Paladin Character Handbook
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
The Paladin Character Handbook: because holy warriors aren’t just swinging swords in plate armor. They’re icons of justice, unwavering in the face of darkness, the self-righteous folks in bright, polished metal who, no matter what the odds, refuse to stand down. In the Paladin Character Handbook, you get more than a guide to playing another crusader in shining armor. This book digs into who they are, what they believe, and what kind of impact they’re trying to make on the world. And believe me, it’s not all glory and grand speeches.
This sourcebook fits right into any heroic fantasy roleplaying experience. If you’ve got a character with a sense of duty, a personal code, and a mission, this is for you. It’s built to work in any setting, with rules-agnostic concepts that translate easily. So if you’ve ever thought paladins were just stock characters looking for reasons to draw their sword, you’re in for a surprise. This handbook brings them to life as unique, complex individuals with choices that ripple through the story, not just consequences that lead to another battle.
At the heart of this handbook is the story-driven approach. Every choice isn’t just a mechanical action or a set of dice rolls. Here, decisions matter, they define the character, deepen the narrative, and give players real agency. One wrong move, one conflict of conscience, one lapse in faith could mean real consequences, the kind that drive drama and turn a story on its head. This isn’t about rehashing an old character type; it’s about rethinking what a paladin can be in a way that’s fresh, challenging, and deeply engaging.
And let’s talk about collaboration. This book doesn’t just add depth to your character; it encourages you to work with the others at the table to create a deeper, more dynamic story. Whether they’re your allies or your rivals, how your paladin interacts with other characters shapes the story. The handbook emphasizes that even characters on different paths have opportunities to find common ground, shared goals, or the occasional moral standoff that brings out the best (or worst) in everyone.
For fans of fantasy roleplaying, the Paladin Character Handbook offers something both familiar and refreshing. It captures the essence of what you know about paladins, the honor, the duty, the endless struggle against evil, but it twists it, challenges it, and leaves room for unexpected turns. And don’t expect it to hold your hand. This isn’t a guide to making a perfect hero; it’s about building someone with depth, flaws, and a mission that might not go as planned.
So, if you’re ready to bring a character to life who isn’t afraid of taking risks, facing challenges, or standing up for what they believe, even if it might get them into trouble, then grab this book. The Paladin Character Handbook is for those who want to make their mark, leave an impression, and, maybe, redefine what it means to be a paladin in the world of heroic fantasy.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: Start with why anyone should play a paladin. This section covers what makes the paladin profession compelling in modern roleplaying and why it’s a character type that keeps people coming back. With a focus on the paladin’s dedication to duty, honor, and faith, this background section sets up what it means to embody this role, from their steadfast values to the complex moral challenges they face. Whether your character is an idealist or a cynic, this gives you the grounding to build a paladin who’s anything but generic.
Traits: Paladins don’t just rely on their faith, they’ve got some unique talents that set them apart. Here, you’ll find a rundown of core abilities that define the archetype. Maybe it’s a touch of divine power, an unshakable resolve, or a knack for spotting corruption. These traits can be used as they are or adapted to fit your vision, giving you the flexibility to create a paladin who’s more than a sword-swinging zealot. Think of these as tools to help your paladin stand out in both combat and conversation.
Resources: Beyond their armor and weaponry, paladins have access to resources that other characters wouldn’t. This section provides a look at the equipment, contacts, and other assets a paladin might keep close. From holy relics to specialized gear, these resources aren’t just accessories, they’re symbols of your character’s journey, each item a piece of their story. And don’t forget the allies. Whether it’s a mentor, a fellow knight, or a reliable informant, these connections can be crucial when your paladin needs a little backup.
Variants: If the typical paladin isn’t quite your style, this section has you covered. Here, you’ll find fresh takes on the paladin archetype, each designed to bring out different elements of the character. Maybe your paladin doesn’t serve a god but fights for a secular cause. Or maybe they’re a loner, disillusioned but still driven to do what’s right. These variants provide you with new ways to interpret the paladin, showing how this role can fit into any setting and adapt to different character motivations.
