Paladin lore question help!!

[Aerazen]

I main tank paladin but the lore is a mystery to me.

What is the power they use ? do they use aether, darkness or light?

Are they just gladiator with other name?

If they know a power they use what can they do with it .. give example like solidfy the darkness or light into as pear?

Any extra information i forgot to ask about would be good ^^

[Sounsyy]

THE SULTANSWORN
(Original post can be found here.)

The Brotherhood of the Sultansworn was formed 600 years ago by Jhal Tristram the True during the founding of Ul’dah from Belah’dia. A young Jhal Tristram went before the sultan, Sasagan Ul Sisigan first of the Ul line and founder of Ul’dah, and pledged his sword and life to serve him. Two more joined Jhal, a Roegadyn and a Lalafellin knight, and together they became the three legendary and first Paladins. For each of his three champions, Sultan Sasagan Ul Sisigan had a sword forged from the same ore as the legendary blade, Oathkeeper. These swords were Curtana (which belonged to Jhal), Joyeuse, and Durandal.

The Sultansworn - personal guard of the sultan - were formed in 969 by decree of Sasagan Ul Sisigan. Originally consisting of paladins who helped to found Ul'dah, they have remained loyal defenders of the royal line for five hundred years, even through changes in dynasty.

While their fealty currently remains with the sultana, the Monetarists have managed to cut the organization's strength to half of what it was in their glory days. Thus, the Sultansworn must now accept the aid of the Brass Blades even in guarding the Royal Palace, and their moral has suffered much for it. The loss of Oathkeeper - the blade Sasagan bequeathed to the first Sultansworn captain - has had a particularly lingering and deleterious effect upon their power.

Long has the sacred sword Oathkeeper been bestowed upon the commander of the Sultansworn, vowed protectors of Ul’dah’s ruler. Yet it is not alone in its greatness. At the time of its making, three other swords were struck from the same ore and forged in the same fires. These brethren blades, Curtana among them, were then gifted to the three noble paladins by whose hand the brotherhood of the Sultansworn was founded.

Fancy yerself a knight in shinin’ armor, eh? Whatever floats yer boat, I s'pose… Anyroad, it’s Curtana ye’ll be wantin’. ‘Twas the blade wielded by Jhal Tristram the True, one of the three first paladins. Story goes that, when the first sultan of Ul'dah formed the Sultansworn, he had three swords forged from the same ore used to make Oathkeeper─one for each of his champions. Curtana was one of the blades, an’ it was laid to rest with its master when he kicked the bucket. Rumor has it, though, that Jhal Tristram’s tomb was plundered recently, an’ Curtana taken.

The first row displays life-size recreations of the three legendary Sultansworn known collectively as the first paladins. Of particular interest are the blades that they brandish. Three blades forged from the same steel, one each bestowed to the three great warriors who would attend the Royal House by the hand of Sasagan Ul Sisigan, first of his name and founder of our nation. Curtana, Joyeuse, Durandal… Eras have passed, monarchs have risen and fallen, but the legends of these blades─and the men who did wield them─live on to this very day.

Jhal Tristram the True would later go on to defeat an Amalj’aa pugilist in a famous duel and begin a legendary quest to lands beyond the sultanate to retrieve a sacred goblet. His tale is recorded in the book, The Song of Tristram, however the tale is quite fanciful and may or may not be 100% historically factual.

A work of literature depicting the valorous deeds of Jhal Tristram the True, one of the three first paladins of the Sultansworn.

Anyroad, let’s talk about that text ye brought. It contains tales of Jhal Tristram’s exploits. Turns out I already knew most of it. To give ye the gist of it: a young Tristram goes afore the sultan, he pledges him his sword, the Sultansworn are formed, Tristram defeats an Amalj'aa pugilist in a famous duel, then sets off on a quest to retrieve the Sacred Goblet… Things get a bit fanciful from then on, but cuttin’ a long story short, Curtana does get a mention. Four crystals embedded in the guard an’ the ashes of a saint in the hilt─these’re the sword’s secrets. In the old days, it was common practice to forge a weapon usin’ body parts. A bit morbid, I grant ye, but folk back then believed the spirits of the dead offered the bearer protection.

