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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Starfox" data-source="post: 6115604" data-attributes="member: 2303">I find that most DnD rules are written to allow the DM to be lenient. This applies to the paladins' code in previous editions as well. Yes, it says that if a paladin ever willingly commits an evil act, he is forever fallen. But no, the DM does not have to apply that strictly if it does not fit in the concept of the game and story. There are lots of rules written like this, and different DMs use them differently. Just another example is that Magic Missiles always hit, but they can never do anything but damage to creatures. "Targets up to five creatures, no two of which can be more than 15 ft. apart". Still, different DMs apply this differently - some would allow a magic missile to be used to cut a rope, others would not. Actually, in most ambiguous cases, I feel the DnD rules err on the side of caution, giving the DM the authority to say no. This was even more explicit in 4E, where the flavor text often showed the power as doing things the rule text would not actually let you do unless the DM was lenient (IIR).This creates ambiguity in the game, but I still prefer it to "permissive" rules, where the DM is left to figure out the corner cases. Because it creates less squabbling at the table. It is generally less of a problem to permit more than a strict reading of the rules would than it is to prevent what would be permitted by the rules but goes against their spirit.As I began with, I feel the paladin code of earlier editions (as well as the section on ex-clerics) is written like this. It is a rule the DM can show a quarrelsome player to shut them down in an argument. That does not mean it is meant to be used in every case wehere it could apply.Of course, I game with a pretty permissive game style. I can see other DMs who see themselves more as neutral arbitrators than game-hosts having trouble with this, and if this really was the indented play-style, it would have helped if it said so in the DMG.</blockquote>

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