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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quasqueton" data-source="post: 1552675" data-attributes="member: 3854">Since I started the thread, I'll answer it my way now.The way I handle it is pretty much right out of the core rules:Evil (as detected by detect evil) means Evil. The creature/person with an Evil alignment is Evil. Not "misunderstood", not of a "different philosophy", not "naughty", not "not-good" -- Evil. Has done Evil, will do Evil. "Not good" (read: Neutral) is not Evil. One mistake does not make one Evil. The Chaotic Good rogue in the paladin's party has nothing to fear of the paladin, if he is truly Chaotic Good. Those who write CG on their character sheet and then act CE in the game are a whole other problem and discussion.Someone who hasn't done Evil for fear of getting caught is like someone who hasn't done Good for fear of putting their neck out for someone -- in other words: is not Evil (or not Good).A paladin has the right and duty to destroy evil. That is his job. That is why the Lawful and Good powers of the universe invest him with the powers to detect and smite evil. You don't appoint a police force and then expect them to sit on their hands.The "wolf" may not be stalking the "herd" at this moment (because he's currently full, tired, or otherwise busy), but to ensure the safety of the "herd", the "shepherd" has the right and duty to strike and kill or drive off the "wolf". [Wolf = Evil, herd = innocent/peaceful people, shepherd = paladin.]But. . .a paladin would be wise to ensure that nothing bad would come (to him or others) of killing the Evil creature/person. Although the universal powers would probably approve of killing an Evil priest sitting in a tavern, the civil authorities will probably not be too happy with the act. (Since so many people have twisted this wilderness encounter into a city encounter.) A paladin can be arrested, tried, and even executed by normal city authorities if he strikes down someone without tangible evidence. A paladin should act within the (good and just) laws to erradicate Evil as far as possible without allowing Evil to be Evil unchecked.If a paladin met an Evil whatever in the wilderness, the Evil whatever cannot escape the paladin's smite by simply refusing to fight. Lawful is not stupid either. If the Evil whatever refuses to fight, then the paladin gets an easy smite. Maybe it is Evil who is dumb.So long as the paladin is sure of his target, and is sure nothing bad (not necessarily Evil) will come of the smite, he can and should attack and destroy an Evil he encounters. Doing so ensures the overall Good of the world.A paladin can try to redeem someone he thinks worth it. And if the attempt is successful, the paladin deserves applause. But an attempt at redemption is not required.Fighters fight. Barbarians rage. Wizards study magic. Rogues sneak. Paladins smite Evil.Quasqueton</blockquote>

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