Crusader-Paladin
The scorched banners fluttered in the wind as the gunsmoke dissipated. Heaps of corpses scattered the ground as the raiders passed through, plundering and raiding all in their wake. It had been another grand haul and it was finally time to return home to celebrate the new slaves. The stench of death was thick in the air and the carrion birds circled above as the houses were smashed to bits, while screaming people were hauled out towards the center of the blazing village. The orochen cheered along with laugher and good spirits, as they drank down their warfuel from the dented tankards. It was a good day for killing, their chieftain thought, just as something whistled right past his head to etch itself in the barrels of fuel behind him and the feasting marauders. His gaze slowly scanned the javelin that pierced the wood, as his eyes followed its path to a single man that stood on a nearby hill. “One man? Hah! One man is all ye dimwits got!?” The chieftain burst out laughing like a hyena as he watched the still figure in the distance. Then, as the sun rose like a halo above his head, the eclipse revealed hundreds of flags raised in the distant sands. “At arms, at arms!” The creature bellowed out as he took a hold of his axes and laughed out. “More pigs for the slaughter.” Then, without a warning, as the crusader lifted his banner to unveil the holy scales of Ysand, the javelin suddenly set itself ablaze and ignited the barrels. The chieftain barely had time to launch himself to the ground before waves of cascading explosions sent a rain of green blood and burning limbs all around him. Rage fell over the creature as he rose up and gripped his axes. The bastard would pay for that trickery, but as he tried to make out the crusaders figure, gray clouds were all he could see in the surroundings. Whack! The sound of shattering bone filled his ears as the head of another orochen flew past and hit the ground, rolling away like a tumbleweed. Then, like a demon out of the smoke came the warrior. With runes in the shape and light of the sun on his shoulders, he plowed through the horde with the hammer spinning like a furious meat grinder. “Finally, a proper challenge!” He howled out from the yellow lips as the orochen threw one of his axes right into the crusaders shoulder plate. He could hear the impact, see how it pierced right through and got stuck inside, as radiating red blood pumped out from the wound. Yet no scream of torment was heard from the man, not even a reaction to the pain. Just his helmet slowly turning to the chieftain, before the fire shaped sockets lit up like burning embers. He readied his remaining axe in both hands and charged forth with a roar that bellowed like a dragon, sending saliva to spew all over the man as his axe came crashing down. Though, it never struck, instead the chieftain found himself in a burning hot grip from the crusader. Held by the throat, he fell back down on his knees and looked up, only to see the smoldering hammer fall to grant his final penance.
Qualifications
To make the cut to become a paladin, one first needs to know the basics of laws, regulations and warfare. A whole ten years in the service and full military education is then required to even have a shot at the title, as the true qualities required is a pure heart and an unselfish mind.
Requirements
If all above is achieved, a human man past his prime and part of the Ysandrian crusade can be chosen by the Golden Emperor himself to serve as a Paladin.
Appointment
Once a crusader is chosen to ascend, they will be brought to one of the many temples spread out through the desert. Then, judged by the rest of the order, the paladin-to-become will have to swear an oath in front of the Emperor before being deemed worthy for the title.
Duties
It's a paladins duty to stand as an example for all that is holy. To protect and serve in the name of father Ysand. They are expected to live without selfishness, greed, hate or desire, and to serve with complete obedience and righteousness.
In times of war they are also obliged to be the first to enter combat and the last to leave, yet they are never allowed to slay without a just cause, and mainly work to protect the injured and civil caught in the fighting, on both sides of the conflict.
In times of peace they must work to keep it, and thus often spend times both taking part in charity events, parades and sometimes they even vicariate when priests and clerics are unable to hold sermons.
Responsibilities
Paladins are also tasked with a responsibility to speak to the people and spread hope, security and faith. If they see an injured man, a crying child or anyone else who is in need of a hand, but still not part of a paladins duty to aid, they are still expected help in an extent of what the paladin personally deems logical and fitting.
