- " And so, The Paladins of Palpatine came into being. Few had fought gallantly. Even fewer survived. For most, the war had ended. For the fearless heroes of the Sun, Sword, and Dragon, the real conflict had only just begun..."
- ―Unknown
The title of Dark Paladin is awarded to the most prominent member of Scholae Palatinae outside of a Summit role at the discretion of the Quaestor. This honorary title is part of Scholae Palatinae’s way of giving a more recognizable thanks to an outstanding member beyond just a medal award. Dark Paladin’s hold the title for life, barring it being stripped for a dereliction of duty.
The Dark Paladins
The Paladins fall under the direct command of the Emperor. Created in the third year of Cotelin, at the dawn of the Seventh Great Jedi War, their purpose was to uphold Scholae Palatinae’s ethos and stand as a shining example of what an active member should strive to represent.
As the crushing fist of Palpatine, the Dark Paladin personified the terrors of the Sith Lord. They were the first on the line of battle, a banner for Scholae Palatinae, leading the soldiers onward. In times of peace, they worked ceasely to further the good of the unit. Through them, the Summit would encourage additional activity and discipline, as the Paladins were highlighted as role models. Only the best were allowed to be displayed as a Paladin.
The Circles of Darkness
At first, the Paladins were given equal rights and privileges. Once named, the honorary title was theirs until death. Eventually it became evident that certain individuals would continue to be exemplars of Scholae Palatinae, even beyond simply being named a Paladin. As such the Circles of Darkness, because a tiered system within the Paladins themselves. A Paladin who continued to show the will and initiative to be named again, would be raised to an even higher level.
The Circles:
1. Dark Paladin
2. Dark Paladin of the Sun
3. Dark Paladin of the Sword
4. Dark Paladin of the Dragon
5. Dark Paladin of the Unyielding Darkness
6. Dark Paladin of the Emperor’s Will
7. Dark Paladin of the Emperor’s Wrath
8. Dark Paladin of the Empire’s Soul
9. Dark Paladin of Palpatine’s Vengeance
Rights and Responsibilities
The Female version of the Dark Paladin armor
A newly appointed Paladin is given an elevated status within the House. They are allowed to help moderate issues within the House, monitor IRC and Message Boards, and help train members as they see fit.
Because only the most capable and trusted are awarded this, they are allowed new freedoms within the Cocytus System itself. They are allowed access to the more restricted sections of the House Headquarters (areas normally reserved for Summit only). They can move their personal quarters to the Hall of the Paladins, a Paladin only complex with lavious rooms, sparring rooms and meditation chambers. The Hall of the Paladins also comes with its own staff of servants and slaves. Upon reaching the 4th Circle of Paladins, they are allowed to construct their own person castle in system. This castle can be used full-time or as a retreat for rest and relaxation.
Paladins are also given rights to utilize any of the ships under the command of the House, save for the Star Destroyers. In times of war, Paladins can choose which vessel they use in combat, or serve upon. In times of peace, if they have a need of a ship, they are given priority clearance to the vessel of their choosing.
Finally each Dark Paladin is given a finely crafted plaque created from materials mined on Judecca itself. The plaques grow more and more lavishly decorated the higher circles a Paladin rises to. They are given as a permanent reminder of the deeds and greatness that brought the Paladin to where they are now.
The Paladins of Scholae Palatinae are an elite fraternity of the very best. Together they are expected answer the calls and duties of the House they serve, but in return they are given the very best of opportunities.
Removal of Honorary
In some cases, Dark Paladins have gone on to leave Scholae Palatinae for other units. This betrayal of loyalty has led to these individuals to be stripped of their Title for a Dereliction of Duty.
Appointed Dark Paladins
Of the First Circle:
Of the Second Circle:
Stripped of Title for Dereliction of Duty: