Introduction to a new profession
The True Faith was founded by Gatanades, according to the Imperial Church
of Selentium, in the year 21 AS.* In a tumultuous era when the Empire was
crumbling, and the nefarious forces of evil+ had begun creeping
into the borders of human civilization, there appeared a knight of Imperial
Selentium named Rocheval, the ‘Light that shone for all’. Some say that
Rocheval was a disciple of Gatanades, while other accounts claim that they
were just good friends - when Gatanades died a martyr, Rocheval journeyed
south to spread the Faith. But one thing that all historians agree on –
Rocheval founded an order of paladins ("God’s holy warriors")
in Molasaria that became one of the most powerful forces of law, justice
and goodness in those times. To this day, the original templar in Molasaria
still stands, where the Paladins of St. Rocheval make their headquarters.
* Scholars claim the actual date to be 27 AS when
Emperor Josturox made it the official faith of the Empire, many years after
Gatanades had died.
+ From the South Emphidian range, there were several invasions
of armies of orcs and halvorcs – a species said to be born of an unholy
union between an ogre and orc, now thought to be extinct. From the further
reaches of the Empire, in what is now Algandy, there were the dark-elves.
The Paladin
Followers of Saint Rocheval carry an insignia of a scarlet pointed cross
on a white background – the priests and paladins of St. Rocheval display
their colors prominently on their surcoats and robes. A paladin is a warrior
of God, one who fights in the name of the True Faith.
One is usually initiated into the Order of Saint Rocheval at a tender
age to begin a life of intensive spiritual and physical training. Exceptions
do occur:- in the last five years, there have been knights of distinguished
backgrounds namely, two Tamorian Cataphracts, and one Knight Capellar who
have been accepted into the Order to join the ranks of the Paladins of
St. Rocheval. When a knight (beyond 1st rank) is initiated into
the Order and becomes a paladin, any experience points gained in the future,
may increase his physical statistics (as he rises in rank as a Knight ).
Simultaneously, the experience earned may increase his spiritual level
as he rises in rank as a Paladin from 1st rank onwards. (ie.
Keep his Paladin rank separate from his Knight rank).
The GameMaster is advised here though, that despite the general principle
(mine, at least) to make all the professions balanced in terms of prowess,
the Paladin is a profession that is not comparable with other professions
of the same rank. By virtue of their fighting prowess being equivalent
to a Knight, and their spell casting ability, they are more powerful
than other characters of the same rank. As such, the Paladin should be
a very rare (PC and NPC) profession. One suggestion is to increase the
experience point level needed to advance to the next rank, perhaps to one
and the half times as much, compared to the other professions. Another
limitation, in some sense, which should be heeded by both GMs and the player
in question, is that the Paladin should be role-played to be truly good
and noble. No avaricious (yep, no treasure for killing all those orcs),
or power-hungry paladins please. If there’s a magical item which may not
be of the proper origin or alignment, our God fearing hero is not going
to use it – no Sword of Darkness, no Hand of Glory, and if possible, no
sorcerous brews either. (OK, healing potions are exempt, but an Elixir
Vitae is definitely unholy.) Similarly, GMs should ask the question, why
does the paladin go on such and such a quest? Eradication of evil is their
primary goal of life.
Casting spells
A paladin has a Magical Attack of 15, and a Magical Defence of 5 at
1st rank. He casts spells by praying to St. Rocheval (using
only verbal components, with the exception of a few requiring special components).
As his spiritual training increases, he would be able to cast more spells,
and learn more powerful spells. This is represented by his Spiritual Points
score, which he expends as he casts a spell (of level equal or less than
his rank) and replenishes at dawn after he has prayed to St. Rocheval.
(As many minutes as his rank). Terminating a spell before it expires will
not give the paladin any S.P. back.
|
Rank
|
Spiritual Points (SP)
|
|
1
|
3
|
|
2
|
6
|
|
3
|
10
|
|
4
|
13
|
|
5
|
16
|
|
6
|
20
|
|
7
|
23
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|
8
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27
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9
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30
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10
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33
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| |
+ 3 SP per rank up
|
Statistics of a Paladin
His physical statistics are identical to that of a Knight,
and increases each rank as a Knight does. His MA and MD increases by 1
each rank. He is able to wear up to plate armor without any penalty. He
does not obtain any of the special skills of the Knight however.
