Paladin RP Guide

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:31 pm

Paladin rp guide.

Right, just a small measurement that you folks here can use to gauge on how 'fail' or 'not fail' your paladin is based on a wee points system i divised

You approve of mages and / or have a relationship with one - 1
You weild axes, swords or any other non-mace weapon - 1
You have a tendancy to go around wearing a large helmet frequently - 1
You see yourself as a standard-rank soldier amongst the rest of the rabble rather than a true paladin - 1
You frequently use words such as "Sh*t" "C*nt" and "F*ck" when annoyed - 1
You frequently disobey and dis-respect higher authority - 1
You have an advanced knowledge of warfare and seige tactics despite the fact paladins are mostly more along a holy line than warfare line - 1
You claim to be somehow related / taught by a lore-character paladin - 2
You drink heavily and have a rather foul attitude towards those who seek your help - 2 (Even Dwarf paladins do not go overboard with the booze)
You come from a peasant or slightly working-class background (merchant, fisherman etc) - 2
You wear human level 60 PVP platemail on most occassions - 2
You know who Uther the Lightbringer is yet you have no clue who Archbishop Alonsus Faol was - 2
You seek to make profit off helping others rather than helping them willfully - 3 (Paladins who recieve un-mentioned donations after performing a good deed do not apply here)
You are tolerant of warlocks to the extent that you will not kill them on the spot - 3
You are a self-trained paladin, not a member of the silver hand - 3
You dislike or even insult the memory of Uther the Lightbringer - 3
You condone of torture methods on frequent occassions - 3 (does not apply to Scarlet Crusaders)
You have a white-knight fever and only help out female characters and not male ones even when the opportunity arises - 3

00/35

0: Get out there and make a paladin guild damn you..
1 - 5: a couple of flaws but no-ones perfect, keep it up and you'll be a champion of the light in no time
5-10: your still doing ok, not to worry, just keep at it and revise up a bit more on how paladins act and look
10-15: a few problems here and there, nothing you can't fix though
15-20: your on the verge of class-ridicule, i'd recommend you do some serious read-up on paladins to salvage your character
25-30: you should really change class, a paladin isn't what your after at all, try a warrior
30-35: are you some kind of joke?

Redeeming points, once you have done the above run down the below list to see if your paladin has any redeeming features

You frequently give coins to the needy and poor - 1
You teach and inform others of the ways of the holy light in the way a cleric would - 1
You frequently perform pilgrimages to places of holy significance (such as Uther's Tomb and Faol's Rest) aiding others to get there too - 2
You wear finely made platemail but nothing too outlandish or golden - 2

If you apply for any of those green points then deduct them from the score on the top one

If you go into negative score on this one, i will be hunting you down and forcing you to make a paladin guild.

Paladin History:

Background: (Information from here.)

Paladins are the virtuous defenders of the weak and tireless enemies of evil. Mixing elements of the warrior and the clerics of the Holy Light, the paladin is a tough melee fighter. The tradition of the Holy Light is unique to a few of the Alliance races and the blood elves of the Horde.

The paladin is a "Warrior of the Holy Light". They uphold all that is good and true in the world and reviles all that is evil and sinister — especially undead and the Burning Legion. They offer succor to the beleaguered and smites his enemies with holy fervor. They are particularly potent against undead, as these creatures threaten the goodly races and the Holy Light burns them terribly. The presence of any evil is reprehensible to the paladin, but he focuses his efforts on destroying undead and demons. These warriors uphold the tenets of the Holy Light and defend the Alliance from the predations of any threat to their peoples.

Found in almost every corner of Azeroth fighting the forces of evil and barbarism, these stalwart warriors of faith ceaselessly uphold their vigil against demonic forces from beyond the Dark Portal. Humans, draenei, and Ironforge dwarves are the most likely to become paladins, as these races revere the Holy Light. Blood elves known as Blood Knights bend the powers of the Light to their will, though rumour has it they have recently began to use the Light legitimately.

The paladin order, also called the Knights of the Silver Hand, grew out of humanity’s culture, and its greatest heroes and fiercest proponents are humans. Ironforge dwarves possess the toughness needed to withstand the onslaught of the paladins’ many enemies. High elves rarely become paladins, though this has changed somewhat, as their blood elf brothers and sisters expand the Blood Knight order. The Blood Knights are commonly mistaken as the enemy of the Knights of the Silver Hand by outsiders unfamiliar with the ways of the Light, but this is false presumption. Paladins are the embodiment of goodliness and selfless dedication to the protection of their peoples. They help the innocent and punish the wicked. As such, all paladins are of good alignment.

During the Second War, some paladins' eyes glowed with inner power of the Light, such as the paladin Turalyon. This is not the case for all paladins, though it occurs in game with certain paladin armor sets. Some are Retribution paladins, auradins, or sun paladins. Some are known as paladin warriors (who sometimes become epic paladin warriors). Some paladins choose to become exemplars or templars.

Second War

Paladins are a holy order of warriors whose purpose is to defend and shepherd the war-torn populace of Lordaeron. Archbishop Alonsus Faol perceived that the pious Clerics of Northshire, who suffered such terrible attrition in the First War, were ill-suited for the dangers of combat. Along with many of the surviving Clerics of Northshire, he sought those of only the greatest virtue among the knighthood of Lordaeron and tutored them in the ways of magic. Led by the crusading Uther the Lightbringer, it now rests upon these paladins — christened the Knights of the Silver Hand — to heal the wounds sustained in combat and to restore faith in the promise of freedom from Orcish tyranny

Third War

Although the paladins were once loved and revered throughout the lands of Lordaeron, they have since fallen on into hard times. The entire Order of the Silver Hand was disbanded for refusing to kill innocent townsfolk who were believed to be contaminated by the dreaded Undead plague of the scourge. Disenfranchised and driven from their former homes, the paladins still work selflessly to protect humanity from the gnawing jaws of evil. Empowered by the Light, these mighty warriors now brandish both warhammer and holy fire in offensive battle against all who would trample the meek and innocent.

History

The Knights of the Silver Hand was the original paladin order, the Silver Hand was formed in the Second War and was at its height until the time of the Plague. As paladins were immune to the Plague (and indeed all diseases), many members of the order survived the initial push of the Scourge. Unfortunately, the corrupted Arthas Menethil killed many paladins upon his return (including Uther the Lightbringer), leaving only a scattered few. The Order of the Silver Hand was decimated by prince Arthas Menethil when Uther the Lightbringer refused to aid Arthas in his purging of the city of Stratholme.

Following the invasion of the Scourge, many of the order's paladins joined a zealous group of followers of the Light known as the Scarlet Crusade. However, many of these paladins have become fanatical towards their ambition of destroying the Scourge, to the point that those not wearing their colors are deemed as corrupt. After leaving the Crusade, some paladins decided to join the Argent Dawn. Some paladins have also turned from the light and joined Arthas Menethil as death knights.

Others fled south, to the Kingdom of Stormwind. The paladin order, still referring to themselves as the Order of the Silver Hand, now thrives under their new leadership at the Cathedral of Light in Stormwind City. Over time, the followers of the Holy Light spread their philosophy to the dwarves of Ironforge who soon adopted the tenets of the order as well. Though decimated, the Knights of the Silver Hand eventually bounced back.

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:31 pm

Summary:

The paladins of the world are those who uphold justice in lands without peace, the men and women who defend those who can’t defend themselves, and the warriors of the light who bring their devotion to the light and battle together into one. These holy knights are on the front line wherever the legion, undead, or evil can be found.

Timeline of Paladin History:

Year -4: Arthas Menethil is born.

Year 0: The First War starts.

Year 1: Stormwind and Northshire fall.

