Oh, now I got it. I knew of Paladins, but I had no idea of the BBEG...

Quote from: Blackleaf on November 10, 2023, 12:18:12 AMThe paladin is also one of the most virtuous of characters. They're sworn to an oath to do good, and breaking their oath results in their powers being taken away. So a paladin responding to the BBEG with, "No, actually, he's got a point." That's a pretty big turn.

Virtuous or lawful? I thought they were lawful good.

Quote from: drunkenshoe on November 10, 2023, 12:37:50 AMVirtuous or lawful? I thought they were lawful good.

They used to be restricted to only lawful good, but the rules are a lot looser on that lately.  Still, 9 times out of 10, the Paladin is a scion of virtue, vanquisher of evil, and protector of the innocent.  So a change of heart, especially towards the main villain is indeed a big turn.

Quote from: drunkenshoe on November 10, 2023, 12:37:50 AMVirtuous or lawful? I thought they were lawful good.

Most are probably lawful good, because they are compelled to follow the rules set before them and to never stray from them, but it might depend on the specific oath they have taken. Paladins at the third level choose from a list of oaths. Before then, they're considered to be paladins in training. The Oath of the Ancients is one where they pledge to use acts of kindness, mercy, and forgiveness to combat despair. These kinds of paladins could be neutral or chaotic good, as long as they remain pure.

Paladins of the Oath of Devotion are the white knights of paladins. They must be honest, courageous, compassionate, honorable, and dutiful at all times. They cannot lie, run from a battle (unless it's a strategically sound decision rather than cowardice), disobey just authority figures, etc. These are perhaps the most lawfully centered paladins, since their oath is more about following rules rather than making a positive impact.

And then there's the Oath of Vengeance. Their policy can best be summed up as "do unto others." Evil must be extinguished, without mercy. Those harmed by evil must be given restitution. While the other two oaths emphasize personal purity, these paladins are all about results. If your enemy has an enemy, the latter is your ally. Lesser evils are justified if they bring the end to a greater evil. I feel like these types of paladins make the most sense as chaotic good characters, since what is "good" is up to the paladin's own judgement.

Quote from: Hydra009 on November 10, 2023, 01:19:34 AMThey used to be restricted to only lawful good, but the rules are a lot looser on that lately.  Still, 9 times out of 10, the Paladin is a scion of virtue, vanquisher of evil, and protector of the innocent.  So a change of heart, especially towards the main villain is indeed a big turn.

Or "...more inclusive to non-conventional life styles"? [beep]

As an illiterate reader, I think Arabic writings look very soft, flowing and artistic when not white on a black flag, Russian Crylic writing looks very post-apocalyptic or old-industrial and Chinese just look like it would be impossible to learn.

They teach Chinese Hànzì to children, so it's just a matter of training. When I was in Japan, Yokosuka Naval Base, there was a shop right across the street from the main gate. They claimed to have ten thousand "most commonly used" ... chop sticks ... .*


*Don't use that  phrase in Japan, okay?

Sure, if you want to be technical about it...

Quote from: Hydra009 on November 13, 2023, 01:52:55 AMSure, if you want to be technical about it...

Perfect for sleepovers. I have no clue about MJs doings, but even in the best-case scenario, the lack of discretionary judgement is astounding.

I'm not surprised, given that Yucca Flat has been called the most irradiated, nuclear-blasted spot on the face of the Earth. 😵

If that is Yucca Flat,  since there shouldn't be an "s" at the end of Flat.

Quote from: Hydra009 on November 14, 2023, 03:47:44 PM

Easier to screams if you have LUNGS. Just sayin'.