Marshals and Paladins of Solance

 The Marshals and Paladins of Solance

This group of specialized warriors and leaders work to serve the god Ios via attachment to national military organizations and through conducting their own operations, both clandestine and in classic warfare.

Solance is where one would find the main temple of Ios, located on a small chain of islands near the top of the northern hemisphere of Daein. The Temple of Solance sees about two months of summer before enduring another ten months of winter. It is also where the twelve Marshal-Generals meet biannually. Marshal-General Malcolm is the Marshal in charge of Solance and oversees the training of all Marshals and Paladin Maris Imores oversees the training of new Paladins.

The training that takes place in Solance is difficult, painful, and thorough. The Five Tennants of Ios are beaten into the Marshal and Paladin recruits for the enture duration of their training. No books or entertainment are given to them, only a copy of the White Book (The Book of Ios) for them to read, day in and day out. All Marshals and Paladins are expected to memorize the book and are allowed to do nothing else besides train, eat, and sleep until they have done so. Once the book is memorized, true training begins.

Marshals and Paladins are taught the basic powers of Ios. Healing, sensing evil, and Light. Paladins are further trained in the additional powers granted to them, True-Light and Blessing. Marshals and Paladins are trained on a variety of weapons and become masters of them. There is no discrimination based on gender; The smallest female is expected to be able to conquer the strongest male.

They are taught tactics there and are learned in the politics of nations including the customs and courtesies that are advised in each area. In addition, they are taught that they are no longer part of any nation or ruled by any King. They are subjects of Solance and before that, Subjects of Ios.

Solance is the largest source of mystic artifacts. It is also the location of the Deceiver's Tree. The Deceiver's Tree is were Paladins hang the heads of those that have either betrayed the trust of Ios, committed great sins, or Marshals that stray from Ios in favor of Sevas.