The problem arises from the fact that the DM has verbally stated that, no, it won't be a specially worked out oath, it'll be a paladin code of conduct.
My character may be lawful good, but he's a damned sight more lawful then good- no shining beacon of exaltation, he's willing to do what must be done, rather then taking the burdens of the entire world upon his shoulders.
How do I explain that to my DM, though?
Moreorless, anyways. Basically I've got a plan to PrC my monk into Kensai in a couple levels. I've worked out an oath that fits with my character's ideals and would stimulate roleplaying and all that jazz. Something that'd require him to act in specific ways and whatnot.
The problem arises from the fact that the DM has verbally stated that, no, it won't be a specially worked out oath, it'll be a paladin code of conduct.
My character may be lawful good, but he's a damned sight more lawful then good- no shining beacon of exaltation, he's willing to do what must be done, rather then taking the burdens of the entire world upon his shoulders.
How do I explain that to my DM, though?
What you described your character to be strikes me as more Lawful Neutral than Lawful Good. Lawful Neutral is putting the law before the common good, and just getting stuff done without worrying about the little details.
It seems a courageous Lawful Good character would live up to the 3e Paladin's oath without too much problem. It's the 2e Paladins that really had it rough, that even a Lawful Good character would say: "Explain to me, exactly... *why* is 10 magical items okay, but 11 not?"
Definitely nothing wrong with Lawful Neutral - heck, Jack Bauer is Lawful Neutral. And Jack > All.
Definitely nothing wrong with Lawful Neutral - heck, Jack Bauer is Lawful Neutral. And Jack > All.
First, I just have to say that Jack Bauer is in no way lawful. Seriously, he breaks more rules than... a guy who breaks a lot of rules. Going by 3e alignment, I'd say he was Chaotic Good: do what is best for his country, even if the rules say he can't do it.
As to the OP, I'd say just go to your DM and talked clearly with him that a Paladin's CoC isn't what you had in mind for your character.
First, I just have to say that Jack Bauer is in no way lawful. Seriously, he breaks more rules than... a guy who breaks a lot of rules. Going by 3e alignment, I'd say he was Chaotic Good: do what is best for his country, even if the rules say he can't do it.
Couldn't resist. http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?p=18287415#post18287415
Let's find out :D
Anyway, sorry to derail the thread a bit. Back on topic - and we can talk about Jack elsewhere.
And my character- the plan is basically to be sort of like batman, who is by all definitions a lawful good character (D&D canocally lables him as such, btw)
He's good, but he's also willing to do what needs to be done. He's very charismatic for a guy with 12 charisma- very heavy on the diplomacy when he can get away with it.
The main issue is that I want a character who can be batman, and unfortuantely imposing a paladin code of conduct on the guy would sort of cripple that.
A personal honour system is fine, even commiting to an ideal of righteousness. But the way my DM has been treating our party's Paladin, I'm not sure I'd be able to do that for my character.
The paladin code of conduct, as described in the SRD would be doable, albeit with some minor changes (poison use specifically- I'm fine with not using deadly poisons, but things like paralytic agents or sleeping gas.... should be within my reach)
Anyways, I'll probably end up talking it over with the DM, but I'm just upset over the way he's come across as my having no say in it. I damned well better have a say in it.
And my character- the plan is basically to be sort of like batman, who is by all definitions a lawful good character (D&D canocally lables him as such, btw)
Batman's Alignment?
There is Vigilante class in the complete adventurer, Its pretty cool. It involves abilities such as detect evil, streetwise, smite the guilty, quick search, speak with dead, quick hide, dimesional anchor, mettle
On top of all kinds of cool abilities he gets a spell list...this is the outlined version of a paladin who takes good's side over law mayby you should just go for this class
If you reaally want to become a "Batman" I suggest Go Rogue + ranger... see if you can get favored enemy "criminal" if not just rogue is fine... then become a viliante
The possibilities are endless... Go rogue... then vigilante... then you can go streefighter...
And picking up a couple of levels in swashbuckler wouldnt hurt either....
A monk kensai blade... its incredbly powerful... which is probly why your dm is being so hard on you... its a high power character and amatuer DM's have trouble with sessions involving them....
Okay... so i just read the kensai oath of service side bar...
If you become 1 level of vilgilante (wouldnt hurt) you could then try to find a group of People who share your ideals and Swear an oath To them that you will ...so and so... in order to so and so... you get the picture... after that.. mayby your dm would allow you to then take levels in kensai... offer this idea to the dm before going through with it.
Basicly you could swear an oath to some child you just saved in the night... swear that you will never let criminals get away with injustice in this world anylonger....then there you are.. its an imposible oath... but your dm should be happy... for if the kensai takes an oath... like to avenge a dead father and does... he is no longer bound to his code... woot...
Your dm is just being a stick in the mud...personnaly....nevermind...
Sorry to be a n00b, but what book is the Kensai in?
Complete Warrior (3.5 D&D)
Complete Warrior (3.5 D&D)
Thanks! :D
BTW, a few poisons aren't evil to use, as shown in Book of Exalted Deeds. Other poisons inflict excessive pain and suffering, supposedly...