Worldbuilding: To make a paladin feel authentic, the setting needs to support their presence. This part of the handbook dives into the structures, institutions, and beliefs that form the backbone of the paladin profession. Whether it’s a society that reveres them as holy warriors or a place where they’re seen as relics of a bygone era, this section helps you build a world that makes sense for your character. It’s not just about adding depth, it’s about giving your paladin a place to call home, with all the rewards and conflicts that come with it.
Factions: Paladins don’t usually go it alone. Here, you’ll find a selection of orders, alliances, and organizations that your character might belong to, fight alongside, or oppose. Each faction adds another layer to your paladin’s story, from holy orders dedicated to spiritual enlightenment to militant groups focused on rooting out corruption. Whether your paladin is an official member or a wary outsider, factions give them allies, rivals, and opportunities to test their beliefs.
Adventures: Building adventures specifically for a paladin requires a different approach, and this section provides you with practical advice for doing just that. Think redemption arcs, moral dilemmas, or high-stakes confrontations where the odds feel almost impossible. These adventures aren’t just about winning; they’re about testing your paladin’s resolve, forcing them to make difficult choices that could change the course of their story. The goal here is to create narratives that challenge your paladin, making each adventure memorable and meaningful.
Artifacts & Relics: Paladins don’t just go after any old magic item. They’re after relics with real meaning, objects that reflect their values, beliefs, and history. This section offers a collection of powerful items that can become focal points in your campaign. Maybe it’s a blade with a storied past, a relic with divine significance, or an artifact that carries a curse. These items are more than gear; they’re pieces of your paladin’s journey, each one adding depth to their story and significance to their quests.
Creatures of the Righteous: Paladins have a special relationship with the creatures they encounter, and this section explores those dynamics. From celestial allies that support their cause to cursed enemies that embody the evils they fight against, this section covers the types of creatures your paladin might encounter. Allies could include everything from loyal steeds to mysterious guardians, while enemies might be undead, infernal beings, or corrupt forces. These interactions make the world feel alive, adding another layer to your character’s journey.
Reference: In the back of the book, you’ll find a reference section stocked with everything you need to keep your paladin’s story running smoothly. From stock characters and factions to iconic creatures and essential equipment, this section makes it easy to find what you need without breaking the flow of the story. It also includes conversion notes for adapting this material to any system, a glossary to clarify key terms, and a bibliography if you’re interested in digging deeper into the world of paladins. This is your one-stop shop for everything paladin-related.
198 pages. PDF sand epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
The Paladin Character Handbook: because holy warriors aren’t just swinging swords in plate armor. They’re icons of justice, unwavering in the face of darkness, the self-righteous folks in bright, polished metal who, no matter what the odds, refuse to stand down. In the Paladin Character Handbook, you get more than a guide to playing another crusader in shining armor. This book digs into who they are, what they believe, and what kind of impact they’re trying to make on the world. And believe me, it’s not all glory and grand speeches.
This sourcebook fits right into any heroic fantasy roleplaying experience. If you’ve got a character with a sense of duty, a personal code, and a mission, this is for you. It’s built to work in any setting, with rules-agnostic concepts that translate easily. So if you’ve ever thought paladins were just stock characters looking for reasons to draw their sword, you’re in for a surprise. This handbook brings them to life as unique, complex individuals with choices that ripple through the story, not just consequences that lead to another battle.
At the heart of this handbook is the story-driven approach. Every choice isn’t just a mechanical action or a set of dice rolls. Here, decisions matter, they define the character, deepen the narrative, and give players real agency. One wrong move, one conflict of conscience, one lapse in faith could mean real consequences, the kind that drive drama and turn a story on its head. This isn’t about rehashing an old character type; it’s about rethinking what a paladin can be in a way that’s fresh, challenging, and deeply engaging.
And let’s talk about collaboration. This book doesn’t just add depth to your character; it encourages you to work with the others at the table to create a deeper, more dynamic story. Whether they’re your allies or your rivals, how your paladin interacts with other characters shapes the story. The handbook emphasizes that even characters on different paths have opportunities to find common ground, shared goals, or the occasional moral standoff that brings out the best (or worst) in everyone.
