Paladin Backstory Generator: The Oath and What It Cost

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Paladin Backstory Generator: The Oath and What It Cost: 30 backstories

Swore never to leave a table before the youngest has eaten. The oath was heard by a scarecrow leaning in a stubble field. Before that, they were tutored in six tongues and no kindness. It was tested when a friend asked for one small exception. Bears a bramble spray on silver. Carries a banner entrusted by the last of a company.

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Sworenever to leave a table before the youngest has eaten
Heard bya scarecrow leaning in a stubble field
Before thatthey were tutored in six tongues and no kindness
It was testedwhen a friend asked for one small exception
Bearsa bramble spray on silver
Carriesa banner entrusted by the last of a company

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Swore never to leave a table before the youngest has eaten. The oath was heard by a scarecrow leaning in a stubble field. Before that, they were tutored in six tongues and no kindness. It was tested when a friend asked for one small exception. Bears a bramble spray on silver. Carries a banner entrusted by the last of a company.
Swore to walk the same road each night until it is safe. The oath was heard by the very person it was sworn against. Before that, they were painted in full plate before earning any. It was tested when a child needed them somewhere the oath did not go. Bears a single white snowdrop on green. Carries the seal of a house that no longer stands.
Swore to carry a stolen weathercock back to its steeple. The oath was heard by an owl in the rafters. Before that, they guarded a tax collector's strongbox. It was tested by a comfortable lie about a friend's cooking. Bears a gold key on red. Carries the last words of the knight before them.
Swore to carry a stolen weathercock back to its steeple. The oath was heard by a blacksmith, who went on working. Before that, they were a runaway who was brought home gently. It was tested when two villages needed them on the same night. Bears a black ram's head on white. Carries something told to them in confidence.
Swore to clear the name of a comrade wrongly blamed. The oath was heard by a wedding party that had hoped for a speech. Before that, they judged cases and slept well, then badly. It was tested the day a plea for help came from the wrong side. Bears a bramble spray on silver. Carries a tourney ribbon they did not earn fairly.
Swore to give a true answer to any honest question. The oath was heard by a thief in the rafters, who climbed down afterward. Before that, they held a gate and asked no questions. It was tested when a child needed them somewhere the oath did not go. Bears a red fess on white, quite plain. Carries a question they have sworn to ask one person.
Swore to keep one day a month for mending their own gear. The oath was heard by the very person it was sworn against. Before that, they baked for a garrison and heard everything. It was tested by a rude toll keeper and an answer left unsaid. Bears a hedgehog on a green field. Carries a whetstone worn to a saddle shape.
Swore never to raise their voice. The oath was heard by a rival who had come to laugh and stayed. Before that, they wrote the laws they now find inconvenient. It was tested the morning a faster horse was left untied. Bears a black anvil on gold. Carries a set of lockpicks, tied shut with wire.
Swore to learn the name of everyone they help. The oath was heard by a nurse who took it for fever talk. Before that, they were a champion for hire with a list of names. It was tested when they were simply, completely bored. Bears a chevron between three bells. Carries a debt of thanks to a stranger never found.
Swore never to leave a camp before its fire is out. The oath was heard by the losing side, after the surrender. Before that, they were painted in full plate before earning any. It was tested through a month of rain with no roof they would take. Bears a chevron between three bells. Carries the trust of a whole village.
Swore to say thank you to the horse each evening. The oath was heard by a grandmother who made them add a clause. Before that, they collected rents on land they never walked. It was tested when keeping it helped the wrong people for a while. Bears a polished shield that shows whoever faces it. Carries a question they have sworn to ask one person.
Swore to finish what their teacher left undone. The oath was heard by the squire who would later take their place. Before that, they were a gravedigger who knew everyone's name. It was tested when a duke offered a castle for one blind eye. Bears seven small stars on black. Carries a mending kit rolled in the cloak hem.
Swore never to leave a table before the youngest has eaten. The oath was heard by a suit of mail on a stand. Before that, they inherited a debt of thanks they did not earn. It was tested on their own name day, which passed unmarked. Bears a comet, gold on blue. Carries the trust of a whole village.
Swore to teach one pupil all they know. The oath was heard by their own mother, who did not approve. Before that, they were betrothed to a title and declined it. It was tested by an apology they owed to a goat. Bears a patched surcoat with no device at all. Carries a shepherd's whistle that calls nothing now.
