Goobermunch
Explorer
Okay--
Here's the deal. The Paladin in my campaign made a noble promise to always protect a six-year old child. At the time, he probably didn't think much of it. He was simply trying to cheer her up and deal with some of her fears as they travelled through a dark forest.
Fast forward a few months. The Paladin dropped the six-year old off with her somewhat distant father. Unbeknownst to the Paladin, the girl's father is a necromancer. Since last he checked in, the necromancer is now a ghoul (retaining his spellcasting ability), and he has turned his daughter into a zombie (but hey, the body has an amulet of gentle repose, so it still looks pretty).
But wait, it gets better. Dad has also bound the daughter's soul to the zombie. In effect, the child's mind, personality and alignment are still intact, and she can communicate with her father or anyone else. Her body, however, is under his complete control.
Technically, the Paladin has not committed any evil acts. He has, however, made a promise which he has failed to keep. Further, the party had reason to suspect that all was not right with Dad, but the Paladin never managed to get the Detect Evil off at the right time . . . .
My questions:
What punishment should the Paladin suffer?
If he suffers the loss (or partial loss) of his paladin abilities, would it be better (more dramatic, appropriate, fitting) to lose those abilities as soon as the promise is broken? Or as soon as he discovers his breach?
I've got a reason for suggesting the latter, but I'd like to hear other theories.
--G
Here's the deal. The Paladin in my campaign made a noble promise to always protect a six-year old child. At the time, he probably didn't think much of it. He was simply trying to cheer her up and deal with some of her fears as they travelled through a dark forest.
Fast forward a few months. The Paladin dropped the six-year old off with her somewhat distant father. Unbeknownst to the Paladin, the girl's father is a necromancer. Since last he checked in, the necromancer is now a ghoul (retaining his spellcasting ability), and he has turned his daughter into a zombie (but hey, the body has an amulet of gentle repose, so it still looks pretty).
But wait, it gets better. Dad has also bound the daughter's soul to the zombie. In effect, the child's mind, personality and alignment are still intact, and she can communicate with her father or anyone else. Her body, however, is under his complete control.
Technically, the Paladin has not committed any evil acts. He has, however, made a promise which he has failed to keep. Further, the party had reason to suspect that all was not right with Dad, but the Paladin never managed to get the Detect Evil off at the right time . . . .
My questions:
What punishment should the Paladin suffer?
If he suffers the loss (or partial loss) of his paladin abilities, would it be better (more dramatic, appropriate, fitting) to lose those abilities as soon as the promise is broken? Or as soon as he discovers his breach?
I've got a reason for suggesting the latter, but I'd like to hear other theories.
--G