I agree that it's campaign specific. But I'll also be the first to admit that if the campaign followed the more strict meddling gods model, I would be playing the least religious character that ever graced the universe.
Because when people questioned certain articles, it had been stated in letter and opinion columns that they (the articles in question) were not official.
Yep. And up to a certain point way way back, only articles written by Gygax were considered official. I believe this was even stated once in the magazine way back in the early 80s (obviously before he left).
What I don't understand in all this is how someone who prefers traditional paladins is prevented from doing so in an open paladin system.
If you like trad paladins, by all means play one. But if I want to play a CG paladin, how are you being impacted?
HD were 1d8.When fighters are dealing a flat 1d6 damage a hit (if I'm remembering the right conversation), and all HD are of the d8 variety? That's the understatement of the week, at least!
I think this identifies at least part of the issue.Well, it changes the definition of what a paladin is in the first place.
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"Paladins are LG" paladin class is not the same as a "Paladins are whatever alignment their god is" class. So it's just a matter of who prefers which definition.
Well, it changes the definition of what a paladin is in the first place. It's like (to use gross hyperbole) if I play an elf character, and you make up a character who draws magical power from the demonic forces that elves have instead of souls - your character concept alters mine drastically.
D&D has never been a completely free-form, play whatever you can think of game. Things in the game have definitions. And a "Paladins are LG" paladin class is not the same as a "Paladins are whatever alignment their god is" class. So it's just a matter of who prefers which definition.
I don't see why this surprises you.
Why do you care what definition I use for my character? It impacts you in no way. Even if we both play paladins in the same campaign, how is it remotely your business how I play my character?