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Message: <blockquote data-quote="BookBarbarian" data-source="post: 7816755" data-attributes="member: 6802553">[USER=6805928]@firstkyne[/USER] I appreciate you giving us more information. I do think the action is contrary to some of the Tenets of the Ancients' Oath. Here's how I would handle it.In game: The next time the Paladin uses any paladin ability like smite or lay on hands, or the next time he long rests, whichever comes first, he receives something like the following vision "the Paladin seems himself in a beautiful ancient forest filled with life. Slowly the life starts to decay. The Paladin notices the decay seems to be worst closest to where he is standing. Indeed it emanates from his feet. Just before the vision ends the Paladin's ears are filled with the laughter of a  dragon."The Paladin's abilities all still function as normal except for this recurring vision. Maybe the Paladin also gains the following flaw "The monstrous enemy we faced in battle still leaves me quivering with fear." but that might be a bit much.Out of Game: Talk with the player about the direction he wants the character's story to go. Explain how you were surprised at what the Paladin chose to do. Try and gain an understanding of your player's reasoning. Admit that perhaps this wasn't the best encounter and you want to try to make your future encounters more enjoyable for everyone. The important thing here is to come to a consensus. If the player wants redemption, figure out a way for the Paladin to find some. If the Player feels redemption is unnecessary, talk about that too. You might end up with the character becoming an Oathbreaker, or choosing a new oath or specializing as a fighter, or indeed no mechanical change at all. It's ultimately up to you, just make sure what you choose is satisfying for you both.Feel free to pick and choose any part of that advice you think is useful but the out of game conversation is the far more important part of my advice IMHO.Also, how the dragon behaves is entirely up to you. As far as I know there is no need for a Dragon to eat as they are explicitly magical creatures. Even if they do need to in your setting I assume they don't need to eat people? So perhaps this dragon wasn't really hungry just having a bit of fun like cats do with mice. Perhaps the dragon is still having fun with his prey? Maybe the Paladin or party wants to find out?Lastly. I don't think it realistic that the Paladin could have intimidated the dragon away, however this particular dragon could have been the kind to want to keep his eye on certain mortals for his own benefit and entertainment. Perhaps this dragon could have been amused by the Paladins convictions (had he chosen to stick with them). Water under the bridge at this point but something I wanted to point out, because I think it's typically best for encounters to be more open ended than closed ended. As the DM I can always close it later if I want, but as you are now seeing if you start with limited options it's harder to put more options back on the table.</blockquote>

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