Swore to return what their order took. The oath was heard by a suit of mail on a stand. Before that, they were a midwife's apprentice. It was tested when the people they served stopped saying thank you. Bears a gold key on red. Carries the last words of the knight before them.
Swore to count ten before every answer. The oath was heard by a tax collector waiting to be paid first. Before that, they were the darling of a court for one summer. It was tested on reading closely what they had actually sworn. Bears a white wavy band on blue, for a river. Carries a court slipper, kept as a warning.
Swore to serve a year at each place that asks. The oath was heard by every apprentice in the yard. Before that, they kept bees and avoided people. It was tested by a child's question with no comfortable answer. Bears a pair of scales on silver. Carries a roll of people to thank, most of them ticked.
Swore to mend what they find broken on the road. The oath was heard by a hall of knights who had heard better. Before that, they were tutored in six tongues and no kindness. It was tested when no one could say whether it had ever mattered. Bears a single white snowdrop on green. Carries a shield on loan from a town hall wall.
Swore to stand between any two people about to fight. The oath was heard by a market that fell quiet stall by stall. Before that, they kept an inn and broke up every fight in it. It was tested when the cause they swore to was renamed twice. Bears a single red diamond on white. Carries a hope that the relief is on its way.
Swore to carry any message entrusted to them, unread. The oath was heard by a market that fell quiet stall by stall. Before that, they were a hermit who was bad at being alone. It was tested when the order that trained them shut its doors. Bears a black winter oak, roots showing, on silver. Carries a set of lockpicks, tied shut with wire.
Swore to answer every plea for help, however small. The oath was heard by a class of children on a school visit. Before that, they trained horses for wars they did not ride to. It was tested when the guest they had to shelter was their old captain. Bears a red fox running on white. Carries a blade they have sworn to hand on.
Swore to keep one day a month for mending their own gear. The oath was heard by the stars, on the first clear night in a month. Before that, they picked locks for an honest locksmith's rival. It was tested when keeping it helped the wrong people for a while. Bears an oak leaf, gold on green. Carries a pardon they have never used.
Swore never to draw a blade in anger. The oath was heard by an innkeeper, through a thin wall. Before that, they were a page who dropped the cup at the worst moment. It was tested by a dare they would certainly have won. Bears a gold bee on black. Carries a spare horseshoe and the nails for it.
Swore to answer every plea for help, however small. The oath was heard by their own reflection in a horse trough. Before that, they were a novice who asked too many questions. It was tested the night they dreamed they had already failed. Bears a sheaf of wheat on blue. Carries the written oath, folded to the size of a thumb.
Swore to rebuild one wall for each wall they brought down. The oath was heard by an owl in the rafters. Before that, they slept in a hayloft over a hall of knights. It was tested by an apology they owed to a goat. Bears a shield quartered, two quarters left bare. Carries a speech they were too shy to give.
Swore to serve a village too poor to pay a knight. The oath was heard by a messenger who repeated it wrong in three towns. Before that, they were a smuggler with one line they kept to. It was tested when the cause they swore to was renamed twice. Bears someone else's arms with a line struck through. Carries a ring to deliver to an heir they have not found.
Swore to undo one unkind word a day. The oath was heard by a thief in the rafters, who climbed down afterward. Before that, they were a smuggler with one line they kept to. It was tested by a child's question with no comfortable answer. Bears a broken chain on white. Carries a second cloak, for whoever needs one.
Swore to give a true answer to any honest question. The oath was heard by a dog that has followed them ever since. Before that, they were a midwife's apprentice. It was tested the evening their horse sat down in the road. Bears three acorns on white. Carries something told to them in confidence.
Swore to serve a village too poor to pay a knight. The oath was heard by a well, which took a moment to answer. Before that, they slept in a hayloft over a hall of knights. It was tested when a second oath, sworn in haste, tripped over the first. Bears a white tower on blue. Carries a pardon they have never used.
Swore to finish what their teacher left undone. The oath was heard by a tax collector waiting to be paid first. Before that, they were a miller's youngest, good at carrying sacks. It was tested by a child's question with no comfortable answer. Bears a child's drawing of a horse, copied faithfully. Carries the reins of a horse that belongs to the village.

