[ Xenk smiles, reaching a hand out for Fenris to take. Maybe he just wants to hold hands, okay! ]
My dear, Fenris,
[ The words start out strong again, he means them as ever. ]
I fear I must apologize for the continued pratfalls that the Paladins continue to allow among their number. It is an unfortunately common tale that those who seek to create order so often fail to maintain it within their own number. I had hoped for the best, and that this world would prove different, but I can see now that this is not so. It is as you say, there is loyalty to be found at times, among those whose hearts drive them more toward thievery and survival. While I do not share the morals and beliefs found in the Corsairs, I have never once looked down on their member. The same cannot be said for the Paladins as an order, I fear, and this is the heart to which I cannot so easily redress.
[ He's conflicted, in other words. The Paladins look down on the Corsairs, and they act like they know best, but they obviously haven't listened to Xenk's own complaints, or addressed the matter of their rogue Paladins... But he doesn't let the worry darken his features for long. How could he, when Fenris has agreed to help him? ]
I am blessed to find your favor, as well as the support from you both in this endeavor.
[ He smiles. He really is so lucky to have such good friends! Because they're definitely. Good friends. Very good friends! ]
Of course! My Oath of Devotion. I fear this explanation may become somewhat verbose, so I apologize... perhaps it is better I sign off here, and spare you my explanation in person.
[ He thinks he's sooo funny. ]
Most fortunately, Xenk.
[ Ok, but that done, he clears his throat. ]
As for my Oath. In my world, a paladin is but one of many classes that one may choose in order to wield magic or use one's powers to fight the realm's many dangers. What sets paladins apart from fighters is the Oath we swear in exchange for divine intercession. Among these is the Oath of the Ancients, which is made to the gods of the Earth, and binds paladins to seek the betterment of the land and nature. As well, there are Oaths of Redemption, of Conquest, and Vengeance for gods whom are more aligned with fury and destruction. My own Oath, the Oath of Devotion, is one I swore to Tyr, god of justice. It decrees that I follow the tenets of devotion, which are as follows:
[ He recites these by heart, of course: ]
Honesty. A paladin's oath is only as strong as their word. Their word shall never utter deceptions or falsehoods. Courage. One must warning with their actions, but never let those actions be halted by fright or panic. Compassion. I shall ever offer succor and safe haven to those that cannot defend themselves. And stand strong against their tormentors and practice forbearance when wise to do so. Honor. One must conduct one's affairs in a manner that exemplifies virtuous integrity to the world. Ensure that the good deeds I perform always outweigh any inadvertent grief I may cause. And lastly, duty. It decrees that one must follow justly those to whom one serves, ensure ownership of all one's deeds, and guard with one's life those whom one has sworn to watch over.
[ And this is the story of how he will kill for anyone he's ever met. ]
Should I ever fail in one of these, then my magic is withheld from me, and my oath is considered broken. But so long as I remain true to these tenets, I am blessed with Tyr's magic and his blessings upon my person.
no subject
My dear, Fenris,
[ The words start out strong again, he means them as ever. ]
I fear I must apologize for the continued pratfalls that the Paladins continue to allow among their number. It is an unfortunately common tale that those who seek to create order so often fail to maintain it within their own number. I had hoped for the best, and that this world would prove different, but I can see now that this is not so. It is as you say, there is loyalty to be found at times, among those whose hearts drive them more toward thievery and survival. While I do not share the morals and beliefs found in the Corsairs, I have never once looked down on their member. The same cannot be said for the Paladins as an order, I fear, and this is the heart to which I cannot so easily redress.
[ He's conflicted, in other words. The Paladins look down on the Corsairs, and they act like they know best, but they obviously haven't listened to Xenk's own complaints, or addressed the matter of their rogue Paladins... But he doesn't let the worry darken his features for long. How could he, when Fenris has agreed to help him? ]
I am blessed to find your favor, as well as the support from you both in this endeavor.
[ He smiles. He really is so lucky to have such good friends! Because they're definitely. Good friends. Very good friends! ]
Of course! My Oath of Devotion. I fear this explanation may become somewhat verbose, so I apologize... perhaps it is better I sign off here, and spare you my explanation in person.
[ He thinks he's sooo funny. ]
Most fortunately, Xenk.
[ Ok, but that done, he clears his throat. ]
As for my Oath. In my world, a paladin is but one of many classes that one may choose in order to wield magic or use one's powers to fight the realm's many dangers. What sets paladins apart from fighters is the Oath we swear in exchange for divine intercession. Among these is the Oath of the Ancients, which is made to the gods of the Earth, and binds paladins to seek the betterment of the land and nature. As well, there are Oaths of Redemption, of Conquest, and Vengeance for gods whom are more aligned with fury and destruction. My own Oath, the Oath of Devotion, is one I swore to Tyr, god of justice. It decrees that I follow the tenets of devotion, which are as follows:
[ He recites these by heart, of course: ]
Honesty. A paladin's oath is only as strong as their word. Their word shall never utter deceptions or falsehoods. Courage. One must warning with their actions, but never let those actions be halted by fright or panic. Compassion. I shall ever offer succor and safe haven to those that cannot defend themselves. And stand strong against their tormentors and practice forbearance when wise to do so. Honor. One must conduct one's affairs in a manner that exemplifies virtuous integrity to the world. Ensure that the good deeds I perform always outweigh any inadvertent grief I may cause. And lastly, duty. It decrees that one must follow justly those to whom one serves, ensure ownership of all one's deeds, and guard with one's life those whom one has sworn to watch over.
[ And this is the story of how he will kill for anyone he's ever met. ]
Should I ever fail in one of these, then my magic is withheld from me, and my oath is considered broken. But so long as I remain true to these tenets, I am blessed with Tyr's magic and his blessings upon my person.