Era's Paladin Lore Overhaul - Part 1
"Stand tall my friend, may all the dark lost inside you find light again" - Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Masayoshi Soken)
You gaze up at the sea of stars, each one a twinkle flickering in and out of existence. Your breath staggers and catches as a thought crosses your mind.
You've done it. You've saved the Star. After everything, after all you've been through. You have done it.
Though your life extinguished, though your end certain, you found purpose. You found fulfillment. Through the tears, the pain, the despair, you found your purpose. You found love, happiness, a journey that you cannot describe and a cause worth fighting for.
And you found your voice.
You have earned your rest Paladin of Hydaelyn, Champion of the Star.
Rest now Paladin, for when you wake a new journey awaits you for this is journey's end is but one step into tomorrow.
The Paladin, born in Ishgard and practiced throughout the Star. Bound to the path of righteousness, justice and Light. Paladin's are bound to an Oath that gives them their powers and strength. But what powers their Oaths is their commitment to their Patron and their cause. For without one or the other, they are nothing and must draw on other sources for their power (see Oaths *To be uploaded*).
The Calamity that revenged the lands at the end of the Sixth Astral Era, caused a steep decline in Paladin's for the years that followed in the Seventh Umbral Era. Oaths broken, faiths destroyed, naught remained of their will. And those who managed to survive Carteneau, with some form of their will and Oath in tact, hung up their blades as protectors of the Star and entered the Sultansworn as guardians of the Sultana. Their powers weakened as their Patrons had turned their backs on them for a second time.
Five years after the fall of Dalamud, once mighty Paladin's had been reduced to wandering the walls of Ul'Dah. Though, scholars would argue to not call them Paladin's and instead would instead let them be known as Gladiators. A few have tried to keep the teachings and art of Paladin's alive, yet their numbers continue to dwindle.
To be a Paladin, a true Paladin, one must take a journey to prove themselves to their Patron, where said Patron will test them, though the types of tests vary depending on the Patron (see Oaths *To be uploaded). To prove the strength of their resolve, their spirit. Once they complete the trial and only once they complete it can they take their Oath and receive their power.
Paladin's are masters of the sword, shield and magic. Their armour varies but most opt for plate armour or light armour for easier movement. Their magic mimics that of White Mage magic with lesser healing and Holy magic that draws from their Patron.
Paladin's walk the path of Light and those who forsake the Light are cast aside and left to the mercy of the beautiful Abyss. They either become Oathbreakers, souls who draw on the powers of Darkness, also known as Dark Knights (see Soul Crystals *To be uploaded*) or they take on an entirely different class.
Some types of Paladin are more common then others. Such as:
Paladin's of Halone
Paladin's of Nophica
Paladin's of Nald'Thal
Each Paladin's Oath varies depending on their Patron and each Paladin's power is dependent on who their Patron is. (see Oaths *To be uploaded).
The Paladin has always been a shining star of hope among a sea of darkness and despair. And should the Star be in need of a hero a Paladin will rise up and help usher in a new era.
Hi guys!
Needless to say, this is my personal headcanon and lore because I wanted something that really wrapped Dark Knight and Paladin up as two sides to the same coin.
THIS IS MY PERSONAL HEADCANON AND MY PERSONAL LORE
If you do not like it then you can keep scrolling because it has ZERO effect on you or your story. Those of you who are curious I thank you for reading and hope you look forward to the rest that will be uploaded under #eras paladin lore
This sounds more aggressive then I mean it to be, but I know how XIV fandom is lmao yes this is cringe but I am having fun and wanted something entirely unique for my WoL and his Paladin story! I hope you enjoy regardless though!