Next step Design the face under the helm Pick a pose for the oath scene

Swore: all 60 oaths

To guard 12

to guard a library from damp, fire and borrowers A ring of keys and a very gentle way of saying no.
to hold a door for whoever comes last One hand on a heavy door and nobody yet in sight down the road.
to hold a river crossing until someone takes over Nobody has come to relieve them. Draw moss on the boots.

Show all 60 oaths (57 more)

To guard, continued

to keep a beacon stocked with dry wood An armful of kindling carried like something precious.
to keep a child's secret hiding place secret Standing with their back to a hollow tree, studying the sky.
to keep a mountain pass open through every winter A shovel strapped where a second sword would go.
to protect an orchard planted by somebody else Standing under blossom with a basket and a drawn look of duty.
to see every market day end without a quarrel Leaning on a stall post, arms folded, watching hands.
to stand at a gate that no one uses now Polishing the hinges of a door that opens onto a field.
to stand between any two people about to fight Arms out to both sides, palms flat, eyes shut in patience.
to walk the same road each night until it is safe A worn track in the grass, exactly one stride wide.
to watch a well and let every stranger drink Sitting on the rim with a ladle, in plate to the neck.

To serve 12

to answer every plea for help, however small Kneeling in full mail to get a cat out of a drain.
to be the last to eat at any table Standing behind a chair, plate empty, counting heads.
to carry any message entrusted to them, unread A satchel worn across the chest, flap buckled twice.
to escort the old schoolmaster home each evening Matching a slow walk, helmet under one arm.
to finish what their teacher left undone A list in two handwritings, the lower half fresher.
to give a true answer to any honest question Jaw set, eyes closed, about to say something unwelcome.
to mend what they find broken on the road A hammer at the belt and a wheel going back on a cart.
to serve a village too poor to pay a knight Paid in turnips. Draw the sack of turnips.
to serve a year at each place that asks A calendar scratched inside the shield.
to speak for anyone who has no one to speak for them Standing in a court with one hand raised and a nervous farmer behind.
to stay until the harvest is in Sleeves rolled to the elbow, pitchfork in hand.
to teach one pupil all they know A smaller figure in the same stance half a pace behind.

To put right 12

to bring a lost company's banner home A furled cloth, carried upright even when nobody watches.
to carry a stolen weathercock back to its steeple A brass bird under one arm, pointing wherever they turn.
to carry an apology to every house on a list Standing at a door, saying the words over under their breath.
to clear the name of a comrade wrongly blamed A bundle of letters tied with string, read thin.
to find the owner of a shield left on a field Two shields on one back. Only one has their device.
to give back a title they were given by mistake A sealed scroll held out at arm's length.
to pay a debt their family will not admit Counting coins onto a stranger's table.
to plant a tree for every one their army burned Seedlings in the saddlebags, roots wrapped in wet cloth.
to rebuild one wall for each wall they brought down Mortar on the gauntlets.
to restore a road their own siege machines ruined Setting cobbles one at a time on hands and knees.
to return what their order took A crate on a handcart and a long list of addresses.
to undo one unkind word a day A tally of small marks on the scabbard.

Never to 12

never to break bread with a liar Eating alone at a feast, perfectly content.
never to draw a blade in anger The sword is tied into its scabbard with a ribbon gone soft with age.
never to leave a camp before its fire is out Pouring a helm full of water on the ashes while the others ride off.
never to leave a table before the youngest has eaten Seated last at the low end, cutting up somebody's dinner.
never to raise their voice A whole courtyard leaning in to hear them.
never to ride when their companions must walk Leading a fine horse by the reins, a child in the saddle.
never to sit while their lord's enemy stands Standing through a very long banquet, expression fixed.
never to speak of the deed that won their spurs A medal worn face inward.
never to take payment for a kindness A hand closing someone else's fingers back over a coin.
never to take the bed while anyone has the floor A bedroll on the boards beside an empty bed.
never to tell a lie, even a kind one Looking at a friend's terrible painting. The pause is the picture.
never to turn back once a task is begun Halfway across a river that is deeper than it looked.

Small and strange 12

to answer a letter that arrives once a year Reading by firelight with the gauntlets off.
to count ten before every answer Lips moving, one finger tapping the pommel.
to eat nothing they have not shared Breaking an apple in half without looking to see who is there.
to finish a song for someone who forgot the ending Humming at a campfire, counting on their fingers.
to greet every dawn on their feet A silhouette on a hill with the sun at knee height.
to keep a window lit for someone still out Cupping a flame against the wind with a mailed hand.
to keep one day a month for mending their own gear Needle, thread, a boot and a look of total focus.
to learn the name of everyone they help A small book of names, alphabetical, nearly full.
to light a lamp in every dark doorway they pass A taper behind one ear like a carpenter's pencil.
to plant an acorn in every place they keep safe A pouch of acorns at the belt, lighter each year.
to say thank you to the horse each evening Forehead to forehead with a carthorse.
to wear no helm until the oath is kept Hair wild from years of weather.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each oath is one promise small enough to picture: a place to guard, a person to serve, a thing never to do. No real order of knights, saint, crusade or nation is named or copied. The origin of the word (the paladins were the Twelve Peers, legendary knights of Charlemagne's court, and the term comes through Old French from the Latin for a count of the palace) was checked on 2026-09-30 against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paladin. The notes on what to draw are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

Heard by: all 60 witnesses

One person 12

a blacksmith, who went on working Sparks in the foreground and a kneeling figure behind them.
a child who made them say it twice Small, stern, holding up two fingers.
a cook, through the serving hatch A face framed in a square of light, ladle paused.

Show all 60 witnesses (57 more)

One person, continued

a grandmother who made them add a clause One finger raised. The kneeling figure sighs and goes on.
a judge who wrote it down and filed it Ink, a seal, a shelf. The oath has a number.
a rival who had come to laugh and stayed Leaning on a post with the smirk fading.
a river guide waiting for the fog to lift A pole, a flat boat and nothing to do but listen.
a stonemason carving something else at the time Chisel lifted mid-letter, head turned.
a stranger sharing the same campfire Two bedrolls, one fire, one very surprised stranger.
an old knight on the last day of his service He is handing over a helm. Draw both pairs of hands on it.
the squire who would later take their place Younger, holding the horse, mouthing the words along.
their own mother, who did not approve Arms folded in a doorway. The kneeling is done on a doormat.

