"The bravest of warriors, Paladins charge into battle either mounted or on foot, bringing righteous death in the Lady's name."
- —Description of the Paladins.[3]
A heroic Paladin of Bretonnia.[5]
A Paladin, known formally as a Paladin of the Realm, is a renowned knightly champion and hero of Bretonnia.
Role
Bretonnian folklore is replete with the mighty feats of famous knights as they battle against the odds to defeat their evil foes and win the day. In these stories and poems, noble knights seek out and slay ferocious Dragons that terrorise the realms, battle and defeat evil warriors and destroy entire armies of Greenskins single-handed. No stories are more impressive than those told of Gilles le Breton and his Grail Companions, tales that every noble son learns from a young age. It is a common sight to see such youngsters running around their fathers' castles, playing out the roles of Gilles and the Grail Companions as they take on and defeat the foul enemies besetting the lands. Weaned from a young age on these stories of individual heroism and bravery, it is every knight's utmost desire to have great deeds of their own to be sung and recounted for years after their deaths. A knight's honour is of utmost importance to him, and he would gladly lay down his life rather than have his name disgraced.[5]
A charging Paladin armed with an enchanted blade.
Despite the exceedingly high standards the knights of Bretonnia set for themselves, there are mighty individuals who live up to these goals and become legend. Even the lowly Peasants feel inspired when they look upon such men, whose courage illuminates all...[8][3]
Paladins are fearsome knights who have risen above their comrades through experience and martial might. They have performed great deeds on the battlefield and defeated particularly dangerous foes. Their reputation precedes them, being every bit as deadly as the greatest heroes of the Empire -- often even more so. Some might be noble Knights of the Realm, whilst others may have taken the Questing Vow, travelling the land and performing acts of heroism in search of the Grail. Some Paladins are blessed with having a noble Pegasus as their mount, and many are equipped with enchanted weapons and armour, potent relics of holy significance, often taken from the vaults of Grail Chapels.[1][2][3]
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A heroic Paladin prepares to slay a sea monster.
Although not quite as influential as a Lord of the same knightly caste, Paladins are still forces of deadly inspiration upon the battlefield. Many of them are highly ranked nobles, holding titles such as Earl or Marquis, while others hold warrior-titles, such as Marshal or Warden. A Paladin often acts as a more prominent Lord's personal champion, helping to command their armies and defending them in combat. Whenever one of these heroes enters a town, his presence will be known within minutes, news of his arrival spreading through the crowded streets like wildfire amongst the commoners, who will flock to get a glimpse of one of Bretonnia's heroes.[1][2][3]
Whenever a Bretonnian army assembles, rules of chivalry oblige them to task a Paladin with carrying a proud banner of the force. Other Paladins will act as leaders and champions, seeking out the mightiest of foes and inspiring their troops through acts of valour.[1]
Grail Knights as Paladins
Due to the heroic deeds and martial might required to sup from the Holy Grail, all Grail Knights are also considered holy Paladins of the Lady of the Lake in their own right. They are supreme warriors who have been filled with supernatural power, and thus demand respect from those who have not witnessed the sacred chalice, whether they be lowly Knights Errant or powerful barons and dukes.[6][7][10]
Notable Paladins
- Repanse de Lyonesse - A legendary female hero of Bretonnia, who later became a Bretonnian Lord and the Duchess of Lyonesse.
- Amalric of Gaudaron - A hero famed as the "Bane of the Undead."
- Sir DuClaw - A Questing Knight Paladin who slew Trolls whilst protecting a Duke's bride.
- Philippe d'Artaud - The leader of the Bretonnians during the Nemesis Crown campaign.
- Viscount d’Alembençon - An enigmatic Viscount of Couronne who defeated the Empire's greatest swordsman, Kurt Helborg.
- Sir Dagobert the Thrice-Blessed - An ageing Grail Knight who later became a blessed Grail Reliquae.
- Henri le Massif - The champion of Repanse de Lyonesse's Chevaliers de Lyonesse.
- Seven Knights - Mighty heroes of Bretonnian legend.
- Jhared of Couronne - Louen Leoncoeur's lieutenant during the End Times.
- Sir de Raker - A mysterious Grail Knight who single-handedly ended the Tilean Siege of Lovarre.
- Agilulf - An ancient hero of Couronne, who was famed for his magnificent suit of armour.
- Foricarl de Mandelot - A renowned Dragon-slayer of Parravon and forefather to Markus de Mandelot.
Miniatures
Sources
- 1: White Dwarf #262 (AU/NZ), pg. 78
- 2: GW Product Description: Repanse de Lyonesse
- 3: Total War: Warhammer
- 4: Warhammer: The Bretonnian Collectors' Guide, pg 8
- 5: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia (6th Edition)
- 6: Knights of Bretonnia (Omnibus)
- 7: Games Workshop US (Bretonnia) - Designer's Notes
- 8: White Dwarf #288 (US)
- 9: Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay: Knights of the Grail, pg. 23
- 10: Rest Eternal (Short Story)
Gallery
