SephirothduLac's page

The Paladin is a awkward class at times and very story driven. It's always been one of my favorites because of this but more and more in this day and age the paladin seems to fall into the category of two camps. PLaying to become a Black Guard (Thankfully the Anti-Paladin Class fixed this in a lot of groups) or Playing the no nonsense stuff shirt. This has to do with the Paladin's Code. But that thankfully is why being a DM is so rewarding. We can suit the changes. We can decide what the deity or force that the Paladin follows sees as Evil.

For Example I am currently playing a female Paladin that disguises herself as her long dead brother in order to atone for causing his death and retaking her rightful place as ruler. Not wanting to be seen as the former evil noble she was in her youth she took his identity to hide from the revolutionaries and never really changed out of it. She acts like a Paladin should. Writing wrongs. Doing Good. Seeking to avenge the downtrodden in atonement for her past sins. But she also lies about who she is. Hiding the truth behind the ideal knight persona.

This act is not in her deities opinion evil. Her lie doesn't harm anyone nor does it cause her to violate the tenants of her beliefs. In fact it has aided in gathering support for her allies and the church. It adds a story element not normally seen. The evil soul trying to atone for her deeds by wearing the face of her (in her opinion) victim. She cared about her brother and honors his name never taking the credit for her own accomplishments.

Now according to the Paladin code the very act of lying is dishonorable and would automatically discount her from Paladinhood. But that's the thing a diety can decide that the ends justify the means. That her actions are not dishonorable but instead self sacrificing. It is a great example of how a deity decides who is a Paladin not a set code of game rules. It works for the story element because it is not a dishonorable act. Now if she lied to an enemy intent on inflicting harm that is evil. If she harmed and innocent through her actions or used poison or the like then yes, that is dishonorable. But that's the reasn why the DM decides these things. Because you can't decide morals from a book (Yes, even the bible).

Morals are what you as a person or being decide they are. Your gaming group is no different. Different Gods think of Honor differently. Honor to a God of Battle is not the same as one to a God of Death. Remember ask your DM what is your deities beliefs. Remember Lawful Good is also not lawful dumb. Just because you follow the rules and fight for good doesn't mean you can't be a BA. Paladins are even more so BA because of their beliefs. Write down the code and flesh it out. Just some helpful opinions and tips for quality role-playing.

And as always ... Play Responsibly.