A crowd 12

a class of children on a school visit Front row cross-legged, mouths open.
a hall of knights who had heard better Rows of bored faces and one that is paying attention.
a harvest crew resting on their rakes Late sun, long shadows, hats pushed back.
a market that fell quiet stall by stall Draw the hush moving outward like a ring in water.
a row of wagons held up at a river crossing Wagons backed up along a road behind a kneeling figure.
a ship's crew at the rail Seen from the dock: a line of heads above the side.
a troupe of players who later made it a scene One actor is already copying the pose.
a wedding party that had hoped for a speech A long table of guests, forks down, trading puzzled looks.
a whole village, in the rain Hoods, dripping eaves and one bare head in the middle.
both armies, from opposite hills Two long rows of small figures and one in the valley.
every apprentice in the yard Aprons, tools held still, a master pretending not to watch.
the losing side, after the surrender Tired faces, empty hands, a field between.

Nobody, or nearly 12

a campfire that had nearly gone out Red embers at the bottom edge of a dark page.
a field of standing stones Kneeling in the middle. The stones cast shadows like a crowd.
a milestone with the distance worn off One hand flat on the stone as if it were a book.
a sleeping army Rows of bedrolls and one upright figure among them.
an echo that gave the words back wrong A cliff, a pause, and a frown.
an empty barn with both doors open A square of daylight behind and dust hanging in it.
nobody: it was sworn alone on an empty road One figure, one long road, sky filling most of the page.
only the wind, on a hill above the town Cloak streaming one way, town lights small below.
the sea, at low tide Knees in wet sand and a very flat horizon.
the snow, which kept the shape of their knees Two hollows side by side and footprints walking away.
the stars, on the first clear night in a month Head tipped back, helm in the grass.
their own reflection in a horse trough Two faces, one upside down, both serious.

Beasts and things 12

a banner too faded to read Pale cloth on a pole and a hand raised to it.
a bell that rang before anyone pulled the rope Rope still, bell tilted, everyone looking up.
a carthorse that looked up once One ear turned. That is the whole reaction.
a cat on the windowsill, unimpressed Tail hanging down, eyes half shut.
a dog that has followed them ever since It sits exactly one pace behind in every later scene.
a mill wheel that did not stop turning Water falling across the background in an even rhythm.
a row of crows on a fence Seven birds, seven tilted heads.
a scarecrow leaning in a stubble field Kneeling in stubble before a figure with straw for hands.
a statue whose plaque has worn smooth Moss on the shoulders and a blank plaque.
a suit of mail on a stand Empty, upright, lit from the side like a second knight.
a well, which took a moment to answer Leaning over the rim, waiting for the words to come back up.
an owl in the rafters Two round eyes at the top of the frame.

People who were not meant to hear 12

a captor who laughed and then let them go An open gate and a hand waved in dismissal.
a clerk who found it in a ledger years later A finger on one line and spectacles pushed up.
a king who had not asked for it Halfway through lunch, fork lowered.
a messenger who repeated it wrong in three towns Three speech scrolls, each a little grander.
a nurse who took it for fever talk A cool cloth on a forehead and a patient nod.
a painter who put it in a mural, slightly improved The painted version has better hair.
a sentry on the far side of the door Back to the wood, eyes sliding sideways.
a tax collector waiting to be paid first A ledger held open and a foot tapping.
a thief in the rafters, who climbed down afterward Boots dangling above the kneeling figure.
an innkeeper, through a thin wall A glass against the plaster and an ear against the glass.
the knight they had just unhorsed Sitting in the mud, helmet off, listening in spite of himself.
the very person it was sworn against Standing in the doorway behind them, eyebrows raised.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. An oath needs a witness, and the witness decides the scene: a hall, a roadside, an empty field. No real person, order or saint is named. The notes on what to draw are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

Before that: all 60 earlier lives

Under arms 12

they carried a banner and never saw what it led to Arms that still rise to hold a pole when a crowd gathers.
they guarded a tax collector's strongbox Still stands with one foot on any chest in the room.
they held a gate and asked no questions A habit of looking past people instead of at them.

Show all 60 earlier lives (57 more)

Under arms, continued

they kept a castle's keys and none of its secrets Hand at the belt where the ring used to hang.
they rode escort for whoever paid A purse with coins from six different mints.
they stood watch on a wall nobody attacked Leans on parapets, rails and fences out of pure habit.
they trained horses for wars they did not ride to Horses come to them across fields.
they were a champion for hire with a list of names The list is in a boot. Most names have a small apology beside them now.
they were a herald who announced other knights Knows every device by sight. Still has the announcing chin.
they were a sergeant who drilled other people's children A parade voice kept on a very short leash.
they were a tourney champion who threw matches A shelf of trophies turned to face the wall.
they were the worst archer in a famous company Squints at distant things and then shrugs.

