An ancient order known for strength tempered with fairness. Their more ancient title was the Order of Valor. Their symbol is a dark blue saltire (X) on a white field.

One does not choose to be an Exemplar, rather the Goddess of Valor chooses you, and the Knights will find you and indoctrinate you. That's how it's always been, until recently.

The last king (Hrothgar V) was vile and corrupt and turned on the Order when they refused to pledge fealty to him instead of Valor. Under the Decree of Dissolution he sent mercenaries, assassins, wizards, and even monsters to hunt down the ones who refused to renounce. Their shrines were razed, their artifacts seized, their coffers raided, their bodies left to hang on their own lances.

Only five years ago after King Hrothgar was declared dead, having been missing for a year and a day, did his son (Cantril III) ascend the throne and rescind the Decree. Only a handful of the Old Guard survive in exile in neighboring kingdoms. Baron Johnathan himself was once an Exemplar, but to protect his subjects he was forced to turn in his tabard.

But still, Valor chooses her own and "raw recruits" wander the countryside. These "peasant paladins" fulfill the spirit of the order even if they've never warn plate or even heard Valor's Oath. And the last king's minions are surely watching...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:11, Thu 16 Aug 2018.

In reply to DM (msg # 1):

Very cool! These "peasant paladins", how did they receive the news/become alerted to the fact that they have been chosen for the Order of Valor? Or maybe a better way to ask it is: how do they claim to have heard the news/been alerted to the fact that they have been chosen for the Order of Valor?

It would be cool if their swords started talking to them.

In reply to Fraker (msg # 2):

They received a vision. Like the origin story for Captain Britain.

Also, a paladin can identify another paladin (including a fallen one) by looking into their eyes.

This is pretty rad. I really like the idea of this order rising from the ashes during our adventures. Maybe we can help them rebuild?

I like this idea as well

Even an order of Paladins is better than a church that extorts money from the populace. I will support these Paladins at every opportinity.
This message was last updated by the player at 03:23, Sun 19 Aug 2018.