The Paladins of Sun and Moon

The Initiation

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  "To rid true darkness from our world, the Sun and Moon must work in tandem — even if the world does not believe it just." - Regent Metram Quzod

  
  
  
  The initiation can be summed up into three sections: The Request, The Lantern, and The Mirror.
  
  The Request
  
  

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  This is an informal invitation that can either be initiated by a Paladin, or a hopeful recruit. The two are to agree to the terms of a non-lethal sparring match using wooden practice weapons. If the recruit remains standing after one hour against the Paladin, they have passed the first part of the initiation. They are given three tries within the span of a year, and each try may or may not be against the same Paladin. Should they fail all three attempts, they will be deemed unworthy of enlistment, and cannot, under any circumstance, be allowed to move forward with the initiation.
  
  Notes: When individuals agree to the terms of The Request, they are temporarily given the title of Requester. If a Requester fails the first attempt, they receive a small wooden carving of a hand with its middle and index fingers pointing out. If they fail a second time, the Paladin breaks off a finger. If they fail a third, the Paladin breaks the other, signifying the end of the Requester's initiation.
  
  If the Requester loses the hand, they cannot make anymore attempts at the Request, and are denied initiation. If the Requester attempts to recreate a false hand, they'll be denied initiation. Sometimes a Paladin won't call the Requester out on their forgery, and will use the sparring match to chastise them for their falsehood. The hand itself is seen as a symbol of respect. It is not uncommon for failed Requesters to display said hand as a trophy, or used as an offering into Knighthood.

  
  
  The Lantern
  
  

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  The Requester becomes The Journeyer as they embark on the path of The Lantern. This is unofficially considered a Squire's title in the Paladin ranks. It is here where they will learn the fundamentals by studying about the two different schools, and their respective philosophies. They are assigned to a Paladin, typically the same one they sparred against during their Request, who will guide them on their journey. The duration of a Journeyer varies, but it is ultimately up to the Paladin to decide whether the Journeyer is ready for the final step.
  
  Notes: At some point in time the Journeyer and their Paladin will embark on a mission with another pair, usually of the opposite school. This gives the Journeyer better insight on how both Paladin types operate in the real world. This also lets the Paladins observe the behavior and skill set of their Journeyers, which can influence what school they might recommend for them. Not all Journeyers move onto the final step. If they are not deemed worthy to be a Paladin, they're often reassigned to other roles within the Order. While their chances of becoming a Paladin are not completely ruled out, it is a rare instance for a Journeyer in this position to be reconsidered.

  
  
  The Mirror
  
  

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  When The Journeyer reaches the final step, they must not ask themselves: Whom Shall I Serve?, for they should already know.
  
  The time of observance and enlightenment is over. Within The Ritual of Mirrors, one peers into their own reflection while reciting the Rite of Holy Ingest :
  
  
  

  As Requester, I've fared thy invitation
  As Journeyer, I've carried thy lantern
  The eyes of my brother and The eyes of my sister,
  See me, as I see myself, in The Reflection Eternal
  I embrace the path, wholeheartedly,
  Without acquiescence, but conviction
  I hereby invoke the Rite of Holy Ingest...

  
  The Journeyer will then step towards the Master Suncaster or the Nightshade Master. If the former, the Suncaster Master will offer the Bread of Morning Light. If the latter, The Nightshade Master will offer wine, The Midnight Moon. Once the choice has been made, only then does the Journeyer truly begin on the Paladin's road.