D&D 5E D&D Next Art Column: June! And July!

13garth13 · Jul 27, 2012

The one on the right is the iconic fighter from Pathfinder.

Cheers,
Colin

Klaus · Jul 27, 2012

A quick sidenote: I don't have a problem with a hypothetical Paladin-In-Leather-Armor. It is certainly an archetype I've tried to create in the past (wielding a quarterstaff, no less). But I see something like this as the exception to the rule, something you *can* build towards, but not the archetypal image of the class.

Kaodi · Jul 27, 2012

I think there are at least two kinds of paladins. One in the classic conception, the fearless holy warrior, usually with the heaviest armour available, and the best weapons, and a sturdy horse. A second, however, takes its cues from more modern superheroes: someone who is not fearless, but rather has limitless courage: the "Caps" , so to speak. These guys may have preferred armaments, but they will wear or wield whatever they have to carry the day, from heavy plate to roughspun tunic, and from shining lance to broken chair leg.

I'm A Banana · Jul 27, 2012

In my mind, my concept of an archetypal paladin differentiates them strongly from both fighters and clerics. They are more crusading and aggressive than clerics (who are more about protecting and supporting), and they are more dedicated and idealistic than fighters (who are more about efficiency and self-reliance).

Yora · Jul 28, 2012

D&D needs to define Paladins. Based on 2nd and 3rd Edition, I never saw any difference to inferior fighter/clerics.

Klaus · Jul 28, 2012

Yora said:
D&D needs to define Paladins. Based on 2nd and 3rd Edition, I never saw any difference to inferior fighter/clerics.

Paladins were less "religious" in 1e. Sure, they were pious (and tithed to his local temple), but they were more idealistic. Most of their powers were of a defensive nature (immunities to a boatload of stuff), aside from the warhorse, turn undead and the holy avenger abilities (which were actually class abilities unlocked by a magic item).

Really, one can't address the D&D Paladin without mentioning Three Hearts & Three Lions.