RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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I am writing a guide that goes over how to set up, play, and challenge a paladin's code of conduct. One section of it will have real life codes that can be used to build custom ones for play.
What are some possible codes of conduct I can include in this guide?
Chivalry and Bushido are already going to be included. Nothing is too small or unusual to be considered, and fantasy codes are also welcome.
Please, do not dismiss other poster's suggestions or argue against them. Let me decide if something shouldn't be included.
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“Be without fear in the face of your enemies.
Be brave and upright that God may love thee.
Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death.
Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong – that is your oath.”
-The Knight’s Oath (Kingdom of Heaven)
EDIT:
same movie, quote on religion -
“I put no stock in religion. By the word religion I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called the will of God. I have seen too much religion in the eyes of too many murderers. Holiness is in right action, and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves, and goodness. What God desires is here (points to head) and here (points to heart) and what you decide to do every day, you will be a good man – or not.”
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I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
I undertake to abstain from sexual activity.
I undertake to abstain from wrong speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.
I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is after sunrise, before noon).
I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep.
Eight Precepts of Buddhism
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Shahadah: declaring there is no god except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger
Salat: ritual prayer five times a day
Sawm: fasting and self-control during the blessed month of Ramadan
Zakat: giving 2.5% of one’s savings to the poor and needy
Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime if he/she is able to do
5 Pillars of Islam
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Léon Gautier in his La Chevalerie of 1883 bemoaned the "invasion of Breton romans" which replaced the pure military ethos of the crusades with Arthurian fiction and courtly adventures. Gautier tries to give a "popular summary" of what he proposes was the "ancient code of chivalry" of the 11th and 12th centuries, viz. the military ethos of the crusades which would evolve into the late medieval notion of chivalry. Gautier's "commandments" are:
• Believe the Church's teachings and observe all the Church's directions.
• Defend the Church.
• Respect and defend all weaknesses.
• Love your country.
• Show no mercy to the Infidel. Do not hesitate to make war with them.
• Perform all your feudal duties as long as they do not conflict with the laws of God.
• Never lie or go back on one's word.
• Be generous to everyone.
• Always and everywhere be right and good against evil and injustice.
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Bushidō (Japan) expanded and formalized the earlier code of the samurai, and stressed frugality, loyalty, mastery of martial arts, and honor to the death. Under the bushidō ideal, if a samurai failed to uphold his honor he could only regain it by performing seppuku (ritual suicide).
The Bushidō code is typified by seven virtues:
Rectitude (義 gi?)
Courage (勇 yū?)
Benevolence (仁 jin?)
Respect (禮 rei?)
Honesty (誠 makoto?)
Honour (名誉 meiyo?)
Loyalty (忠義 chūgi?)
Associated virtues
Filial piety (孝 kō?)
Wisdom (智 chi?)
Care for the aged (悌 tei?)
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Mosaic's first quote reminded me of some military group's code regarding fear. I'll have to look up the specifics. I think they were in the Dune book series.
Bene Gesserit Litany Against Fear:
I must not fear.Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past me I will turn to see fears path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing......Only I will remain.
(An ancient form of the litany already existed during the Butlerian Jihad: "I have no fear, for fear is the little death that kills me over and over. Without fear, I die but once.")
Mentat Oath:
It is by will alone I set my mind in motion. It is by the juice of sapho that thoughts acquire speed, the lips acquire stains, the stains become a warning. It is by will alone I set my mind in motion.
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The Nine Noble Virtues of Asatru and other Norse neopagan communities, while perhaps not quite what Norse pagans originally believed back in the day, are a valid and fairly admirable ethical code, and a good example of a more pagan set of principles.
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The Declaration of Geneva (Physician's Oath), as currently published:
I solemnly pledge to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude that is their due;
I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;
The health of my patient will be my first consideration;
I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honour and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
My colleagues will be my sisters and brothers;
I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life;
I will not use my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;
I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
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If you'd like something a little longer...