In a trade 12

they baked for a garrison and heard everything Forearms dusted pale, memory for faces and grudges.
they drove a cart between two towns for twenty years Knows that one road like a song.
they kept an inn and broke up every fight in it A calm that fills a doorway.
they kept bees and avoided people Moves slowly. Never swats at anything.
they mended nets and distrusted anything shiny Fingers that still knot a loose thread without looking.
they were a clerk who altered one figure, once Ink stain on the middle finger that never quite went.
they were a gravedigger who knew everyone's name Takes their hat off to places as well as people.
they were a mason who built walls for both sides Runs a thumb along mortar lines when thinking.
they were a midwife's apprentice Steady hands. Unbothered by shouting.
they were a ratcatcher with a good dog The dog is in the scene. It outranks the horse.
they were a shipwright who never went to sea Taps wooden things to hear if they are sound.
they were a stable hand who slept beside the tack Checks every buckle twice. Smells faintly of hay in any scene.

From a high place 12

they collected rents on land they never walked Looks at fields as if seeing them for the first time.
they commanded from a hilltop and never came down Dismounts first now, in every scene.
they inherited a debt of thanks they did not earn Bows to strangers who look puzzled by it.
they judged cases and slept well, then badly Holds both sides of any argument at arm's length.
they owned a tower and were afraid of the stairs Prefers a ground floor. Sits near doors.
they sat on a council that voted the wrong way Raises a hand slowly, remembering.
they were a third heir with nothing to do Fine boots, worn hard. The crest has been picked off the saddle.
they were betrothed to a title and declined it A ring on a cord, never on the hand.
they were painted in full plate before earning any The portrait is flattering. They avoid that hall.
they were the darling of a court for one summer Still bows too beautifully for a roadside.
they were tutored in six tongues and no kindness Says thank you in each of them now, carefully.
they wrote the laws they now find inconvenient Quotes the clause, sighs, obeys it.

From the roadside 12

they begged at the gate they now ride through Slows the horse there every time.
they carried water for an army and were not thanked Offers water first, before greetings.
they picked locks for an honest locksmith's rival Keeps their hands clasped behind them near doors.
they ran with a company of very poor actors Can fall off a horse convincingly and without harm.
they slept in a hayloft over a hall of knights Knows the code by heart from the wrong side of the floorboards.
they sold lucky charms from a tray Winces at anything described as genuine.
they were a deserter who turned round Faces the direction others are leaving.
they were a hermit who was bad at being alone Talks to the horse in full sentences.
they were a poacher who knew every warden's step Walks softly in plate, which should not be possible.
they were a smuggler with one line they kept to That line became the oath. Draw the same stubborn jaw at both ages.
they were a toll dodger with a fast pony Pays every toll twice.
they were turned away by three orders before a fourth Three patched places on the cloak where badges were unpicked.

Very young 12

they were a bell ringer who rang the alarm in time Looks up at every tower.
they were a child who promised a dying garden rain Carries a watering can's worth of guilt and a real flask.
they were a foundling raised by a garrison cook Calls a ladle by a pet name.
they were a miller's youngest, good at carrying sacks Shoulders first, then everything else.
they were a novice who asked too many questions One eyebrow that has never fully come down.
they were a page who dropped the cup at the worst moment Carries things with both hands.
they were a runaway who was brought home gently Knows the look and stops for it.
they were a shepherd who searched all night for one lamb Still counts heads in any group.
they were a squire to a knight who never rose early Up before dawn out of old resentment.
they were a twin, and the other one was the brave one Glances to one side before any hard thing.
they were an orchard thief caught by a kind farmer Cannot pass a windfall apple without picking it up for someone.
they were the smallest child in a large and loud family Waits for a gap before speaking. Fills it completely.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. The earlier life is what the oath has to overcome, so each entry leaves a habit that still shows under the mail. None names a real order, army or country. The notes on what to draw are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

It was tested: all 60 tests

By an easier road 12

the day a lie would have saved a week of riding Mouth open, then shut. Saddlebags already half packed.
the morning a faster horse was left untied Patting its neck and walking on to their own slow one.
the night a warm inn stood beside the cold road Firelit windows on one side of the page, a figure in the dark on the other.

Show all 60 tests (57 more)

By an easier road, continued

when a duke offered a castle for one blind eye A deed held out across a table and a hand that stays in a lap.
when a friend asked for one small exception Two old comrades at a table and a very quiet no.
when a shortcut ran through a planted field Leading the horse the long way round a crop, in the rain.
when the crowd begged them to break it just once A hundred pleading faces and one shaking head.
when the enemy's offer was honestly better A fair contract, read twice and handed back.
when the gold was already in their saddlebag Unbuckling the bag at the roadside to give it back.
when the only witness was asleep A snoring guard, an open door and one long pause.
when the reward would have paid their family's debt A purse on a table, weighed with the eyes only.
when the road was empty in both directions A choice made with no one watching. Draw the long shadows.

By plain weariness 12

at the hundredth door that would not open Knuckles raised to knock, held there a moment.
the evening their horse sat down in the road Sitting beside it, back to back, both done for the day.
in the ninth winter, when it still was not finished Snow to the knee and a calendar of scratches on a fence rail.
on the day they forgot why they had sworn it Staring at their own shield as if reading it for the first time.
on their own name day, which passed unmarked A date noticed on a letter, hours too late.
through a month of rain with no roof they would take Water running off the helm in a steady line.
the week the supplies ran to a single onion The onion, quartered with great ceremony.
when the people they served stopped saying thank you A village going about its day past a figure it no longer sees.
when the task turned out twice as long as promised A new signpost, read slowly, with a hand on one hip.
when their mail had rusted through at both knees Patches of leather sewn where metal used to be.
when they were simply, completely bored Chin on the pommel, counting sheep that are actually there.
the year the letters from home stopped Checking with the carrier anyway, and nodding.