For fans of fantasy roleplaying, the Paladin Character Handbook offers something both familiar and refreshing. It captures the essence of what you know about paladins, the honor, the duty, the endless struggle against evil, but it twists it, challenges it, and leaves room for unexpected turns. And don’t expect it to hold your hand. This isn’t a guide to making a perfect hero; it’s about building someone with depth, flaws, and a mission that might not go as planned.
So, if you’re ready to bring a character to life who isn’t afraid of taking risks, facing challenges, or standing up for what they believe, even if it might get them into trouble, then grab this book. The Paladin Character Handbook is for those who want to make their mark, leave an impression, and, maybe, redefine what it means to be a paladin in the world of heroic fantasy.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: Start with why anyone should play a paladin. This section covers what makes the paladin profession compelling in modern roleplaying and why it’s a character type that keeps people coming back. With a focus on the paladin’s dedication to duty, honor, and faith, this background section sets up what it means to embody this role, from their steadfast values to the complex moral challenges they face. Whether your character is an idealist or a cynic, this gives you the grounding to build a paladin who’s anything but generic.
Traits: Paladins don’t just rely on their faith, they’ve got some unique talents that set them apart. Here, you’ll find a rundown of core abilities that define the archetype. Maybe it’s a touch of divine power, an unshakable resolve, or a knack for spotting corruption. These traits can be used as they are or adapted to fit your vision, giving you the flexibility to create a paladin who’s more than a sword-swinging zealot. Think of these as tools to help your paladin stand out in both combat and conversation.
Resources: Beyond their armor and weaponry, paladins have access to resources that other characters wouldn’t. This section provides a look at the equipment, contacts, and other assets a paladin might keep close. From holy relics to specialized gear, these resources aren’t just accessories, they’re symbols of your character’s journey, each item a piece of their story. And don’t forget the allies. Whether it’s a mentor, a fellow knight, or a reliable informant, these connections can be crucial when your paladin needs a little backup.
Variants: If the typical paladin isn’t quite your style, this section has you covered. Here, you’ll find fresh takes on the paladin archetype, each designed to bring out different elements of the character. Maybe your paladin doesn’t serve a god but fights for a secular cause. Or maybe they’re a loner, disillusioned but still driven to do what’s right. These variants provide you with new ways to interpret the paladin, showing how this role can fit into any setting and adapt to different character motivations.
Worldbuilding: To make a paladin feel authentic, the setting needs to support their presence. This part of the handbook dives into the structures, institutions, and beliefs that form the backbone of the paladin profession. Whether it’s a society that reveres them as holy warriors or a place where they’re seen as relics of a bygone era, this section helps you build a world that makes sense for your character. It’s not just about adding depth, it’s about giving your paladin a place to call home, with all the rewards and conflicts that come with it.
Factions: Paladins don’t usually go it alone. Here, you’ll find a selection of orders, alliances, and organizations that your character might belong to, fight alongside, or oppose. Each faction adds another layer to your paladin’s story, from holy orders dedicated to spiritual enlightenment to militant groups focused on rooting out corruption. Whether your paladin is an official member or a wary outsider, factions give them allies, rivals, and opportunities to test their beliefs.
Adventures: Building adventures specifically for a paladin requires a different approach, and this section provides you with practical advice for doing just that. Think redemption arcs, moral dilemmas, or high-stakes confrontations where the odds feel almost impossible. These adventures aren’t just about winning; they’re about testing your paladin’s resolve, forcing them to make difficult choices that could change the course of their story. The goal here is to create narratives that challenge your paladin, making each adventure memorable and meaningful.
Artifacts & Relics: Paladins don’t just go after any old magic item. They’re after relics with real meaning, objects that reflect their values, beliefs, and history. This section offers a collection of powerful items that can become focal points in your campaign. Maybe it’s a blade with a storied past, a relic with divine significance, or an artifact that carries a curse. These items are more than gear; they’re pieces of your paladin’s journey, each one adding depth to their story and significance to their quests.
