(note: yes, I realize some people consider the Handbooks to be non-canon, but as far as I can tell this is the
only book which details the order, so when it comes to them, it is canon
)
From the Complete Paladin's Handbook:
Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart
The most prestigious of all orders, the Radiant Heart commands respect from the highest ranks of the aristocracy, who regard its members regarded as dignitaries in their own right. The Radiant Heart honors not only distinguished service, but what is perhaps the most remarkable accomplishment of any paladin-a long life. Primarily a social organization, the Radiant Heart holds a lavish feast every spring, held in the castle of a grateful monarch who donates both the labor and the food. In their free time, members counsel younger paladins, serve as government advisors, and officiate at tournaments.
Requirements: A candidate must be at least 40 years old and have the Etiquette
proficiency. He must have two sponsors: a member of the royalty of his homeland and an active member of the order.
Organization: A chapter has 25 members. The order considers a new candidate only when one of the members dies or voluntarily steps down.
A chapter's High Officers consist of three Prelates, each of 15th level or higher. A Prelate must also have been a member in good standing for no less than 10 years. The Prelates make decisions by consensus, with suggestions from a lieutenant called the Chancellor (a paladin of at least 12th level, also considered a High Officer). When a Prelate dies or retires, the Chancellor takes his place. The Prelates then appoint a new Chancellor. All High Officers wear a tattoo of the order's emblem on their left wrist.
Emblem: A stylized outline of a heart.
Motto: "The courage of one can change the destiny of many."
Benefits: A Radiant Heart member has unlimited access to all lawful good government and church officials, as well as all lawful good aristocrats, land owners, and other elite characters. He receives a +3 bonus to his reaction rolls from all lawful and neutral NPCs instead of the normal +1 bonus. When he dies, the order assumes financial responsibility for his survivors, assuring them a comfortable income for the rest of their lives. The order supplies these funds
from their personal treasuries, or makes arrangements with sympathetic monarchs.
Dismissal: A member who violates his vow to the order, or commits an act heinous
enough to cost him his paladinhood, is beheaded. Should the member flee, the order hunts him down.
Radiant Heart Auxiliary
This is the junior wing of the Most Noble Order of the Radiant Heart, organized to honor outstanding young paladins. Like the Most Noble Order, the Auxiliary is a social organization, though its members may occasionally be called upon to serve or assist their sponsors.
Requirements: A candidate must be at least 4th level. He must be sponsored by an active member of the Most Noble Order. Two Prelates must approve his membership.
Organization: Each Most Noble Order chapter has its own Auxiliary, consisting of no
more than 40 members (15-20 is typical). A Chairman, elected from the ranks, conducts the Auxiliary's meetings; the Chairman is not considered a High Officer.
A paladin serves as a member of the Auxiliary for a five-year term. At the end of that period, he may renew his membership for another five years with the unanimous vote of all current Auxiliary members and the approval of two Prelates. Alternately, he may voluntarily retire to make himself eligible for another order. If he has achieved 9th level and meets the eligibility requirements, he may be considered for full membership in the Most Noble Order. A paladin is not eligible for membership in any order so long as he is an active member of the
Auxiliary.
Emblem: A heart symbol, similar to that of the Most Noble Order, enclosed in a circle. The symbol is embroidered on a sash or painted on a shield.
Motto: "A loyal heart and a faithful spirit."
Benefits: An Auxiliary member does not receive the 500 experience point bonus, nor is he allowed to add an honorific title before his name; these benefits are reserved for order members only. However, he does receive the +1 bonus to his reaction rolls when he displays his emblem.
Dismissal: Standard.
Edited by NiGHTMARE, 10 June 2004 - 07:14 AM.
