Paladins are a HARD class to play well. And they should be. Being a Paladin, choosing to stand for your beliefs, should not be an easy task. If it were, everyone would be one. Playing a Paladin in a MLP-style setting where goodness is never tested or questioned, wouldn’t be exciting. But playing a true Paladin, the kind who sees injustice and quotes Steve Rogers, choosing the path which isn’t easy for convenience, but will be difficult, but morally right, is what I personally enjoy. A Paladin shouldn’t be needlessly stirring up trouble with their party, though. I think a lot of this came about from old rulebooks which said that Paladins violates their oaths just being around Chaotic people, like they had alignment cooties or something. I can see a Paladin trying to convert their friends’ religious beliefs, and even trying to change their behaviors, but making ultimatums is best kept for when it’s important. Either take a leadership position and choose paths of action for the whole group morally, or allow yourself to be swayed by conversation, and seek professional (clerical) advice later. Don’t try to be Judge Dredd- ask yourself what Captain America would do. But also- respect what your friends do. Be aware that sneaking and assassination aren’t your strengths (c’mon, you’ve played a Paladin, they really aren’t), and use the skills of someone who can. Try to use them in ways that appeal to both of you. Need a distraction for the rogue to get to someone? Sounds like the gate needs a knocking-on, and you’re just the person to do it. You can even ‘Bluff’ in a bare-faced way- walk straight up to your enemy, and suck up all their attention. Let them know they’re wasting their time attacking you, because you’re just distracting them until your buddy gets here <stab>... well, you warned them. Finally, some may accuse you of being simple, but reality is far from that. Being a good Paladin is about engaging with reality, constantly assessing your own conduct and trying to work out what it is you must do in a situation. It doesn’t mean you can’t allow them to think you’re simple, though. Throw some bright paint on your armour, and let your foes underestimate you. Their wrong thought isn’t your problem. “It doesn't matter what the press says. Doesn't matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn't matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: The requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and tell the whole world -- "No, YOU move.” (Originally posted on Game Masters Stash on 11 September 2018) Categories All Comments are closed.
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AuthorI'm Luke. He/him pronouns. Archives
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