Bindings

Bindings

A binding is an arcane, eldritch, or divine oath or connection, given without external influence, that creates a magic bond between the individual giving the oath; and an entity, organization, or other influence. Such an oath will require certain commitments, and breaking one or more of those commitments will have unavoidable consequences. Various types of bindings exist, and each has its own requirements.

Paladin's Oath

The oath a paladin swears at third level is one example of a binding, and it shapes his or her life in significant ways. This oath gives them access to additional spells, channel divinity, and special auras. The paladin is obligated to follow not only the letter of this oath, but it's intent as well, or risk the loss of these spells, divinity, & auras.

Warlock's Pact

While not every warlock swears a formal allegiance to their patron, they have all made some bargain with an entity not of this world. The result of this bargain lays a powerful binding upon the warlock, and unlike a paladin, most warlocks can never break this bond.

Witch's Covens

The covens of witches are a special type of binding in that the witchs are bound to one another, and this is what creates the coven. Even when a coven meets at an extablished site, the site itself is not as important as the sorerity that is the coven.

Attunement

Attunement to a magic item or weapon is a form of minor binding. Attuning to an item gives the individual a level of additional control over the item, and allows them to access special magic effects the item confers. Not all magical items (such as a broom of flying) require a full and complete attunement, but still require a period af adjustment before its powers may be utilized.

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The Bonds of Orders

While many guilds, orders, and organizations have their members swear oaths of loyalty, obedience, or observance; to protect the order's secrets, fellows, or institutions; or to follow a list of precepts or laws; breaking of such on oath is mostly a personal matter, and consequences are handed down by that organization. But the organizations that actually impose a binding obligation upon it's members are few in number, and require serious magic, powerful magical items, or intervention by either a God or other eternal entitity. Below are a few organizations that have the power and ability to actually create a binding.

The Cadre & the Couriers

The Cadre is the official order of messengers, emissaries, and ambassadors sworn and bound to the King of Ardrigh; and the Couriers are an elite group of scouts drawn from this order. They swear undying loyality and fealty to The Crown, and to the Cadre itself. Little is known about the specifics of this oath, but it is reasonable to assume they swear to protect the secrets of their company, to obey orders from the King, and to defend the Crown from all threats, external and internal.

Council of Jesuits

Jesuits take an oath of loyalty and assistance upon joining the Council. This binding allows them to place a mystical sign, recognizable to others of their order, as well as access to several spells known only to the Jesuits.

Guild Arcanum

Arcanists take an oath of loyalty upon joining The Guild. This binding allows them to place a mystical sign, recognizable to others of their order, as well as access to several spells known only to the Arcanum.

Shadowmoor Hexblades

As warlocks, the hexblades of Shadowmoor bind themselves to the Raven Queen. Rumors persist that some of these Hexblades take an oath of alliegence beyond that which they make to with the Raven Queen. It is unknown outside of their encampment what, if anything, this oath entails, or if it even exists.

Bindings of Multiple Orders

Unless an order explicitly denies the joining of another bound order, it is quite possible to have more than one binding. In fact, some mages actively seek out such orders, if for no other reason than to gain access to the spells they protect.