By two duties at once 12

the day a plea for help came from the wrong side An enemy tabard and an outstretched hand.
when a child needed them somewhere the oath did not go One look back, and then going anyway.
when a second oath, sworn in haste, tripped over the first Two scrolls unrolled side by side and a finger on each.
when keeping it meant missing a sister's wedding Hearing bells from a hill, hat off.
when mercy for one meant a long wait for many A line of patient faces and one person being heard out.
when putting it right would have put a family out Looking up at a ceiling beam with a familiar carving.
when the guest they had to shelter was their old captain A stiff nod across a small fire.
when the kind thing and the sworn thing came apart Shoulder to a door, wind and rain coming through, deciding.
when the person it was sworn for asked them to stop Two figures on a fence, one looking away.
when the truth they owed would shame a friend Saying it anyway, looking at the floor.
when their lord's order and the oath pointed opposite ways A sealed order in one hand, the other on the sword hilt, neither moving.
when two villages needed them on the same night A crossroads, two fires on two horizons, a horse turning.

By doubt 12

the day a child asked what the oath was for Kneeling to eye level, opening the mouth, and stopping.
the night they dreamed they had already failed Sitting upright in a bedroll, one hand already on the boots.
on reading closely what they had actually sworn A scroll held near a candle, one line underlined.
when a wiser person called it a foolish promise, kindly A hand on the shoulder and a long exhale.
when keeping it helped the wrong people for a while A village of ungrateful faces and a jaw set against them.
when no one could say whether it had ever mattered An old post, a quiet road, and a figure staying anyway.
when someone they admired admitted breaking the same vow Two figures on a bench, the older one studying their hands.
when the cause they swore to was renamed twice Three banners on one pole, the older ones underneath.
when the order that trained them shut its doors A gate chained from inside and a notice nailed to it.
when the reason they were given turned out to be false A letter held up to the sun, then folded again with care.
when the village they saved had not wanted saving A thank-you delivered through a closed door.
when what they protected turned out not to need it Looking over a wall for the first time at an empty field.

By small things 12

by a child's question with no comfortable answer Is the cake good. It is not. The cake is right there.
by a comfortable lie about a friend's cooking A spoon halfway to the mouth and a host watching closely.
by a compliment they could not honestly return A long pause and then praise for the hat.
by a dare they would certainly have won Hands clasped behind the back while others lay down coins.
by a locked pantry and a long night Sitting against the pantry door, arms folded, stomach audible.
by a puddle the width of the road and a borrowed cloak Carrying the cloak over the head and wading.
by a purse found outside a bakery when hungry Looking from the purse to the window and back.
by a rude toll keeper and an answer left unsaid Coins counted out very slowly, one at a time.
by a stone in the boot on a long day's march Every tenth step is slightly different.
by a wasp inside the helm at a solemn moment Rigid at attention, eyes very wide.
by an apology they owed to a goat Down on one knee in a farmyard, entirely sincere.
by the last seat on a crowded coach Standing on the step in the rain, holding the door for someone.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each test is the day the oath cost something, and it is told without injury: the price is comfort, pride, money or time. The notes on what to draw are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

Bears: all 60 devices

Beasts 12

a black boar on gold Black is sable, gold is or. One solid shape with a small bright eye.
a black ram's head on white Front on, horns curling to fill the upper corners.
a blue heron standing on silver A tall thin charge suits a tall shield. Let the legs reach the point.

Show all 60 devices (57 more)

Beasts, continued

a gold bee on black Keep the bee large: a small charge is lost at any distance.
a green frog on gold Sitting, seen from above, four legs splayed like a small star.
a hedgehog on a green field A half circle of short strokes. It should make people smile and then think.
a red fox running on white Red is gules. Stretch the fox the full width of the shield.
a squirrel on gold with its tail over its head The tail does the work: draw it as one big curve behind the back.
a white otter on a green field Heralds would call the green vert and the white argent. Leave the otter as bare paper.
a white owl on black Two round eyes are enough to read as an owl from across a field.
three silver fish on blue Blue is azure. Stack the fish, all swimming the same way.
two hares back to back on red Mirror them exactly, tails touching in the middle.

Bands and shapes 12

a bend with three stars along it A bend is a slanting band from the viewer's upper left to the lower right.
a black chief over white A chief is a band right across the top. Keep it about a third deep.
a black saltire on gold A saltire is a diagonal cross, corner to corner.
a blue pale on gold A pale is a stripe straight down the middle of the shield.
a checked border round an empty field Small squares round the rim and a wide plain middle.
a chevron between three bells A chevron is an upside-down V. Two bells above it, one below.
a red fess on white, quite plain A fess is one flat stripe across the middle. Rule it with a straight edge.
a shield halved top to bottom, black and gold One clean line down the middle. The surcoat splits the same way.
a shield quartered, two quarters left bare The bare quarters wait for deeds not yet done.
a single red diamond on white Point up, in the middle of the field. Keep it tall and narrow.
a white wavy band on blue, for a river Three even waves across the middle. It should read from far off.
three gold rings on blue Two above, one below, all the same size.

