Helpful Hints for the Budding Paladin [Archive] - Wizards Community

Helpful Hints for the Budding Paladin [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Gedrin
03-08-05, 01:40 AM Some suggestions for those seeking the righteous path...

Things to Know:
Sense Motive: Listen first.
Diplomacy: Then talk.
Intimidate: Make sure you can "reason" with the people who don't like to talk first. Besides, this is the skill used for those "Surrender and yield to the power of the Light!" speaches (which you should rarely use).
Knowledge Religion: Fundamental moral/ethical theory. Great for asking the DM if an action is okay or not.
Knowledge Law: Keep in good graces with the material realm as well.

Powers to Get/Use:
Subduing Strike: Get Exalted, get this feat. Use it when you don't really want to have to kill someone. Be aware that you still look lethal even if you have this feat.
Remove Disease: Use it. Don't forget it. Curing pneumonia is a good thing to do and gets you a greatful person/family.
In Town Spell List: Sure, mostly you've got combat spells, but not exclusively. Be sure you can use the powers given to help common citizens as well.

Equipment:
Manacles: The best you can buy. Two pair. Get magic ones when you can. Rope also.
Gifts and Tokens of Kindness: Find something to take to the village you'll be going to or passing through. Most people need some sort of help, and you're suposed to be some sort of help wherever you go.

Things to Do:
Good Rep With Local Law: Be nice to the cops. Get to know them. Let them know you're an adventuring Paladin and earn their trust. They'll have missions and they'll be helpful. Ask for a reference when leaving to a new area. Your guards might know the guards in the next town.
Find a Monestary/Convent to Sponsor: Like minded people who are in one place all the time and easily accessable. Earn their trust and be willing to help them. They can do things you can't, but still do them with the cause of good in their heart.
Give Personally: Tithes can go to support your friends at the convent, sure, but buying a new mule for the poor family who lost theirs to sickness while you were away adventuring is just as much a donation to good. Besides, you shouldn't be greedy, 10% is minimum.
Show Appreciation to the Party: Most people didn't get into adventuring for the Paladin gig. These guys are with you, and willing to help you in your causes. Buy them drinks, dinner, and remember their birthdays. Goes a HUGE distance. You MUST show loyalty and appreciation to the party.
Mercy: Not everyone need be killed just because you fight. Take on a squad of soldiers who were under orders, but use Subduing Strike, they will be aware of your mercy should you meet again, as will their families. People will also note who you chose to kill, rather than subdue.
Take Prisoners: You've got manacles, right? You've got friendly law enforcement to give prisoners to, right? Do so. "Prisoners" that haven't committed crimes can be turned over to the Monestary/Convent.
Relax: Don't be wound so tight. Engage in casual conversation. Feel free to speak on goodness when apropriate, but mostly people talk about their crops, jobs and what interesting sorts of things they've seen lately. Feel free to greet people of equal social standing with, "Hello" rather than "Hail and Well Met!".

Remember, as a champion of goodness and a social order that preserves and promotes goodness, you need to do so at home as well as in the field. Support the institutions at home, and they can ease the way. I'm sure other people have other suggestions. These are just general ones I've seen as useful.
Wizard
03-08-05, 01:43 AM /\
II
II
II
Good post.
Ssussunriyh
03-08-05, 03:57 AM Try to be open-minded: I know that this runs contrary to the job description, but no one likes an overzealous windbag who's full of himself. Don't scorn other people's beliefs out of hand, especially those of your fellow party members. As long as they're not blatantly evil, try to at least agree to disagree.
The_Dark_One
03-08-05, 04:57 AM Have fun. So many paladins forget that life isn't a never-ending struggle against evil. Laugh, tell a joke, get into a practical joke war with the party's halfling, just remember to lighten up every once in a while.
Wizard
03-08-05, 11:43 AM Ssussunriyh, I agree, but the most a pally can really do is agree to disagree. His calling demands complete devotion to his faith, and straying after another deity's teachings is certainly not that.

That said, it's not necessary to diss the other PC's gods.
Callista
03-08-05, 11:50 AM ...and if you ARE the party's halfling, things can get even more fun! Especially if there is a CN rogue in the party...

I'll give you a clue... *points to sig*...: They knew the potion was cursed, and how it was cursed, and neither me nor my character stopped laughing for at least two or three minutes, after we both got over the :eek:!

I believe it had something to do with the fact that somebody sleight-of-handed the rogue's non-magical jewelry off her, and put it into her pockets, or the fact that a certain silver ring keeps changing ownership (she started it!)... :D Or maybe the fact that somebody else (I'm sure it wasn't the oh-so-innocent paladin) casually tripped the barbarian so that he fell into an underwater stream (hey, after that crawling-through-the-sewers bit, we ALL needed a bath... and he didn't wanna take one... it was a duty to society!)

