So, I was thinking of creating a paladin of Shelyn, but was wondering how to interpret part of Shelyn's paladin code. Specifically, the part that states:
"I am peaceful. I come first with a rose. I act to prevent conflict before it blossoms."
Now, at first I thought this was metaphorical, but the picture next to it actually has a (very stylishly dressed) paladin holding a damn rose. So, do I really have to find roses somewhere? What about a dry, wilted rose when I can't find a fresh rose supplier (e.g. the desert). Do flower merchants in Golarian sell roses by the dozen? Would I need an atonement if all I can find are carnations?
Also, what do I do if I am a ranged Paladin? Do I have to saunder on up to the evil drow noble or whatever and present a rose, then run back to shoot my bow after she takes a swipe at me? Can I tie a rose to the shaft of an arrow and shoot it into the ground in front of the potential opponent? Now, shooting a rose arrow into the drow I concede would be bad form, although that could be a potential loophole.
This is actually handled in Faiths of Purity. (That's also where the image you're referring to is.)
As I remember, paladins of Shelyn have to be devoted to art and create things in addition to being martial.
I recommend checking it out. It's well done.
I'll add that I think that followers of Shelyn would probably have enameled flower jewelry, glass roses to hand out as tokens, or maybe glass orbs that preserve blossoms (kinda like gentle repose but for plants).
|
Kind of wondering about replacement flowers/plants-by-culture/region for Shelynites now, for those places where roses aren't typically found.
Leaning towards the metaphorical, I'd figure it means to always try to assume the best of people first and to try and draw that out, within reason of course. Shooting for peace and extending a show of good faith in the name of acceptance, empathy, and harmony is the rose, more or less.
Kind of wondering about replacement flowers/plants-by-culture/region for Shelynites now, for those places where roses aren't typically found.
Leaning towards the metaphorical, I'd figure it means to always try to assume the best of people first and to try and draw that out, within reason of course. Shooting for peace and extending a show of good faith in the name of acceptance, empathy, and harmony is the rose, more or less.
Well, anything beautiful should be considered, not just flowers (they're an easy and obvious example). Examples of craftsmanship would work as well: Celtic-style knotwork, woodcarvings, scrimshaw, richly dyed trim, etc. Anything purty. Alternatively, other traditional "welcoming" gifts might be appropriate, like dates or salt (depending on the region).
But yeah, lotsa metaphors in the paladin code for Shelyn.
The pragmatist in me thinks it should not be breakable, and something that I can wipe bloodstains off of easily, so I can use it again.
The pragmatist in me thinks it should not be breakable, and something that I can wipe bloodstains off of easily, so I can use it again.
Something metal then. :)
Now, shooting a rose arrow into the drow I concede would be bad form, although that could be a potential loophole.
It might be fun trying to pick up a way to do ranged combat maneuvers, i.e. pin the noble's cape with a rose-shaped arrow. Unfortunately, I think only the archer fighter can pull that kind of crazy stuff. I guess paladins should try to talk prospective opponents out of it now. Given how charismatic they are, it might actually work more often than not. If it doesn't... well, it might be useful reminding everyone else just why it's better to talk.
Would it be bad taste for a paladin of Shelyn to hit on his/her opponents during battle?
So, I was thinking of creating a paladin of Shelyn, but was wondering how to interpret part of Shelyn's paladin code. Specifically, the part that states:
"I am peaceful. I come first with a rose. I act to prevent conflict before it blossoms."
Now, at first I thought this was metaphorical, but the picture next to it actually has a (very stylishly dressed) paladin holding a damn rose. So, do I really have to find roses somewhere? What about a dry, wilted rose when I can't find a fresh rose supplier (e.g. the desert). Do flower merchants in Golarian sell roses by the dozen? Would I need an atonement if all I can find are carnations?
Craft: Origami, spend a few hours in the evening creating origami flowers then hand them out to everyone you meet the next day.
Shower your opponents with rose petals - being adamantine shurikens!
