Paladin

The origin of paladins is unknown. Anecdotal evidence suggests that their existence as far back as the first chaotic period of the Mage Wars. Some orders have claimed to date back into Antiquity and even older, though it is more likely they are reffering to traditions and not the actual order.

By the [{mage wars#The Intermediate Period|Intermediate Period]], paladins, Clerics, and other such warriors were a permanent fixture throughout the verse.

Characteristics

while no two orders are alike, Paladins all share one thing in common: they are holy warriors, fighting on the side of good. Unlike Clerics, all Paladins belong to religious orders devote to the One King or one or all of the Four Kings.

Paladin magic is not dissimilar from more widely-practiced forms, and indeed the power comes from the same place. Most paladins are Endo-Mages, though many orders include some exo-magic techniques.

Because all magic is need-driven, Paladins are able to use their religious beliefs and focus to to aid in casting spells. This makes them in many cases much more powerful than the average mage, especially as a military unit.

Paladins in the Alliance

Uther was quick to gather an army of Paladins, even bringing together those from many different orders. He used them as his personal guard whenever he went into battle on the front lines(which he often did), and eventually established several units.

Paladins remained a part of the Alliance forces all throughout the Ages. A specific order was eventually established, based out of Arindell, called the First File.