The Rule of St. Benedict
Chapter 1 defines four kinds of monks: (1) Cenobites, those "in a monastery, where they serve under a rule and an abbot"; (2) Anchorites, or hermits, who, after long successful training in a monastery, are now coping single-handedly, with only God for their help; (3) Sarabaites, living by twos and threes together or even alone, with no experience, rule and superior, and thus a law unto themselves; and (4) Gyrovagues, wandering from one monastery to another, slaves to their own wills and appetites.
Chapter 2 describes the necessary qualifications of an abbot, forbids the abbot to make distinctions between persons in the monastery except for particular merit, and warns him he will be answerable for the salvation of the souls in his care.
Chapter 3 ordains the calling of the brothers to council upon all affairs of importance to the community.
Chapter 4 lists 73 "tools for good work" "tools of the spiritual craft" for the "workshop" that is "the enclosure of the monastery and the stability in the community". These are essentially the duties of every Christian and are mainly Scriptural either in letter or in spirit.
Chapter 5 prescribes prompt, ungrudging, and absolute obedience to the superior in all things lawful, "unhesitating obedience" being called the first degree, or step, of humility.
Chapter 6 recommends moderation in the use of speech, but does not enjoin strict silence, nor prohibit profitable or necessary conversation.
Chapter 7 divides humility into twelve degrees, or steps in the ladder that leads to heaven:(1) Fear God; (2) Subordinate one's will to the will of God; (3) Be obedient to one's superior; (4) Be patient amid hardships; (5) Confess one's sins; (6) Accept oneself as a "worthless workman"; (7) Consider oneself "inferior to all"; (8) Follow examples set by superiors; (9) Do not speak until spoken to; (10) Do not laugh; (11) Speak simply and modestly; and (12) Be humble in bodily posture.
Chapters 8-19 regulate the Divine Office, the Godly work to which "nothing is to be preferred", namely the eight canonical hours. Detailed arrangements are made for the number of Psalms, etc., to be recited in winter and summer, on Sundays, weekdays, Holy Days, and at other times.
Chapter 19 emphasizes the reverence owed to the omnipresent God.
Chapter 20 directs that prayer be made with heartfelt compunction rather than many words. It should be prolonged only under the inspiration of divine grace, and in community always kept short and terminated at a sign from the superior.
Chapter 21 regulates the appointment of a Dean over every ten monks.
Chapter 22 regulates the dormitory. Each monk is to have a separate bed and is to sleep in his habit, so as to be ready to rise without delay [for early Vigils]; a light shall burn in the dormitory throughout the night.
Chapters 23-29 specify a graduated scale of punishments for contumacy, disobedience, pride, and other grave faults: first, private admonition; next, public reproof; then separation from the brothers at meals and elsewhere; and finally excommunication (or in the case of those lacking understanding of what this means, corporal punishment instead).
Chapter 30 directs that a wayward brother who has left the monastery must be received again, if he promises to make amends; but if he leaves again, and again, after the third time all return is finally barred.
Chapters 31 and 32 order the appointment of officials to take charge of the goods of the monastery.
Chapter 33 forbids the private possession of anything without the leave of the abbot, who is, however, bound to supply all necessities.
Chapter 34 prescribes a just distribution of such things.
Chapter 35 arranges for the service in the kitchen by all monks in turn.
Chapters 36 and 37 address care of the sick, the old, and the young. They are to have certain dispensations from the strict Rule, chiefly in the matter of food.
Chapter 38 prescribes reading aloud during meals, which duty is to be performed by those who can do so with edification to the rest. Signs are to be used for whatever may be wanted at meals, so that no voice interrupts the reading. The reader eats with the servers after the rest have finished, but he is allowed a little food beforehand in order to lessen the fatigue of reading.
Chapters 39 and 40 regulate the quantity and quality of the food. Two meals a day are allowed, with two cooked dishes at each. Each monk is allowed a pound of bread and a hemina (probably about half a pint) of wine. The flesh of four-footed animals is prohibited except for the sick and the weak.
