The Paladin Order
Officially The Order of the Paladins of Saint Duncan of Fraser, the Paladins are an order of warrior-monks. Their brand of religion is one of many heretical splinters of Catholicism that came about in the chaos after N-Day. With significant influence taken from Eastern religions over the past several centuries, the way of the Paladins is one that emphasizes good deeds, self-discipline, self-sacrifice, and a strong desire to aid others.
The Paladins are known equally for their asceticism, their charity, and their strength. The Paladins are willing to physically fight and shed blood in the name of protecting the weak and the innocent from those who would do evil. They live simple lives in a communal setting and share what few possessions they own. Their order has dwindled over the years and they have been reduced to a single group operating out of the Church of St. Duncan in Midnight City.
| Table of Contents |
|---|
HISTORY
The Paladins began as a loose association of survivors brought together in 2027 by the man who would become Saint Duncan of Fraser. They sought to bring order to the chaos that gripped the land, and to protect the weak and innocent from the evil men and creatures that preyed upon them. Duncan established a shelter in the ruins of a church, where he and his followers brought survivors for safety and medical aid. It is uncertain when or how the group came to be called Paladins, but the earliest recorded use of the name dates back to 2052.
The Paladins embarked on regular patrols to create a safe zone for survivors. They established emergency clinics and protected valuable supplies from looters. They were integral to the survival of hundreds, even thousands of people in the early days post N-Day. But while they earned the respect of the civilians, they earned the enmity of many roving gangs and raiders intent on securing supplies, territory, and power for themselves.
Legend has it that Duncan was the first human to use the protective magic that would go on to characterize the Paladins, shielding a group of refugees from gunfire with the force of his will. Duncan was martyred in 2061, but his Order lived on. Though his followers deemed him Saint soon after his death, he was never officially canonized by the Vatican and his order to this day is not recognized by the Holy See. Over time, many Paladins spread out from Midnight City and attempted to establish other branches of the Order. However, those branches never took hold. The Paladins were ignored, rejected, or even killed.
From the height of their influence in the 2170s, the Paladins have fallen to little more than an esoteric footnote in the fabric of Midnight City. Nowadays, their influence scarcely reaches beyond the immediate neighbourhood of their Church. The Paladin is seen more as some mythical historical figure, rather than a living adherent to a dying religion.
BELIEF SYSTEM
The Paladins follow a set of teachings known as The Path. They believe that the Creator crafted all things from nothing, that every living being possesses a soul, and that upon death a soul free of the burden of sin will join the Creator in the afterlife. Those souls still burdened by sin will be reincarnated, and will live many lives until reaching a state of purity. The Creator sent its son to Earth to show mankind The Path to eternal peace, and it is these lessons that form the basis of the Paladin doctrine. Anyone can join the Paladins if they pledge to walk The Path, but walking The Path requires more than words and intention. Cleansing oneself of sin is done through good works in the name of the Creator.
The Paladins see themselves as servants of mankind. It is their duty to bring peace to the world, to ease suffering, and to use their abilities for the greater good. They are guided by a Code, written by Saint Duncan himself.
A Paladin must at all times be ready and willing to render aid to all who need it.
A Paladin must respect and protect life.
A Paladin approaches any conflict with words first; violence is a last resort.
A Paladin may take life only in the defense of others.
A Paladin shuns material trappings and seeks only spiritual fulfillment.
A Paladin uses only what he or she needs to survive and shares the rest.
A Paladin may offer to show others The Path, but cannot force them to walk it.
THE CHURCH OF SAINT DUNCAN
The church itself is located in the Zone. Its original structure, over four and a half centuries old, still stands at its heart. However, many additions and repairs have been made over the years as the Paladins have fended off attacks, natural disasters, and accidents
It is a modest church built in the traditional style, a hodgepodge of stone, wood, and steel repairs. There is a single stained glass window behind the altar that bears a bullet hole from a gang war sixty years prior. The church itself can hold approximately one hundred worshippers in the pews and standing room, but services never see that kind of attendance. Built off the back of the church is a newer addition to the original structure, the living quarters for the Paladins and the Priest, Elder MacLennan.
The living quarters are equally modest -- sleeping quarters with rows of identical bunks; a library filled with old religious, philosophical, and martial texts; a simple kitchen and eating hall with plain wooden furniture (most built by the Paladins themselves) and walls adorned only with a cross, an image of Saint Duncan, and a clock. The Paladins also have a practice hall lined with mats and stocked with training dummies and wooden weapons. This is where the Paladins train daily to keep their bodies as resilient as their minds and spirits.
Off the Eastern side of the main Church is the shelter. Here, the Paladins offer food and a warm, safe place to sleep for those who need it. The Paladins make room for all those who come seeking aid. They are known to take in street kids and orphans, educating them and aiding them in finding a place in the city once they are ready to move on from the church.
The Church also has a large zen-style garden and pond, space for the Fellows of the Order to meditate and reflect.
The entire Church property is surrounded by a large stone and steel wall, built as a defensive fortification in 2061 after Saint Duncan's death.
JOINING THE PALADINS
Anyone may join the Paladins, regardless of their age, race, gender, sexuality, nationality, or background. The only requirement to join the Order is that one pledges to follow The Path, and to honour and uphold the Paladin Code.
Those wishing to join the Paladins must first speak with Elder MacLennan and, if not already an adherent, are asked to convert to the way of The Path and place their faith in the Creator. Then, they will be interviewed by the senior Paladin, Fellow Kai to officially become an Initiate. There are many weeks of study and training that follow, to assess whether the Initiate truly desires to uphold the Paladin ideals. During this time they must also shed all non-essential possessions and move into the Paladin barracks.
Should they complete the training, they will then be welcomed into the Order and earn the title of Fellow.
If you wish to have your character join the Paladins, please contact a GM.