The Code of Honor
To be an honorable person is not just to be honest, truthful, and fair;
it is also to place a premium on these qualities and the behavior they
require.
To be an honorable person is not just to do the right thing, nor simply
to give moral considerations a central place in our lives. It is also to
want to be known and trusted by others - especially by other honorable
people - as this sort of person. And honorable people will go to great
lengths to maintain these bonds of trust or to re-establish them when they
are broken.
To be honorable is to affirm the importance of moral considerations
both in one's own life and conduct and in the life of the community to
which we belong. Without the latter we may have many saints and much good
behavior, but we do not have honor.
The Code of Chivalry
Prowess
To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight, martial and
otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather
than in personal aggrandizement.
Justice
Seek always the path of 'right', unencumbered by bias or personal interest.
Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must
be tempered by humanity and mercy. If the 'right' you see rings agrees
with others, and you seek it out without bending to the temptation for
expediency, then you will earn renown beyond measure.
Loyalty
Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose
to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty
is not amongst them.
Defense
Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you
believe worthy of loyalty.
Courage
Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally
expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the
precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom
to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking
the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie.
Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy,
or the pure truth can bring grief.
Faith
A knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives
hope against the despair that human failings create.
Humility
Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments,
let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according
them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the
office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle
spoken of but also all who call themselves knights.
Largesse
Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this
way counters gluttony. It also makes the path of mercy easier to discern
when a difficult decision of justice is required.
Nobility
Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties
of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality
of striving towards them ennobles the spirit, growing the character from
dust towards the heavens. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others,
offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.
Franchise
Seek to emulate everything I have spoken of as sincerely as possible,
not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict
your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your
life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then
you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.
The Code of the Paladin
A Paladin serves by the grace of our gods.
A Paladin lives to champion the cause of good.
A Paladin strives to be honorable at all times.
A Paladin abides the Code of Chivalry.
The Amendments
A Paladin aids those of good if they need aid and protects those of
good who need protection.
A Paladin may never knowingly tell a lie.
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