Chapter 41 prescribes the hours of the meals, which vary with the time of year.
Chapter 42 enjoins the reading an edifying book in the evening, and orders strict silence after Compline.
Chapters 43-46 define penalties for minor faults, such as coming late to prayer or meals.
Chapter 47 requires the abbot to call the brothers to the "work of God" (Opus Dei) in choir, and to appoint chanters and readers.
Chapter 48 emphasizes the importance of daily manual labour appropriate to the ability of the monk. The hours of labour vary with the season but are never less than five hours a day.
Chapter 49 recommends some voluntary self-denial for Lent, with the abbot's sanction.
Chapters 50 and 51 contain rules for monks working in the fields or travelling. They are directed to join in spirit, as far as possible, with their brothers in the monastery at the regular hours of prayers.
Chapter 52 commands that the oratory be used for purposes of devotion only.
Chapter 53 deals with hospitality. Guests are to be met with due courtesy by the abbot or his deputy; during their stay they are to be under the special protection of an appointed monk; they are not to associate with the rest of the community except by special permission.
Chapter 54 forbids the monks to receive letters or gifts without the abbot's leave.
Chapter 55 says clothing is to be adequate and suited to the climate and locality, at the discretion of the abbot. It must be as plain and cheap as is consistent with due economy. Each monk is to have a change of clothes to allow for washing, and when travelling is to have clothes of better quality. Old clothes are to be given to the poor.
Chapter 56 directs the abbot to eat with the guests.
Chapter 57 enjoins humility on the craftsmen of the monastery, and if their work is for sale, it shall be rather below than above the current trade price.
Chapter 58 lays down rules for the admission of new members, which is not to be made too easy. The postulant first spends a short time as a guest; then he is admitted to the novitiate where his vocation is severely tested; during this time he is always free to leave. If after twelve months' probation he perseveres, he may promise before the whole community stabilitate sua et conversatione morum suorum et oboedientia -- "stability, conversion of manners, and obedience". With this vow he binds himself for life to the monastery of his profession.
Chapter 59 allows the admission of boys to the monastery under certain conditions.
Chapter 60 regulates the position of priests who join the community. They are to set an example of humility, and can only exercise their priestly functions by permission of the abbot.
Chapter 61 provides for the reception of strange monks as guests, and for their admission to the community.
Chapter 62 deals with the ordination of priests from within the monastic community.
Chapter 63 lays down that precedence in the community shall be determined by the date of admission, merit of life, or the appointment of the abbot.
Chapter 64 orders that the abbot be elected by his monks, and that he be chosen for his charity, zeal, and discretion.
Chapter 65 allows the appointment of a provost, or prior, but warns that he is to be entirely subject to the abbot and may be admonished, deposed, or expelled for misconduct.
Chapter 66 appoints a porter, and recommends that each monastery be self-contained and avoid intercourse with the outer world.
Chapter 67 instructs monks how to behave on a journey.
Chapter 68 orders that all cheerfully try to do whatever is commanded, however hard it may seem.
Chapter 69 forbids the monks from defending one another.
Chapter 70 prohibits them from striking one another.
Chapter 71 encourages the brothers to be obedient not only to the abbot and his officials, but also to one another.
Chapter 72 briefly exhorts the monks to zeal and fraternal charity
Chapter 73, an epilogue, declares that the Rule is not offered as an ideal of perfection, but merely as a means towards godliness, intended chiefly for beginners in the spiritual life.
The Celtic Druids had a code of conduct as well...
I cannot seem to find it however.
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The Rules of Fight Club.
1st RULE: You do not talk about FIGHT CLUB.
2nd RULE: You DO NOT talk about FIGHT CLUB.
3rd RULE: If someone says "stop" or goes limp, taps out the fight is over.
4th RULE: Only two guys to a fight.
5th RULE: One fight at a time.
6th RULE: No shirts, no shoes.
7th RULE: Fights will go on as long as they have to.
8th RULE: If this is your first night at FIGHT CLUB, you HAVE to fight.
