"Matters of the Paladin"
by Drongol

Alright, listen up. This column is my opinion, and doesn't reflect at all on anybody else. My opinions. Me. Understand? Come yelling at the Waerd Aev because you don't like what I have to say and we're going to have problems.

I suppose I'll start this off with an introduction. The name is Drongol Hammerer, Paladin of Kertigen. I have been in the Paladins' guild for just around a decade now, and I have advanced within its ranks to a decent amount. I am just about to be wed to Guri Gildenore, the most beautiful Dwarven lass in all of Elanthia. She is still trouble, though. All women are.

Something that has been bothering me of late is all this talk about Light Paladins and Dark Paladins. It appears that many folks are unclear on the distinction between the two groupings of Paladins, and this article will present the correct viewpoint (mine) on the subject. First and foremost, there are much more than two groups-I divide the guild into fifths. These are Light Paladins, Grey Paladins, Dark Paladins, Fallen Paladins, and Snerts.

Being a Light Paladin is a difficult task, and few are the Paladins that can truly claim to be of the Light. They are your true knightly sort, maintaining civility, acting justly, and showing untold other virtues. A Light Paladin doesn't just uphold the Paladins' Code, but rather exemplifies it.

Most Paladins, including many that think they are Light, fall within the boundaries of Grey Paladins. The Grey are Paladins that have chosen the middle path between Dark and Light for whatever reason. Grey Paladins tend to be the most diverse group, with beliefs ranging wildly. A Grey Paladin also upholds the Paladins' Code, although he may slip up once in a blue moon.

Dark Paladins are those who believe in moral behavior and the Code, but use less savory tactics to go about it. Whereas a Light Paladin might well let a Thief off after only a lecture, a Dark one may well gut the Thief. Dark Paladins can be some of the staunchest supporters of the Paladins' code, but tend to make mistakes more often than their gray or light counterparts.

Fallen Paladins are oft mistaken for Dark Paladins, but there is a substantial difference. Whereas a Dark Paladin upholds the Code of the Paladin, the Fallen Paladin has been lead off the true path and stumbled out of the gods' favor. Perhaps a Fallen Paladin is looking for redemption, or perhaps he has turned his back on the true calling of the Paladin and become little more than a bruiser in plate mail.

Snerts. Everybody hates them, but they exist still, scuttling about the edges of society like an armored cockroach. Snerts are below a Fallen Paladin, and exist solely to ruin other people's day. Snerts care not for the Paladins' Code-they have people to annoy and can't be bothered with such things. They might claim to be Dark or Fallen Paladins, but do not be deceived. A snert is a snert.

The one thing to mention is that no matter what division of Light, Grey, or Dark a Paladin is, they all still uphold the Paladins' Code. The only true difference is how they apply it and how often they may stumble. Dark Paladins are not agents of evil, but a Fallen Paladin may well be.

Hopefully that clears things up for all the muddleheaded idiots reading this.

Listen to me-the Dwarf is never wrong.