Even after Jhal’s death, the Sultansworn continued on for the next six centuries, nurturing and perfecting their battle arts in closely guarded secret while protecting Ul’dah’s throne. It wasn’t until very recent years (5 years ago) that Captain Jenlyns, in response to their quickly dwindling brotherhood, allowed adventurers, mercenaries, and sellswords to be taught the ways of the Paladin and become Sworn or Free Paladins.

When the sultan Sasagan Ul Sisigan, first of his line, founded the nation on Ul'dah, he decreed that the Royal House of Ul would ever be attended by a sworn brotherhood of elite warriors. Under Captain Jenlyns’ leadership, we carry on that sacred tradition. The captain himself labors tirelessly to keep the sultana safe from those who plot against her. Alas, there are many who would welcome her fall…

Apparently─and remember, you heard this first from me─the Sultansworn elite are sharing the secret skills and training of paladins! Incredible, I know. The Sultansworn have an exclusive monopoly on the instruction of paladin skills. Once upon a time, if you weren’t one of those officer-track elites, then you had no chance to learn the arts. And competition to get to the top was very fierce indeed, let me tell you. But anyone who joined had to swear an oath of fealty to the Ul'dahn sultanate. Which meant no more adventuring, no more derring-do, and no more Coliseum─just languishing about in the palace all day polishing plate mail. That’s why this news is so big. Now anyone with a bit of commitment can learn the skills of a paladin, and no memorizing the Fifty-Five Commandments of the Sworn or any other nonsense, either.

If you aspire to paladinhood, you should understand what it means. A paladin swears allegiance to the sultanate. A paladin shall be the sword and shield of the sultanate. A paladin defends the people of the realm. Sellswords and gladiators and others of their ilk wield their blades for themselves, but a paladin serves the greater good. Do you understand me? The battle arts that the paladin learns have been held secret, nurtured, and perfected within the ranks of the Sultansworn elite for nigh on these six hundred years. Of all those sworn to protect the sultanate─the soldiers, the mounted guards, and the knights─we are the elite of the elite. Our conviction unwavering, our hearts true, our sword skills without peer. But the glory of the Sultansworn… Well, much of it is buried in the past now.

Jenlyns accredits this decline in their ranks to the theft of Oathkeeper, supposedly at the hands of the Sultansworn’s former Captain, Solkzagyl. In actuality, Solkzagyl was framed by the Monetarist faction, one of the political parties in Ul’dah who oppose the Sultan(a) and support Syndicate rule. The 52-60 PLD questline follows the trail of the still-missing Oathkeeper to the Monetarist-controlled Death’s Embrace, the group of assassins responsible for dismantling the Sultansworn and stealing Oathkeeper.

Our brotherhood grows smaller by the year, we are a shadow of what we once were, and the sultana turns to sellswords to defend her palace. All this, because of one traitor─no, because of a blot of dishonor left by one who shall not be named… And because of him, we have been forced to seek the help of able-bodied adventurers.

There were many reasons for the fall, but the loss of Oathkeeper… Yes, that was the mortal blow. The sword Oathkeeper was bestowed upon the first captain of the Sultansworn by the then sultan of Ul'dah. In time it became our standard, the symbol of the oaths we had sworn, and it was treasured by each new captain for generations. Possession was proof of Sultansworn command.

But then the unthinkable came to pass─Oathkeeper was stolen by the traitor. It shook our brotherhood to the core. How can we be trusted to protect the sultana if we cannot even hold on to the symbol of our fealty? We have been tarnished, in the eyes of ruler and ruled alike. If the Sultansworn are to survive, we must find the traitor and recover Oathkeeper. But…the Sultansworn have grown too weak, and we cannot do it ourselves. We’ve been forced to recruit outsiders to help us in our cause.

Some years ago now, there was a struggle for influence between the sultanate military and a faction within the Syndicate known as the Monetarists. The latter emerged triumphant, and the army’s authority was diminished dramatically. Although Solkzagyl was still captain of the Sultansworn elite, he knew his position was perilous─so he fled, taking Oathkeeper with him. In doing so, he went against the words that he had spoken on bended knee before his royal liege. Solkzagyl served for over thirty years as captain of the Sultansworn elite, and he is a formidable foe─few can match his skill with the sword.

What is the difference between a Free Paladin and the Sultansworn?

