From: nsecomb@metz.une.edu.au ( Nige.)
Newsgroups: rec.games.frp.dnd
Subject: Re: Paladins
Summary: My experiences - good and bad
Date: 25 Aug 92 03:22:35 GMT

In article <1992Aug16.204249.10357@wam.umd.edu>, spanky@next13epsl.wam.umd.edu (Mephistopheles (The Devil)) writes:
                                    < deleted>
  I wrote a fairly long post for help in playing a paladin not long ago, to
which the replies I recieved (#3) were most appreciated, and I must say that
the paladin has been fun (he will hopefully continue to be), not because we
just go around slaying "evil" denizens and trashing unholy sects, but because
of the character development that has come out of intra-party conflict. Our
group consists of a LG, 1 TN, and 3 CNs , now some people may screem how can
a paladin possibly associate with such chaotic individuals, simply put, two
are head strong but young dwarves on their first adventures, there is a
viking rune-caster who although CN in this society, would be regarded as 
either TN or even NG in his own lands, and the cultural difference is the 
source of his chaotic tendancies. Finally, the female elven magic user is
simply arrogant and self-centred, thus so are her actions, howver due to it's
personality it is unlikely to stay in the party long after our current
adventure.
  Being exposed to such "chaotic" elements has helped the character mature
and ask more questions about his faith, which have resulted in his answers
and thoughts making his faith even stronger, as well as rubbing some morals
off on the others. He has also learn't that a good leader doesn't order his
people, he consults and makes a decision based one more than one perspective.
  He is only 2nd level, but is maturing quickly, which is the main idea of
adventuring as one will not advance if they stick to old idea's and attitudes
that are wrong or inappropriate. As for the idea that sure he may be "growing
up", but how does it make him better at wielding a sword and slaying evil
creatures as per level increase and other game mechanics, it simply doesn't
really becuase our campaign doesn't emphasise combat and playing alignment
in order to get X.P., instead it's based on a bit of this, but mainly
achieving an objective while roleplaying the character, their character,
not yours. There's a reasonable amount of combat, but by no means is it
dominant, anyone can role stats, choose hugely damaging weapons, and go
around slaying anything "evil" that's around, except the best example of CE
around, the character itself, and genocidal attitudes are evil in themselves.
  My character is actually regarded as one of the more moral individuals in
his coven, and definitely one of the more faithful - but not due to
blind-faith, and this is one of the most important aspects of roleplaying a 
paladin. Why does a paladin take a certain action, and if their God/Godess
was physically present, would they whole-heartidly approve, this is my guide.

					Nige.

P.S. Please, no flames about emphasising roleplaying and developing a 
  chracter's character, if you like charging your warhorse at a panic-
  stricken orc who is defenseless and not being agressive, and spearing
  her eye out with your heavy lance that does 2d8 damage, killing her,
  then go ahead, make your day because you'd make any decent paladin sick.