Candlekeep Forum
Candlekeep Forum
Home | Profile | Register | Active Topics | Active Polls | Members | Private Messages | Search | FAQ
Username:
Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

 All Forums
 Forgotten Realms Journals
 Running the Realms
 Paladins
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Next Page
Author Previous Topic Topic Next Topic
Page: of 2

Dinnin
Seeker

Australia
53 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  07:53:25  Show Profile Send Dinnin a Private Message  Reply with Quote  Delete Topic
Hey Guys

Just a question, ive had it come up a few times with other party memebers. Do paladins need to be good? They Worship a specific diety so if its a LE one then that should still work right? Thats my arguemnt, the other people say that they have to be LG

"Use yer heads! A barnyard goose tastes better 'an a wild one cause it don't use its muscles. The same oughta hold true for a giant's brains!"
Bruenor Battlehammer

Sian
Senior Scribe

Denmark
596 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  08:11:14  Show Profile  Visit Sian's Homepage Send Sian a Private Message  Reply with Quote
3.5e (and earlier) clearly says Paladin have to be LG (not accounting the adaptions other places which made Paladinseque classes for CG, LE and CE) ... 4e as far as i remember/aware just retooled it into a holy warrior of their god, making them able to be all alignments

what happened to the queen? she's much more hysterical than usual
She's a women, it happens once a month
Go to Top of Page

Dracons
Learned Scribe

USA
299 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  09:11:03  Show Profile  Visit Dracons's Homepage Send Dracons a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Just what Sian said.

However, in 3.5, not counting any alt rules, Paladins can worship Sune. One of the few gods that allow that.

As a divine caster, Paladins need to worship patron deity. Seeing as Paladins need to be LG by class, that only leaves NG, LG, LN gods. However, like I said above, Sune allows them in her fold.

I love PMs! Please send me a message. Even if its Hi.

Edited by - Dracons on 27 May 2010 09:12:14
Go to Top of Page

Marquant Volker
Learned Scribe

Greece
273 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  09:37:25  Show Profile Send Marquant Volker a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Perhaps the Blackguard Prc is what you are looking for?
In my campaign paladins have to be LG, and most of the time they are humans or individuals who was raised among humans.
Imho not all Gods sponsor paladins, they may have Holy warriors but no paladins for example i cant imagine a Elven paladin of Correlon, neither the Elven cultoure nor the Aligment (Elves tend to be chaotic)

Go to Top of Page

Dracons
Learned Scribe

USA
299 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  11:26:00  Show Profile  Visit Dracons's Homepage Send Dracons a Private Message  Reply with Quote
See, I had a half-elf half-orc paladin of Corelleon player. But we used the paladin of freedom varient for that.

I love PMs! Please send me a message. Even if its Hi.
Go to Top of Page

Aerik DeVallo
Seeker

USA
87 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  13:31:58  Show Profile Send Aerik DeVallo a Private Message  Reply with Quote
In the book Unearthed Arcana, there are some Paladin variants. The Prestige Paladin is particularly tasty. Check out Unearthed Arcana for all your class/rule variant needs.
Go to Top of Page

Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader

USA
3252 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  13:37:47  Show Profile Send Ashe Ravenheart a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Paladins of Freedom (CG), Slaughter (CE), and Tyranny (LE) from the Unearthed Arcana rules (making the 'normal' paladin a Paladin of Honor).

I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.

Ashe's Character Sheet

Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs
Go to Top of Page

Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 27 May 2010 :  21:05:17  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
That book mentioned other ways to create variants, as I recall, and there was a write-up in a 3.5 era Warriors-themed issue of Dragon. (forget which #- I have it, but not at hand at the moment) It had several variants (the original version of the Unearthed Arcana materail, i believe) and ideas for creating new ones, as well.

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
Go to Top of Page

Sill Alias
Senior Scribe

Kazakhstan
588 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  04:42:01  Show Profile  Visit Sill Alias's Homepage Send Sill Alias a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Is there no LN paladin?

You can hear many tales from many mouths. The most difficult is to know which of them are not lies. - Sill Alias

"May your harp be unstrung, your dreams die and all your songs be unsung." - curse of the harper, The Code of the Harpers 2 ed.
Go to Top of Page

Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader

USA
3252 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  05:04:41  Show Profile Send Ashe Ravenheart a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Paladins are seen more as having strong belief in their ideals, so the usually don't fall into any neutralities regarding alignment.

I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.

