The Paladin - Comm 344

The next series of classes are Hybrid Classes, or classes that are combinations of any previous two.  These combinations take strengths and weaknesses from each class, so none of them are typically overpowered.  They also take social elements from each of the borrowed classes, which create even more distinct characters with different driving goals.
                The first Hybrid class is the combination of the Fighter and the Cleric: The Paladin.  The Paladin, or Tower Knight, is a holy warrior that uses the powers of light and the heavens to smite their enemies.  They draw tough armor and heavy weaponry from the fighting class, but obtain the religious knowledge of restoration and prayer from the cleric class.  This is a very stalwart and defensive class used primarily to outlast an opponent’s harsh advances.
                Utilizing heavy equipment used by their fighter counterparts is part of what makes these holy knights such good defenders.  By donning mighty armor sets that cause little recoil from hits, the Paladin can fight in the front lines with his fellow heavy-hitters.  Although somewhat uncommon of knights to wear In general, Paladins often wear capes with depictions of the God or Goddess they worship adorned on them.  This can be seen as a nod to the cleric class, which features robes and flowing garments.  Colors like white and gold become common, as they represent divinity and power through holy strength.  Weapons tend to have the same focus.  Large, heavy weapons like greatswords and steel maces are wielded in a fearsome manner.  By enchanting their weapons with holy power, the Paladin is able to use physical attacks with holy properties – something that nearly no other class can do. 
                Adorning their weapons with holy magic is by far the simplest spell they can cast.  They can provide restorative magic in a similar manner to the Cleric, but as front line fighters Paladins would much rather heal through attacking.  In Dungeons & Dragons the Paladin has attacks such as Righteous Brand that allow him or her to deal damage with their weapon and convert a portion of the damage dealt into health.  This converted health can be used to heal the ally of choice, making this an effective strategy for a front line attacker.  This makes it very difficult to defeat a Paladin as they can be constantly attacking and healing simultaneously.  Because of their holy lineage they can also provide blessings that do more towards strengthening the party.  They can place a mark on an enemy that heals any ally who is to attack the enemy that is marked.  This is another example of how a Paladin can heal allies in nontraditional ways that are still quite effective. 
                The Paladin is a soldier of God (whatever God that might be) and therefore must also behave in a manner as such.  The role of being a Paladin is a job, and one that is to be taken very seriously and respectfully.  Paladins must only use their powers for good, and are required to aid any traveler they meet as a sign of good virtue to others.  This is a class that must remain just as vigilant in battle as they must out of battle.  The paladin’s moral alignment literally forces them to be good, or else their title of Paladin is revoked.  Obviously this excludes aiding foes, but excessive behaviors such as looting or desecrating dead bodies is strictly forbidden.  The Paladin embodies the nature of a priest very well in this respect.  You would find it difficult to conceive a Paladin that was considered “evil”, unless he is worshipping a deity with evil intentions, the Paladin is simply following the orders of a higher power.
                This unique class offers a more active holy fighter.  Where the cleric must remain passive due to their low attack power, the Paladin fearlessly fights onward and illuminates a path to victory.