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Message: <blockquote data-quote="RangerWickett" data-source="post: 3197537" data-attributes="member: 63">I dreadfully hope this thread doesn't descend into flames.Despite their obvious combat talents and clear inspiration from classical chivalrous knights, paladins seem ill-suited to actual warfare, except in the most white-washed and happy settings. In real war you need to ambush foes, attack with overwhelming numbers, and use deceptive maneuvers to outwit your enemies. Some interpretations of the paladin code would suggest that paladins ought to stay the hell out of a war. You can imagine a scene where a group is waiting to attack a supply convoy, but when the convoy comes within range, the paladin stands up and issues a noble challenge. A minute later, the enemy convoy has either retreated or has managed to kill half the paladin's allies. Good job with that honor of yours, buddy.Then again, the paladin code states what, exactly?"A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all class abilities if she ever willingly commits an evil act. Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, and so forth), help those in need (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those who threaten innocents."A lot of wriggle room there. Is it lying to feint in combat? Is it cheating? Is it evil? If it is none of those, then would it be alright for a paladin to engage in a mission with the goal of luring foes away so that the bulk of the paladin's allies can attack elsewhere? However if you think that it is dishonorable, there are many tactics that are not allowed to a paladin. He is apparently only allowed to attack an enemy head up. I know a player who even thinks paladins should be forbidden from using ranged weapons.What about laying an ambush? Ambushing a merchant, definitely dishonorable. But ambushing a military company that is cutting a swath through the heartlands of your nation? One could argue that by initiating a war, the enemy is considered constantly engaged, and thus it is completely honorable to engage them anywhere.Are paladins allowed to utilize spies in war, or is that lying?Is it dishonorable to fight when you have high ground? When you outnumber your enemies 2 to 1? Is it dishonorable to use flying mounts? After all, that's kind of unfair if your enemies can't fly.What about the statement that you must respect legitimate authority? Here we come to the old samurai dilemma of ninjo versus giri -- human feeling versus duty. It's clear cut if your commander orders you to kill innocents, but if he orders you to set fire to your enemy's supply caravan, what are you to do if you think that it is dishonorable to win that way? Does your desire to fight a good, honorable battle supercede your duty to your commander (who he himself has a duty to his nation to defend it from enemies)?It's a tricky subject, and I'd like to hear your opinions.</blockquote>

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