By definition, Palladium is "that which affords effectual protection or security, a guarantee of the integrity of social institutions," or "A sacred object that was believed to have the power to preserve a city or state possessing it." Holding true to that meaning, the Palladium is an organization of knights that works to preserve the safety and peace of the lands they are sworn to protect from whatever evil or injustices rise up to challenge them. The organization's influence reaches to the far corners of Oriador and they work closely with allied lands such as Coriandor, Galador and even the smaller states of the Freelands such as Orindale and Kornass. The ideals held by the organization are strict and follow a code of conduct that each member swears to uphold in the face of adversity, even unto death. In many ways, the Palladium exemplifies the ultimate knightly order and their knights are similarly known as Paladins.

The Palladium was formed in the height of the Blood War as a way to unite the remnants of the kingdoms of the north and the warring factions of the south against the demonic hordes of the Shadow Lord. The man credited with forming the alliance was a champion known as Argus whose own lands were destroyed during the early days of the war. With his band of knights, gathered from the far reaches of the world, he single-handedly defeated a great army of the enemy as the last standing force of Corallya defended their burning kingdom. With the king of Corallya already dead, the remaining warriors rallied under the Palladium banner and swore to follow Argus into battle. Henceforth, the legend of the Palladium grew as a symbol of hope and freedom and word spread across Oriador of their victory.

The Palladium is based in the kingdom of Erminegrad where the mighty Argus lived for much of his life and resides near the eastern border. Their great fortress is known as the Hall of Heroes and was once the castle of Argus himself, but now the Palladium meets there to discuss their political and social obligations. Currently the Palladium boasts over a hundred knights, each with their own army of warriors, making them a powerful foe against injustice. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, it is nearly impossible to rally the Palladium's full force into a single unit, forcing them to scatter their knights where they see fit. Only a great cataclysmic battle, such as it was in the first age would have cause enough for the Palladium to call upon its full might.

The Palladium is justly ruled by a governing council of nine knights who earn their position as they did in olden days by single combat. Every five years, on the anniversary of Argus' death, the Palladium holds a competition where any knight may challenge for a seat on the council, a tradition carried on for generations since the time of Argus. Very few knights ever challenge for a council seat however and it is often a case of proving one the council members innocent or guilty, according to the laws of their code. Winning the challenge would then prove ones innocence, or else the incumbent is replaced and placed on trial for their crimes and further investigation. In the case where one of the council members dies, the winner of the competition is then chosen to replace him or her.

At the heart of the Palladium is their adherence to their Code of Honor, which is sacred and unwavering. To willingly and knowingly break a law of the code is to dishonor the Palladium and the champion is stripped of their title and lands and subsequently banished, never to return. To become a Paladin, a champion must have a current member as a sponsor and then must fulfill a quest given to them by the council. If this quest is completed, the champion must then go before the council and take an oath to uphold the Code forever after. The basic Code of Honor is as follows:

• Protect the weak and defenseless!
  
• Live for honor and glory!
  
• Fight for the welfare of all under your care!
  
• Be truthful in all that you do!
  
• Respect and defend the honor of women (or men)!
  
• Refuse no challenge from an equal!
  
• Never turn your back on a foe!
  
• Be merciful if mercy is requested of you!
  
• Remain loyal to the Palladium!
  
• Have courage to fight until you no longer draw breath!
  
• Above all else, seek justice against the unjust!
  

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