Knights Exemplar
Dedicated to the pursuit of righteousness and the delivery of justice, the Knights Exemplar is a heirarchical order of Lawful-Good paladins. Paired with the Ustales Aeternae, the two orders form the Ordinum Sanctor Magnorum.
History
Founded in the early years of the Human Empire by the High Priestess Astræa, the order grew in power and prestige as the empire expanded, and at the the empire's height, was officially endorsed by Emperor Pius.
Since the fall of the Empire, the Knights have maintained their reach across the known world funded by their accumulated wealth and excellent reputation.
Organization
A Knight is ordained by, and a member of, a specific parœcium which is based in the temple of one of the gods of justice (Minerva, Dian Cécht, or Vindlér) and led by a Signor.
The parœcia in a region are grouped into an eparchy, which is administered by an Episcopus. All the eparchies are governed by the Synododeca, or Council of Twelve, at the Temple Virgus in the city of Sophia in the kingdom of Hellena.
Appearance
Charged by their order to be paragons of purity and virtue, Knights wear polished metal armor while discharging their duties, or clean layered robes while not in armor.
A Knight Exemplar is easily distinuished by his white mantle, adorned with red trim and the holy symbol of his god. Under the Empire, the wearing of these vestments were restricted by law. Although similar official prohibitions exist in jurisictions, they are far from universal. The mantle is still widely recognized, however, and any creature who is not a member of the order wears one at it's own peril.
Beliefs and Goals
The doctrine of the Knights is summed up in their motto, fiat justitia ruat caelum (let justice be done should the sky fall), and their oath: veritas, fortis, pietas, vertis, munus.
Serving as protector of the weak and defender of the truth, an individual Knight metes out justice, either through the lawful agents of government, or where no such officials exist or are corrupt, by his own hand.
Player Characters
Background: Those who are called to the order come from any and all walks of life. Even those with sinful pasts may join — if they are truly repentant. Therefore, player characters may choose from any background.
Class: A player character Exemplar may be a cleric or paladin. Clerics must choose the Protection domain, while paladins are required to swear the Oath of Devotion.
Starting Equipment: Knight Exemplar begin their careers with a suit of splint mail instead of the usual armor for their class.