Can Paladins Detect Evil? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, Paladins can detect evil, but the specifics of how they do so, what they can detect, and the limitations involved depend heavily on the game system and edition being played. This article dives deep into the topic, exploring the mechanics, nuances, and related questions surrounding a Paladin’s ability to sense the presence of malevolence.

The Paladin’s Divine Sense

The most common ability that allows Paladins to detect evil is often called Divine Sense or a similar name. This is typically a class feature that grants the Paladin the ability to sense the presence of evil creatures, objects, or locations within a certain radius.

How Divine Sense Works

• Range: Divine Sense typically has a limited range, often 60 feet.
• Type of Detection: Paladins usually detect specific types of creatures, such as Fiends, Undead, and sometimes Aberrations. They know the type of creature present, but not its specific identity. For example, they might sense a Fiend, but not know it’s a Balor.
• Limitations: While powerful, Divine Sense isn’t foolproof. It can be blocked by certain materials or magical effects. Additionally, it usually doesn’t penetrate solid objects or extend beyond the stated range.
• Uses per Day: Divine Sense is often limited to a certain number of uses per day. This prevents constant scanning and encourages strategic use.

Detecting Evil vs. Knowing Evil

It’s crucial to distinguish between detecting the presence of evil and knowing what is evil. Divine Sense reveals the presence of specific creature types associated with evil, but it doesn’t automatically identify an individual as evil. A Paladin might sense a Fiend, but that Fiend might be disguised or under a powerful enchantment, requiring further investigation to uncover its true nature.

Editions and System Variations

The exact mechanics of evil detection vary significantly across different editions of games. Some editions might provide more granular information about the strength of the evil aura, while others might simply indicate its presence. Understanding the specific rules for your game system is essential. You can explore more on related topics and systems at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).

Alignment Considerations

The concept of alignment (Lawful Good, Chaotic Evil, etc.) is often tied to evil detection. A Paladin’s ability to sense evil might be tied to creatures with an Evil alignment. However, alignment systems themselves can be complex and subject to interpretation.

The Importance of Roleplaying

Regardless of the specific rules, roleplaying the Paladin’s reactions and interpretations of Divine Sense is crucial. A seasoned Paladin might learn to distinguish between different types of evil auras or recognize subtle clues that others miss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happens if a Paladin becomes evil?

A Paladin who becomes evil typically loses their Paladin powers. The specifics vary by game system, but the general idea is that their divine connection is severed due to their fall from grace. They might need to seek redemption or multiclass into a different class.

2. Can an evil Paladin detect good?

An evil Paladin (often called a Blackguard or Anti-Paladin) might have an ability to detect good, but it would likely be a corrupted or twisted version of Divine Sense. Instead of sensing celestial beings, they might sense the presence of celestials, holy ground or celestially blessed objects to desecrate.

3. Can a Paladin detect a disguised evil creature?

This depends on the disguise and the nature of the evil creature. A powerful illusion might mask the creature’s true nature, preventing detection. However, a sufficiently strong Divine Sense or additional magical abilities might pierce the disguise.

4. Can a Paladin detect evil through walls?

Divine Sense typically has limitations on its range and ability to penetrate solid objects. Most versions of Divine Sense cannot penetrate solid objects.

5. Does Divine Sense reveal the identity of an evil creature?

No, Divine Sense typically only reveals the type of evil creature (e.g., