Code of Ennoblement

   Feudal tradition required newly knighted soldiers to swear allegiance to a set of principles that embodied religious ideals and service to the king. The oath constituted a sacred promise, securing the knight's loyalty to church and state.

   At the DM's option, a paladin may take a similar oath, swearing to a "Code of Ennoblement'' that enumerates the strictures, virtues, and edicts he is obliged to uphold. The code defines the paladin's ethos, spelling out exactly what the patron expects of him.

   The paladin swears to a Code of Ennoblement when he begins his career, usually as part of a formal ceremony (see the "Becoming a Paladin" section of Chapter 7 for suggestions). Typically, a monarch, church official, or mentor administers the code; the paladin candidate repeats the words as the official recites them. Alternately, the paladin can compose his own oath and recite it in private, addressing his words to a deity, an ancestor's memory ("I swear on the spirit of my father") or a universal force ("I pledge to the glory of the natural world").

   Because different paladins may not adhere to precisely the same principles—they may, for instance, follow different edicts—each may swear to his own version of the code. Alternately, the DM may standardize the code for all paladins in the campaign. The exact wording of a code isn't important, so long as it includes these elements:

   Name and homeland. The paladin should state his name and where he's from. He may also mention any notable ancestors. ("I, Sharlyn of Northmoon, daughter of Princess Ahrilla, granddaughter of Parvis the Wanderer.")

   Strictures. At the DM's option, or the player's insistence, the code may list every one of the paladin's strictures. However, because all paladins must follow all strictures, it's not necessary to recite them one by one. A general phrase ("I swear to uphold the sacred strictures") suffices.

   Fealty patron. The code should indicate to whom (or what) the paladin has sworn allegiance, as explained in the Fealty section above.

   Virtues. The five principal virtues—fealty, courtesy, honesty, valor, and honor—should be mentioned by name, unless the DM has a good reason for excluding one or more of them. Add any new virtues agreed upon by the DM and the player. It's not necessary to spell out the responsibilities of each virtue, so long as both the player and DM have read and understand the descriptions in this chapter. Any modifications to these descriptions should be made clear before the oath is administered.

   Edicts. Recite the relevant sources of edicts, not the edicts themselves. Specific edicts may be mentioned at the player's request or the DM's option.

   Ordinarily, the terms of a paladin's code never change. In extreme circumstances—for instance, if economic hardship makes it difficult for him to keep up his tithes—the paladin may petition his king or church for an exemption. The paladin must seek an audience with whoever originally administered the oath (or a suitable substitute), then plead his case.

   Exemptions are rarely granted, unless new conditions make it impossible for the paladin to remain true to his ethos (if his church has become evil, the paladin can't be expected to continue his tithes). Officials may have severe misgivings about a paladin who even requests for an exemption, and may impose a modest penalty to encourage the paladin to stop whining and shape up. See the "Minor Violations" section below for suitable penalties.

Sample Code

   Here is a sample Code of Ennoblement to use as a template. Feel free to embellish and customize it as you see fit.

   I, *, do hereby pledge to honor the strictures of this sacred heritage ** and promise by my faith to be loyal to ***, maintaining my devotion against all persons without deception or forethought. Further, I vow to promote and uphold the principles of **** and to solemnly and faithfully follow the edicts of *****. I take this pledge freely, without coercion or expectation of reward, sworn by my hand on this saintly relic ****** and in blessed memory of those who have given their lives to this noble cause.

   * Insert the paladin's name and home ("Arlon of Shallowbrook.").

   ** This phrase implies allegiance to the strictures required of all paladins. It isn't necessary to recite them by name.

   *** Insert the paladin's fealty patrons. In this example, Arlon swears fealty to his monarch and religion ("King Bronman of Entland and the Holy Church of Enlightenment.").

   **** Insert the five principal virtues. (Arlon will adhere to them all, as outlined in this chapter. Because of his strict upbringing, he'll also follow the virtue of chastity: "Fealty, courtesy, honesty, valor, honor, and chastity.")

   ***** Insert the edict sources. (Arlon names his fealty patrons, and because he's promised to obey the edicts of his parents, he also mentions his family: "My king, my church, and my family.")

   ****** Some ceremonies require the paladin to place his hand on a sacred relic, such as a holy text or the monarch's sword. If relics aren't included in the paladin's ceremony, leave out this phrase.

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