So first off, sorry for bringing up another pally ethics thread!
Normally I'd let sleeping dogs lie, but I've been considering this combination, and I'm somewhat worried about the "act with honor" clause in the paladin code.
**Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocents**
Specifically, I've been considering whether attacking from invisibility is a dishonorable action (ie- more along the lines of using poison), or if it should be seen as just another tool a paladin has to thwart evil. Perhaps along the lines of having Darkvision, using spells, etc.
Personally I'm very willing to see it as just another tool if used in context properly and role played well with the rest of the paladins code. However, given the codes specific admonishment of poison and paladins general aversion to the rogue class I thought it might be prudent to get other peoples input on the matter. Especially for society play.
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Paladin/ninja is totally doable. They strike at the head if the snake, with surgical precision. You don't have to fight through innocent or misguided minions that you can sneak past. You claim the shadows and darkness so that evil can find no refuge there.
It's all in how they're played.
Tsukiyo totally has to have some ninjadins serving him. :)
Contributor
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This is one of those instances in which I'd say it's really up to you as the player, and how your PC's paladin code is worded.
Using the codes from Faiths of Purity, for example, I could actually see Iomedae's Paladins being ok with striking from invisibility and Sarenrae's Paladins not being ok with that (despite the former being a LG deity and the latter a NG deity).
• I will have faith in the Inheritor. I will channel her strength through my body. I will shine in her legion, and I will not tarnish her glory through base actions.
• I am the first into battle, and the last to leave it.
• I will guard the honor of my fellows, both in thought and deed, and I will have faith in them.
• When in doubt, I may force my enemies to surrender, but I am responsible for their lives.
• I will never refuse a challenge from an equal. I will give honor to worthy enemies, and contempt to the rest.
• I will seek out and destroy the spawn of the Rough Beast. If I cannot defeat them, I will give my life trying. If my life would be wasted in the attempt, I will find allies. If any fall because of my inaction, their deaths lie upon my soul, and I will atone for each.
• I am fair to others. I expect nothing for myself but that which I need to survive.
• The best battle is a battle I win. If I die, I can no longer fight. I will fight fairly when the fight is fair, and I will strike quickly and without mercy when it is not.
• I will redeem the ignorant with my words and my actions. If they will not turn toward the light, I will redeem them by the sword.
I see nothing about "fight fair" in one of these, but I do in the other one (sans when dealing with specific enemies, as mentioned). Either way, it's a roleplay decision for you as the player :)
Good to hear others agree its reasonable. :)
I hadn't considered Iomedae as an option owing to her depiction as your standard courtly knight that leads from the front. Even within the linked code the first line is somewhat iffy: "I will shine in her legion, and I will not tarnish her glory through base actions." But I guess its a matter of interpretation.
Sarenrae actually has more lines that match the ideal of the character. Though she does specifically reference "literal light" being important. Which of course would be counter intuitive to a sneakier character.
I've actually been deeply considering Shelyn. A ninja esque paladin with a theme of redemption/art/beauty. Though letting everything attack me first might be a little cumbersome ;). Still a fun idea.