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So due to plot stuff my pally lost his grace(for a greater good so his god re-purposed him on as an Inquisitor) and over time the party has slowly been committing small acts of not-quite-evil in an attempt to gain power to save the world (Black dragon gods are manipulative bastards) and recently watched as a party member (Who also happens to be super plot important) jumped off the slippery slope into full blown Evil.
The issue is that when the party called her out on it she responded saying that it was the ex-pally's fault for not protecting her. (Which it was, note to self drinking the blood of Black dragon gods is a bad idea when your soul is another persons body)This has served as a sort of moment of clarity for the group, showing them just how far they've fallen and the ex-pally has taken it really hard due to failing nearly every single tenant of his former code.
What i'm asking the forums is how would you go about redeeming a party member who's willing embraced Evil when the one guy in the party who's supposed to be the shinning beacon of morality is having a realization that he's never going to be able to atone for what the group has done and the actual beacon of morality is a part time drug dealer who also happens to be a reincarnated Evil god of death? (Mythic power shenanigans)
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- Make a journey to a well known temple of your god, perhaps the seat of the / a high priest, not just seeking atonement, but actually seeking the priests advice how to redeem. This has two benefits aside from awesome roleplaying possibilities:
- You show the players and the GM that you want you paladin to get on the road of redemtion, maybe other players will supplement you roleplaying that.
- The GM has the chance to plan and present a redemption sidestory.
You possibly cannot redeem another before you have come to terms with your own failings.
- The Ex-Paladin probably has either to try to get back into the graces of his former code, sacrificing powers and freedoms he might enjoy (again, awesome roleplaying possibilities) or
- come to understand why he could not live his former code and how he can still become a (slightly less) bright beacon of his gods power and good heart within the limits of his moral abilities. If he cannot do that, he has not only forsaken his code but also his god. If his morality falls within another good gods range, he might find someone to catcht him during his long fall, if not, he is probably doomed to fail redeeming anybody exept by being an example for the personal fate befalling a man falling from grace.
Convert all your Paladin's levels in Paladin to levels in Anti-Paladin, you can do that RAW btw (for RP purposes, you might consider hand waving the alignment reqs to Lawful Evil depending on his preference). I heard the Hellknights are recruiting.
"What do you do when there is an evil you cannot defeat by just means? Do you stain your hands with evil to destroy evil? Or do you remain steadfastly just and righteous even if it means surrendering to evil?”
Brownie points to whoever nails the quote source.
Honestly, your party becoming Evil/Chaotic Neutral etc. (employing dubious or reprehensible means for a cause they believe in) does not automatically make them villains. I think you're pidgeonholing yourself by asking yourself the question of "How do I redeem them?" which is kind of pretentious and ASSUMES they need/want to be redeemed. Instead - continue with their current situation, the party comes to a realization that the side of good is not always triumphant; let them discard their heroic naivete and embrace evil methods for the Greater Good(tm), that's certainly what the person I quoted did.
You don't necessarily need a rules answer. I'd say that roleplaying this out is probably the best way to get a satisfying resolution. Some of the most interesting Lawful Good characters are ones who have to actively fight against their natural inclination to take the easy but morally grey way.
As a former Paladin maybe there is the realisation that trying to atone, even if it's impossible, is the only way. The Gods love a trier, and conflicted characters can be involving and challenging if done right.
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how would you go about redeeming a party member who's willing embraced Evil when the one guy in the party who's supposed to be the shining beacon of morality is having a realization that he's never going to be able to atone for what the group has done...
Sounds like he's made up this idea on his own. Surprise him with an opportunity of redemption. Put him in a position where he can take on a sacrifice if he can turn on that shining beacon again. Don't make it obvious, but make it an important turning point.
You don't necessarily need a rules answer. I'd say that roleplaying this out is probably the best way to get a satisfying resolution. Some of the most interesting Lawful Good characters are ones who have to actively fight against their natural inclination to take the easy but morally grey way.
As a former Paladin maybe there is the realisation that trying to atone, even if it's impossible, is the only way. The Gods love a trier, and conflicted characters can be involving and challenging if done right.
I don't think someone would become a Paladin if they had to struggle with moral issues. Just my point of view.
how would you go about redeeming a party member who's willing embraced Evil when the one guy in the party who's supposed to be the shining beacon of morality is having a realization that he's never going to be able to atone for what the group has done...Sounds like he's made up this idea on his own. Surprise him with an opportunity of redemption. Put him in a position where he can take on a sacrifice if he can turn on that shining beacon again. Don't make it obvious, but make it an important turning point.
I Think he is the one playing the Paladin.
And to the OP start the long jurney back in to the ligth now. But remember that a little evil May be all it takes for good to triumph in the end. ;)