Year 1-3: Around this time the Knights of the Silver Hand are formed. Consists of knights and clerics from Northshire. The Knights use Stratholme as their base of operations.

Year 5: The Knights of the Silver Hand ally themselves with Daelin Proudmoore, Turalyon, and Lothar.

Year 6: Second War Starts.

Year 7: Paladin forces are split. A small amount defend the internment camps, some major cities, while others leave with Turalyon to stop an impending threat from Draenor (IE: Outland).

Year 8: Orcs become passive, most paladins guarding orcish internment camps begin to relax.

Year 15: Arthas Joins the Silver Hand

Year 18: Unbeknownst to the rest of the world, Kel’Thuzad and a few others travel to Northrend and begin to start the formation of the Scourge (Kel’Thuzad specifically starting the Cult of the Damned)

Year 20: The High Elves leave the Alliance formed in year 5. Gilneas and Stromgarde soon follow.

Year 25: Third War starts. The Scourge is let loose on the world, the Ashbringer is formed, the Sunwell is destroyed (High Elf Paladins would suffer a great deal), and Archimonde is summoned into the world once more. Culling of Stratholme, Arthas Menethil tries to break up the Silver Hand. They never quite recover from it. Arthas Menethil kills Uther.

Year 28: Arthas and the Lich King become one.

Year 30: Naxxramas appears over Stratholme.

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:31 pm

Written History of the Paladins:

During the first war, the invading orcs ravaged the city of Stormwind, and the surrounding settlements. One of these was the small area of Northshire, known for it’s abbey. The clerics that managed to live after the orc’s attack banded together with surviving knights, and started The Knights of the Silver Hand, based out of Stratholme, far to the north. Uther Lightbringer (Which isn’t his true last name, rather a name bestowed on him) was their leader, and as such, oversaw the training.

After some time training, knights in the way of the light, the clerics in the way of the blade, the group allied themselves with the remaining human nations to rally against the forces of the legion. Not long after, the humans succeed with the aid of the dwarves and High Elves, shoving the remaining orcs into internment camps.

The Knights of the Silver Hand stay under the banner of Lordaeron, and protect the human lands from crime, stray orcs, and the like. Others are stationed at the internment camps themselves, while some of the more blessed venture to outland with Turalyon. Those who go with him however, will be trapped on Draenor with the rest of the Alliance Expedition until the Burning Crusade, when the Dark Portal opens once more...

The few paladins who watch the internment camps take note of the orc’s newfound pacifism and lack of bloodlust. As opposition falls, so does their alertness. While this is happening, the young Prince Arthas quickly grows, and at the age of nineteen joins the ranks of the paladins.

As the years move on, necromancers begin to secretly rally, raising mass amounts of undead in the name of the scourge. Eventually, they are let loose on the world. They ravage the northern lands, destroying the Sunwell, Dalaran, and eventually, with the aid of Archimnode (summoned by the Scourge) assault the World Tree. Back in the Eastern Kingdoms, Arthas Menethil slowly moves deeper and deeper into the Lich King’s trap, culling the city of Stratholme, and breaking up the Knights of the Silver Hand.

Archimonde is defeated (for now), but Arthas continues north, and eventually becomes one with the Lich King himself. The scourge’s forces begin to grow, while the forces of the light struggle. Most stay allied with Stormwind, but some join the Scarlet Crusade, attacking the scourge in a more direct approach. Despite their efforts however, the Necropolis Naxxramas moves into the Plaguelands, supplying the scourge’s forces in the eastern kingdoms with more and more troops...

Becoming a Paladin:

The first thing you'll need to think up is how your paladin became a paladin and there are only one way to become a paladin unless your character is an older paladin. That is either by becoming the squire of a paladin or by being one of the clerics who became paladins in the second war.

