Paladin

The Paladins of the New Faiths

Where priests focus on magic and teaching, paladins are the fighters of the New Faiths—the mailed fist of the Church.

They defend temples and communities, escort important clergy, and take the field against Ghor’s creatures, undead plagues, and those branded heretics or dangerous cultists. The most famous among them are the Templar Paladins, first trained at the Proofing Grounds on the Landing of the Gods to face horrors like the monster of Qinthar’s Keep.

Training: Paladin in Training

Any full paladin can take on an apprentice and personally train them. Once the mentor judges the apprentice ready, they are sent to undergo the Trials at the Proofing Grounds. Those who pass become full paladins and may then choose (or be assigned) a specialisation.

Known Ranks and Paths

(All specialisations exist under each of the four gods, though their colours and customs differ.)

• Paladin – A full knight of the faith. They serve as holy warriors, temple guards, escorts, and front-line fighters wherever the Church sends them.

• Defender – Paladins assigned primarily to protection: keeping towns safe, guarding temples, watch duties on walls and roads, and holding the line when danger comes.

• Templar – The elite spearhead of the Church. First formed during the crisis of Qinthar’s Keep, Templar Paladins are trained at the Proofing Grounds for the worst battles against Ghor’s abominations and other great threats.

• Inquisitor – Paladins specialising in rooting out heresy and corruption. They investigate outlawed cults, old-god worship, and suspected dealings with Ghor. Their presence is feared even in supposedly peaceful times, as they have authority to question, judge, and—if need be—execute.

• High Inquisitor – The highest rank of the inquisitorial path. The High Inquisitor coordinates inquisitors across the islands and stands as one of the most dreaded figures within the Church’s martial hierarchy.