Paladin characters begin their careers at an early age. As they begin with a code in place, do we assume they have dedicated themselves to thier diety at this early age on their own? It doesnt seem likely they would be recieved into some religious order untrained, inexperienced and unproven yet it seems that this sort of decision has already been made before the character begins play.
How do you envision the role of a Paladin? Is he/she simply a devout fighter that will grow into a champion and perhaps join some holy order or are they already part of an organized faith as a novice?
ok, so the mechanics of the character don't stipulate one way or another.
My Paladin of Abadar is a Taldan royal brat who becomes disdainful of the corrupt and petty aristocracy he is part of and finds direction in what he believes to be a true following of Abadar. He is sickened by the selfish merchants, dishonorable judges and crooked barristers that claim the faith and intends to bring justice and prosperity to the masses.
Kind of hokey but why not. Hes had a little training of course as a noble and spent a year in the guard in Ridonport(as a untrained but assigned Lieutenant due to his lineage)but I don't see any real religious champion training, rather simply a vow of service. Where it goes from there time will tell.