Sheyln (Symbol)

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Liberty's Edge

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Elamdri wrote:
Geistlinger wrote:

OK, Elamdri, here's a scenario that should clear up how absurd you are sounding.

Paladin in the city, Detects Evil.

"Whoa, that guy (say an evil priest, maybe obvious, maybe not) just pinged on my evil-dar".

*proceeds with the smiting and the killing*

Paladin arrested for murder.

"But he was evil!"

Killing every evil person you come across isn't just wrong, it's counter-productive at times as well.

Ok, a few points:

A) I don't think a Paladin killing an evil cleric is murder.

B) I didn't say Paladins HAD to go around slaying every evil creature they found, the absolute second that they detect evil. I said that if they detected evil on a creature, they shouldn't then fall for slaying that creature.

C) Paladins are beholden to a higher code of conduct.

D) Paladins should to some degree of crediblity. After all, they're paragons of justice. I'm not saying that makes them some sort of Judge Dredd mind you, but I think "Paladin cuts down someone in the street" and "Rogue cuts down someone in the street" should receive different levels of scrutiny.

E) No one is seeing the holy light smiting the Paladin's foe down?

F) The Cleric has no evil holy symbols on him? Nothing? I find this unlikely.

Okay, I have a major problem with (A). It doesn't matter what alignment something is. If I kill a good cleric or an evil cleric in their sleep, that is murder.

I have a Paladin of Shelyn, and I don't see Detect Evil as proof something deserves death. It mostly tells me two things: I can smite it if I need to, and I'm going to be very suspicious of that creature.

There is also an in between when it comes to redemption. If it picks a fight with me, there is a chance it will die. However, if the creature begs for mercy and doesn't appear to just be getting me to lower my guard to stab me, I'm willing to take a prisoner.