Creatures of the Righteous: Paladins have a special relationship with the creatures they encounter, and this section explores those dynamics. From celestial allies that support their cause to cursed enemies that embody the evils they fight against, this section covers the types of creatures your paladin might encounter. Allies could include everything from loyal steeds to mysterious guardians, while enemies might be undead, infernal beings, or corrupt forces. These interactions make the world feel alive, adding another layer to your character’s journey.
Reference: In the back of the book, you’ll find a reference section stocked with everything you need to keep your paladin’s story running smoothly. From stock characters and factions to iconic creatures and essential equipment, this section makes it easy to find what you need without breaking the flow of the story. It also includes conversion notes for adapting this material to any system, a glossary to clarify key terms, and a bibliography if you’re interested in digging deeper into the world of paladins. This is your one-stop shop for everything paladin-related.
198 pages. PDF sand epub files included.
The Simple Approach Edition November 2024
The Paladin Character Handbook: because holy warriors aren’t just swinging swords in plate armor. They’re icons of justice, unwavering in the face of darkness, the self-righteous folks in bright, polished metal who, no matter what the odds, refuse to stand down. In the Paladin Character Handbook, you get more than a guide to playing another crusader in shining armor. This book digs into who they are, what they believe, and what kind of impact they’re trying to make on the world. And believe me, it’s not all glory and grand speeches.
This sourcebook fits right into any heroic fantasy roleplaying experience. If you’ve got a character with a sense of duty, a personal code, and a mission, this is for you. It’s built to work in any setting, with rules-agnostic concepts that translate easily. So if you’ve ever thought paladins were just stock characters looking for reasons to draw their sword, you’re in for a surprise. This handbook brings them to life as unique, complex individuals with choices that ripple through the story, not just consequences that lead to another battle.
At the heart of this handbook is the story-driven approach. Every choice isn’t just a mechanical action or a set of dice rolls. Here, decisions matter, they define the character, deepen the narrative, and give players real agency. One wrong move, one conflict of conscience, one lapse in faith could mean real consequences, the kind that drive drama and turn a story on its head. This isn’t about rehashing an old character type; it’s about rethinking what a paladin can be in a way that’s fresh, challenging, and deeply engaging.
And let’s talk about collaboration. This book doesn’t just add depth to your character; it encourages you to work with the others at the table to create a deeper, more dynamic story. Whether they’re your allies or your rivals, how your paladin interacts with other characters shapes the story. The handbook emphasizes that even characters on different paths have opportunities to find common ground, shared goals, or the occasional moral standoff that brings out the best (or worst) in everyone.
For fans of fantasy roleplaying, the Paladin Character Handbook offers something both familiar and refreshing. It captures the essence of what you know about paladins, the honor, the duty, the endless struggle against evil, but it twists it, challenges it, and leaves room for unexpected turns. And don’t expect it to hold your hand. This isn’t a guide to making a perfect hero; it’s about building someone with depth, flaws, and a mission that might not go as planned.
So, if you’re ready to bring a character to life who isn’t afraid of taking risks, facing challenges, or standing up for what they believe, even if it might get them into trouble, then grab this book. The Paladin Character Handbook is for those who want to make their mark, leave an impression, and, maybe, redefine what it means to be a paladin in the world of heroic fantasy.
A Universal Sourcebook
An earlier edition of this book was originally created as a system-agnostic toolkit, and retails that function in this edition. However, it’s now fully compliant with The Simple Approach and games using that system and philosophy, including The Foragers Guild. You don’t need it to play one of our games to use this material, so feel free to throw its elements into any other roleplaying system your choice.
If you’re looking to use it with a different roleplaying system, don’t worry. For advice on translating material between systems, grab the Lightspress Handbook,available wherever you found this book.
