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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dancer" data-source="post: 1573846" data-attributes="member: 15522">It really depends on what is considered "overwhelming odds".  The vows and code of the Knights Templars said that they could not retreat from battle unless facing 3 to 1 odds and then only under direct orders, they had to carry out their orders without question, and neither gave nor recieved quarter.  This is pretty tough to role-play (not impossible though).  Against a single humanoid opponent (say without magic) then there is no way the Paladin does not stand his ground, even if he is getting his butt waxed.  The problem comes in when magic and creatures come into play.  How do you judge what is a fair match for a Paladin and when he is facing overwhelming odds?  In the case of the Templars, how do you determine when is effective outnumbered by a 3 to 1 ratio when it comes to the power of creatures.Also, many people tend to gloss over the fact that Paladins are knights, no matter what their special abilities.  They fear loss of honor as much as the next knight.  Any smudge on a knights honor not only affects him but his liege (and in a Paladin's case, his god).  It's great to say "live to fight another day" but what knight is going to be relied upon when it becomes known that he will flee combat if it gets too tough (because his abilities would be better used if he lived).  This has a flavor of cowardice that no true knight could live with for long.It's a easy question with a difficult, complex answer.  What is the Paladin's code?  What does the Paladin's god expect from him?  Does he have a liege lord?  What does his liege lord expect from his vassals?  Does the Paladin believe in personal honor?  Or is all honor from the power he serves?  Will that power allow him to remain a paladin if he flees in the face of the enemy?I'm very interested in others opinion on this.  It really isn't just a question for paladins but for any warrior of honor and especially for knights.</blockquote>

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