They are also responsible for the morale, food and safety of the crusades many camps and homesteads that fill the Golden dunes. This is achieved by regular travel, along with aiding supply routes, giving hospitality to travelers and traders and training the garrisons troops, guards and even volunteers.
Benefits
It's often questioned why so many would be aspiring to become paladins, and while a few were just gifted by a pure heart, others care for the benefit that it brings the family. The wife of a paladin shall be granted the title of lady, and the whole bloodline is blessed with that of the holy yellow blood, which confirms their new rise to lower nobility.
Accoutrements & Equipment
Materially, the paladin is also granted a full set of runic ysantite armour that involves a hooded bucket like helmet with fire shaped eyes and a red mohawk on top. The chestplate, gloves, leggings and boots remain fairly standard in shape but coloured in red and yellow symbols that often depict animals and suns. The shoulderplates and wrist guards carry glowing yellow runes of fire on them, just similar to the large warhammers that they proudly wield. Most importantly however, remain the tabard that display the holy scales of father Ysand.
Grounds for Removal/Dismissal
Regrettably, not all men are able to follow the strict requirements and duties that they are expected to accomplish. Should the oath be dishonored, laws broken, or a paladin simply acts vile and respectless against his surroundings, they will be terminated from the crusade and exiled northbound to the harsh tundras just beyond the infamous deadlands.
History
The origins to the paladins start with the crowning of Ysand, or rather his champion, the god-patriarch who held together an empire in peril against all odds, until that of an untimely death that almost collapsed society fully. In the lack of their fathers grace who wouldn’t come to return in a twenty or so years after Xasus fall, someone had to hold everything together. It was up to the many noble families to attempt and lay their differences behind, and work together to save their empire. The politics soon failed and hope crashed to the ground as chaos ran through the street. In the chaos however, stood a lone soldier. A man who had never taken a pause in his cause. He swept the streets with words and courage, chastising the wrathful hordes with both an iron fist or a wise word, depending on what was needed. Tirelessly, he pushed on to slam up the gates of the nobles, and forced each and every one of them to cooperate on his terms. It wasn’t directly enough, yet the man had started a chain of good, so when it came out the old soldier currently worked as a priest after his honorable discharge, the citizens were stunned to see such a man call to action and risk his neck for the civilization, after all that happened. It was a bell for more and more old veterans that joined the disciples of ysand to rise up and once more fight for their cause, yet with words, peace and good deeds. Thus the contrast of doing what was necessary, but also righteous formed those that came to be the first paladins.Cultural significance
Ever since the happenings that prevented a civil war, the paladins came to be seen as noble heroes, protectors of humanity and even the sacred sons of the sun. They are cheered and praised not only in their homelands, but in human countries beyond the desert sands and even as far as elven and dwarven lands, due to their honour and mercy. Its commonplace among children even to this date of pistols and cannons, to rather dream of becoming such a holy crusader, to face the fire in plate while bringing order with the great hammer, rather than sit on top of great horses to be the gallant prince swooning all the ladies. For what greater happiness could there be, than be part among the glorious order that harness all the best aspects of what mankind is. A question many parents distress over before their children learn that being a paladin isn’t all fun and games. Still, most families agree on the great feasts and parades of Ysand, that meeting a true paladin is a most unique experience. The comforting warmth or soothing cold they harness from their aura seem to make most climates pleasant and the kindness and love they spread around never cease to amaze.
Type
Religious, Military
Status
The title is still in effect.
Creation
The title was created the first day in the hundredth year after Ysands crowning.
Form of Address
Sir Paladin or Master Crusader
Alternative Naming
Sacred son of the sun
Equates to
Witch Hunter, Shaman, Knight of High court and Battle mystican.
Source of Authority
The paladins are only commanded by the Golden Emperor and the Archpaladin
Length of Term
Service as a paladin has a maximum of twenty years, as most are to old to keep serving longer.
Related Organizations
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