Order of Paladins

Soldiers within the Army of Titan’s cavalry division are given the option of joining the Order of Paladins, where they are trained by priests to eventually become paladins, mounted warriors possessing holy and healing magic in addition to their warrior training.

Both enlisted knights and officers may issue to petition to join. Should the Knight Templar deem a petitioner worthy, he will initiate him into the Order. Once inducted, paladins hold themselves to the Order’s code, following a set of strict rules and beliefs. Paladins fight in the name of good, to defend Titan against evil, and to help their allies whenever they can.

The primary training these men undergo is not militaristic in nature, but rather, spiritual. Thus, the warriors who seek to become paladins are often of good nature, inclined to do good in the world, whenever they can, so long as that the means they achieve this is also of ethical value. Though they are not required to devote themselves to any religious beliefs, many do -- seeing their advancement to become a paladin as a call to duty.

In battle, these knights become an icon of moral value, fighting with a sort of righteous fury, tending to their fallen allies with care, while smiting their foe with extreme might. Serving as one of the army’s strongest offensive units, paladins also serve as the primary contra-undead force within the army, in addition to being field medics. Their years of training in holy magic allow them to turn the undead, so long as the Paladin is strong enough physically, and spiritually. The Order of Paladins also often act as escourts and bodyguards for the priests when traveling.

Standard issue equipment for the paladins is a blessed warhammer, having a flat end and spiked point, a cavalry shield, full plate armor, warhorse and steel barding.

Enlisted cavalry joining the Order are given a rank equivalent to their previous warrior rank. Officers join as Crusaders, the first rank considered equivalent to an officer rank. The Knight Templar leads the Order, oversees inductions, as well as promotions. He may do solely at his discretion, but more likely with the aid of a committee of high ranking and long standing Paladins.

The following is the list of ranks used by the Order, and their abbreviations:

• PA-5: Knight Templar (KtT)
• PA-4: Paladin (Pal)
• PA-3: Crusader (Cru)
• PA-2: Cavalier (Cav)
• PA-1: Knight (Kn)
• PA-0: Squire (Sq)

PA-5: Knight Templar (KtT)

The Knight Templar serves as Grandmaster of the Order of Paladins. Overseeing their deployment, he represents the division in the Emergency War Council, controls admittance and inductions into the Order, and declares promotions in rank. The Knight Templar may chose to be Grandmaster of the Order for a life sentence, whereby a new Knight Templar is chosen upon his death, or may relinquish and pass on his command of the Order, while still holding the rank.

The Knight Templar himself is a master of healing, and holy magic, having been fully trained by Titan's priests, and also his years on the battlefield. The Knight Templar is the only one of the paladins given access and instruction to the most powerful healing and contra-undead spells.

Only through great spiritual fortitude, and the utmost in devotion, can a paladin rise to this rank, proving to the Order that his spiritual connection is the greatest amongst them all. Through long years of dedicated service, the Knight Templar proves his fortitude in combat and tactical cunning, by obeying the Order's code and mastering the highest levels of holy magic, and devoting himself to his spirtuality, does the paladin gain grace enough to ascend.

PA-4: Paladin (Pal)

To hold the rank of Paladin, is to hold an esteemed position within the Order. Often they serve the Knight Templar directly as a voice in councils and deliberations, their word and thought carrying weight.

What sepearates Paladins from Crusaders is the individuals spirtuality and faith. This is done my a higher level of mastery in the magical forces called upon by the paladins to aid them on the field. It is believed that through a strong enough devotion, the soul of a man transcends to a greater level of good, infusing his very essence with spirtual power.

Combat veterans, Paladins are usually the oldest standing members of the Order, who have adequatley demonstrated their faith to the Knight Templar.

PA-3: Crusader (Cru)

The rank of Crusader is the first rank considered to be an officer's class. Cavalry officers who are accepted into the Order begin with the rank of Crusader (it may also be for this reason that very rarely will a senior cavalry officer petition to join the Order).

Enlisted men who rise to this rank have demonstrated their aptitude and ability to lead on the field, but who are also worthy spiritually of the greater burden of responsibilities and tasks that they will be required to undertake. Both initiates officers who are freshly inducted, and also enlisted paladins undergo rigorous training in the paladin's magical and holy capacities, guided by the priests. Much time is allotted for this training so that they may adequately learn of the devotion required to the studies, but also in hopes of spiritual enlightenment.

It is at this rank that these knights become more than simple initiates into the Order, but truly paladins, defenders of justice and light.

PA-1: Knight (Kn)

When a Squire has shown competence and evolution to his Sire, and successfully challenges him, he is bestowed his knighthood, and made a Knight. Though already a member of the Order, the transition from Squire to Knight is seen as a right of passage, whereby the Knight becomes a full member of the Order.

From here, Knights must demonstrate themselves to be worthy warriors of both the battlefield, but of their own spirtuality. To do this, they must master basic magical concepts and talents. Though no longer Squires, Knights are still treated with more patience than those ranked above them, and still given a guiding hand.

Swearing to chastity, obedience, piety, and fraternity, Knights are expected to hold these virtues in addition their code.

PA-0: Squire (Sq)

Squires form the bottom rung of the Paladin's hierarchy. They are newly recruited to both the Army and the Order. Though their numbers are small, squires in the past have proved to be promising pupils and later worthy knights.

Usually, the youngest of the Order, Squires must be taught both of the ways of a paladin, but also those of a knight. Allocated to a higher ranking paladin, who takes the squire in as a mentor, the sire teaches his apprentice of the paladin's code, and also of knighthood.

Rarely do they participate in battle, often instead they help their sire prepare, and watch from a distance on the field. Towards the end of their time as an apprentice, Squires are introduced to their studies in healing and holy magic, in addition to their studies of chivalry and knighthood. When a Squire proves that he is capable of fighting on his own, and also understood the virtues required to be a paladin, he challanges his sire in a ritual battle. The outcome of the battle determines whether the Squire will rise to the rank of Knight.