Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="andrew" data-source="post: 88741" data-attributes="member: 2589">No, I don't mean the paladin's code is broken, I mean the paladin broke his code. I'm not sure how I should handle this next. I'll set up the situation for you and my current thoughts on the matter. I'd appreciate any suggestions on how you'd handle it as a DM or like it handled as a player.The Situation: Our dwarven paladin (Pal3/Ftr2) was aiding a group of the local baron's men in clearing out some monster invested caves. All the baron's men died, including their company leader. The dwarven paladin and his new friends took all the gear from the dead men (including their horses). Earlier, the baron's sergeant had made it explicitly clear that the baron considered all treasure found on his lands as part of dungeoneering/treasure hunting/monster slaying to belong to him. (Especially because most of it was often stolen from him or his subjects.) The baron considered it his property, but offered licenses  or comissions to find treasure, much like hunting or farming on his lands.Breaking the Code: Upon his return to the baron, the dwarven paladin returned the dead sergeant's badge of office and two chests of silver to the baron (believing these chests to personally belong to the baron). He did not return the weapons he had found in the caverns or the hoard of weapons and other treasure from the dragon he and his new friends slayed in the same cavern.The baron pressed him on these issues a little further and directly asked him about the personal gear of the dead men. At this point, the paladin stated that all their gear was lost or destroyed in the fight. The baron mentioned that he'd be using the recovered treasure chests to help restaff his company and as welfare for the widows and children the men left behind.DM's Toughts: To me, the paladin has willfully broken his vows. Not only did he take what the baron considered his treasure (the dragon's hoard), but he took the possessions of the baron's men and flat out lied to the baron about it. He's also a horse thief! Even given an opportunity to make things right (with the widows and children) the paladin greedily choose to serve himself.I have not mentioned this to the player. As far as I can tell, the player hasn't considered the actions at all. My first reaction is to deny his PC his powers the next time he tries to use them. However, I don't want to seem heavy-handed. I've also considered sending him a dream or vision and giving him "one more chance". But that seems to go a little easy on him. Another option is for his powers to fail him one by one until he gives up in frustration. I could also have a priest reproach him (but how does the priest find out?) Regardless, he will need to atone and I have a few quests in mind. How would you handle it? I don't want the player to feel like I'm not being fair, but I don't want the PCs misconduct to go unchecked. Thanks!</blockquote>

Verification