Holy Vows - Player Choices

Holy Vow

This is my way of giving the players options as to what their character stands for. Most are options that their characters should want to pick, others its an option for them.

There are standard operating items for members of particular races or faiths pick, but individuals always get the chance to choose.

Paladins must choose 3 holy vows, they gain another every 4 levels.
Cleric: 3 vows, if they gain more than 8 levels may have to choose more
Druids & monks 2 vows , they gain another every 5 levels
Some prestige class also must take some of these.

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Bravery: Never show fear. Last to retreat but they cannot use this while defending others.

Celibacy: Remain chaste. While sex is never directly role-played in my games, there are times it is implied. So if tempted even by magic or trickery, a paladin would face sanction. Female knights must take this vow, since they would need to give up their adventuring career if they ever got pregnant.

Challenge: You are open to a challenge in any form, at any time. Few times this is lethal or combat, but you must be ready to prove your self worthy without accepting magical or other aids. Duels are common in many places in my world, as most humans and elves use rapier as their exclusive dueling weapon. Most times combat is fought until someone is disarmed or drawing first blood.  All challenges are completed on the spot without any additional magic being employed; but if the person being already has magic weapons or spells, they do not have to be dropped.

Courtesy: Show respect to those of higher level & station. a non-combat one that has probably caused more trouble than anything else. If nobles or spell-casters are spouting off, the character must bite their tongue and remain civil. Doesn't matter what is being said, civility must always be adhered to.

Freedom: Allow no intelligent being to remain in slavery. (Counts as 3) Slavery is an ongoing theme in my world, as certain creatures such as Halflings are often found enslaved. This can be a huge game-breaker, but if played with finesse can add a lot to the game itself. A lot a druids in my world take this and they make sure animals are treated well. 

Humility: Remain humble in spirit, rejecting adulation and reward. Again, like courtesy, players have to watch what they say. The rewards thing is tricky, as they can accept payment, just not the medals or over-payment. If offered reasonable monetary reward for a service, this is fine.

Loyalty: renounce all ties to family, guild, tower & government; live for their order. One that has been taken many times in the past, players just need to make sure they don't associate with other groups. Their dedication to the order is often a background thing, as players are assumed to spend a certain number of days not in the middle of their team missions, and this is what they associate with. Its also a great source of contacts, rumours and information. 

Neutrality: apolitical. This is one of my favorites. They avoid politics or making any kind of comment on the government or monarchy. They have to be careful not to help either side who is involved. Solomo wizards must take this vow.

Minor Faith: Accept no aid from non-allied churches. So they can either go with alignment or ethos, so if LG chaotic is out. They do not have to disrespect, just will not directly or knowingly work with a cleric or that church or group.

Major Faith: Accept no aid from another’s alignment. (Counts as 2) Much more difficult, but have seen it done effectively.

Minor Poverty: surrender 25% of all wealth attained. Probably the easiest to do; make sure you give your spoils away,

Major Poverty: surrender 75% of all wealth attained. (Counts as 2) Easy to adjudicate, hard for the player.

Obedience: obey all leaders & those of higher status in their specific command; one of the most rarely taken as it can be tricky.

Truth: do not lie or misrepresent the truth. This is actually incredibly difficult at times and I've seen it both abused and used as a straight-jacket. It doesn't mean they can't trick or beguile others, they just cannot deliberately lie or tell falsehoods when speaking to someone or something outside of combat. During combat they won't be discussing matters of issue, so it doesn't really come up. Their silence is not an answer, so even if confronted, if they are ever in doubt, its their own faithful option/