A Paladin Shows Mercy to a Priestess of Orcus?

[Ogrork the Mighty]

On the gripping hand, if she does turn her over, she is violating the code (personal honor).

Ouch.

I would think that placing one's own code above legitimate authority (key word: legitimate) is a violation in and of itself (re: selfishness). Besides which, what the heck is the paladin doing having a personal code that conflicts with legitimate authority? Doesn't sound like a legitimate code to me...

 

[Nightfall]

:\

Wow. Some dedicated priestess. If I was Orcus, I'd get a refund. Course I'd probably also curse the bejezus out of said turn coat. Come on. A TRUE priestess would welcome the chance to ascend into another form. I guess this one didn't pass the mustard. Sorry Orcus.

 

[Ravlek]

Keeping the foe around as an unwilling servant is slavery which in many D&D cultures is considered an evil act. This should present severe conflicts with the PC's alignment and paladin vows.

I don't think association comes into play at all. Idisagree with Ravlek's conclusion that the "The paladin is associating with the priestess". The definition he provided states an associate is a partner, ally, or friend. The master/servant relationship means they are not equal partners, the priestess is likely trying to screw them at the first opportunity (hardly an ally), and there is no friendship in the relationship.

The bottom line is how the PC plays it.

Again from the SRD: "Associates: While she may adventure with characters of any good or neutral alignment, a paladin will never knowingly associate with evil characters,..."

The RAW definition would apply if she was taken on an adventure, IMO.
Excellent point on slavery. Complete agreement on the bottom line.

 

[Nightfall]

*still thinks her former compatriots should very much torture and kill her*

 

[Ravlek]

I would think that placing one's own code above legitimate authority (key word: legitimate) is a violation in and of itself (re: selfishness). Besides which, what the heck is the paladin doing having a personal code that conflicts with legitimate authority? Doesn't sound like a legitimate code to me...

I think you're quoting out of context, to an extent(my fault). I can see both of my points as being equally valid, and I honestly am not sure how I would rule on that (as a DM). Which is why I found it interesting.
Your response is certainly a good way to look at it. Need to think on this one some more.

 

[Odhanan]

What now? What do you think?

Awesome.

When you get a great session and things turn out in a way that's cool for the game, just forget the RAW. Keep up with your great game!

 

[Nightfall]

Kill the priestess! Death to the faithless!

 

[Particle_Man]

Well theoretically, the priestess could be CN (and let's face it, she didn't seem as devoted to the cause as her comrades) and still get spells from Orcus (assuming that he grants any domains that are not Evil, perhaps). But maybe she would be penalized and not get spells because she wussed out and surrendered to a paladin.

So if she is sincere, she would likely have no clerical powers anymore, so that would solve the "free cleric slave" problem.

 

[sword-dancer]

Now that is an interesting viewpoint.

Going to play devil's advocate here. If the proper authorities demand, lawfully, that the priestess be turned over, and the paladin refuses, then she is violating the code..

The Uberlegitimate authoritie Her God(s) have granted her the right to spend the privilege of mercy whenever she sees fit, her code accepted from the same authorities demand from her to act honourable.(Not Lying, keeping her word and so on)
With the possible eception of these authoritie, no other authoritie can demand legitimate that the priestess to be turned over.

The Book of Exalted Deeds

Please do mea favor and don`t bring the BoED etc in this discussion, I´ve enough from the BoED as an authoritie in Non Exalted games.

Of course, we all know what's more than likely going to occur. That paladin better sleep with one eye open!

Isn`t that normal for pallys?

 

[Ravlek]

The paladin's code from the SRD;

Code of Conduct: A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class abilities if she ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, a paladin’s code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who harm or threaten innocents.

Legitimate authority is part of the code, so is not lying. So " placing one's own code above legitimate authority " is incorrect, it is part of that same code. The question is which is more important in this case.
If the priestess is above 20th level, Turanil mentioned level 40 for the pc's, then I think it's unlikely the priestess will change. This tips it towards the side of legitimate authority, IMO.