Paladin Codes of Conduct Samples Please

[Rashak Mani]

The PHB mentions but doesnt specify what the code should include for a Paladin... we all have a notion of what should be or not included or covered ... but how many have actually sat down and written the Paladins Code ?

At least in our group its understtod that a code exists... but never specified. Lawful Good alignment is more of the "code"...

Post your Code of Conduct for Paladins for our enlightenment... please.

 

[Aaron L]

I use the Cavaliers code from Unearthed Arcana, within reason.

 

[JDeMobray]

The 2nd edition Complete Paladin's Handbook contained a section on developing your own . . . Code of Enoblement, I think was the term. Only one of my players ever did one, but I thought it was fairly good. I will post it when I get home and can access my computer.

 

[CrusaderX]

Here's a general code that works for me - 7 main parts, with 4 elements each:


VIRTUE:
---------

Exhibit courage
Administer justice
Act with prudence
Maintain temperance


VALOR:
--------

Fight with honor
Avenge the wronged
Defend the weak and innocent
Never abandon a friend, ally, or noble cause


HONOR:
---------

Always keep one's word
Always maintain one's principles
Never betray the confidence of comrades
Be respectful of life and administer mercy


DISCIPLINE:
--------------

Show self-discipline
Obey laws fair and just
Always avoid sin and vice
Live a life worthy of respect to all


COURTESY:
-------------

Exhibit manners
Show a sense of fair play
Be polite and attentive
Be respectful to women


LOYALTY:
----------

To God
To country
To comrades
To your Code


TRUTH:
--------

Act true
Speak true
Spread the truth
Defend the truth

 

[CRGreathouse]

PH, page 43, paragraph 4.

 

[SableWyvern]

The fairly simple and straightforward code we developed for the Paladin of Heironeous IMC is:

10% of wealth gained in the service of Heironeous to be given to the needy.

Never abandon the innocent or pure of heart when in need.

Always fight in a fair and noble fashion.

All people shall be judged by their actions.

Your word is your bond.

 

[JDeMobray]

Okay, as I was saying. . .

Paladins Code of Tyr
The Righteous Order of Holy Judgment

I, __________, do hereby pledge to honor the strictures of our sacred heritage and promise by my faith and my sword to be loyal to Tyr and my king, maintaining my devotion against all persons without deception or forethought. Further, I vow to promote and uphold the principles of Honesty, Valor, Honor, Courtesy and Generosity and to solemnly and faithfully follow the edicts of Tyr and his church, my family, and the Righteous and Just laws of my country. I take this pledge freely and without coercion or expectation of rewards, sworn by my hand and blessed in the memory of those who have given their lives to this cause. My life for Justice, My soul for Truth and My heart forever for Tyr.


The Virtues Explained

1. Honesty: A member of the Order of Holy Judgment always speaks the truth, as he knows it. He may decline to speak if doing so would compromise his honor, but he will never knowingly mislead anyone, even his enemies. Unlike standard paladins, Knights of Judgment permit no lies of omission by a member. No virtue is more important to Tyr’s paladins than Honesty.
2. Valor: In pursuit of justice, the Knights of Judgment fear nothing. The Knights will attack an enemy without hesitation, asking no quarter. He never retreats and may only withdraw in extreme circumstances; if outnumbered 4:1 or more in hit dice.
3. Courtesy: Though a Knight may know his own superiority in arms and morality, he goes out of his way to never display arrogance. He maintains self-control at all times, and accepts the failings of others with grace. Slander and insults are anathema to the Knight, and he will never stoop to such a low level. Conversely when confronted by these things, he simply ignores them and walks away.
4. Generosity: A Knight gladly shares his possessions with anyone in need. He is forbidden from accumulating wealth in excess of what he personally needs, and his 10% tithe to the church. All excess funds and treasure must be given away. The Knight will never use anything aside from the finest weapons and armor; this also applies to any barding or tack for his mount.

 

[Malin Genie]

To be Human is the greatest gift and greatest responsibility.

On the Paladin's shoulders rests the duty of exemplifying the true virtues of humanity, and turning away from all that would debase it.

A Paladin will seek to redeem those humans who struggle to maintain righteous behaviour, but mercilessly destroy those humans who unrepentantly draw others into evil.

A Paladin seeks to rule over the lesser races with benevolent strictness, as the farmer rules over the animals in the field. To show disdainful arrogance and look down on other races is to be a deceitful Elf; to show closed-minded suspicion and look away from other races is to be a grasping Dwarf. To guide those of all other races wisely - but sternly - is our highest destiny.

A Paladin should not forget that the lesser races were created to serve humans, and that those who rebel against that duty require just punishment. Those who advocate rebellion against humanity are taint, and as diseased cattle aare destroyed to protect the herd, so are rebels.

A Paladin always acts and speaks straightforwardly. To play false is to make a mockery of Humanity.

A Paladin should exemplify flexibility, as the gift that has brought human dominion over much of the world. The Toad is our symbol, who lives on earth and in water, and the Hopping Prophet the bearer of his message.

"Litany of the Paladins of Wastri"

 

[The Oracle]

Honor code of the Paladin of Vecna

I will convince the followers of the other god's of their wrong ideas, and that Lord Vecna is merely misunderstood, he really is the best cwihoice for us all, and will lead us into a spiritual and enlightened future, free of the interference of the other pretender gods, where we will all walk hand in hand in the glory of Vecna.

To that end, I must seek out the evilness of the foes of Vecna, the spider queen festering in her web of lies, and convince to the best of my abilities the followers of the false gods to seek the path of Vecna, the only path of hope for us all.

I must build, and rebuild shrines to Vecna along the roads and byways of the land, a task that is never ending due to the hatefulness of the followers of other gods.

I must try to bring new converts to Vecna, although many of them seem to take umbrage with my words, I must be firm and convincing, after all, it is through me they will find hope and enlightement.

I must tithe all magic found to the followers of Vecna, many of whom seem cursed with evil by some foul actions of Vecna's enemies. As the church has no public buildings, I must prosletize where and when I can, tirelessly, for it is my sacred duty.

 

[Tonguez]

"For Truth Justice and the American Way"

or

From Chivalry by Leon Gautier
Thou shalt believe all that the Church teaches, and shalt observe all its directions.
Thou shalt defend the Church.
Thou shalt repect all weaknesses, and shalt constitute thyself the defender of them.
Thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born.
Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
Thou shalt make war against the Infidel without cessation, and without mercy.
Thou shalt perform scrupulously thy feudal duties, if they be not contrary to the laws of God.
Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word.
Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone.
Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.