I've been slowly working on a homebrew setting that has an ancient world feel. While still a fantasy setting, I've created a variety of fictional civilizations influenced by the roman republic, greek city states, akkad, sumer, etc.
Most classes fit well or are easily polished into place, but as the title suggests there is one that I can't seem to get:
Paladins and their evil counterparts.
The idea of a holy warrior in shining armor fighting for divine lawful good or chaotic ideas just doesn't seem to fit. One issue I've found is the alignment focus, I've downplayed alignment to try and fit more with ancient ideas (slavery, conquering other nations, etc.)
Another issue I'm finding is the gods. Ancient gods weren't really black and white; they were petty and violent, capable of doing both good and bad. They were, as far as I know, more human.
I'd hate to remove the class, but I'm having a hard time making it fit. Any suggestions?