I'll admit pranking is a bit chaotic, but it really pales in comparison to all the other law-abiding you're doing. And you can get away with it, if you're a halfling, most of whose levels are in Rogue and not Paladin...
Evil Wizard
03-08-05, 12:28 PM Ironic to see paladin advice coming from someone with a screen name like this, huh? :P Actually, I'm determined to play an intelligent, congenial paladin and dispel all the myths of the "Detect-Smite" paladin. Working pretty well so far; specializing in archery puts a unique spin on things.

Remember that, despite what a lot of people will have you believe, there is no such think as an impossible moral dilemma. The solution may not be obvious, but I have yet to see the dilemma that didn't have a Good way out.

You are allowed to make a tactical retreat. Circumstances apply of course, like trying to stop a rampaging monster from devouring a village, but if at all possible it's always better to live to fight another day. The longer you stay alive and well, the more good you can do in the world.

Just because it detects Evil doesn't mean you automatically get to smite it. If he's not actually doing anything wrong, attacking it would put you in the wrong. Even if you can't convert that evil commoner, it's enough if he's not actually doing any evil. It's not against the law to be a jerk.

Temper your mercy with the realization that not every evil foe is going to reform. You can convince the young pickpocket to see the light, but the high priest of Nerull is probably not going to see the error of his ways, and if left alive will likely just escape to do more evil. Killing is a means of last resort, but accept that you don't have a Diplomacy score of 100, and you'll probably have to fall back upon that last resort frequently. There's not much you can do if he chooses to fight to the death.

Don't be a pain to your comrades. You might be a paragon of virtue, but it's unreasonable to expect everyone else to be. There'd be more paladins around otherwise. Lead by example rather than preaching. You're quite welcome to complain if they start torturing prisoners, of course, but no need to lecture them if they're not committing any blatantly evil acts. Think of yourself as a parental figure to the rest of the party, rather than their morality warden.
Nuntius128
03-08-05, 09:53 PM That said, it's not necessary to diss the other PC's gods.

