Revisiting Lawful Stupid

[ruggsjournal]

Lawful stupid is a roleplaying problem that centers around the paladin concept. However, I find it likely that many issues with bad roleplay are in reality, ooc issues that worm their way into the game. The opposite end of the LS is the CN murderhobo

Comments

[unclehyena]

The thing is, these are not fundamentally PALADIN actions; they are merely lawful good actions. Paladins are fanatics.

Actually, I am inclined to think that idea of "paladin", as it occurs in D&D, is fundamentally broken; the class has an undertone of fanaticism that is pretty much antithetical to being lawful good.

But that's just me.

[ruggsjournal]

Over time I've found that the issues often lie with the players--a jerk playing a paladin is less the fault of the mechanic than the personality behind it. IE, a jerk will always be a jerk.

Someone who has those tendencies--should and needs to be reined in OOCly. Another lesson to the player who automatically makes the antipaladin when a player crafts a paladin--don't start by taking arguments IC, it just leads to heartache.

And the bottom line:

Don't be a jerk at the table. Someone like you describe isn't someone I'd ever want at my table.

[ruggsjournal]

And, well. What did you think of the stories? :)

[unclehyena]

I think the stories were GREAT. Brilliant role play is always great, and there is no question that more extreme character classes bring out brilliant role play, if played well

[ruggsjournal]

The thing about Paladins is that they really are fundamentally suckers; they have bought a bill of goods from someone before they enter the game. That is, a Paladin, by definition, has whole-heartedly bought SOMEONE ELSE'S definitions of right and wrong, and that can only lead to grief in the long run.

Reading this, it seems as though the major issue here might be, for you, the alignment system? I've had paladins question themselves all the time, and clerics as well, in high-faith settings (where the cleric's faith did matter).

There are a few more stories, here. Hopefully they'll cheer things up a touch: http://paizo.com/paizo/messageboards/paizoPublishing/pathfinder/pathfinderRPG/general/paladinsAreLawfulStupid

For the rest...perhaps simply "don't be an ass" needs mentioned, also. Someone determined to be one...well, will be one. It's an intrinsic er, issue with the player him or herself.