Ashe's Character Sheet

Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs
Go to Top of Page

Jakk
Great Reader

Canada
2165 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  05:23:02  Show Profile Send Jakk a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis

That book mentioned other ways to create variants, as I recall, and there was a write-up in a 3.5 era Warriors-themed issue of Dragon. (forget which #- I have it, but not at hand at the moment) It had several variants (the original version of the Unearthed Arcana materail, i believe) and ideas for creating new ones, as well.



DragonDex is a beautiful thing...

Paladins, Variant:
"Not Your Father's Do-Gooder" Mike McArtor #323(p.104)
"Law and Chaos" Jonathan Drain #349(p.92)

I'm pretty sure the first article is the one you're thinking of, Alystra.

Edit: In my campaigns, we allow paladins of almost any deity, and therefore almost any alignment; the only restriction is that the paladin never sway from the alignment of his or her deity. Deities of nature don't have paladins; they have rangers for that kind of thing.

Playing in the Realms since the Old Grey Box (1987)... and *still* having fun with material published before 2008, despite the NDA'd lore.

If it's comparable in power with non-magical abilities, it's not magic.

Edited by - Jakk on 28 May 2010 05:26:37
Go to Top of Page

Dracons
Learned Scribe

USA
299 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  05:44:09  Show Profile  Visit Dracons's Homepage Send Dracons a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I made a bunch of Paladins for various Greater Gods. Each of them had their own special powers and abilites based on such greater god. Have yet to put it in play.

I love PMs! Please send me a message. Even if its Hi.
Go to Top of Page

Katans
Acolyte

Germany
7 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  08:32:23  Show Profile  Visit Katans's Homepage Send Katans a Private Message  Reply with Quote
3.X pallys are usually LG, however, there are a bunch of variants for different alignments. See Unearthed Arcana and various Dragon Magazines.

A Paladin's alignment is in no way linked to his or her deity's. The "one step" restriction that applies to Clerics does not apply to paladins.

Edited by - Katans on 28 May 2010 08:32:51
Go to Top of Page

Dracons
Learned Scribe

USA
299 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  11:13:28  Show Profile  Visit Dracons's Homepage Send Dracons a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Katans

A Paladin's alignment is in no way linked to his or her deity's. The "one step" restriction that applies to Clerics does not apply to paladins.



It is in Forgotten Realms.

Look under the Paladin description in Forgotten Realms Campaign Guide.
All Paladins are devotted to a patron deity, chosen at the start of their career as paladins. The paladin's deity must be lawful good, lawful neutral, or neutral good. The only exception is for Sune. Under the Choosing a Patron it goes on to state that all divine casters, even druids, rangers and such, must be within one step of their deity alignment.

I love PMs! Please send me a message. Even if its Hi.
Go to Top of Page

Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader

USA
3750 Posts

Posted - 28 May 2010 :  20:58:25  Show Profile Send Alystra Illianniis a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Thank you, Jakk, for those issue #'s. I think it was the one in #349- is that the one with the two chicks in slit skirts with swords on the cover? Or was that #323? I remember it had articles on Barbarian, Ranger, and Rogue combos, a great article on Monk variants, and a few small PrC's. They did another one like it for spellcasting classes the very next issue. (I loved the bard variants, especially the Green Ear!)

The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.

"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491

"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs

Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469

My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188

Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u
Go to Top of Page

Jorkens
Great Reader

Norway
2950 Posts

Posted - 29 May 2010 :  09:49:38  Show Profile Send Jorkens a Private Message  Reply with Quote
There's nothing wrong with having evil champions of the gods or "black Knights", but using the term Paladin seems wrong to me. Champion yes, but not Paladin. The whole archetype is tied to the idea of the valorous chivalric knights of good. I am not a fan of the class in the first place, especially in the Realms as I think it fits in a world with a clearer positioning of "good" and "evil", but the whole idea of the class is to much tied to the idea of a warrior and protector of what's seen as right to be modified in my opinion.
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36965 Posts

Posted - 29 May 2010 :  15:19:55  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Jorkens

There's nothing wrong with having evil champions of the gods or "black Knights", but using the term Paladin seems wrong to me. Champion yes, but not Paladin. The whole archetype is tied to the idea of the valorous chivalric knights of good. I am not a fan of the class in the first place, especially in the Realms as I think it fits in a world with a clearer positioning of "good" and "evil", but the whole idea of the class is to much tied to the idea of a warrior and protector of what's seen as right to be modified in my opinion.



