Is it possible, by raw, to start as a Vindictive Bastard?

[BlindChoir]

I couldn't find mention of this, so it's probably a niche case.

I have interest in playing in game featuring rules lawyers and lore fanatics (yes, I know I'm mad) as an evil aligned Drow Vindictive Bastard (the simple reason for such being I would rather not be forced to hit softer just because my target also happens to want to kick puppies and deface the local church of Sarenrae) - It is to my understanding we can't take a level in Paladin without the required alignment to take it, and thus can't become a fallen paladin to provoke the shift to Vindictive Bastard naturally (alas, antipaladin doesn't appear to qualify either)...

Is there a way around this perdiciment or a scrap of rule somewhere that I overlooked?

Thank you for your consideration,

-BC

[Meirril]

Technically speaking, its possible to qualify to become a Vindictive Bastard from the moment the campaign starts. All you have to do is announce your alignment change or break any part of the paladin code.

But this does mean at some point in your character's life, you were Lawful Good and you were following the Paladin's Code and you took the oaths and were serious about it. Even if you never played it that way. You can't start as a Vindictive Bastard, you have to start as a Paladin, and technically you continue as a Paladin since Vindictive Bastard is an archetype, not a class.

With the GM's permission you could negotiate it out that you've been a fallen paladin for a few years now. That is up to the GM.

Also something to consider, a Vindictive Bastard isn't really evil. A Vindictive Bastard is just more concerned with results than method. More of a personal satisfaction rather than being a symbol for all to aspire towards. Sure, a Vindictive Bastard could be evil, but they shouldn't totally betray everything they use to believe in. This isn't an anti-paladin.

As such, why be a Paladin of Sarenrae? Choose a deity the character would really be happy to follow after he becomes a Vindictive Bastard. A fallen Paladin of Calistra being a vindictive bastard won't surprise anyone.

[Mr. Bonkers]

Well, if you want you alignment shift to be a bit easier backstory-wise, you could also start with a Gray Paladin. That archetype allows the paladin to be LG, LN, or NG, so that might open up some easier background writing.

[Claxon]

Personally, I would have more problem with you playing a Drow than starting play as a fallen paladin gone Vindictive Bastard.

Ultimately it sounds like you should probably just play an Antipaladin, they even have archetypes of antipaladin that make them not crazy chaotic evil, like the Tyrant or Insinuator.

[BlindChoir]

To clarify, it is an evil compatible campaign following something similiar to Golarion standard lore - as such, Drow is an option... lawful good Drow however are cheese and snowflake, and thus not allowed (even as a background stepping stone to allow one to become a fallen paladin).

As a mostly evil party, we will be fighting almost exclusively evil forces, which makes standard antipaladin less than desirable. Insulator MIGHT work, but I preferred the mechanics of the Vindictive Bastard for the purpose of a Drow that didn't so much care what their opponents morality was, just that they had (at least by the Drow's definition) been wronged by them.

To clarify, I am looking for a way to go straight to Vindictive Bastard, not stop at standard Paladin at any point in mechanics or lore. Feats, traits, optional rules to do it would be ideal, I care not which one I use.

Alternatively, if one MUST be a paladin first I am seeking some rule that allows one to level as the class without gaining any of the features that class normally provides (except weapon proficiency as per the Ex-Paladin entry).

[awbattles]

BlindChoir wrote:

To clarify, it is an evil compatible campaign following something similiar to Golarion standard lore - as such, Drow is an option... lawful good Drow however are cheese and snowflake, and thus not allowed (even as a background stepping stone to allow one to become a fallen paladin).

As a mostly evil party, we will be fighting almost exclusively evil forces, which makes standard antipaladin less than desirable. Insulator MIGHT work, but I preferred the mechanics of the Vindictive Bastard for the purpose of a Drow that didn't so much care what their opponents morality was, just that they had (at least by the Drow's definition) been wronged by them.

To clarify, I am looking for a way to go straight to Vindictive Bastard, not stop at standard Paladin at any point in mechanics or lore. Feats, traits, optional rules to do it would be ideal, I care not which one I use.

Alternatively, if one MUST be a paladin first I am seeking some rule that allows one to level as the class without gaining any of the features that class normally provides (except weapon proficiency as per the Ex-Paladin entry).

You must be a paladin first. It does seem like the Gray Paladin is what you’re looking for. A LN Drow seems plausible. Pact Servant trait would let you serve Asmodeous.