Special Abilities of a Paladin
Lay on hands – By touching a creature, the paladin may
heal it up to as many HP as his rank (himself included). Since the rate
is at 1 HP per CR, the healing cannot be done in combat situations, with
the exception when it is used with the spell Holy Cure. The paladin may
do it once a day without expending any SP. Each time thereafter, he expends
2 SP, independent of how many HP he actually heals.
Immunity to diseases and poison – Due to his purity of
spirit and body, the paladin is totally immune to natural diseases, and
only suffers half the effects of any poison (or unnatural disease) on him.
(Strength of poison is treated the same when making an Endurance throw,
but half any damage if successful. If one normally dies from such a poison
if unsuccessful, he is only rendered unconscious or loses half his HP.)
Turn Undead (6th rank and above) – The paladin’s
eyes glow with a powerful holy white light - he may try this against skeletons,
zombies, vampires, grave gaunts, ghouls, rokuro-kubi, corpses animated
by Death-heads, mummies, wraiths, wights, spectres, mordu, cadavers, barudath,
and similar creatures. His ‘turning power’ is equivalent to twice his rank.
Subtract the creature’s rank equivalent from his turning power, and roll
under or equal to that number on a d20. Success indicates that the creature
is ‘turned’, and will flee in the opposite direction for d10 minutes. A
"1" indicates that the creature takes as many points damage as
his turning power. A paladin may attempt to Turn Undead as many times as
his rank per day, and may not use it twice against any one Undead until
one minute has elapsed between the attempts. Each attempt applies to a
maximum no. of 4 Undead, (nearest to the paladin) within 5m in front of
the paladin.
Forge a magical weapon or armor (8th rank and
above) - See later.
SPELLS OF A PALADIN
| Level One |
Level Two |
Level Three |
Level Four |
| Bless |
Becalm |
Divination |
Augury |
| Detection |
Purification |
Shield of Faith |
The Archangel’s Wrath |
| Light |
Rocheval’s Sentinel |
Rocheval’s Sanctuary |
Rocheval’s Sigilblade |
| Level Five |
Level Six |
Level Seven |
Level Eight |
| Fist of God |
Holy Cure |
Psychomancy |
Miracle Restoration |
| Eye of God |
Guard of Thurification |
Exorcism |
Nexus |
| Mouth of God |
Pellinore’s Mount |
Holy Fires of Judgement |
Commune |
Spells Description
| P1-1 |
Bless
A single being (the paladin counts as one) is sprinkled
with holy water. Hit rolls (melee attacks, missile attacks) made against
the recipient of this spell will have a +1 modifier. Friendly creatures
around the blessed individual will gain +3 to Morale, including the individual.
Range: 1m, Duration: 2d10 CR
|
| P1-2 |
Detection
If a ‘detection of evil’ is used, the paladin will be
able to feel any emanation of evil coming from a creature, object or place,
and determine the strength and general direction. A ‘detection of life’
will determine whether any being within the area is alive with 80% accuracy.
Animated objects/creatures have a 60% chance of registering. Suspended
animation will be unmasked. Range: 15m, duration: 5 min
|
| P1-3 |
Light
A sphere of light of torch-brightness is created around
the caster or otherwise, on an inanimate target. Range: 5m, duration: 20
min
|
| P2-1 |
Becalm
The paladin matches his MA against up to 4 beings of non-supernatural
origin around him. If it works, the beings cease all hostilities against
the paladin, and are in general, calmed down. If any of the unaffected
creatures are directly attacked or killed by the paladin, the spell breaks.