Agreed, all the way across. I've also advocated using a term like Champion to describe a divinely souped up warrior-type.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
Go to Top of Page

Jorkens
Great Reader

Norway
2950 Posts

Posted - 29 May 2010 :  19:12:07  Show Profile Send Jorkens a Private Message  Reply with Quote
One could use the Crusader class from the deities books as a model for various holy warriors, but ( I could be wrong here, its been years since I looked at the class) I seem to remember them being seriously over-powered.
Go to Top of Page

Thauramarth
Senior Scribe

United Kingdom
734 Posts

Posted - 29 May 2010 :  19:16:03  Show Profile Send Thauramarth a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Although it is probably not too relevant anymore, under 1E, there were eight NPC "paladin" classes, published in two early issues of Dragon Magazine: the anit-paladin (CE, #39), and seven more paladin-like NPC classes (#106): Myrikan (NG), Garath (CG), Lyan (LN), Paramander (N), Fantra (CN), Illrigger (LE), and Arrikan (NE).
Go to Top of Page

Fingal
Seeker

56 Posts

Posted - 03 Jun 2010 :  12:23:02  Show Profile Send Fingal a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I've always been a fan of allowing paladins for evil gods - a long as it makes sense. Bane would perhaps be the obvious one.

I've never really liked paladins as a base class though. They seem much better suited as a Prc. Does anyone have any experience running them thus?
Go to Top of Page

woodwwad
Learned Scribe

USA
267 Posts

Posted - 11 Jun 2010 :  04:26:25  Show Profile  Visit woodwwad's Homepage Send woodwwad a Private Message  Reply with Quote
I really like the idea of each extreme alignment having a paladine as the Unearthed Arcana discribes.

I do not like the idea of LG paladine of Sune, not a good idea. CG paladines are the way to go there.

Check out my reviews on youtube of Forgotten Realms and other rpg products. http://www.youtube.com/user/woodwwad?feature=mhum
Go to Top of Page

Talwyn
Learned Scribe

Australia
222 Posts

Posted - 15 Jun 2010 :  08:05:33  Show Profile  Visit Talwyn's Homepage Send Talwyn a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Dinnin

Hey Guys

Just a question, ive had it come up a few times with other party memebers. Do paladins need to be good? They Worship a specific diety so if its a LE one then that should still work right? Thats my arguemnt, the other people say that they have to be LG



It depends on which edition of D&D you're playing.

Ed's 1 & 2 clearly stated [except for those that worship Sune in FR] that Paladins MUST be Lawful Good.

In 3e & 3.5 the alignment requirements relaxed a little bit.

As for 4e, I don't know as I don't play that system

Ultimately what it comes down to is what the DM of your campaign decides is the ruling. The rule books are there to give you a framework in which you can play a game: you don't have to follow them to the letter if you so choose. Numerous campaigns have "house rules" as DM's & players alter the rules so as to make the game experience more fun for them.

The only limits are what your imagination and creativity can come up with ;)




Over the centuries, mankind has tried many ways of combating the forces of evil...prayer, fasting, good works and so on.
Up until Doom, no one seemed to have thought about the double-barrel shotgun.
EAT LEADEN DEATH DEMON!
Terry Pratchett

Go to Top of Page

Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe

United Kingdom
565 Posts

Posted - 15 Jun 2010 :  08:22:08  Show Profile  Visit Cleric Generic's Homepage Send Cleric Generic a Private Message  Reply with Quote
The 4e paladin class is less of a classic paladin and more of a generic holy warrior. So you could have a 'paladin' of Gruumsh, as in a divinely inspired warrior thereof, as much as a 'proper' paladin of Torm or Moradin, etc.

Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!

ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!

Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl

2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html
Go to Top of Page

Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore

Denmark
1093 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  00:35:32  Show Profile Send Nicolai Withander a Private Message  Reply with Quote
A paladin is per difinition a holy warrior, and since the term "holy" is per difinition "good", then per difinition a paladin is a holy, good warrior of good church!!!

If you want an evil version of a paladin well then Black Guard or Fallen Paladin is the choise for you.

But having a neutral or evil paladin is per difinition NOT possible!!!

Edited by - Nicolai Withander on 16 Jun 2010 00:40:25
Go to Top of Page

Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe

United Kingdom
565 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  00:38:38  Show Profile  Visit Cleric Generic's Homepage Send Cleric Generic a Private Message  Reply with Quote
Indeed. Divine or godly instead of holy then. You get the idea nevertheless.

Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!

ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!

Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl

2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html
Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36965 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  01:10:10  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Nicolai Withander

A paladin is per difinition a holy warrior, and since the term "holy" is per difinition "good", then per difinition a paladin is a holy, good warrior of good church!!!



This stance does, however, allow for the possibility of CG or NG paladins.

However...

Holy is generally accepted to mean good, particularly in D&D. That is not the dictionary definition, though. From dictionary.com:

quote:
1. specially recognized as or declared sacred by religious use or authority; consecrated: holy ground.
2. dedicated or devoted to the service of god, the church, or religion: a holy man.


Therefore...

quote:
Originally posted by Nicolai Withander


But having a neutral or evil paladin is per difinition NOT possible!!!



By defining a paladin as a holy warrior, a neutral or evil paladin is by definition possible.

Granted, I do -- as I've stated before -- feel that only LG types should be called paladin, and others should get another title. But I also think that if we play the dictionary card, we need to make sure we're using the word correctly.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!
Go to Top of Page

froglegg
Learned Scribe

317 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  01:11:01  Show Profile Send froglegg a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by dracons

Just what Sian said.

However, in 3.5, not counting any alt rules, Paladins can worship Sune. One of the few gods that allow that.

As a divine caster, Paladins need to worship patron deity. Seeing as Paladins need to be LG by class, that only leaves NG, LG, LN gods. However, like I said above, Sune allows them in her fold.


Unless I am wrong, Sune's paladins could also be CG as well.

John

Long live Alias and Dragonbait! Kate Novak and Jeff Grubb the Realms need you more then ever!

On my word as a sage nothing within these pages is false, but not all of it may prove to be true. - Elminster of Shadowdale

The Old Grey Box gets better with age!

Edited by - froglegg on 16 Jun 2010 01:11:38
Go to Top of Page

Joran Nobleheart
Senior Scribe

USA
495 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  02:20:24  Show Profile  Visit Joran Nobleheart's Homepage Send Joran Nobleheart a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by froglegg

quote:
Originally posted by dracons

Just what Sian said.

However, in 3.5, not counting any alt rules, Paladins can worship Sune. One of the few gods that allow that.

As a divine caster, Paladins need to worship patron deity. Seeing as Paladins need to be LG by class, that only leaves NG, LG, LN gods. However, like I said above, Sune allows them in her fold.


Unless I am wrong, Sune's paladins could also be CG as well.

John



I think a lot of people have a misunderstanding of this, actually. The way I think it is, Sune is the only CG deity that allows paladins, who are LG. She is the exception to the one-step rule. I guess she figures she's cute enough to get away with it, and no one will complain.

Paladinic Ethos
Saint Joran Nobleheart
Go to Top of Page

Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore

Denmark
1093 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  12:26:20  Show Profile Send Nicolai Withander a Private Message  Reply with Quote
As long as anything is called "Holy" then it is not possible to be anything but "good". One could ofc have an unholy warrior with the same abilities as a paladin but it would then not be a paladin.

If one is holy and evil its called UN-holy. So...

If a Paladin is a "Holy" man/warrior/dude... then he can only and I repeat ONLY be of good allignment!!!


Go to Top of Page

Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
Moderator

USA
36965 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  12:58:28  Show Profile Send Wooly Rupert a Private Message  Reply with Quote
quote:
Originally posted by Nicolai Withander

As long as anything is called "Holy" then it is not possible to be anything but "good". One could ofc have an unholy warrior with the same abilities as a paladin but it would then not be a paladin.

If one is holy and evil its called UN-holy. So...

If a Paladin is a "Holy" man/warrior/dude... then he can only and I repeat ONLY be of good allignment!!!






The dictionary does not agree with you, at least with regards to the definition of holy.

Candlekeep Forums Moderator

Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com
-- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct

I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!

Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 16 Jun 2010 12:59:26
Go to Top of Page

Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore

Denmark
1093 Posts

Posted - 16 Jun 2010 :  13:37:06  Show Profile Send Nicolai Withander a Private Message  Reply with Quote
What does it say about holy then?
Go to Top of Page
Page: of 2 Previous Topic Topic Next Topic  
Next Page
 New Topic  New Poll New Poll
 Reply to Topic
 Printer Friendly
Jump To:
Candlekeep Forum © 1999-2025 Candlekeep.com Go To Top Of Page
Snitz Forums 2000