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I... Stymie... Member in good standing of the He-Man Woman Haters Club... Do solemnly swear to be a he-man and hate women and not play with them or talk to them unless I have to. And especially: never fall in love, and if I do may I die slowly and painfully and suffer for hours - or until I scream bloody murder.
(okay, back to helpful...)
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A paladin was the highest valued warriors in the court of Emperor Charlemagne. Examples are the Childe Roland and Olivier de Vienne. They were warriors that predated knights and at least in modern popular fantasy materials are precursors or even contemporaries of knights and live by a holy code much the same as that of chivalry.
Mosaic's quote from Kingdom of Heaven is one example of that code. Another Code of Chivalry and vow of Knighthood is from The Song of Roland and is listed as follows:
To fear God and maintain His Church
To serve the liege lord in valour and faith
To protect the weak and defenceless
To give succour to widows and orphans
To refrain from the wanton giving of offence
To live by honour and for glory
To despise pecuniary reward
To fight for the welfare of all
To obey those placed in authority
To guard the honour of fellow knights
To eschew unfairness, meanness and deceit
To keep faith
At all times to speak the truth
To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
To respect the honour of women
Never to refuse a challenge from an equal
Never to turn the back upon a foe
To make it fit in game all you have to do is change out references to God, He, and Church to the deity your character follows, gender pronoun for your deity, and Temple. Or you could keep the code you choose in is original form and worship a "strange god" from a strange land.
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Scout Oath (or Promise)
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
mentally awake, and morally straight
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,
courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty,
brave, clean, and reverent
Just replace scout with knight or paladin :)
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Various versions of the Jedi Code:
One of the key portions of the Code was a five-line mantra. Several versions of the mantra exist, though the original version was:
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.
The refined version established by Odan-Urr and transcribed by Homonix Rectonia during the Early Manderon Period was perhaps the best known:
There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.
Another version of the code during 32 BBY read as follows:
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others, rather than rule over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
Grand Master Luke Skywalker modified this code slightly upon reestablishing the Jedi Order in the Galaxy:
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and to protect.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
EDIT: And it's opposite:
The Sith Code
The Sith Code, as written by Sorzus Syn and taught by Darth Bane:
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
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I am my country's (or god) strength in War
Her deterrent in Peace.
I am the heart of the fight-
wherever, whenever.
I carry Her faith and honor
Against her enemies.
I am what my country expects me to be-
The best trained soldier in the world.
In the race for victory,
I am swift determined, and courageous,
Armed with a fierce will to win.
Never will I fail My country's (gods) trust.
Always will i fight on -
through the foe
to the objective
to the triumph over all.
If Necessary, I fight to my death.
With my steadfast courage
I yield not-
to weakness
to hunger
to cowardice
to fatigue
to superior odds
For I am mentally tough, Physically strong, and Morally straight.
I forsake not -
My country
My Mission,
My comrades,
My sacred duty.
I am relentless.
I am always there,
now and forever.
Follow me!
Slightly edited version of the infantryman's creed. (US Army)
Seems pertinant for a god like Iomedae
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Be excellent to each other.....
And party on dude!
Bill S, Preston ESQ. and Ted Theodore Logan
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Stuff about the Knight Templar code.
I notice that several people have brought up modern military oaths and creeds already, but for me, I want to turn towards an actual discussion of military and law enforcement ethics. This is because, while mantras and high sounding ideals are nice, and they are often the details that survive into the historical records (or at least the ones that most people bother reading), they might not actually reflect the spoken and unspoken codes of conduct that were actually followed.
This is because clarifying some of those details are important since the line between 'strategy' and 'dishonorable conduct' needs to be very clear so that the paladin can be something other than a froathing leeroy jinkins style religious fantatic. Are ambushes and steal dishonorable tactics? What about the use of smoke screens?
