There were originally twelve paladins, but now there are only nine left. Two
have fallen in battle, and one is rumored to have become a traitor, although
the Church vehemently denies such slander under penalty of death.
Despite relentless efforts, the Mendelist Holy Order has been unable to produce
a single new paladin over the past three centuries.
It has proven to be just as difficult to replace his sacred armor and
weaponry. Since the destruction of the Holy City of Jerusalem it has
not been possible to harvest more Golgotic tektites necessary
for the process of mechanizing the Paladin's armaments. Therefore,
their elaborate armor (despite the meticulous care of the Dicastery for
the Service of Disciples of the Church Militant) is badly scarred, burned
and corroded, and many pieces of armor have been scheduled to be
reforged in the vain hope of that even the smallest fragment of the
required materials can be recovered. Thus, each paladin is forced to
endure searing pain unlike any earthly suffering where their armor
has been weakened, relying on their unwavering faith during their
lonely crusades toward perdition

In the photo is Gérin, Paladin of the 3rd Circle of Hell. He stands about
17 feet tall (5.18 meters) when preparing for battle.