Are conquest Paladins evil?

Are Conquest Paladins Evil?

The question of whether Conquest Paladins are evil or not is a complex and nuanced one. At its core, the Conquest Paladin class is centered around the idea of bringing order to the world through the power of martial might. But what does that really mean, and does it necessarily involve moral evil?

RAW Perspective

According to the RAW (Rules as Written) definition, an Oathbreaker Paladin is "a paladin who breaks their sacred oaths to pursue some dark ambition or serve an evil power" (Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, Basic Rules, p. 115). By this definition, an Oathbreaker Paladin is inherently evil. However, not all Conquest Paladins are necessarily Oathbreakers.

In fact, the Conquest Oath does not require Paladins to serve an evil power or break their sacred oaths. Instead, it focuses on the Paladin’s role as a warrior who seeks to establish order and justice in the world through military force.

Subclasses and Alignment

As we’ll explore later, certain Paladin subclasses, such as the Vengeance Oath, may lean towards an evil alignment. However, the Conquest Oath itself is neutral, leaving the Paladin free to choose their own path.

Here are some examples of Paladin subclasses and their associated alignments:

The Nuance of Evil

So, is it evil to use martial force to achieve a greater good? The answer, like many questions in life, is context-dependent.

• Protecting the Innocent: When Paladins use their martial prowess to protect the innocent from harm, is that truly evil? In this scenario, the Paladin is not seeking to inflict harm or suffering on others, but rather to prevent it.
• Promoting Justice: By enforcing justice through military force, a Paladin may be seen as bringing balance to a chaotic world. Is that truly evil? The answer lies in the Paladin’s motivations and methods.

Roleplaying the Conquest Paladin

For players, the key to playing a Conquest Paladin without slipping into moral evil lies in understanding their character’s motivations and the context of their actions.

• Stay True to the Oath: As a Conquest Paladin, the player should focus on staying true to the oath, upholding the values of order and justice, and avoiding harm to innocent bystanders.
• Be Aware of Ambition: While the Conquest Paladin is not necessarily an Oathbreaker, the player should be aware of the risk of their character’s ambition growing corrupt, leading them down a path of moral evil.

Table: Paladin Alignments and Subclasses

In conclusion, the question of whether Conquest Paladins are evil or not is a complex and context-dependent one. While some subclasses may lean towards an evil alignment, the Conquest Oath itself is neutral, leaving the Paladin free to choose their own path.

By understanding the RAW definition, staying true to the Oath, and being aware of the risks of ambition, players can create complex and compelling Conquest Paladins without slipping into moral evil.

Remember: the key to roleplaying a Conquest Paladin lies not in the subclass, but in the player’s choices and actions. Will you bring order to the world, or will your character succumb to the darkness of ambition?