no blade until they pass their Vigil of Dawn.

Rituals and Symbols

• The Vigil of Dawn: Each Dawnbound take their final oath as the sun rises, often after a night of solitary trial or reflection. The moment of sunrise is seen as Lykania's blessing.
• Sun Mark: Some Dawnbound tattoo a sun mark into their fur as a sign of their bledge, while others decide to carry an amulet instead.

Duties and Role in the World

• Guardians of the Helpless: They are often found protecting border villages, escorting refugee caravans or defending wayward shrines.
• Mediators and Judges: In places where the church cannot reach, a Dawnbound Knight's word is often taken as law, though they prefer to resolve rather than condemn.
• Restbringers: Though not inquisitors, they fight undead all the same, believing that even in battle they can offer light to the corrupted beings and give them their final rest.

Public Perception

• To the common folk, the Dawnbound are symbols of compassion and courage, protectors of the common folk.
• To the clergy, they are the accepted militant part of the faith, and are seen as the ones that live out the part of the faith that they cannot.
• The inquisition see them with respect and frustration due to their relative independence compared to the rest of the faith.
• Overall they are inspirational icons to the people, being the ones who in ballads, murals and festival tales are the shining figures who appear in dark times and then leave once hope is restored.