Most Noble Order of the

Radiant Heart

   The most prestigious of all orders, the Radiant Heart commands respect from the highest ranks of the aristocracy, who regard its members regarded as dignitaries in their own right. The Radiant Heart honors not only distinguished service, but what is perhaps the most remarkable accomplishment of any paladin—a long life. Primarily a social organization, the Radiant Heart holds a lavish feast every spring, held in the castle of a grateful monarch who donates both the labor and the food. In their free time, members counsel younger paladins, serve as government advisors, and officiate at tournaments.

   Requirements: A candidate must be at least 40 years old and have the Etiquette proficiency. He must have two sponsors: a member of the royalty of his homeland and an active member of the order.

   Organization: A chapter has 25 members. The order considers a new candidate only when one of the members dies or voluntarily steps down.

   A chapter's High Officers consist of three Prelates, each of 15th level or higher. A Prelate must also have been a member in good standing for no less than 10 years. The Prelates make decisions by consensus, with suggestions from a lieutenant called the Chancellor (a paladin of at least 12th level, also considered a High Officer). When a Prelate dies or retires, the Chancellor takes his place. The Prelates then appoint a new Chancellor. All High Officers wear a tattoo of the order's emblem on their left wrist.

   Emblem: A stylized outline of a heart.

   Motto: "The courage of one can change the destiny of many."

   Benefits: A Radiant Heart member has unlimited access to all lawful good government and church officials, as well as all lawful good aristocrats, land owners, and other elite characters. He receives a +3 bonus to his reaction rolls from all lawful and neutral NPCs instead of the normal +1 bonus. When he dies, the order assumes financial responsibility for his survivors, assuring them a comfortable income for the rest of their lives. The order supplies these funds from their personal treasuries, or makes arrangements with sympathetic monarchs.

   Dismissal: A member who violates his vow to the order, or commits an act heinous enough to cost him his paladinhood, is beheaded. Should the member flee, the order hunts him down.

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