The spell also works against Barbarians who are berserk or bloodraged,
but does not affect individuals who are under the effects of spells like
the Warlock’s Song of Battle. Range: 20m, duration: 3d10 CR.
|
| P2-2 |
Purification
When cast on spoilt food or water, this spell purifies
them to a level fit for consumption (enough for 5 people). When cast on
an individual who have just been poisoned, the strength of the poison is
reduced by 1d6. Damage suffered already is irreversible. Range: 3m
|
| P2-3 |
Rocheval’s Sentinel
A knight clad in crimson armor (AF:6) appears, armed with
a broadsword (d8,5). He will perform any action for as many CR as the paladin’s
rank, but disappears if any blow bypasses his armor, if an indirect attack
spells hits him, or if a fatal direct attack spell works. His stats are:
ATTACK 18, DEFENCE 10, MAGICAL DEFENCE 11, EVASION 6, Reflexes same as
caster, Strength 14. Range 1m.
|
| P3-1 |
Divination
The paladin pictures an inanimate object in his mind,
either seen or described to him, and prays for divine inspiration. If it
comes, he will be able to estimate its location if the object is within
100m. Success rate is 90% to within 1m of actual location if seen before,
and 60-80% if only described (within 5m of actual location) to him. Can
be used to divine water sources or metal ores hidden in the ground (70%).
This cannot be used for locating trap doors and secret doors.
|
| P3-2 |
Shield of Faith
From the paladin’s insignia of the scarlet pointed cross,
a glittering wave of white energy coalesces into a magical shield that
flits around the paladin to protect him. The shield has a 1 in 4 chance
of blocking a melee attack, missile attack or indirect spell/ring effect.
Additionally, a melee hit blocked successfully by the shield will result
in amber flames running up the weapon of the person who struck the blow
to burn for 1d4 points of damage. (Normal armor does not protect, magic
armor subtracts 1 point). Duration: 1 min, or until hit by indirect spell/ring
effect.
|
| P3-3 |
Rocheval’s Sanctuary
The paladin sprinkles an area of 8 square metres with
holy water when the spell is cast. If any creature of enchanted, evil or
summoned nature tries to approach, it will be subject to the caster’s MA,
whereby success means the creature is ‘turned’ for 1 minute. Failure implies
the being is able to enter the area. Note that Undead creatures cannot
tolerate moving into areas sprinkled with holy water without suffering
damage regardless. Duration: 3 min
|
| P4-1 |
Augury
The paladin casts a prophecy by means of a prayer, and
watches the flight of birds in the heavens for an omen. The prophecy must
be cast on an action to be done in the immediate future to be either beneficial
or harmful to him or his party. 85% chance of obtaining the right answer.
Can only be cast during the day and in an outdoor environment.
|
| P4-2 |
The Archangel’s Wrath
Much like a Sword of Damocles, this creates an ethereal
hammer that resembles a cross, only visible to the target, hanging above
his head. If he so desires, the paladin states a condition in which the
hammer of justice will strike the target. ("Free Llara the Seeress
within 3 days, or God’s wrath will descend upon your head !"). SPEED
13, Damage 3d6-AF. Only one such spell can be in effect at a time. Range:
10m, duration: max. 1 year
|
| P4-3 |
Rocheval’s Sigilblade
A mystic symbol appears on the blade of the weapon endweomered.
When it contacts with anything of evil alignment, the sigil glows red hot,
and will slice through with a +3 to ABR and Damage. It lasts for 3 strikes,
or 24 hours, whichever is sooner. It can only be cast in daylight.
If the paladin is wielding an already enchanted weapon,
the effect is non-cumulative beyond +3. For example, a +2 sword imbued
with the sigil will do (d8+3,7) against evil creatures and (d8+2,6) against
non-evil creatures.
|
| P5-1 |
Fist of God
A large disembodied fist of bluish white energy, about
1m high appears. If unleashed against an opponent, it has a SPEED of 15,
inflicts 2d8+6-AF damage. (Whether it hits or misses its target, it loses
some of its energy if used this way; subtract the same 2d4+6 HP from the
Fist.) It starts with the same HP as the paladin’s initial HP, with a DEFENCE
of 5, EVASION 3, AF:0. The Fist can be controlled mentally by the paladin
to move around, strike an opponent, or to block a doorway. It cannot do
actions such as opening doors or lifting objects. Range: 10m, duration:
30 min
|
| P5-2 |
Eye of God
None, save the non-corporeal or invisible can escape the
gaze of the paladin. Through walls, floor and doors, the paladin can observe
the exact actions of any animate creature(s), but not its surroundings.
