Code of Honor

Contents

  1. 1 The Code of Honor
  2. 2 The Code of Chivalry
    1. 2.1 Prowess
    2. 2.2 Justice
    3. 2.3 Loyalty
    4. 2.4 Defense
    5. 2.5 Courage
    6. 2.6 Faith
    7. 2.7 Humility
    8. 2.8 Largesse
    9. 2.9 Nobility
    10. 2.10 Franchise
  3. 3 The Code of the Paladin

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 spoken of here 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.