Paladins: Alternate Ways to Play

Hey Pilgrims!

Have you ever looked at the classes in the Player’s Handbook from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition and thought, “Wish there was another way to play that character”? Well, I have some good news for you!

In the past few months another user on Twitter, Synxiec (@synxiecbeta), and I have been discussing alternate ways to build and play classes in D&D. One of Synxiec’s threads can be found here where he discusses Barbarian:

Therefore, having been inspired by these types of threads, I decided to talk about a class that is near and dear to my heart (not to mention one I’m making a supplement for!), the Paladin class.

Most of my thoughts can be found here:

However, for those who would rather read up on my ideas here (appreciate you for sticking around!), allow me to explain my ideas in more detail!

One of the major criticisms I keep seeing with Paladins and the types of characters that get made with this class is the stereotype of the “Goody Two-shoes” or the “Cop” who is always acting high and mighty and will turn on any party member for any crime.

Yes, these types of characters exist, and yes that’s OK! There is no “right” way to create or play a character, I am only presenting alternate methods.

What is “Lawful”?

Image Credits: Wizards of the Coast

Image Credits: Wizards of the Coast

Given that many Paladins will fall under the Lawful Good alignment within the alignment system of D&D (which is a whole other bag of worms I could address at a later date), most people assume Lawful means that the character follows the “laws”. Now, while I agree this is an accurate presumption,I also put forth that it doesn’t have to be.

Think of it this way, Paladins each take Oaths, which are reflected mechanically in the abilities of their respective subclass,  that give them a code of conduct to live by. Therefore, we can accurately say these Oaths are the most important “laws” in a Paladin’s life. With these Oaths as their moral compass, the only laws that need be followed are the laws of the Paladin’s Oath!

Using a real world example, we have seen countless laws and statutes in our own world that are categorically WRONG. Whether antiquated, bigoted laws, or even those meant to harm certain groups and only benefit those in power, these types of laws are not unheard of. The D&D world can be no different. When a Paladin arrives in a city, town, or village, they’re motives and bonds don’t fluctuate with the local laws of the land, they hold firm in their own Oath.

How Would It Work?

Image Credit: Wizards of the Coast

Image Credit: Wizards of the Coast

In my own experiences as a person who plays Paladins, I have not once played a Paladin who would “rat out the Rogue” for stealing. My Paladins are played as those seeking to right wrongs and correct injustices. If anything, they come across more as an “Activist” than a “Cop”. With this, I hope we can all take something that is one of my favorite classes and give it the love it deserves.

Ditch the “Deus Vult” Crusader tropes! Get rid of the Enforcer of local law tropes! Let your Paladins break “laws”!

I mean, hell, I designed an entire supplement around the idea of “Would a Paladin in the mafia still be considered “lawful” if they follow the rules set out by their crime family?”

(SPOILER: Yes… they would!)

In conclusion, when making characters, it is fun to play into tropes, I love my reckless, raging barbarians, but sometimes I can be even more fun to take a character concept and look at it from a new angle! Also, if you liked this type of post, let me know! As of now, there are some plans in the future to revisit all the PHB (Player’s Handbook) classes and discuss alternate characters from each!

As always, keep wandering!

-Mike