We shall instruct you in the paladin military arts. You will not be inducted into the Sultansworn, but serve as a free paladin. First and foremost is this: you are a paladin now─a custodian of traditions ancient and noble. A free paladin has no master. Instead she travels all lands, and in every place takes up the cause of the unarmed and defenseless. You swear fealty not to a lord, but to yourself─you are nobility amongst adventurers.

Of all those sworn to protect the sultanate—the soldiers, the mounted guards, and the knights—the Sultansworn are the elite of the elite. Our conviction unwavering, our hearts true, our sword skills without peer. We are bound to defend Sultana Nanamo Ul Namo, even in death. Such is the solemn oath that we have taken.

A paladin swears allegiance to the sultanate.” “A paladin shall be the sword and shield of the sultanate.” “A paladin defends the people of the realm.

What does a Sultansworn do?

First, and most obviously, the Sultansworn protect the Sultan or Sultana of Ul’dah from all threats. Whether that be in Ul’dah or abroad.

The sultana has declared she will soon make a journey to Scorpion Crossing to provide her royal blessing to the people who have labored there to rebuild their lives. The Sultansworn will see that she is provided with more than enough protection; however, no chances can be taken. The royal court seeks adventurers to travel to Scorpion Crossing and clear the area of any and all threats before the procession begins.

And so Ishgard rejoins the Eorzean Alliance… Her Grace will be very busy in the days ahead - as will we, I expect. Have no doubt that the Sultansworn stand ready to serve as her sword and shield. Escorting her Grace to the Holy See was an unexpected challenge, though we were glad of it. I should think that there will be other political visits to be made in future, if recent events are any indication.

Second, the Sultansworn protect the Royal Promenade, but also the sultanate at large from imminent or immediate threats to the Sultan or Sultana.

Beyond lies the upper tier of Ul’dah, home to nobles and aristocrats alike. Know that here the eyes of the Sultansworn are upon you at all times.

The Heart of the Sworn lies beyond. State your business. …Pardon? Did you say a lost heirloom? Ahem. Proceed. What are you playing at, adventurer? Did Momodi truly send you? If this is some sort of prank, there will be consequences!

Third, the Sultansworn protect the Royal Treasures. Sometimes, they go undercover to do this.

…I can tell you this much, though. Whatever the thief’s got his eyes on, it’s got the Sultansworn in a right dither. Word has it they’ve formed a regiment o’ their best and brightest to safeguard the royal vaults from this very threat.

You’ll be wanting to speak with Phillice. She’s one of the ‘Sworn’s best, and something of a history buff, it’d seem. When she heard the thief was targeting the four relics of Belah'dia, she personally stepped forward and volunteered to lead the investigation.

All artifacts of Belah'dian origin have been sealed within the royal vault, and a regiment of our finest assigned to its protection. I have furnished all the guards with a supply of demasking dust, and instructed them to be on the lookout for any suspicious personages. But there are even more disturbing matters at hand. Doubtless you have heard of the recent rash of murders perpetrated by our quarry. The Sultansworn have launched an investigation, but the truth of the matter is that we have been far too occupied with the defense of the vaults to make any meaningful progress. We would be most grateful for any assistance you could offer.

(Part 1, CONT...)

[Sounsyy]

(...CONT, Part 2)

This theft shames the Sultansworn—and me most of all. The blame is mine, you see. I grew lax in my duties, and in a moment of carelessness… No, it will do no good to recount the tale now. Since the hour of the theft, we’ve searched frantically for any signs, any whispers as to the whereabouts of the crown. We have found nothing. The identity of the thieves, and their motives, seemed fated to remain a mystery—until you arrived, bearing this ransom note. In it, the criminals state their price for the return of Her Majesty’s crown. And though it pains me to say it, I fear I have no choice but to acquiesce to their demands. Too much is at stake to do otherwise. The crown symbolizes Her Majesty’s birthright, and identifies her as the custodian of the Ul legacy. It must be recovered.

Confused? I am W’bulea of the Sultansworn. I infiltrated the notorious robber gang, the Velvet Hands, after learning of their plans to attempt a bloodless heist at the palace - an attempt I can only assume is meant to emulate Mistbeard and his legendary act of larceny.