Those questions make me turn towards the kind of conduct expected of a SWAT team as a comparison (although, I'll admit, my understanding is based more off of hollywood here). They are expected to protect civilians and maintain public trust, which lends well to being LG (even if it is not strictly necessary). Typically they are expected to try to issue warnings and try to negotiate surrender. At the same time, they are allowed a certain degree of leeway when a civilian is in immediate danger. And due to the extraordinary circumstances that typically call for a SWAT team, they also are equipped with various types of tactical gear such as flash bangs and tear gas, which increases the likelihood that they can protect the lives of both hostages and teammates, as well as their ability to capture a hostile alive (which is one of their prerogatives) At the same time, they cannot use extreme chemical warfare, due to the risk to themselves, civilians, their enemies, and the trust that people have in them (mustard gas does not make a good impression on the 6 o' clock news)
Is anyone more experienced in such subjects that could add further to this line of thought or link an appropriate source? I think that seeing some detailed rules of engagement as well as the treatment of prisoners would help in making a much more skeletal code that would present more realistic expectations on a paladin and give the player some clear boundaries.
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I ran into this a while back. I forget the original author:
THE CODE OF THE ORDERS
Elyoen embodies all that is Good. The Saints personify His Wisdom and Grace. The Blessed Clergy act as teachers and counselors for this Wisdom, guides and agents for this Grace. The Blessed Paladins are the special guardians of the faithful, the champions of the innocent, and the bulwark against Evil and all who delight in wickedness.
The Paladin swears obedience and loyalty, diligence and sacrifice to the ranks of an Order. And by doing so, to the body of the Blessed Clergy. And by doing so, to the Celestial Saints. And by doing so, to Elyoen.
The Paladin is trained in the skills of the Order's Precepts. He is educated in the Wisdom of the Saints, as taught by the Blessed Clergy's Priests, through prayer and observance, and through enlightened by the Grace of the Celestial Saints. He is empowered by Elyoen through his Celestial Saints, strengthened by his faith.
The Paladin is charged with reflecting the Good of Elyoen's in appearance and action. His life serves as an example of the power of Elyoen’s Grace.
He is an encouragement to the faithful, a shepherd to the lost, a defender of the weak, and a champion of Good in all of its incarnations.
The Paladin's behavior shall thus be governed by strictest adherence to the following code:
1) He shall act with compassion and humility, mete justice and offer hope, for these are the cornerstones of all that is Good.
2) He shall deny hatred and arrogance, eschew selfishness and elude despair, for these are the tools Evil uses to undermine all that is Good.
3) He shall endeavor to follow the laws of society and the authority of its rulers, for civilization is the soil in which the weak can thrive. Only with great cause and in the service of Good may he violate the laws or challenge the rightful rulers of a land.
4) He shall work to bring down the reign of savagery and wrest order out of chaos, for the mayhem of anarchy is the mire in which Evil grows.
5) He shall protect the gentle from the exploitation of the powerful. He shall protect the innocent against the debauchery of the depraved. He shall protect the kindly from the abuse of the cruel. He shall protect the righteous from the injustice of tyrants. From these are drawn those destined for Elysium and they are his charges.
6) He shall battle against Evil wherever he finds it. He must not befriend those who are Evil nor shall he cavort or travel with those who are Evil. He is the enemy of Evil and must not enjoy its company and must be beware the wiles and trickery of Evil and not fall for its charms.
7) He shall battle and destroy devils and demons, for their place is not in this world and their presence will only corrupt and hurt.
8) He shall battle and destroy the undead, for their time has come and gone, their remains must be returned to the grave or scattered as dust to the wind.
9) He shall promote the teachings of the Saints, encourage faith in Elyoen, and promote Good wherever he goes. He shall reach out to those not in the faith and support the faithful through deed and word. He shall practice the observances and rituals of the faith as an encouragement to those around him and invite their participation.
10) He shall properly maintain his person and equipment. A slovenly appearance bespeaks a lazy spirit and presents a poor impression of himself and his Order.
11) He shall behave honorably, even when not treated thus. He shall not lie, shall not steal, shall not be craven in his dealings nor be vulgar in speech, shall not fight through trickery nor subterfuge nor deceit, and shall not torture.
