Paladins: For Good or for Evil?

fable · Post by **fable** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 7:13 pm

[QUOTE=Pellinore]Well, this is why paladins must have a minimum wisdom of 13. So they have the ability to know when a law is unjust.[/QUOTE]

So, you're saying that any character, with a wisdom of 13, can determine whether to follow a law, or to break it?

Cwell the fine · Post by **Cwell the fine** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 11:22 pm

I think the WIS requirement hints that they;re above average at decision making...

fable · Post by **fable** » Sat Jan 07, 2006 11:27 pm

I think the quality of decision making has nothing to do with "wisdom," which seems to be interpreted by Gygax to mean spirtuality, or the ability to be intuitive and contact other levels of being.

Sabre · Post by **Sabre** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 6:58 am

I think that the main reason why Paladins are poorly viewed in D&D games is the lack of ways to truely express the qualities associated with the class. I have not had much experience with D&D - other than the BG series and NWN - and I found that these games does show Paladins as self-righteous and narrow-minded. This is simply an effect of the dialogue choices available, while there are other "good" choices, players often think that these are something other Good characters will choose and as a result, the more "severe" option is chosen, thus further encourages these qualities in the player's mind.

In my mind, Paladins are noble, just and compassionate. The battle against evil does not mean complete extermination of all evil beings without question. The important part is in the redemption of evil, guiding and encouraging them to the side good - this should be done through kind and constructive advice. Only when the utmost effort have been given and failed, will removal be necessary.

TonyMontana1638 · Post by **TonyMontana1638** » Mon Jan 09, 2006 4:51 pm

[QUOTE=Sabre]
In my mind, Paladins are noble, just and compassionate. The battle against evil does not mean complete extermination of all evil beings without question. The important part is in the redemption of evil, guiding and encouraging them to the side good - this should be done through kind and constructive advice. Only when the utmost effort have been given and failed, will removal be necessary.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you on all those accounts and such beings are the "ideal Paladin" in my mind, but you have to admit that they're rarely represented in such a way. Many are defenders of good, no problems there, but also overbearing, overtly zealous, stubborn, bullheaded and unaccepting.