Plants and sky 12

a black winter oak, roots showing, on silver Branches run out to the shield's edges like cracks in ice.
a bramble spray on silver One arching stem with thorns on the underside and three berries.
a comet, gold on blue A small star with a long tail swept toward one corner.
a gold sun rising behind a black hill Half a disc with straight rays, cut off by one curved line.
a rain cloud above three green furrows A scalloped shape and five slanting lines under it.
a red poppy on gold Four loose petals round a dark middle, on a wiry stem.
a sheaf of wheat on blue Tied in the middle, ears fanning out at the top.
a silver crescent moon on dark blue Horns pointing up. Draw it thin.
a single white snowdrop on green Head bowed. The whole flower is one hooked line and three petals.
an oak leaf, gold on green Lobed outline, one strong vein, the stalk at the bottom.
seven small stars on black Scatter them unevenly, the way a real sky would.
three acorns on white Cups cross-hatched, nuts left plain.

Tools and things 12

a black anvil on gold A flat top, a horn to one side, a wide foot.
a broken chain on white Five links, the middle one open.
a gold key on red Upright, bow at the top, the bit turned to the viewer's left.
a humpbacked bridge, white on green One arch and one dark half circle under it. Water lines are optional.
a ladder, gold on black Leaning slightly, seven rungs, reaching past the top edge.
a lit candle on black The only bright shape on the shield is the flame.
a mill wheel on blue Eight spokes and paddles round the rim.
a pair of scales on silver Level, empty, hung from a single point at the top.
a plain wooden door on white Three planks, two hinges, a ring. It is shut.
a well with a bucket on green A ring of stones seen from the side and a rope going down.
a white tower on blue Three battlements on top and one dark doorway.
an open book, white on red Two curved pages and a line for the spine. No words needed.

Worn, plain or odd 12

a child's drawing of a horse, copied faithfully Five legs. The painter was told to change nothing.
a handprint in whitewash Fingers spread, slightly smeared at the heel of the hand.
a patched surcoat with no device at all Squares of four different cloths where a beast should be.
a polished shield that shows whoever faces it Draw a warped reflection of the viewer's side of the scene.
a question mark, by an honest painter Large, serifed, and taken very seriously by its bearer.
a shield left as bare wood Grain, nail heads and one iron strap across the middle.
a shield repainted so often the beasts overlap Edges of the earlier beasts show round the newest one.
a shield scraped bare Draw the ghost of an older device in the scratches.
a single black dot, meaning unknown Placed a little off the middle on purpose.
half a device, the rest lost to weather A boar's hindquarters and then plain boards.
the outline of a beast nobody finished Chalk lines only. It might be a lion or a dog.
someone else's arms with a line struck through The line is neat and apologetic.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Every design was made up for this list from the common shapes and beasts of heraldry. Plain designs like these have been borne by many real families, so one may match real arms by chance; none is meant as the arms of a real person, order, town or nation. The heraldic words in the notes were checked on 2026-09-30: the tinctures or (gold or yellow), argent (silver or white), gules (red), azure (blue), vert (green) and sable (black) against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture_(heraldry); the pale, fess, bend, chevron, saltire and chief against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordinary_(heraldry); a charge as any emblem on the field against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charge_(heraldry); and the field as the whole surface of the shield against https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heraldry. The drawing notes are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

Carries: all 60 burdens

Owed and borrowed 12

a banner entrusted by the last of a company Furled, cased in oilcloth, carried upright even in a boat.
a blade they have sworn to hand on Wrapped in cloth, never drawn, checked every evening.
a book borrowed from a library that has since moved A due slip tucked in the cover, years out of date.

Show all 60 burdens (57 more)

Owed and borrowed, continued

a borrowed sword they must give back A tag on the hilt with another name on it.
a debt of thanks to a stranger never found Scanning every crowd for one half-remembered face.
a helm two sizes too large, left to them in a will Padded inside with a folded scarf.
a pair of boots to return to their owner Tied by the laces to the saddle, soles outward.
a purse that is not theirs to open Sealed with wax and worn inside the shirt.
a ring to deliver to an heir they have not found On a cord with a scrap of paper giving a name and half an address.
a shield on loan from a town hall wall A pale square on the wall back home, the shape of a shield.
the reins of a horse that belongs to the village Groomed better than the rider. Children wave at it by name.
the spurs of the knight who trained them Too long in the shank. They click a beat behind each step.