12) He shall keep his mind and his spirit free from intoxication, free from impairing fatigue, and indeed free from all distractions that delay his purpose or distract him from his duties.
13) He shall recreate in activities that relax the body, soothe the spirit, enlighten the mind, or advance his skill. He shall avoid activities that hollowly stimulate his senses, excite his emotions, or compromise his character in the eyes of others.
14) He shall eschew excess wealth, and refrain from pursuing it. He shall be plain in dress and equipment; bestowing all extra wealth to the Church or upon the needy. He shall not carry more weapons or armor than he needs. The pursuit of material things is enticing and can lead one away from the path of Good, even when it seems that such pursuit is in the service of Good.
15) He shall remain chaste and avoid situations that might lead to impropriety. He shall not seek a spouse nor encourage the attentions of those seeking a mate. Marriage is a sacred pact between a man and woman, blessed by the Grace of Elyoen, which cannot help but make demands upon the loyalty of those who are wedded. Such a pact endangers one’s ability to fulfill their obligations to their Order.
16) He shall make only those oaths he intends to keep and is capable of fulfilling. He need only accept oaths from those who have proven themselves capable of fulfilling them or who will prove themselves thus capable as part of their oath.
17) He shall not ask of others that which they cannot do or that which he can do himself. He shall not willingly accept more upon himself than he can do well.
18) He shall show courage and confidence in all situations, especially in the face of Evil. He shall not, however, forget his responsibilities and must not confuse courage and confidence with bravado and arrogance. Victory is often not found in battle.
19) He shall give quarter when asked, accept surrender when offered, and spare those who lie helpless at his feet when they might be redeemed. Those thus taken are in his charge until they are given over to those with the authority to judge them. He shall not spare those who cannot be redeemed or promise mercy, but kill that which is Evil by nature, for only through the waters of the Lethe might they be redeemed.
20) He shall look after the well being of others, both his charges and companions, before seeing to his personal needs. He shall look after them in the order of their need, helping the most needy first. Only when the safety and well being of other depends on his needs, should this be abrogated.
21) He shall share his deeds, his hopes, his sins, and his fears with the Blessed Clerics of Elyoen and his superiors in his Order. They will keep him on the path of Good, away from the temptations of Evil.
22) He shall, upon death, remain within Elysium. He shall not drink of Lethe, and shall not return to the world except if called upon to do so by the Blessed Clergy of Elyoen, by the Blessed Saints, or by the Angels that reside in Elysium on behalf of Elyoen.
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Stuff about the Knight Templar code.
I notice that several people have brought up modern military oaths and creeds already, but for me, I want to turn towards an actual discussion of military and law enforcement ethics. This is because, while mantras and high sounding ideals are nice, and they are often the details that survive into the historical records (or at least the ones that most people bother reading), they might not actually reflect the spoken and unspoken codes of conduct that were actually followed.
This is because clarifying some of those details are important since the line between 'strategy' and 'dishonorable conduct' needs to be very clear so that the paladin can be something other than a froathing leeroy jinkins style religious fantatic. Are ambushes and steal dishonorable tactics? What about the use of smoke screens?
Those questions make me turn towards the kind of conduct expected of a SWAT team as a comparison (although, I'll admit, my understanding is based more off of hollywood here). They are expected to protect civilians and maintain public trust, which lends well to being LG (even if it is not strictly necessary). Typically they are expected to try to issue warnings and try to negotiate surrender. At the same time, they are allowed a certain degree of leeway when a civilian is in immediate...
To be honest i spent a lot of time in afghanistan on missions to go find and detain wantes possible bads. The mission wwasnt to go in guns blazing... but it happened sometimes. We americans get accused of trying to be the worlds police for a reason. I posted what i did for more militant gods.
