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?
I'd hate to remove the class, but I'm having a hard time making it fit. Any suggestions?
I have a similar homebrew. My short answer is to insert a few lawful good gods. While most of the gods will be petty and have human interests/weaknesses, a paladin needs a patron with a devotion to good and order for the class to work. (That's my opinion. I'm sure someone will argue why there can be a Paladin of Asmodeus).
The long answer: I agree that Roman/Greek myths typically don't support a paladin like character. My typical inspiration for Paladins are the romanticized versions of christian knights and crusaders devoted to ideals like charity, honor, etc. Since they really didn't exist in ancient myths, it's hard to find a replacement. The closest equivalent that came to mind were the judges of Israel from the Old Testament. They were not infallible, but were supposed to be protectors of the people of Israel. The Bible is a good start for further reading, or you can look up Testament: Roleplaying in the Biblical Era (which was available through Paizo).
So I have a paladin class, thought they are just as likely to call themselves judges or holy warriors. They are devoted to protecting people who worship the gods of good. They don't necessarily wear full plate, but fill the same niche.