Paladin Order of the Seven

The Doctrine of the Paladin Order of the Seven (The Burning Roses)

Title and Origin

Paladins are an esteemed order of warriors bound by honor, faith, and the principles of the Faith of the Seven. Started by Prince Alexander Bracken, Lord David Fossoway and Ser Larkin, the Order was founded to ensure justice and honor are always upheld, even in the darkest of times. Unlike traditional knights, whose status is often intertwined with noble birth, Paladins must be born as bastards, giving these men the opportunity to rise above their station through piety, skill, and devotion. This unique status symbolizes the Faith’s belief in redemption, transformation, and the power of the Seven to elevate even the lowliest of souls.

Path to Becoming a Paladin

Paladins are selected at a young age, often from among the street urchins, orphans, and bastard sons who have little to no hope of claiming inheritance. These boys are sent or selected by the Faith to the Citadel in Oldtown, where they undergo rigorous training in martial warfare, the teachings of the Faith, and the history of the Seven Kingdoms.
Upon reaching the age of 14, these young men may apply to become a squire to an established Paladin. If they do not apply or are rejected, they may become Maesters with more training. As a squire, they are not only trained in the ways of combat but are also immersed in the values of the Paladin order—compassion, humility, and unwavering devotion to the Faith of the Seven. Once a squire has proven himself worthy, through both skill and character, he is named a Paladin.

Code of Conduct

• Honor & Chivalry: A Paladin is bound to protect the weak, the young, the elderly, and women, with a particular obligation to those who follow the Faith of the Seven. Their conduct must always reflect the virtues of the Seven, and they must act as exemplars of honor and piety in all things.
• Spreading the Faith: Wherever a Paladin travels, he is required to spread the teachings and gossip of the Seven, acting as a wandering preacher and protector of the Faith. Their presence is both spiritual and martial, ensuring that the light of the Seven shines in even the darkest corners of the realm.
• Hospitality & Support: Paladins are to be welcomed into the homes of the faithful, especially when they are weary or hungry. They are to accept hospitality as a sign of mutual respect and the shared bond of faith.
• Tournaments & Charity: While Paladins may compete in tournaments, they are forbidden from accepting gold or riches as rewards. Instead, any winnings must be donated to the Faith or to the aid of local smallfolk, emphasizing their role as servants of the people and the Seven, rather than as seekers of wealth.

Naming Conventions

Upon being named a Paladin, a man sheds the name of his birth, which reflects his bastard status, and instead adopts a title that honors his origins. For example, if a man named Jon Stone was born in Gulltown, he would be known as Paladin Jon of Gulltown, or simply Paladin Jon. This new title represents his rebirth in the service of the Seven and his elevation to the esteemed order of Paladins.

The Order's Purpose

The Paladins serve as both spiritual and martial protectors of the realm, especially in regions where the Faith of the Seven is strong. They are the embodiment of redemption, proving that even those born without noble status can rise to great heights through faith, service, and dedication to the Seven. The order is a beacon of hope to the common folk and a reminder to the nobility of the virtues they should embody.

Motto of the Paladins

"In Faith, We Rise"
This motto encapsulates the core belief of the Paladin order: that through unwavering faith in the Seven, even those born with nothing can rise to become protectors of the realm and champions of the Faith.

In Faith, We Rise

Founding Date

422 AC

Type

Civilian, Knightly Order

Alternative Names

The Burning Roses