Life as a Squire:
Those who are becoming paladins must study the light under a paladin. They serve as a squire for him following him and learning as he helps bring light to the world. As a squire you would assist in helping those in need and doing things that the Paladin would need done.

The Lessons and Skills of Squires:
The lessons and skills to be acquired by Squires were:
The Code of a Paladin
Horsemanship
The use of weapons - hammer and swordsmanship
Develop strength, speed, dexterity and leadership skills
He must also learn bravery and the ability to withstand extremes in cold and heat, tiredness and hunger

The Duties and Jobs of Squires
The duties of Squires and life of a squire was quite varied. However they could relate to specific tasks and roles such as:
Attending to their Paladins horses - the stabling and care
Waiting at table, some duties in the kitchen, arranging for the upkeep of clothing, running errands, carrying messages and guarding their Paladin when he slept
Assisting the Paladin in dressing in his armor. Ensuring the armor and weapons of the Paladin were in good order
Accompanying their Paladin during the time of war to the battlefield

When the Squires became Paladins:
The Squires served in this role and performed their duties for seven years and became a Paladin at the age of twenty-one. Sometimes Paladinhood was conferred on a squire at an earlier age as the reward for bravery on the battlefield. In time of war Squires accompanied Paladins on the battlefield, leading and tending the horses and dressing them in their armor. They came under fire from arrows and many squires were killed doing their duty.

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:32 pm

Teachings of the Light:

Respect
The first virtue taught is respect. While the Holy Light teaches that awareness of the self and the universe is a goal, one must also see the connection between others and the universe. Destroying other's happiness and severing other's connections with the universe is not serving the world's well being, and therefore not your own. The practitioners of the Holy Light are not naive, however, and understand that trial, conflict, war, and suffering do happen; but they strive to make the universe a better place in spite of these hindrances.

Tenacity
The second virtue is tenacity. The adherence to this virtue is, incidentally, the part of training under the Holy Light that weeds out the unfaithful, as true dedication takes years. Fresh-faced acolytes often lose hope and the true meaning of the Holy Light when they realize that it takes a lifetime to serve the philosophy. The world is much bigger than one lone soul; and while the world can change a soul in a day, it takes much more time to change the world. Only through tenacity can a servant of the Holy Light hope to affect the universe. If some young students feel like this is an impossible task, others take heart in the realization that if you truly believe there is a connection between the self and the universe, one cannot help but affect the other, no matter the size. Affecting the world can include anything from teaching and instilling hope in others to joining with other like-minded individuals to work together to create a bigger change.

Compassion
After the first two concepts are mastered, the student can take on the final virtue: compassion. The connection between the self and the universe is strong, but it still is only one connection. If a follower of the Light serves another to increase his happiness, his bond with the universe grows stronger. The happiness he receives by helping someone also strengthens himself and the universe, and he is able to affect the universe even more.

Compassion is perhaps the most powerful — and yet most dangerous — virtue.

If someone is too compassionate, he can give help where none is needed — or wanted. This oversight can hinder one's growth and happiness. This would suggest that while one may help another with a seemingly impossible quest, such a quest is not in reality, out of the abilities of such a person and as a result of Compassion such a person has failed to grow. Thus, Compassion (However well intentioned) has resulted in anther's inability to grow as the quest was essentially "done for them" and hence, hindering their growth and happiness.

Some helpers can be awkward and do more harm than good with their actions, increasing the suffering and unhappiness in the world. A well meaning follower of the Light may rush to the aid of an adventurer(s) and wind up gaining too much interest of those attacking, and thus force those they try to help to rush to the follower's aid.

This is why compassion is taught last; only the wise and those fully understanding compassion may identify who is truly in need and who can grow on their own.

From Paladin to Fallen Paladin:

If a paladin willingly commits an act that they know to be wrong, then they are stripped of their power over the light by the light itself. However, if they commit a wrong others deem wrong, but the paladin thinks is correct, then the knight will keep their power over the light. For example, the Scarlet Crusade can kill innocent travelers in Scourge lands, since they might be carrying the virus, and they need to be stopped.