Ye’ll notice that every generation’s got its very own pirate king─with each one tryin’ to outplunder the bugger before. Anyroad, the most recent one─that’s ol’ Mistbeard─got it into ‘is ‘ead to raid the Sultan of Ul'dah’s royal weddin’, and, bein’ a darin’ sort o’ soul, went an’ bloody did it. ‘Tis said, once the final tally was taken, the cap'n an’ ‘is crew made off with ten score gold ingots, five an’ fifty pure-bred black chocobo skins, a ten-ponze diamond from th’ wastes of Meracydia…an’ th’ biggest prize of all─th’ virgin bride’s maiden'ead! Now, I cannot rightly vouch fer that last claim, but there be some what say the current Sultana bears a strikin’ resemblance to a certain ‘andsome bandit. Heh heh heh!

Finally, the Sultansworn can enforce the law and deal out justice.

Traitor! I sentence you to death, and decree that your body shall lie here and feed the crows.

For her foul crimes against the sultanate, I hereby declare Ellie of the Mythril Eye─the thief of many faces─an enemy of the state. Deploy all troops and do not rest until she is in custody!

Are the Sultansworn stuck inside the Royal Promenade?

Absolutely NOT!

During the course of my official tenure as a Sultansworn, I traveled the length and breadth of Eorzea. Those experiences molded me into the man I am today.

Western front, clear! Eastern front, clear! For me? From Papashan? A twilight pretzel… My favorite! How did he know!? Can’t fight on an empty stomach, now, can I? Actually…I can’t fight on any stomach. I suppose you could say I have no stomach…for fighting. Brigands beware! The Sultansworn are here to serve and protect!

But the world does not know that, and even the illusion of power is a power of sorts. I can use it to fight back. I will tell my subordinates that I’m fleeing to Snowcloak in Coerthas. When the Monetarists hear of this, as they surely will, they will send assassins after me again. But when they show their hand, I will stand my ground and fight back.

More lore on the Sultansworn is compiled below:

In Belah'dia, the sword was deemed the arm of paladins, and the peasantry were forbidden from carrying them. During the War of the Sisters, however, Ul'dah and Sil'dih both increasingly needed men to fight, and had no choice but to hire Hellsguard and Highlander mercenaries. As more and more inhabitants of Ul'dah came to wield blades, displays of skill became a commonplace sight. From these humble beginnings was the grand gladiatorial tradition born.

For centuries, the elite of the Sultansworn have served as personal bodyguards to the royal family of Ul'dah. Known as paladins, these men and women marry exquisite swordplay with stalwart shieldwork to create a style of combat uncompromising in its defense. Clad in brilliant silver armor, they charge fearlessly into battle, ever ready to lay down their lives for their liege. To be a paladin is to protect, and those who choose to walk this path will become the iron foundation upon which the party’s defense is built.

Once, not so long ago, the Sultansworn could walk the streets with their heads held high. When they marched by, the smallfolk would look upon them with reverence and gratitude. And no one was more respected than the captain. My predecessor.

Around the time the traitor Solkzagyl was named captain, several famed soldiers of the Sultansworn met with untimely deaths. But strangely, our records do not say how they died. Curious, I begged the favor of an old friend and received permission to inspect medical records kept by Frondale’s Phrontistery. I discovered that the soldiers died in various ways─some in combat, some suddenly at night, in the barracks… But in nearly every case, there were signs that poison had played a role in their demise.

Yes, poison. Carefully, invisibly administered. The more I read, the more I saw the dark hand of Death’s Embrace at work─assassins in the pay and service of the Monetarists. A society so secretive that few believe it truly exists. But no matter how skilled and devious the assassins, they should not have been able to kill so many of the Sultansworn elite without being discovered. Not, that is, without help from within our own ranks. So I asked myself: who had the most to gain from their deaths? One by one, the former captain, his trusted aides, the most capable of the Sultansworn who might become future commanders─all of them, slain by an invisible hand. And with their deaths, the way was open for Solkzagyl to become the Sultansworn’s youngest captain in a century.

Does it surprise you to see me dressed so, Sounsyy? I was once a Sultansworn, you know, though it’s been fifteen years since I put down my sword, and took up the role of stationmaster. It is a capacity in which I am no less proud to serve, lest you doubt. Whenever Her Majesty ventures outside the gates, I have the honor of protecting her person. Never before had I seen her so despondent as when news of the crown’s theft reached her ears. But thanks to your valiant efforts, she is returned to her former vibrant self. You have the gratitude of every Sultansworn, Sounsyy.

