Maire's Oath
Given in the Priory of the Dawn, Ashabenford, Mistledale.
Mirtul 25, 1357DR
As a paladin, I am the servant of the Morninglord; I shall at all times display his grace, vitality, and love of life so that others may see, in me, the light of Hope he promises.
I will strive each day for self-improvement. If I fail, I shall rise again, unceasing my pursuit of self-perfection.
I will adhere to the laws of the land and our Church, but never shall I adhere to any ritual, rule, or direction that prevents me from assisting others. No such law can be written, nor order given, that could be fair or righteous.
All things are evident within the first light of Dawn, and so shall I be; I shall not lie, cheat, steal, or commit murder. I will always speak the truth and never forswear myself once my word has been given. I will remain as constant and as trustworthy as the Dawn.
In every sunrise exists the promise of a better world; I will always strive to foster new hope and new ideas within my companions, seeking the light of inspiration that has renewed and reformed so many mortal souls in the first rays of Dawn.
I shall be wise and gallant in battle; I shall strike at Undeath where I find it, and Evil where it hides in darkness. Never shall I allow myself to fall to evil ways or means seeking mere victory; nor will I waste my life in hopeless combats.
I will work instead so that the pass of my sword will produce the best and most significant result and never draw it against anything I do not mean to slay in both body and soul. The light of the Dawn shall scour evil and never be used for personal gain or against the innocent, the poor, or those most in need of its warmth.
I shall carry this light into the dark, lifting my companions to greater heights and guiding them from the fore. I shall not allow the darkness to remain within reach of my sword or word but cast it out before me like the last dark hours of the evening, forced to yield to more extraordinary powers.
I have been given the Light of Dawn to carry, and this burden and joy I shall take even into the darkest places without fear, for I carry the light within me, to illuminate the path until I must pass it on to others, my gift to them and to this world.
There shall always be another Dawn.