Paladin

From PathfinderWiki
Paladin
Seelah, iconic human paladin.
(Class)

Races
any
Alignment
Iconic character
Source: Core Rulebook, pg(s). 60-64
I.svg

This article covers a topic relevant to Pathfinder First Edition. For the Pathfinder Second Edition equivalent, see Champion.

Where fighters are the pinnacle of martial combat, the paladin blends martial skill with devotion to a righteous deity, cause, or organization. The paladin is held to a much higher standard than members of any other profession, including clerics and monks. If a paladin betrays these standards, they face spiritual penalty as well as the possibility of facing a penance, or even worse being removed from their order.[citation needed]

Goals

A paladin's primary goal is to convert the wicked—the evil and chaotic forces of the world and their servants. A paladin is bound both to do good and to uphold just law, though if forced into a choice a paladin will likely choose the cause of good. They focus most of their efforts on evil souls, and will attempt to convert before they resort to mortal combat.[citation needed]

A paladin channels divine power and often has a patron deity, though one is not required. They are steadfast and determined, and like monks many maintain a life of routine and pure intent. They take good care of themselves physically and mentally, though they spend less time in meditation than monks. Paladins are also not concerned with physical perfection as much as spiritual focus.1

Regions

Paladins are rare on Golarion, even beyond the Inner Sea region. They maintain small enclaves similar to monasteries, or even as a part of a monastery. Of note is the Star Keep in Mendev, where evil forces from the Worldwound pour forth in unending number but are held back by stalwart paladins. In Lastwall is the enclave of Vigil, where knights of the Holy Citadel of Light learn the arts of war in preparation to battle orcs of the Belkzen. Andoran trains the Eagle Knights, while Absalom, Brevoy, Osirion, and Taldor all have small enclaves in addition to independent paladins throughout the world.12

Races

A gnome paladin.

Becoming a paladin is a spiritual calling. Any creature capable of enlightened thought can be drawn to the ways of the holy warrior. Even the cruelest of savage humanoids might be gifted a vision or other awakening that leads them to the class. As paladins deal in repentance, so too do they accept into their order any creature that proves their dedication.

Religions

Paladins often do not worship a single deity, but rather abide by a strict personal code or organizational doctrine. Paladins who do venerate a single god, however, most commonly follow Iomedae, the goddess of justice. Like fighters, paladins also might pay service to the deities of war or order.

Deities with paladins

These deities count paladins among their followers:

Although they are quite rare even among paladins, some also serve the empyreal lords Ragathiel,282930 Arqueros, Dammerich, Olheon,30 Vildeis,3031 Falayna,32 and Andoletta.23

Fallen paladins

If a paladin stops adhering to the causes of law and good, commits a heinously evil act, or otherwise violates their personal code of conduct, their divine gifts cease to function. A paladin who falls from grace can regain their divine power only by casting an atonement spell, or more rarely by regaining the respect of their chosen cause.33 Very rarely, a paladin can shift entirely to the cause of evil and gain dark powers by becoming an antipaladin.34

Some paladins who stray from their path seek solace from Korada, empyreal lord of forgiveness.35

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Erik Mona & Jason Bulmahn. Gazetteer, 13. Paizo Inc., 2008
  2. James Jacobs, et al. The Inner Sea World Guide, 275. Paizo Inc., 2011
  3. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 79. Paizo Inc., 2014
  4. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 150. Paizo Inc., 2014
  5. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 14. Paizo Inc., 2014
  6. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 54. Paizo Inc., 2014
  7. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 137. Paizo Inc., 2014
  8. Sean K Reynolds, et al. Inner Sea Gods, 142. Paizo Inc., 2014
  9. Robert Brookes, et al. Alseta” in Inner Sea Faiths, 12. Paizo Inc., 2016
  10. Robert Brookes, et al. Apsu” in Inner Sea Faiths, 18. Paizo Inc., 2016
  11. Robert Brookes, et al. Kurgess” in Inner Sea Faiths, 66. Paizo Inc., 2016
  12. Kate Baker, et al. Chaldira Zuzaristan” in Faiths of Golarion, 8. Paizo Inc., 2018
  13. Kate Baker, et al. Gruhastha” in Faiths of Golarion, 20. Paizo Inc., 2018
  14. Kate Baker, et al. Kazutal” in Faiths of Golarion, 32. Paizo Inc., 2018
  15. Kate Baker, et al. Magrim” in Faiths of Golarion, 44. Paizo Inc., 2018
  16. Kate Baker, et al. Shizuru” in Faiths of Golarion, 56. Paizo Inc., 2018
  17. Kate Baker, et al. Tsukiyo” in Faiths of Golarion, 62. Paizo Inc., 2018
  18. Robert G. McCreary. “Gods of Ancient Osirion” in Empty Graves, 66. Paizo Inc., 2014
  19. Robert G. McCreary. “Gods of Ancient Osirion” in Empty Graves, 68. Paizo Inc., 2014
  20. Robert G. McCreary. “Gods of Ancient Osirion” in Empty Graves, 70. Paizo Inc., 2014
  21. Robert G. McCreary. “Gods of Ancient Osirion” in Empty Graves, 71. Paizo Inc., 2014
  22. Robert G. McCreary. “Gods of Ancient Osirion” in Empty Graves, 72. Paizo Inc., 2014
  23. 23.0 23.1 Alexander Augunas, et al. “On Virtue” in Divine Anthology, 16. Paizo Inc., 2016
  24. Alexander Augunas, et al. “On Virtue” in Divine Anthology, 17. Paizo Inc., 2016
  25. Alexander Augunas, et al. “On Virtue” in Divine Anthology, 18. Paizo Inc., 2016
  26. Alexander Augunas, et al. “On Virtue” in Divine Anthology, 19. Paizo Inc., 2016
  27. Alexander Augunas, et al. “On Virtue” in Divine Anthology, 20. Paizo Inc., 2016
  28. Colin McComb. “Minor Deities” in Faiths of Purity, 21. Paizo Inc., 2011
  29. Amber E. Scott. “Lords of the Empyrean” in Chronicle of the Righteous, 21. Paizo Inc., 2013
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 Amber E. Scott. “Empyreal Worship” in Chronicle of the Righteous, 41. Paizo Inc., 2013
  31. Amber E. Scott. “Lords of the Empyrean” in Chronicle of the Righteous, 27. Paizo Inc., 2013
  32. Amber E. Scott. “Lords of the Empyrean” in Chronicle of the Righteous, 12. Paizo Inc., 2013
  33. Jason Bulmahn, et al. “Chapter 3: Classes” in Core Rulebook, 64. Paizo Inc., 2009
  34. Paizo Inc., et al. “Chapter 2: Classes” in Advanced Player's Guide, 118–123. Paizo Inc., 2010
  35. Amber E. Scott. “Lords of the Empyrean” in Chronicle of the Righteous, 17. Paizo Inc., 2013