Even the alignment of the scrutinized being becomes visible. A ‘transformed’
Sorcerer will show his true form. Range: 20m, duration: 10 min
|
| P5-3 |
Mouth of God
The paladin speaks a Word of power, and 2d8 intelligent
creatures of differing alignment from the paladin are affected if they
cannot resist the MA of the paladin. They will instantly become lawful
good for exactly 3 minutes and will also obey the commands of the paladin,
provided the paladin does not harm them or ask them to do anything ridiculous.
The Word strikes agony deep in the Undead, and if those who fail to resist
the spell lose half their current HP immediately. All spells of evil nature
of 4th level and below operating within 10m will be dispelled.
|
| P6-1 |
Holy Cure
Any being afflicted with one or more diseases will be
cured. Also, he/she gains 10HP, but this must be casted in conjunction
with ‘lay on hands’. The spell completely eradicates any poison in a creature’s
body and can even restore life to a creature apparently killed by the poison,
if casted not more than 3 minutes after contamination. Damage done is not
healed. Range: touch
|
| P6-2 |
Guard of Thurification
On the object or site to be warded, a burning incense
is used to draw out a circumference . Any creature approaching to 2m of
the Guard will activate it unless the chosen password is uttered. The intruder
will be struck by a shower of incandescent sparks each time that he approaches.
(SPEED 16, Damage d12-magic bonus of armor). Powdered diamond must be sprinkled
over the protected area. For every 100 gold crowns worth, the Guard stays
there for 1 week. The whole process of putting the Guard takes 1 minute.
Duration: max 10 weeks
|
| P6-3 |
Pellinore’s Mount
A heavy warhorse with glossy golden hide, fiery red mane
and scarlet eyes (panoptical vision) appear. It is said to be a gift from
Rocheval to the legendary paladin, Sir Pellinore. The horse obeys the verbal
commands of the caster and allows only him to ride. ATTACK 21, DEFENCE
8, MAGICAL DEFENCE 11, EVASION 5, Kick (d10+1,7), Bite (d8+1,6), HP 26.
The spell can only be casted once a week. A special request is made to
St. Rocheval, who decides whether to bestow the steed and for how long.
(6 SP is expended at dawn each day that the steed stays with him)
|
| P7-1 |
Psychomancy
The paladin casts the spell using the body part of a dead
creature. He is then able to converse with the creature’s spirit, provided
they have a common language. One question may be asked, and the spirit
answers truthfully to its knowledge. A high ranking paladin can speak with
the long dead.
7th rank – 1 week, 8th- 1 month,
9th- 1 year, 10th – 10 years, 11th- 50
years, 12th – 100 years.
The paladin ought to have a good reason for casting this
spell, otherwise St. Rocheval will not grant it. Duration: 1 min.
|
| P7-2 |
Exorcism
By stifling the paranormal energies that sustain a ghost,
wraith, spectre or other like beings, the paladin weakens or destroy it.
Match the entity’s MD vs the paladin’s MA. If the paladin makes the roll
successfully, he has a 60% + 5% per rank above 7th of destroying
the entity instantaneously. Even if it is not destroyed, it loses that
percentage of its HP. If the paladin fails to make the MA vs MD roll, the
entity still loses 1d4 HP.
|
| P7-3 |
Holy Fires of Judgement
A conflagration of searing white flames strike up to three
creatures at SPEED 17. Creatures of evil alignment receive 3d10+10-AF damage,
while other alignments receive 2d10-AF. Undead are blinded for a full minute
(-8 DEFENCE) while others who do not avert their gaze are dazzled for 1
CR. Range 10m. Those who are of good alignment will not be killed by the
Fires.
|
| P8-1 |
Miracle Restoration
This spell restores an individual to full HP instantaneously,
eradicates any toxins or diseases, and restores any missing limbs or organs.
