We’ve all watched the concept of the paladin morph from one edition of D&D to another. Many of us still remember the pain of playing a 3/3.5 paladin and having our DM say “If you do that or allow your companions to do that, you’re going to be party to an evil act and lose all your powers.” Lame. Losing powers because you couldn’t stop your party from doing something? Don’t get me wrong, I was on board with Paladins being Galahad and Captain America types, but being punished because your rogue stole something or the overzealous barbarian killed an enemy you were questioning just isn’t fun.
In rolls the 4E paladin. Gone is the alignment description – gone is the penalty for not role-playing your class “correctly” and forcing unwanted party conflicts. In steps this holy knight who can now follow any god or path. I was a bit put-off at first, I mean, how could a paladin now be both lawful and good. It was so foreign. But looking at the basic pantheon of gods in D&D it made a lot of sense. There’s no reason a paladin should have to be good – they’re holy knights. They should act in accordance with their god/beliefs, but the lawful and good thing comes from our real world examples of what we thought of as paladins.
Once I got over that hump (which took me in all honestly about 15 minutes) I saw the paladin’s world open up. Sure, a paladin of Bahamut might look like your typically white knight, but what does a Paladin of the Raven Queen do? Or taking it a few steps down the path of darkness, what does a Paladin of Lolth or Vecna act/look like? This darker side of the 4E paladin leaves a lot to be explored, and is full of character ideas and hooks. Here’s just a couple takes on some of these paladins.
Knight of Death
Paladin of the Raven Queen
Fate walks with me, and death not far behind. – Zire, follower of the Raven Queen
Knights of Death are instruments of the Raven Queen’s will. Largely unconcerned with the day to day bustle of society, they only intervene when they see someone struggling to change their fate or the fate of others. A Knight of Death cares little for local laws and customs beyond what is necessary to keep out of trouble and complete his mission. The Knights are often sent on missions to “help along” those people who cling to life, outliving their intended stay in the mortal realm. This work along with the constant vigil against Orcus, his followers, and their undead minions means that the Knights of Death live exciting, and often short, lives.
Character Options: Knights of Death are typically paladins who multiclass or hybrid into assassin, focusing on skills and powers that ensure that their targets die swiftly, and remain dead.
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Hands of Vecna
Paladin of Vecna
Death is not the end. – Anonymous
The religious hierarchy of Vecna is secretive by nature - members of cells meeting in secret, identities hidden, coded messages passed between cells the only binding factor. All hands of Vecna are chosen by the undead god after their first death. However they come back, all Hands have experienced the touch of death and returned with some of Vecna’s secrets. The purpose of the Hands of Vecna is unclear, likely as the dark god intends it. Some cultists believe the Hands act as the secret police of the church. Others hold to the idea that these unholy warriors are merely vessels for Vecna to inhabit when needed. Though the actual purpose of the Hands is up for debate, their deadly nature and ability to discover the secrets of others is not.
Character Options: Some Hands of Vecna multiclass or hybrid into wizard, sorcerer, or warlock to better understand their arcane secrets. Many seek the path to lichdom and the power it promises as well. The Ritual Caster feat is also a good choice for those who don’t want to dabble in multiclassing. High Perception and Insight are useful in rooting out the secrets of others.
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The Dream Seekers
Paladin of Sehanine (Submitted by SarahDarkmagic)
While many paladins will claim that they felt called by their god, for Dream Seekers, it is much more literal. Members are chosen when Sehanine appears to them in a dream, asking them to seek their destiny through her. Their secret, moonlit ceremonies are often the subject of adult gossip and tales and many a young man or woman will pray that they are chosen. Dream Seekers travel often, rarely staying in one place for very long. They are passionately protective of mischievous children, secret lovers and performers of all ages. In particular, they often provide sanctuary to those who end up on the wrong side of the law while having a little fun or seeking their fortune. They attempt to do no evil, but they know bending or breaking a rule or two is what makes life interesting.
Character Options: Dream Seekers are often quite charismatic and will often multi-class or hybrid into bards, sorcerers, or warlords, focusing on skills and powers that dazzle or allow them to play in the shadows.
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Earthen Guard
Paladins of Melora (Submitted by SarahDarkmagic)
Lovers of natural beauty, members tend to live in small communes in rural areas or outside cities. They have spent centuries finding ways to live in harmony with the natural world around them. Their communes are made from abundant natural materials, often from simple mud and straw. They grow their own food and raise their own meat, doing both with incredible care and dedication. Each day, they travel throughout the area and teach what they have learned to all who will listen. When teaching doesn’t work, they’ve been known to take matters into their own hands. Earthen Guard members have destroyed dams and overly aggressive mining operations, have placed traps in the woods to catch overzealous woodsmen and even have enticed creatures to attack new settlements before fortifications are put into place. Wherever they go, Earthen Guard members are a polarizing force with those who seek to profit from the spoils of nature most likely to want them gone.
Character Options: Earthen Guard members like having some primal powers and often multi-class or hybrid into warden, seeker, and barbarian.
We’ve had a glimpse at the darker side of paladins, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. What path do the devoted paladins of Bane follow – or the battle hungry paladins of Kord? With all the gods and their different goals, what other paladin organizations are there?