Navigating This Book
Here’s a breakdown of the tools and resources you’ll find inside these pages:
Background: Start with why anyone should play a paladin. This section covers what makes the paladin profession compelling in modern roleplaying and why it’s a character type that keeps people coming back. With a focus on the paladin’s dedication to duty, honor, and faith, this background section sets up what it means to embody this role, from their steadfast values to the complex moral challenges they face. Whether your character is an idealist or a cynic, this gives you the grounding to build a paladin who’s anything but generic.
Traits: Paladins don’t just rely on their faith, they’ve got some unique talents that set them apart. Here, you’ll find a rundown of core abilities that define the archetype. Maybe it’s a touch of divine power, an unshakable resolve, or a knack for spotting corruption. These traits can be used as they are or adapted to fit your vision, giving you the flexibility to create a paladin who’s more than a sword-swinging zealot. Think of these as tools to help your paladin stand out in both combat and conversation.
Resources: Beyond their armor and weaponry, paladins have access to resources that other characters wouldn’t. This section provides a look at the equipment, contacts, and other assets a paladin might keep close. From holy relics to specialized gear, these resources aren’t just accessories, they’re symbols of your character’s journey, each item a piece of their story. And don’t forget the allies. Whether it’s a mentor, a fellow knight, or a reliable informant, these connections can be crucial when your paladin needs a little backup.
Variants: If the typical paladin isn’t quite your style, this section has you covered. Here, you’ll find fresh takes on the paladin archetype, each designed to bring out different elements of the character. Maybe your paladin doesn’t serve a god but fights for a secular cause. Or maybe they’re a loner, disillusioned but still driven to do what’s right. These variants provide you with new ways to interpret the paladin, showing how this role can fit into any setting and adapt to different character motivations.
Worldbuilding: To make a paladin feel authentic, the setting needs to support their presence. This part of the handbook dives into the structures, institutions, and beliefs that form the backbone of the paladin profession. Whether it’s a society that reveres them as holy warriors or a place where they’re seen as relics of a bygone era, this section helps you build a world that makes sense for your character. It’s not just about adding depth, it’s about giving your paladin a place to call home, with all the rewards and conflicts that come with it.
Factions: Paladins don’t usually go it alone. Here, you’ll find a selection of orders, alliances, and organizations that your character might belong to, fight alongside, or oppose. Each faction adds another layer to your paladin’s story, from holy orders dedicated to spiritual enlightenment to militant groups focused on rooting out corruption. Whether your paladin is an official member or a wary outsider, factions give them allies, rivals, and opportunities to test their beliefs.
Adventures: Building adventures specifically for a paladin requires a different approach, and this section provides you with practical advice for doing just that. Think redemption arcs, moral dilemmas, or high-stakes confrontations where the odds feel almost impossible. These adventures aren’t just about winning; they’re about testing your paladin’s resolve, forcing them to make difficult choices that could change the course of their story. The goal here is to create narratives that challenge your paladin, making each adventure memorable and meaningful.
Artifacts & Relics: Paladins don’t just go after any old magic item. They’re after relics with real meaning, objects that reflect their values, beliefs, and history. This section offers a collection of powerful items that can become focal points in your campaign. Maybe it’s a blade with a storied past, a relic with divine significance, or an artifact that carries a curse. These items are more than gear; they’re pieces of your paladin’s journey, each one adding depth to their story and significance to their quests.
Creatures of the Righteous: Paladins have a special relationship with the creatures they encounter, and this section explores those dynamics. From celestial allies that support their cause to cursed enemies that embody the evils they fight against, this section covers the types of creatures your paladin might encounter. Allies could include everything from loyal steeds to mysterious guardians, while enemies might be undead, infernal beings, or corrupt forces. These interactions make the world feel alive, adding another layer to your character’s journey.
Reference: In the back of the book, you’ll find a reference section stocked with everything you need to keep your paladin’s story running smoothly. From stock characters and factions to iconic creatures and essential equipment, this section makes it easy to find what you need without breaking the flow of the story. It also includes conversion notes for adapting this material to any system, a glossary to clarify key terms, and a bibliography if you’re interested in digging deeper into the world of paladins. This is your one-stop shop for everything paladin-related.
198 pages. PDF sand epub files included.