Your citation would also point me into the direction of having a really high diplomacy skill, opening conversations/confrontations with an offer of peaceful discussion, handing over/offering a gift (the rose) and if strive blossoms, kill it with your glaive (which of course should have a haft made of rose wood) and always smells fresh and clean!
Ruyan.
your glaive (which of course should have a haft made of rose wood) and always smells fresh and clean!
Enchant it with constant prestidigitation for bonus points!
(Seriously: prestidigitation to create fresh rose-wood-and-oil smells and keep it constantly clean. Also whatever color you want. Best 500 gold a paladin ever spent. You might want to coat it with an unguent of timelessness, though.)
The pragmatist in me thinks it should not be breakable, and something that I can wipe bloodstains off of easily, so I can use it again.
For some reason I think you are missing the point of being a Paladin of Shelyn.
The pragmatist in me thinks it should not be breakable, and something that I can wipe bloodstains off of easily, so I can use it again.For some reason I think you are missing the point of being a Paladin of Shelyn.
Sure I do. I just want to have a thrifty Paladin of Shelyn. In any case, he is not going to be lawful stupid; he would know most people are going to fight.
|
The Ninja of Shelyn could let rose petals drift down around their mark just before they struck - a vision of beauty as their last vision on earth.
While I agree with above poster that the code likely refers to approaching diplomatically first, I think the use of actual roses adds a nice role-playing element. Even better if your paladin makes it clear that taking the rose could avoid the incredibly dangerous paladin destroying you today. Imagine the Bachelor as it would be played in Golarion.
Shelyn is not one of the more martial gods. If you want a Paladin who's constantly in your face and extremely militant... go with Iomaedae or Pharasma.
But contrast is the essence of comedy!
The Ninja of Shelyn could let rose petals drift down around their mark just before they struck - a vision of beauty as their last vision on earth.
So Vega from Street Fighters is a ninja of Shelyn?
An artist depicting metaphors in a literal way? Shocking! ;-P
Look at Dalí's famous clocks. Artists are like that.
I do not believe that the code is Literal. If something is destructive and evil, I do not think the Paladin needs to try to get it to accept beauty.
I do believe however that if an evil artifact is superbly crafted and well beautiful the Paladin could be in a bit of a bind.
I take the rose as the warning. Like telling the Chelaxian, to cease and desist. I do not expect Shelyn paladins to not attack undead or orcs (I play orcs as irredeemably evil) if they are willing to stop destroying art objects. Well I might give you orcs, but Undead are definite abominations.
Shelyn is not one of the more martial gods. If you want a Paladin who's constantly in your face and extremely militant... go with Iomaedae or Pharasma.
Did Pharasma start having paladins when I wasn't looking? I thought that as a TN deity she wouldn't have any. It would take a houserule or a specific mention to introduce any, like FR did with Sune and eventually Selune.
I do not believe that the code is Literal. If something is destructive and evil, I do not think the Paladin needs to try to get it to accept beauty.
Eh, they may try, but wouldn't waste too much time. Like you said, it could be a "cease and desist", though perhaps stated in a more diplomatic manner. If you can avoid a combat which places an ally, innocent or valuable object in danger with a diplomacy check, go for it. If the other guy can't be made to see reason, then it's go time. Same for artifacts or anything else - if you can, convert it. Yes, there may be occasional cases where it's not possible, but that's the standard modus operandi - after all, a converted enemy is more useful than a dead one. Bigger risk, bigger reward.
The decrees of gods don't always coincide with what is the most pragmatic option. Then again, paladins themselves are occasionally not for NOT being pragmatic - and making it work by effort, faith, and superhuman charisma (i.e. Captain Carrot).
Shelyn is not one of the more martial gods. If you want a Paladin who's constantly in your face and extremely militant... go with Iomaedae or Pharasma.Did Pharasma start having paladins when I wasn't looking?
Nope. It's all but spelled out that she doesn't have paladins. In fact, Abadar seems to be the only non-good deity who has paladins. Even Irori, who can have LG clerics, apparently doesn't have paladins.