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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Amal Shukup" data-source="post: 1566723" data-attributes="member: 6291">I've been lurking and ruminating on this for a while.As a DM, I might very well have stripped the Paladin of powers (with the understanding that reflection and atonement would be sufficient for reinstatement). Particularly if the 'execution' occurred within a civilized area of 'competent jurisprudence' *1. It is not enough that justice be done. It must be SEEN to be doneThe good people of wherever probably don't want to live in a society where a (self?) appointed arbiter of justice can execute a member of their society in a back room away from the public view. That way lies star chambers and the like. Justice (which the Paladin should care deeply about) is not thereby served.2. Execution is a bell that can not easily be un-ringed. Of course, it is a fantasy environment where a wrongful execution can be discovered and reversed, but such occurences erode society's faith in the dispensers of law and justice - who should exercise all sorts of due diligence in the pursuit of their calling. Again, justice is not served.Granted, the evidence presented (slim tho it be) seems to indicate that an eventual execution is fully warranted - but why the unseemly haste? Better by far to capture, investigate (what if there are accomplices or demonic influences etc?), try and punish the perpetrator(s) in the full view of society, and with that society's imprimateur. * If this occured way out in back and beyond (where the Paladin is the ONLY reliable source of justice), or in a land that lacks justice or is likely to allow justice to be miscarried, things become a bit grayer - but no matter how you look at it, the execution was unseemly in its haste. Also, the 'execution' was undoubtedly motivated (quite understandably so) by outrage and anger - NOT the state of mind best suited for administering justice (and the Paladin's deity or supervising mentor should issue a stern warning against carrying out sacred duties while ruled by baser emotions).Note, however, I would have NO PROBLEM with a Paladin (out in the back and beyond, say) capturing the perp, interrogating him (magically etc.), and upon determining his actual and unalloyed guilt, pronouncing sentence and summarily hacking his head clean off (give him a weapon and duel? Please...)A'Mal</blockquote>

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