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As for things like ambushes smoke screens and the like i would think it depends. Evil wizard ruler or bad nation who summons demons and the like. Paladins who walk up and demand surrender should be slapped. Fighting to win and protect the weak innocent and good doesnt mean you cant be tacticly savvy. Using cover and concealment and spells is tactical items not strategic imo at least
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RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16, RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32
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I ran into this a while back. I forget the original author:
THE CODE OF THE ORDERS
Elyoen embodies all that is Good. The Saints personify His Wisdom and Grace. The Blessed Clergy act as teachers and counselors for this Wisdom, guides and agents for this Grace. The Blessed Paladins are the special guardians of the faithful, the champions of the innocent, and the bulwark against Evil and all who delight in wickedness.....
Anyone have the source of this?
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When thinking about whether paladins use tactics, I'm reminded of a Book of Mormon reference...
29 And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land;
30 And he also knowing that it was the only desire of the Nephites to preserve their lands, and their liberty, and their church, therefore he thought it no sin that he should defend them by stratagem;
Essentially, he surrounded his enemies as his stratagem. (I guess we've hit most of the religions here now... Islam, Mainstream Christianity, The LDS Church, Catholicism, Bushidō, Buddism... We're missing Hinduism, Confucism, and Taoism...)
As for a general Paladin Code of Honor, here's another quote from LDS material:
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
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I am mormon myself, and was thinking of Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-46
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
Probably my own personal paladin's code.
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1 No poofters.
2 No member of the faculty is to maltreat the "Abos" in any way whatsoever—if there's anyone watching.
3 No poofters.
4 I don't want to catch anyone not drinking in their room after lights out.
5 No poofters.
6 There is no... rule six.
7 No poofters.
or
To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentation of their women.
Maybe not.
The Paladin Law
A Paladin is
Trustworthy - Loyal - Helpful - Friendly
Courteous - Kind - Obedient - Cheerful
Thrifty - Brave - Clean - Reverent
The Paladin Motto
Be Prepared
The Paladin Slogan
Do A Good Turn Daily
The Paladin Oath
On my honor, I will do my best,
To do my duty to God, and my country,
and to obey the scout law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong;
Mentally awake, and morally straight.
or
The Paladin Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Paladin Law.
The Paladin Law
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Paladin.
Finally, the simplest...
Kill them all and let God sort them out.
I see a lawful good paladin would be like a good hearted, non-corrupted police officer trying his best to protect his people but enforcing the law. He will not use violence on criminals unless he has to, when he does, he is really good with it. He will have chief who is corrupted just like in the church where the higher up go out meeting with other preacher with the donation money in a high class restaurant or hotel. But he believe in the law and keep trying his best to do this job. Those people are rare, but in pathfinder, paladin won't have to be.
" First, your pleas for aid and assistance was not part of our negotiations nor our agreement so I must do nothing. And secondly, you must be a paladin for the paladin's code to apply and you're not. And thirdly, the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules. Welcome to alignmentless pathfinder, Miss Turner " :)
It is not a code as much as a meta-level , how about a slightly reworked 3 laws of robotics?
1. A paladin must not do evil or, through inaction, allow evil to be done.
2. A paladin must obey the precepts of her code and creed, except where such precepts would conflict with the First Law.
3. A paladin must protect her own existence and that of her comrades, as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law
This is only partly in jest - to me it actually works on a "meta level" for paladins regardless of code.
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I notice that several people have brought up modern military oaths and creeds already, but for me, I want to turn towards an actual discussion of military and law enforcement ethics. This is because, while mantras and high sounding ideals are nice, and they are often the details that survive into the historical records (or at least the ones that most people bother reading), they might not actually reflect the spoken and unspoken codes of conduct that were actually followed.
The Warrior Ethos sums up the essence of the military ethic: I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. We are deadly serious about that fallen comrade bit, too.
This is because clarifying some of those details are important since the line between 'strategy' and 'dishonorable conduct' needs to be very clear so that the paladin can be something other than a froathing leeroy jinkins style religious fantatic. Are ambushes and steal dishonorable tactics? What about the use of smoke screens?
