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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dannyalcatraz" data-source="post: 5687929" data-attributes="member: 19675">One thing 2Ed did better than any other edition- after you take into account all of the expansions- was make the priest customizable to better model faiths from around the world.  Even 3.X doesn't do it as well.This is true, but with crucial differences.  A cleric is expected to minister to the flock.  That's why they have spells like Attone, Bless and Ceremony.  But anyone who chooses to take the vows of the priesthood and passes the initiations can become a priest.A Paladin is chosen by his god, with the specific duty of being that god's exemplar of physical might.  He is the living embodiment of the divine's vengeful side.  He or she may not even be willing to serve in that capacity (see Jeanne D'Arc).A person can go out tomorrow and buy a handbook and a copy of the oaths the police officers in his city abide by.  Even if he swears to follow that oath and all the rules in the book, that doesn't make him a cop.  He doesn't get the right to carry a firearm everywhere, he can't pull people over with flashing lights & sirens, etc.  And if he doesn't follow those rules in the book and oath, he suffers no penalty.  The vow isn't to anyone else but himself; there is no impartial judge to evaluate the severity of the violation and impose sanction if a violation occurs.If and only if he formally swears that oath before his sovereign (the city's duly appointed officer) after passing through the academy does he become an officer.  And if he violates the rules that he has sworn to follow, he can lose his job, his pension, and if the violation was severe enough, he could even go to jail.  The city's Internal Affairs administration, the state's or country's judicial system stand over this person to impartially judge his actions, and have power to impose penalties and enforce judgements.It is an exchange of powers being granted for an oath of obedience.Similarly, the Paladin must pass muster with his god (presumably taken care of when the deity utters The Call), then swear the vow.  He gains abilities to heal, to cast spells, to turn back the undead, and to carry arms in his god's service (Jeanne D'Arc was a farmgirl with no training before she helped lead the French to numerous victories).  If he falters in his faith in particular- major, not minor- ways, the divine being to whom he swore the vow decides if he loses those powers.</blockquote>

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