If a paladin does lose his power over the light, he becomes a fallen paladin. An ordinary knight once more, or for the first time, if they started as a priest or squire. To regain their power over the light, the paladin will need to do a great deed in the name of the light, such as slay a mass amount of undead, or lead a pilgrimage to the shrine of Uther. A fallen paladin can lead to some -amazing- RP, especially since your paladin might just be so desperate to gain the favor of the light, they would be willing to do more wrong deeds to right their original wrong. This pushes the paladin into an even deeper rut, and leads to some quite emotional RP!

The Armour:
For the most part, paladins live on the wage of a soldier. The money they do get goes to the orphanages, or churches of Azeroth as well. If not them, then the homeless men and women they see on the side of the road. With this in mind, do you truly think your paladin will be able to have that super epic tier 26 armour you’re wearing? If anything, a paladin would simply wear his or her crest or an Alliance tabard, and some simple plate armour or chain mail. Most ‘white vendor sets’ look nice, they do their job, and are far more realistic than that giant glowing pile of garbage most paladins have all over their bodies.

by **Aadaria-Ioanna** Mon Jul 30, 2012 10:32 pm

Code of conduct:

A paladin must think they are of good alignment and loses all light abilities if he ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, the paladin’s code requires that he respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use their help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocents. While he may adventure with characters of any good or neutral alignment, a paladin will never knowingly associate with evil persons, nor will he continue an association with someone who consistently offends his moral code. A paladin may accept only henchmen, followers or cohorts who are of good alignment. A paladin who violates this code, becomes an ex-paladin, and loses all Light-given abilities and can not train further as a paladin until he atones for his violations.

((Note: Paladins don't always have to work within good or neutral organizations as seen by the Scarlet Crusade and others — however, they do have to believe they are working for good organizations or have faith that their cause is good and just. A paladin can be evil (as illustrated by Renault Mograine), but as long as they believe their cause to be just, the Light will continue to serve them. ))

Paladin Specs IC:

Now there is a lot of things you must know if your going to roleplay your paladin successfully. First off your paladin is going to need to know about the light and how to wield it. Also he will have to pick one of the three main focus' of using it.

Holy Paladin:
Holy Paladins are paladins who focus their learning to spells and skills that will help and assist in their ability to heal and cure others of illnesses and other afflictions. They are generally less combat oriented and devote themselves to the use of light only though they can and often wield weapons. Masters of the Holy Specialization can cast a shock of holy energy at their enemies and heal almost any wound.

Protection Paladin:
Protection Paladins are paladins who focus their learning to spells and skills that will help them protect themselves and others for example; Devotion Aura, Hand of Protection, Hammer of Justice. They are also combat oriented Paladins who usually wield a hammer and shield but can wield other weapons. Masters of the Protection Specialization can throw their shields and hammers at multiple targets.

Retribution Paladin:
Retribution Paladins are paladins who focus their learning to spells and skills that can help them in combat against the darkness of the world. They use the light as an offensive weapon against their enemies in combat. They are very combat oriented paladins who wield large two handed maces and swords. Masters of the Retribution Specialization can smite their enemies with the light and consecrate the ground around them with the light.

Types of Paladins:

Retribution:
Retribution paladins strive to destroy their foes in the most direct way possible, using massive two handed weapons to decapitate, crush, and maim their foes. They wield the light as well as the weapons they carry, and are usually seen in the midst of a battle.

Protection:
Protection paladins focus on defending their foes, rushing head first into battle, using the light as both an offensive and defensive form of magic. It was these paladins who are said to have created the infamous shield of holy energy known to stop any attack. They always have a shield on their back or arm, as well as a simple one handed weapon, and have learned to actually conjure shields of light to slice through their undead foes...