One who has supposedly died from poisoning could be restored if not more
than 6 minutes has elapsed.
|
| P8-2 |
Nexus
A white halo engulfs the paladin’s body as he casts the
spell. While the spell is in effect, he is able to part water (a trough
wide enough for him to cross, up to 8m high, will form); non-magical flames
will also part for him to cross. Damage from ring effects and indirect
spells cause only half damage. Duration: 5 min
|
| P8-3 |
Commune
This powerful spell allows the paladin to combine his
strength with 1-3 other paladins. The other paladins may be hundreds of
miles away from him, and he may not know them personally, but honor dictates
that they should help each other whenever one of their kind should need
it. (He is also expected to return the favor to his helpers thereafter).
During the duration of the spell, the paladin can cast his indirect/direct
attack spells at +1 SPEED /+1 MA (for each additional paladin he receives
help from). His ATTACK and DEFENCE gains +3, and his weapon is automatically
imbued with Rocheval’s Sigil (+3 ABR, damage) for the duration of the spell.
Duration: 3d10 CR, non-cumulative with the Bless spell.
|
 |
|
Forging a magical item
The paladin may forge an enchanted weapon or armor (+1
at 8th rank, +2 at 9th rank) when he has attained
sufficient spiritual perfection. Once he chooses weapon or armor, he cannot
switch his expertise over to the other category. The item never turns out
to be flawed, being blessed by St. Rocheval. At 10th rank and
above, he may choose to forge one of the following items (of the appropriate
category). He may only forge one of each item in his lifetime, and each
takes one year and a day to make.
Weapons
Sword of the Apostles – This huge two-handed sword has
a hilt of platinum alloy, a blade made of Crescentium steel and has a characteristic
fire opal in the center of the hilt which glows when evil is near (like
an Eye of Foreboding). One who wields this sword shimmers like a mirage
in combat, and becomes invisible to the Undead. Anyone of evil alignment
who wants to strike the wielder of the sword must resist a MA of 22 each
CR, or be repelled away. The sword is (d12,8).
Partisan of Justice – With a razor sharp thrusting point,
two menacing blades set below its spear head, and a shaft made from the
rare black oak found only in the Drakken Peaks, the enchantment on this
polearm makes it feel incredibly heavy and practically unusable to the
one who is not noble at heart. To one who is chivalrous and honorable,
the Partisan feels extremely light and strikes for (2d8,6). Non-magical
weapons which are struck by the Partisan have a 40% chance of breaking.
(or –20 durability points, if you use the system).
Bow of Celestial Fury – When one draws the string of this
magnificent bow, an ethereal arrow bathed in white flames appears. The
bow bestows a +3 to Marksmanship, and the arrow strikes for (d12,5). This
can only be used eight times a day.
Armor
Pellinore’s Shield – This large kite-shaped shield is
inlaid with rubies making up the scarlet cross of the paladin’s insignia.
It blocks melee blows with a 1 in 4 chance, and bestows the user a +4 DEFENCE.
Additionally, it absorbs 10 points of destructive energy (ring effects,
or indirect spells) which would normally injure the bearer of the shield.
If used together with a Shield of Faith spell, the spell’s blocking efficiency
for melee and missile attacks increases to 1 in 2.
Armor of the White Dragon – A suit of plate armor made
from mithral* and silver, this enables the wearer to summon the apparition
of a ghostly white dragon around him once a day. (Characters of 3rd
rank and below have to do a Morale Check). This is equivalent to the effects
of the Warlock’s Invulnerability spell. The ‘dragon’ acts as a barrier
that is impervious to all spells, ring-effects, creatures, extremes of
temperatures and all weapons (magical or not), in both directions. He is
able to move at 5m/CR. Spell expiry – d20 roll. The armor otherwise counts
as +2 plate (AF:7).
Helm of Valor – This gives the wearer +4 MAGICAL DEFENCE,
and makes him and his companions (up to 4) immune to fright attacks (shock
attacks, and morale checks), whether due to ghostly manifestation or malevolent
sorcery. He is also able to go into Bloodrage once a day.
* Mithral – "The Gods' Metal". An extremely
precious and rare whitish metal, stronger than any other metal known to
man.
Copyright
1998. Please email dragonreaver@oocities.com
with any comments or suggestions.