Letters and tokens 12

a blank page for the name of the next to swear Kept clean in a leather sleeve.
a child's ribbon tied to the hilt The one bright thing on a weathered figure.
a letter to open only when the oath is kept The seal is whole. The corners are worn round from handling.
a map with one place marked and no reason given A small inked cross where no road goes.
a pardon they have never used Folded behind the shield strap, the ribbon still tied.
a pressed flower from the place they swore Flat and brown inside the lid of a tinderbox.
a receipt for a horse, a helm and a promise Three items, one price, signed with a thumbprint.
a roll of people to thank, most of them ticked Each tick made with one straight, careful stroke.
a speech they were too shy to give Four pages in a tight hand, word perfect, never spoken.
a squire's unanswered letter Read soft at the folds. A reply begun on the back.
the seal of a house that no longer stands A carved stamp with nothing left to stamp.
the written oath, folded to the size of a thumb Kept in the cuff where the pulse is.

From the life before 12

a baker's apron, folded under the saddle Flour still in the seams.
a beekeeper's veil Rolled in the helm as padding.
a clerk's pen, cut down to a stub Behind the ear, forgotten there.
a court slipper, kept as a warning One embroidered shoe in a saddlebag of plain gear.
a first sword, made of wood Strapped under the bedroll. One edge is chewed.
a mason's plumb line, used for standing straight Hung from a branch at camp, checked like a clock.
a ring of keys to doors long since given away Heavy, useless, polished by a thumb.
a set of lockpicks, tied shut with wire The wire has been twisted tight by someone who knows knots.
a shepherd's whistle that calls nothing now They try it sometimes, facing the hills.
a soup ladle of sentimental value Hung at the belt beside the sword, the same length.
a toll keeper's handbell Stuffed with a rag so it cannot ring.
a tourney ribbon they did not earn fairly Tied round a tent pole where they have to look at it.

Plain and useful 12

a bag of oats, for any horse but theirs first Their own horse watches with open disapproval.
a coil of rope for other people's wells Slung across the body like a sash.
a horn for calling help, not for giving orders Hung low on the left where either hand can reach.
a mending kit rolled in the cloak hem A row of neat repairs down one side.
a pot that has fed three villages Dented, blackened, lid tied on with cord.
a second cloak, for whoever needs one It is always the better of the two.
a shovel, for snow and for ditches Blade up behind one shoulder, the handle worn pale.
a spare horseshoe and the nails for it Clinking in a pocket. Offered to any rider in trouble.
a tin of saddle soap Leather on this figure gleams. Metal comes second.
a tinderbox that works in rain Cupped in both hands under the cloak.
a whetstone worn to a saddle shape More used on other people's kitchen knives than on the sword.
dry socks in oilcloth, never lent The one selfish thing they own.

Heavy in other ways 12

a habit of counting exits, from the old life Eyes moving round a room before the body sits.
a hope that the relief is on its way One long look down the road each evening.
a question they have sworn to ask one person Rehearsed so often that the horse knows it.
a reputation they are trying to deserve Children pointing. The paladin studying their own boots.
a rest they have promised themselves afterward A sketch of a small house, kept with the oath.
a temper kept folded very small Knuckles pale on the reins, voice perfectly even.
the first line of an apology, still unfinished Written on the inside of the wrist guard.
the last words of the knight before them Said under the breath before anything difficult.
the memory of a door they did not hold A slight flinch at every closing door.
the name of someone they failed to help Lips shaping it at odd moments.
something told to them in confidence Mouth a firm line whenever a certain town is named.
the trust of a whole village A line of doorways, each with someone watching them leave.

How this list was compiled: Original list written for Draw This Next, September 2026. Each entry is something owed, kept or packed, and a few are not objects at all. Weapons appear only as things carried, never in use. The notes on where each one shows in a drawing are our own suggestions. Licence: own work

How it works

This paladin backstory generator deals six parts of a sworn life: the oath, who heard it, the life before, the day it was tested, a device for the shield and what the knight carries. It is text only.

Read the full guide

Everything turns on one promise

A paladin in stories is a knight held by a promise. The first part is that promise in plain words, such as to mend what they find broken on the road. Read the test next. It is the day the promise cost something, and it is the scene to stage.

A device you can paint

The fifth part is a design for the shield and surcoat, built as heralds build one: a field with a beast, a band or an object on it. As a knight backstory generator the page works the same way with the oath left out. Draw the device flat first, before it goes on a shield.

Paint the device in flat shapes with no shading. It has to read from the far side of a field.
The life before shows in the hands: a baker's forearms, a clerk's inky finger.
Put the witness in the background of the test scene. They are who the oath is kept for.

Questions and answers

Where does the word paladin come from?

From the old French epics about Charlemagne. His twelve foremost knights, the Twelve Peers, were called paladins, and the word goes back to a Latin title for a count of the palace. Here it means any knight bound by an oath.

What are the shield designs based on?

On real heraldry. The notes use its words: a fess is a stripe across the middle, a chevron an upside-down V. Every design was made up for this list. Plain ones may match some real family's arms by chance; none is meant to.

Is there fighting in it?

No. Weapons appear only as things carried, and every test is told without injury. The cost is comfort, pride, money or time, which is easier to draw than a battle anyway.