Holy:
Holy paladins are, for the most part, ex-priests who have become paladins by training with warriors. Their focus is still mainly on healing, but they have adapted to healing and fighting at the same time, with one key difference; They have learned to heal with plate armour on, with nearly no penalty to their healing powers.

Spells
:

One thing I would like to point out is that some spells require a highly skilled paladin then others so here is a list of where I think spells should stand in terms of their difficulty and requirements to use: **It would be wise to choose spells to use and I think if your characters focused on a few to master would be best.

Master Level Spells:
Master Level Spells are spells that should only be known by a few devoted paladins who have spent a lifetime studying the light or who have been given the training from a master and have learned to use it. These spells require a lot of discipline and only those who are strong in the light can use it.

Beacon of Light (Requires a lot of energy.)
Holy Shock (Emits a lightning bolt of holy energy.)
Divine Storm (Massive storm of Holy Energy.)
Hammer of the Righteous (Requires a very skilled person to do.)
Holy Wrath (Large amount of Holy Energy emits in all directions.)
Hammer of Wrath (Forms a hammer of Holy Energy in your hand.)
Avenging Wrath(Wings of holy energy... Need I say more.)

High Level Spells:
High level spells are spells that should be known only by those who have been studying the light for a long time or who have been taught the spells by a high level Paladin. These spells require discipline to use and require a person who has a strong connection with the light.

Avenger's Shield
Consecration
Exorcism
Lay on Hands
Divine Shield
Divine Intervention
Retribution Aura
Hand of Protection
Redemption
Seal of the Martyr
Seal of Vengeance

Medium Level Spells:
These are spells that should be known by intermediate paladins who have been studying the light for a good amount of time. They require less of their wielder then the higher level spells but still require a lot of discipline to use.

Holy Light
Blessing of Wisdom
Blessing of Might
Divine Plea
Concentration Aura
Divine Protection
Cleanse
Turn Evil
Seal of Light
Seal of Wisdom
Seal of Command
Seal of Justice
Hand of Sacrifice
Devotion Aura
Crusader Strike

Low Level Spells:
Low level spells are spells that are spells the require the least amount of skill to use.

Flash of Light
Purify
Sense Undead
Hand of Freedom
Seal of Righteousness

Auras and the Spear of Light:

Devotion Aura: Surrounds and fills your allies with the holy light, reducing damage taken.

Retribution Aura: When a paladin or his ally is struck in combat, a bolt of holy energy strikes out at their enemy, dealing holy damage.

Concentration Aura: Your allies are less affected when they are hit, but trying to cast a spell.

Shadow Resistance Aura: The light fills the paladin’s allies, warding off shadow magic.

Frost Resistance: The holy light defends a paladin and his allies from frost, ice, and the cold. While under the effects of this aura, cold temperatures will not affect the person(s).

Fire Resistance: The holy light blocks damage from a source of fire.

Crusader Aura: The person(s) with this aura have mounts with improved strength, speed, and endurance.

Spear of Light: The Knights of the Silver Hand learned to wield literal spears of light, so that they could have a weapon in any situation. For the most part, they would be thrown in the midst of a battle, but could be used in emergency situations.

Notable paladins in lore:

Arthas Menethil
Alexandros Mograine
Tirion Fordring
Uther the Lightbringer
Turalyon
Lady Liadrin
Farseer Nobundo

by **Lexgrad** Mon Jul 30, 2012 11:13 pm

Ha Lex is plus one on the pala table thing. Lexadin>all!* (did not count DK lexys misdeeds Razz

)

Not a complete guide but it does serve to highlight that you are a Holy Warrior, not a Warrior. *nod*

by **Meemy** Mon Sep 10, 2012 11:37 am

Helps a lot...
Sad thing i decided my char to be ex-paladin

by **Littlepip** Mon Jun 03, 2013 7:14 am

Ended up in -2 *Cheers* Wonderful Guide, even if it is a little old now it is still useful.

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