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Message: <blockquote data-quote="John Morrow" data-source="post: 4030349" data-attributes="member: 27012">This is the code that I drafted for my D&D game. Some of it is obviously specific to the cosmology I was using and may not be of use to you.  In particular, this was the code for a monotheistic religion meant to have a Judeo-Christian moral flavor.  It was also meant to to define the Paladin's relationship with clerics and the society around them (from a Lawful Good perspective) and also to give some guidance about how they should treat their enemies during and after combat.  As such, it was designed to be specific and constraining rather than freeform.  The cosmology allowed those who died and went to the Outer Plane to be reborn (reincarnated) by drinking from the River Lethe (if they could get there), which would remove their memories and sins and give them another chance.<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Obey the authority of the Blessed priests of Elyoen, for they act as agents of Elyoen and His Saints.  Obey your Blessed superiors, for they act as lesser agents of Elyoen and His Saints.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Encourage faith in Elyoen, promote the wisdom of the Saints, and lead others down the path of Goodness for you, too, are an agent of Elyoen and His Saints and are blessed with their power.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Share your deeds, hopes, sins, and fears with the Blessed priests of Elyoen and your superiors.  They will keep you on a righteous path, away from the temptations of Evil.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Compassion, humility, justice, and hope are the cornerstones of Goodness.  Hatred, envy, selfishness, and despair undermine them, so do not let those feelings thrive within you.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Law and order are the foundation of civilization.  Do not undermine laws or authority unless they are Evil, for Evil thrives in savagery and chaos.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Be an example to others and preserve the honor and ideals of your order.  Act honorably, even when not treated honorably.  Properly maintain your person and possessions.  Keep a civil tongue.  Do not lie.  Do not cheat.  Do not slander.  Do not steal.  Do not poison.  Do not strike from behind.  Do not torture.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Do not make oaths lightly.  If you give an oath, you must not break it.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">A clear mind is needed for clear judgments and a clouded mind leads to clouded judgments.  Do not drink to the point of impairment nor take anything else which might cloud your mind.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Be chaste and refrain from all sex outside of marriage.  Do not seek a spouse for it will distract you from your responsibilities and duties and marriage will divide your loyalties.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Do not accumulate wealth.  Give that which you do not need to the Church or the poor unless you are supporting others.  Wealth, luxury, and the excesses that they allow can lead one toward Evil.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Do not befriend those who are Evil, nor should you associate or travel with who are Evil.  You are the enemy of Evil and must not enjoy its company.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Protect the weak and champion the innocent.  They are always your responsibility and you must defend their lives and honor.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">You should feed, heal, and help of yourself after others have been fed, healed, and helped.  Put the wellbeing of the hungry, wounded, and helpless before yourself for they, too, are always your responsibility.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Do not pass your responsibilities to those who cannot fulfill them as well as you could.  Do not take on more responsibility than you can handle well unless you have no choice.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Do not attack those who have not attacked you unless you know them to be Evil.  Do whatever you can to spare those who are not Evil.  Those who have turned to Evil yet still might be redeemed should also be spared.  Kill that which is Evil by nature, for only through the Lethe might they be redeemed.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Be valorous in battle but mind your responsibilities.  There is no dishonor in retreat when it serves an honorable purpose and you should not sacrifice others or yourself in vain.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">You should accept the surrender of your enemies and they will become your charge.  Evil that cannot be redeemed that is in your charge should be dispatched quickly and without malice.  All others in your charge should be treated honorably and humanely.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Destroy the undead.  Their place is in the grave or as dust upon the wind.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Destroy demons and devils.  Their place is not in this world and they are the enemy of all you stand for.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">When you die, remain in Elysium and do not drink from the Lethe, for your place will be among the Saints and Angels closer to Elyoen.  Return only if called to by a Blessed priest of Elyoen, a Saint, or an Angel.</li> </ol></blockquote>

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