Its rarely a good idea either. If I ever play a Cleric or a Paladin, my friend will play a Rogue, and will make some crass joke about my deity/purpose. Then he remembers why d6 HD isn't a good thing in melee combat, when he continues to poke at my PCs faith.
Wizard
03-09-05, 11:59 AM LOL...yeah, feinting won't help much against someone with a Wis modifier that's through the roof.
Callista
03-09-05, 11:59 AM Let's hope you're fighting to subdue him, unless you're playing an evil cleric, in which case... said rogue was pretty darn stupid to poke fun at, say, Gruumsh or Nerull...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Gedrin 03-08-05, 01:40 AM	Some suggestions for those seeking the righteous path... Things to Know: Sense Motive: Listen first. Diplomacy: Then talk. Intimidate: Make sure you can "reason" with the people who don't like to talk first. Besides, this is the skill used for those "Surrender and yield to the power of the Light!" speaches (which you should rarely use). Knowledge Religion: Fundamental moral/ethical theory. Great for asking the DM if an action is okay or not. Knowledge Law: Keep in good graces with the material realm as well. Powers to Get/Use: Subduing Strike: Get Exalted, get this feat. Use it when you don't really want to have to kill someone. Be aware that you still look lethal even if you have this feat. Remove Disease: Use it. Don't forget it. Curing pneumonia is a good thing to do and gets you a greatful person/family. In Town Spell List: Sure, mostly you've got combat spells, but not exclusively. Be sure you can use the powers given to help common citizens as well. Equipment: Manacles: The best you can buy. Two pair. Get magic ones when you can. Rope also. Gifts and Tokens of Kindness: Find something to take to the village you'll be going to or passing through. Most people need some sort of help, and you're suposed to be some sort of help wherever you go. Things to Do: Good Rep With Local Law: Be nice to the cops. Get to know them. Let them know you're an adventuring Paladin and earn their trust. They'll have missions and they'll be helpful. Ask for a reference when leaving to a new area. Your guards might know the guards in the next town. Find a Monestary/Convent to Sponsor: Like minded people who are in one place all the time and easily accessable. Earn their trust and be willing to help them. They can do things you can't, but still do them with the cause of good in their heart. Give Personally: Tithes can go to support your friends at the convent, sure, but buying a new mule for the poor family who lost theirs to sickness while you were away adventuring is just as much a donation to good. Besides, you shouldn't be greedy, 10% is minimum. Show Appreciation to the Party: Most people didn't get into adventuring for the Paladin gig. These guys are with you, and willing to help you in your causes. Buy them drinks, dinner, and remember their birthdays. Goes a HUGE distance. You MUST show loyalty and appreciation to the party. Mercy: Not everyone need be killed just because you fight. Take on a squad of soldiers who were under orders, but use Subduing Strike, they will be aware of your mercy should you meet again, as will their families. People will also note who you chose to kill, rather than subdue. Take Prisoners: You've got manacles, right? You've got friendly law enforcement to give prisoners to, right? Do so. "Prisoners" that haven't committed crimes can be turned over to the Monestary/Convent. Relax: Don't be wound so tight. Engage in casual conversation. Feel free to speak on goodness when apropriate, but mostly people talk about their crops, jobs and what interesting sorts of things they've seen lately. Feel free to greet people of equal social standing with, "Hello" rather than "Hail and Well Met!". Remember, as a champion of goodness and a social order that preserves and promotes goodness, you need to do so at home as well as in the field. Support the institutions at home, and they can ease the way. I'm sure other people have other suggestions. These are just general ones I've seen as useful.
Wizard 03-08-05, 01:43 AM	/\ II II II Good post.
Ssussunriyh 03-08-05, 03:57 AM	Try to be open-minded: I know that this runs contrary to the job description, but no one likes an overzealous windbag who's full of himself. Don't scorn other people's beliefs out of hand, especially those of your fellow party members. As long as they're not blatantly evil, try to at least agree to disagree.
The_Dark_One 03-08-05, 04:57 AM	Have fun. So many paladins forget that life isn't a never-ending struggle against evil. Laugh, tell a joke, get into a practical joke war with the party's halfling, just remember to lighten up every once in a while.
Wizard 03-08-05, 11:43 AM	Ssussunriyh, I agree, but the most a pally can really do is agree to disagree. His calling demands complete devotion to his faith, and straying after another deity's teachings is certainly not that. That said, it's not necessary to diss the other PC's gods.
Callista 03-08-05, 11:50 AM	...and if you ARE the party's halfling, things can get even more fun! Especially if there is a CN rogue in the party... I'll give you a clue... points to sig...: They knew the potion was cursed, and how it was cursed, and neither me nor my character stopped laughing for at least two or three minutes, after we both got over the :eek:! I believe it had something to do with the fact that somebody sleight-of-handed the rogue's non-magical jewelry off her, and put it into her pockets, or the fact that a certain silver ring keeps changing ownership (she started it!)... :D Or maybe the fact that somebody else (I'm sure it wasn't the oh-so-innocent paladin) casually tripped the barbarian so that he fell into an underwater stream (hey, after that crawling-through-the-sewers bit, we ALL needed a bath... and he didn't wanna take one... it was a duty to society!) I'll admit pranking is a bit chaotic, but it really pales in comparison to all the other law-abiding you're doing. And you can get away with it, if you're a halfling, most of whose levels are in Rogue and not Paladin...
Evil Wizard 03-08-05, 12:28 PM	Ironic to see paladin advice coming from someone with a screen name like this, huh? :P Actually, I'm determined to play an intelligent, congenial paladin and dispel all the myths of the "Detect-Smite" paladin. Working pretty well so far; specializing in archery puts a unique spin on things. Remember that, despite what a lot of people will have you believe, there is no such think as an impossible moral dilemma. The solution may not be obvious, but I have yet to see the dilemma that didn't have a Good way out. You are allowed to make a tactical retreat. Circumstances apply of course, like trying to stop a rampaging monster from devouring a village, but if at all possible it's always better to live to fight another day. The longer you stay alive and well, the more good you can do in the world. Just because it detects Evil doesn't mean you automatically get to smite it. If he's not actually doing anything wrong, attacking it would put you in the wrong. Even if you can't convert that evil commoner, it's enough if he's not actually doing any evil. It's not against the law to be a jerk. Temper your mercy with the realization that not every evil foe is going to reform. You can convince the young pickpocket to see the light, but the high priest of Nerull is probably not going to see the error of his ways, and if left alive will likely just escape to do more evil. Killing is a means of last resort, but accept that you don't have a Diplomacy score of 100, and you'll probably have to fall back upon that last resort frequently. There's not much you can do if he chooses to fight to the death. Don't be a pain to your comrades. You might be a paragon of virtue, but it's unreasonable to expect everyone else to be. There'd be more paladins around otherwise. Lead by example rather than preaching. You're quite welcome to complain if they start torturing prisoners, of course, but no need to lecture them if they're not committing any blatantly evil acts. Think of yourself as a parental figure to the rest of the party, rather than their morality warden.
Nuntius128 03-08-05, 09:53 PM	That said, it's not necessary to diss the other PC's gods. Its rarely a good idea either. If I ever play a Cleric or a Paladin, my friend will play a Rogue, and will make some crass joke about my deity/purpose. Then he remembers why d6 HD isn't a good thing in melee combat, when he continues to poke at my PCs faith.
Wizard 03-09-05, 11:59 AM	LOL...yeah, feinting won't help much against someone with a Wis modifier that's through the roof.
Callista 03-09-05, 11:59 AM	Let's hope you're fighting to subdue him, unless you're playing an evil cleric, in which case... said rogue was pretty darn stupid to poke fun at, say, Gruumsh or Nerull...