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<blockquote data-quote="Arkhandus" data-source="post: 2673620" data-attributes="member: 13966">In a world of magic, where there's magic to counter almost any other magic, it is unlikely that Zones of Truth and Discern Lies spells would be fully trusted, though they most certainly would be considered strong evidence for or against a person's guilt or innocence.&nbsp; I don't think the caster is really aware of whether or not someone has failed their saving throw against the effect.In the case of a paladin, there's definitely more firm reasons to trust his word.&nbsp; The paladin can agree to submit to a Zone of Truth, then answer questions in his trial, and then display that his deity has not revoked his paladin powers, proving that he has indeed kept to his word as his paladin code requires.&nbsp; If he had agreed to allow the Zone of Truth to affect him, but actually resisted it instead, then his paladin gifts would be revoked for violating the paladin code of conduct.&nbsp; Otherwise, obviously, if his deity is the local religion's god or goddess, or simply a well-known god of truth, justice, honor, law, or the like, then the judge should believe the paladin to be telling the truth and truly innocent, if the paladin indeed told the truth and retains his powers.In any case, a paladin is required to respect the law and adhere to the local justice system.&nbsp; If he's required to go on trial, he will do so, and if he is convicted, he will accept his punishment, even if he knows that he is innocent.&nbsp; His deity will not revoke his blessings just because he was put into jail.&nbsp; He upheld his code and the trust his deity put in him.&nbsp; At least, if he really does want to remain a paladin.&nbsp; Otherwise, if he values his freedom and reputation overmuch (rather, more like a normal person than a shining paragon of virtue), then he will resist and will try to prove his innocence instead.&nbsp; His deity may revoke his blessings for this, but if he does prove his innocence, he may be able to receive a successful Atonement and regain his boons.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Arkhandus, post: 2673620, member: 13966"] In a world of magic, where there's magic to counter almost any other magic, it is unlikely that Zones of Truth and Discern Lies spells would be fully trusted, though they most certainly would be considered strong evidence for or against a person's guilt or innocence. I don't think the caster is really aware of whether or not someone has failed their saving throw against the effect. In the case of a paladin, there's definitely more firm reasons to trust his word. The paladin can agree to submit to a Zone of Truth, then answer questions in his trial, and then display that his deity has not revoked his paladin powers, proving that he has indeed kept to his word as his paladin code requires. If he had agreed to allow the Zone of Truth to affect him, but actually resisted it instead, then his paladin gifts would be revoked for violating the paladin code of conduct. Otherwise, obviously, if his deity is the local religion's god or goddess, or simply a well-known god of truth, justice, honor, law, or the like, then the judge should believe the paladin to be telling the truth and truly innocent, if the paladin indeed told the truth and retains his powers. In any case, a paladin is required to respect the law and adhere to the local justice system. If he's required to go on trial, he will do so, and if he is convicted, he will accept his punishment, even if he knows that he is innocent. His deity will not revoke his blessings just because he was put into jail. He upheld his code and the trust his deity put in him. At least, if he really does want to remain a paladin. Otherwise, if he values his freedom and reputation overmuch (rather, more like a normal person than a shining paragon of virtue), then he will resist and will try to prove his innocence instead. His deity may revoke his blessings for this, but if he does prove his innocence, he may be able to receive a successful Atonement and regain his boons. [/QUOTE]

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