What is considered ok for paladins in your game?

[Gargoyle]

Paladins can't lie without breaking their Code of Conduct, that is clear. But to what extent can they use deception and other questionable tactics without "grossly violating" the Code and losing their abilities? Which of the above are considered "ok" for paladins in your game?

Here is the Code of Conduct, for your convenience:
A paladin must be of lawful good alignment and loses all special class abilities if she ever willingly commits an act of evil. Additionally, a paladin's code requires that she respect legitimate authority, act with honor (not lying, not cheating, not using poison, etc.), help those who need help (provided they do not use the help for evil or chaotic ends), and punish those that harm or threaten innocents.

Sorry if this has been beaten to death in the past. I'm posting here instead of in rules since this seems to be a gray area.

Thanks!

 

[Rashak Mani]

How do you sneak attack an aware opponent ?!

Overall Paladins in our game arent too restricted... a disguise isnt wrong if its to avoid confrontation for example. Attacking flat footed creatures no problem... Ranged Weapons arent much used by paladins but they arent forbidden.

 

[Gargoyle]

How do you sneak attack an aware opponent ?!

Overall Paladins in our game arent too restricted... a disguise isnt wrong if its to avoid confrontation for example. Attacking flat footed creatures no problem... Ranged Weapons arent much used by paladins but they arent forbidden.

A rogue can use sneak attack against someone they are flanking, or whenever the opponent is unable to use their Dex bonus to AC, such as when flat-footed, even if the opponent is aware of them.

 

[hong]

You really should have had an "all of the above" option, ya know.

 

[reapersaurus]

It depends upon the situation, of course.

But of the ones you listed, let's look at them:

Using Disguise to further the cause of good shouldn't be against a code.
Using Sneak Attack against an unaware opponent wouldn't either, assuming the opponent is evil. I can't see someone arguing that it's ok to kill the evil guy, but not OK to take advantage of your skills and opportunity.

Helpless is a whole nother ballgame.

Attacking a melee opponent with a ranged weapon is a standard military maneuver. Any paladin who doesn't take advantage of a strategic position or strategy against an evil adversary is not doing his job right.

Any paladin who willingly obeys evil laws is really confused.

And the Feint skill application of Bluff doesn't exist in my mind, so there's no problem.

What paladin would also be a rogue, anyway? LOL
I'm wondering what's the majority: multiclass paladins, or straight paladin-and-PrC paladins?

 

[omedon]

Most Paladins I would assume would only engage opponents in a fair fight. For what is a man without his principles? If there was an evil demon rampaging towards a city and the paladin was far behind I could see him shooting a few arrows into the demons back to stop him. However, I think any fight with your typical NPC would result in a proper duel. No, sneak attacking, ganging up or any ungentlemenly behaviour unless if the enemy already cheated.

The only thing I voted for was the first option: the disguise. I am not sure about the others.

 

[Gargoyle]

You really should have had an "all of the above" option, ya know.

Sorry, ran out of room. You can select multiple options though, without straining your mouse muscles too much.

 

[Laslo Tremaine]

This is why I don't let people play Paladins in my campaigns. They make fine NPCs, but as player characters they cause WAY too many problems. In both interpretation of what they can and cannot get away with, not to mention having Detect Evil at will, which just rubs me the wrong way...

 

[Gargoyle]

What paladin would also be a rogue, anyway? LOL
I'm wondering what's the majority: multiclass paladins, or straight paladin-and-PrC paladins?

James Wyatt played a rogue/paladin shortly after 3E's release, (or maybe it was before). I remember the story hour on his website getting quite a bit of criticism, since the paladin used sneak attacks a lot.

I imagine there are quite a few rogues turned paladin out there, and maybe even some ex-barbarian/paladins. Such combos make for interesting characters.

 

[hong]

Sorry, ran out of room. You can select multiple options though, without straining your mouse muscles too much.

Hmph. You don't know what it's like, having to move more muscles than is ABSOLUTELY necessary. I need a remote control for my mouse, that's what I need.