A proud man of the Dunesfolk, Papashan once numbered among the Sultansworn, even acting as the right hand of Solkzagyl, the former captain. When Nanamo came to the throne, he served as her personal guard. To the young sultana who had no living family left, he became a second father.

Upon retirement from active service, Papashan became stationmaster at the Ul'dah Dispatch Yard operated by Amajina & Sons Mineral Concern, a prestigious position as befits a man who has seen sixty-four winters. However, behind his persona of a good-natured elderly man, he continues to secretly offer what aid he can to the Sultansworn. He also delights in taking strolls with Nanamo when she leaves the palace in the guise of "Lady Lilira," himself masquerading as a steward.

The outside world believes Ul'dah to be a sultanate, ruled by Her Majesty Nanamo Ul Namo. Truth is, though, it’s the six wealthiest citizens that hold the most sway—the Syndicate. Be that as it may, the sultana’s still got the support of the people… But she might struggle to keep even that if a certain incident becomes public knowledge. It pains me to say it, but the crown of Her Majesty, symbol of the royal dynasty, has been stolen.

No matter what the circumstances, once a man has left the Sultansworn, he cannot return. No, I followed my own path, and on it I will stay.

I have a trial for you. I want you to seek the gallant armor, the legendary raiments worn by generations of the finest soldiers of the Sultansworn. In accordance with Sultansworn tradition, the set that would be yours has been scattered across southern Thanalan. Each piece has been locked within a coffer, which will be guarded by two men. You must best the Sultansworn themselves if you are to claim their armor.

This sacred armor has been kept within the Sultansworn for many generations. It was given only to those Sultansworn who had, through feats of arms and deeds of great courage, earned the privilege to wear it. But something tells me that, for the first time since it left the armorer’s forge, this armor should go to someone who is not of the Sultansworn. If I allowed myself to be a slave to tradition, the paladin who deserves it the most would never wear it!

History tells the tale of some six score years ago, when a fisherman rescued a half-drowned Sea Wolf off the coast of Thanalan. The bedraggled Roegadyn’s name was Caerkympf, and he had hitherto lived the life of a brutal pirate. His gratitude towards his savior was such, however, that he swore an oath to liberate the fisherman’s village from the ravages of the local Amalj’aa tribe. True to his word, the Sea Wolf drove off the beastmen, and the story of his exploits reached the ear of the sultan in Ul’dah. The ruler rewarded Caerkympf with a suit of armor of such impressive splendor that, for some time afterwards, armorsmiths across the land were harried to emulate its design.

One of the sacred teachings of the Sultansworn. Using a soul crystal as a median to condense aether, a paladin encases himself in a sheath of nigh-impenetrable energy.

This technique focuses aether into the tip of a blade, then releases it in a dazzling flare of light. As well as causing temporary blindness, Flash unfailingly draws the foe’s attention away from allies and onto oneself.

The best examples of the Sultansworn in action are in the PLD questline, the 2.5 Hildibrand questline, and in the early Ul’dah story quests. Specifically: Nothing To See Here, Secrets and Lies, and Duty Honor Country.

Hope this helps!

[Enkidoh]

Sounsyy pretty much covered everything known about the Sultansworn and the PLD Job, so all I can really add is pretty much speculation about how their abilities are powered (thus answering your question about whether they use aether or not). Firstly, they can definitely make use of basic Conjury spells like Cure and Protect to aid them in battle, meaning some form of aetherial manipulation is required, but more than that, some actual PLD abilities clearly are manipulating the aether of the PLD themself - Spirits Within is an example of this, it is directly connected to how much HP the character has, a gameplay analogy for lifeforce. Although Spirits Within does not consume said life, it still requires it to function.

Then there is the level 58 ability Clemency, a powerful healing spell. This is clearly 'holy' in that the PLD kneels down as if praying when the spell is cast, and what appear to be angel feathers materialize around the PLD when it's cast. So there is definitely 'light' aspected aetherial manipulation going on, in keeping with the PLD Job's traditional roots throughout the FF series, as 'holy' knights who can also use White Magic (and the natural antithesis of the Dark Knight).

Anyway, good work Sounsyy for that in depth description on the PLD Job.

[ErikMynhier]

Sounsyy pretty much covered everything known about the Sultansworn....

That's because Sounsyy knows all.