I'm so used to looking at Paladins from a D&D standpoint, as champions of good in service of particular gods, but I have been unable to find anything in the core rulebook, or anywhere for that matter, that requires a Paladin to be in service to a Deity. They CAN worship Deities like anyone else, and from what I have read on the forums it must be a Lawful Good, Neutral Good or Lawful Neutral Deity, but is there anything that requires them to pick a god?
The less-than-reliable Golariopedia says they are more likely to follow a personal code or organizational doctrine than a particular religion or Deity.
It's not something I have ever really thought about, because in my mind Paladins have always been holy champions of righteous gods, and their powers have always been derived from those gods, but evidence would suggest that Paladin powers come from the Paladin's devotion to his code, and are not granted by a divine being.
Can anyone point me to any source material on this matter, because a search of this site and others has lead me to discussions on WHICH gods Paladins may worship, not to anything saying they MUST worship a god.
Thanks in advance!
Paladins do not have to worship a deity according to the normal rules of the game.
If you are in a PFS game then they do have to worship a deity.
PS:PFS assumes Golarion is your default setting so the Golariopedia would be correct in that case. Pathfinder.wikia.com is pretty accurate.
PFS? Not sure I'm familiar with that.
What's the difference between a Pathfinder Society game and a non Pathfinder Society game?
In a non PFS game, it's up to you and your GM. I think the intention is for paladins to worship a deity, but if you and your GM want to come up with something else, that's your call.
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PFS games refer to the organized play circuit. Non-PFS are the majority of games, the "home" games that are homebrewed adventures and campaigns, Adventure Path-driven, or modules(though some modules are PFS compatible).
PFS games go by the rules and restrictions exclusive to its organized play. Home games are entirely dependant on the preferences of the different groups playing them.
What's the difference between a Pathfinder Society game and a non Pathfinder Society game?
Pathfinder Society is under Paizo. It is kind of like a league. When people play at home they often have houserules or styles of play that vary from group to group. Under PFS you might not get to play with the same person every time so in order to make sure you get the same experience they have they have certain rules in place that deviate from the normal rules.
As an example if I am your GM I might tell you that your paladin can worship Asmodeus, but if you move to another town another GM might not allow it.
Under PFS both myself and the other GM are supposed to follow PFS's rules, if we run a PFS game, so that no matter who you play under you can be assured that your character will work the exact same way.
The fluff in the class description for paladins makes mention of them being the champions of the gods.
As for Golarion: The default is that they require a deity, but ultimately your game your preferences.
As you mentioned - Paladins in PFS play or on Golarion must worship a deity that is lawful good or within one alignment step of lawful good - LN, LG, NG. By that measure and the restrictions against evil acts, that leaves Asmodeus (LE) out. However, by the same token it means you could worship a deity and/or several of the Empyreal lords who are largely NG with at least a couple of LG. Empyreal Lords are unique "angels" who have ascended and are on the path to divinity.