Non-cleric and non-paladin priests?

[BVB]

yes and god is the DM ...

That's baloney. The Dungeon Master plays the part of gods when it's necessary. If you're playing with a DM who is *that* picky about titles, then you probably need to find a new gaming group.

Of course, in a world where gods are willing and able to manifest in physical form on the prime material plane, and where gods take enough interest in the world to invest chosen warriors with their holy power, it might not be smart to go around claiming to be a Paladin of a specific god...

Only if you don't play it right.
You think a god doesn't have anything better to do than enforce the credentials of one lowly adventurer who is actually acting on the god's behalf anyway?

I played a rogue once who pumped up his knowledge skill in arcana and collected as many wands, potions and rings as possible. Called himself a "magic user" and sometimes even a "wizard." No one cared what title he used as long as the job got done.

Then there's the nature-loving gnome who enjoys dressing in tribal garb and declaring that he's entering his "barbarian rage" every time he's in a battle. We're not sure whether he believes he's really a barbarian or if it's just another gnome game. Again, though, it doesn't matter.

In *our* world, sure, there are organizations (and even laws) that require testing and documentation and fees so that you can legitimately use a particular title. "Lawyer" and "Realtor" and "Doctor" come to mind right away. But in a D&D campaign, it's going to be a rare, rare event that any NPC would ever hunt down a character to take him to task for it.

So loosen up already about the self-delcared bardic "paladin."

 

[Darklone]

Low magic setting: Most church members are Experts, bards, adepts or multiclass combinations of these three classes.

Especially the bard class works pretty well.

 

[Silver Griffon]

Don't forget Aristocrats. Lots and lots of Aristocrats.

 

[Lela]

I've always liked the idea of having Experts and Aristocrats as the foundation of most temples. This detracts from the shere power of the temple but adds to the connectedness the preists feel to their subjects.


That said, while I generally agree that your not going to be bothered if you're still doing the deity's work, there would be a definate problem IMC if you tried to pass yourself off as a Paladin at this point in time. A year ago I decided to try out the Paladin as a Prc idea and, while I don't support it going core in any way, the world has changed a lot because of it. Paladins are so rare that they've become a big deal. Effectivly they've become the mirror of the deity on the Prime. The connection is strong and the responsibilities are massive. In turn, the respect a Paladin is afforded (assuming the deity's in good standing) is like unto, or greater than, that of some of the highest ranking preists and the tools provided (Special Abilities) are powerful as well. Because of this, pretending to be a Paladin would be looked upon as Blasphamy and treated as such.

Though, according to my view of alignment, most good aligned churches would give the individual a chance to redeam himself (perhaps with a Geas/Quest spell) rather than kill him. Depending on the situation, a Mark of Justice might also be employed. LN churches might seek your death and evil churches (for Blackguards) would certainly do so.

This, of course, is all campaign specific. And, yes, my players like it and havn't found the need to find a different gaming group.

 

[Lela]

I've always liked the idea of having Experts and Aristocrats as the foundation of most temples. This detracts from the shere power of the temple but adds to the connectedness the preists feel to their subjects.


That said, while I generally agree that your not going to be bothered if you're still doing the deity's work, there would be a definate problem IMC if you tried to pass yourself off as a Paladin at this point in time. A year ago I decided to try out the Paladin as a Prc idea and, while I don't support it going core in any way, the world has changed a lot because of it. Paladins are so rare that they've become a big deal. Effectivly they've become the mirror of the deity on the Prime. The connection is strong and the responsibilities are massive. In turn, the respect a Paladin is afforded (assuming the deity's in good standing) is like unto, or greater than, that of some of the highest ranking preists and the tools provided (Special Abilities) are powerful as well. Because of this, pretending to be a Paladin would be looked upon as Blasphamy and treated as such.

Though, according to my view of alignment, most good aligned churches would give the individual a chance to redeam himself (perhaps with a Geas/Quest spell) rather than kill him. Depending on the situation, a Mark of Justice might also be employed. LN churches might seek your death and evil churches (for Blackguards) would certainly do so.

This, of course, is all campaign specific. And, yes, my players like it and havn't found the need to find a different gaming group.

 

[BVB]

Well then, it sounds as though Lela (twice) actually has a legitimate campaign development to support Paladin certification. ("Portraying an officer of the law is a crime, son. You're under arrest.") That's what I was talking about here. Dandy.

I was mainly addressing the contingent of players who would deny the character concept for the sole reason that the term "paladin" is used in the D&D rules books as a game mechanic and therefore a roleplaying constraint.

 

[Tsyr]

Well then, it sounds as though Lela (twice) actually has a legitimate campaign development to support Paladin certification. ("Portraying an officer of the law is a crime, son. You're under arrest.") That's what I was talking about here. Dandy.

I was mainly addressing the contingent of players who would deny the character concept for the sole reason that the term "paladin" is used in the D&D rules books as a game mechanic and therefore a roleplaying constraint.

Depends.

Do you mean "Man who fights in the name of god" paladin, or "Divine agent of God's Will" paladin? The former is fine for anyone... Trying to impersonate the latter is risky, imo

 

[BVB]

Depends.

Do you mean "Man who fights in the name of god" paladin, or "Divine agent of God's Will" paladin? The former is fine for anyone... Trying to impersonate the latter is risky, imo

I don't see the difference. Sounds like a weak argument that DM would try to assert over a player's internal character concept.

 

[Henry]

In my opinion, it would ONLY matter if you were grossly misrepresenting the god, or if the god were a god of truth or some such.

Even though the fighter is claiming to be a paladin of Torm, and righting wrongs and enforcing duty and obedience wherever he went, who is to say that Torm is NOT using him for this purpose? Just because he can't lay on hands, and he gets sick once or twice a year? A divine agent doesn't necessarily have to have all the same powers as another one, from the DM's standpoint.

Although I might be sneaky enough to grant the PC a divine boon in an emergency (lay on hands, divine grace, cure disease, etc.) and also give the player bonus XP if he decides to genuinely convert with his next level...

 

[I'm A Banana]

Not every worshiper of a god is casting spells.

So not every member of the clergy will have cleric levels.

Adpets and Experts are much more likely. Perhaps a few aristocrats.