Ambushes, raiding supply trains, foraging, and smoke screens are all time-honored tactics. No reason a paladin shouldn't use any of these. However, an honorable combatant code should probably prohibit a paladin from intentionally harming noncombatants, except in unavoidable collateral damage type cases. For instance, no killing the squires with the supply trains, but if you have to cast earthquake under the enemy army and there happens to be some squires with the supply trains with it, fair play.
Those questions make me turn towards the kind of conduct expected of a SWAT team as a comparison (although, I'll admit, my understanding is based more off of hollywood here). They are expected to protect civilians and maintain public trust, which lends well to being LG (even if it is not strictly necessary). Typically they are expected to try to issue warnings and try to negotiate surrender. At the same time, they are allowed a certain degree of leeway when a civilian is in immediate...
Law enforcement and military objectives are different. The military aim is to kill the enemy; whereas the LE aim is to apprehend him.
Proportionality is key. If there's an enemy sniper in a village bell tower, no earthquaking the entire village to get him. Fireball might be OK unless the church underneath the bell tower is flammable and full of civilians. The paladin is probably constrained to respect lawful and/or good places of worship, but is permitted self-defense in any case.
See Laws of War and rules of engagement. Actual operational ROE are usually classified, but you can find examples like the NATO ROE and the San Remo ROE Handbook on that wiki page. The general principles protect noncombatants (including detainees and POWs), culturally significant sites, medical personnel, and clergy; mandate proportionality and limit the use of certain kinds of weapons ("terror" weapons such as chemical/biological weapons); establish escalation of force procedures; and allow for self-defense.
See also use of force continuum and Law of War.
Before you get in a tizzy about chemical weapons, think about this. Incendiaries are also generally banned. So if you want to go very strict on this, almost all magic would be banned: not just cloudkill, but also stinking cloud and fireball.
Lots of good ones posted in here. Might look through these more later.
The Warrior Ethos sums up the essence of the military ethic: I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. We are deadly serious about that fallen comrade bit, too.
It was interesting, though a bit too focused on military matters for a paladin. The wiki article had the old pre-2003 code, though, and it sounded like a good start for a paladin order code. I am curious, why was it changed?
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Not sure; probably to make it easier for recruits to remember.
The Army Values. The acronym may be a little trite, but the values are solid.
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Dear good..I got so tired of pounding those Army values into recruits in basic.
I hated Drill, deployments were much more my thing, but that and the NCO creed will haunt my dreams until I die.
But anyway, I have always found the idealized Paladin code games fun, especially when I presented what "Actual" knights in our world did to their enemies, and the big divider of whether they were Infidels or not. but anyway..carry on :)
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This is not a real-life example, but I did write a paladin code for my paladin of Arshea (empyreal lord of freedom, beauty & sexuality, funilly enough they are NG so legit for a paladin):
1) Truth is beauty. Thus, an Arshean should never lie. There is no shame, however, in concealing the truth from those who would pervert it or use it for ill purposes.
2) We are given great strength. Thus, we have a duty to use our strength to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
3) We are dedicated to beauty. All Arsheans are duty-bound to protect beauty from corruption & vilification, and strike down those who would use beauty to corrupt & vilify others. The Succubi & Incubi are a great foe of the Arsheans.
4) Love is our creed. It is our duty to love all that is good in the world, and to spread that love. As such, we will show compassion before vengefulness. We will never strike those who willingly atone, and thus strive for a new form of beauty. We will aid any we believe truly seek redemption.
5) Law aids us, but does not constrain us. The Arshean follows their own creed without question. However, they believe it is part of their duty to disregard laws that can lead to harm or destroy beauty & liberty. An Arshean paladins often feel duty-bound to depose thoughtless tyrants, and takes the effort to ensure just laws are installed afterwards.
The GM quite liked it, and I think it's a good fit for the deity.
Psalms 23 is pretty dang good. And may have even been used by the real life Templars on which the Paladin class were originally modeled.
http://biblehub.com/psalms/23.htm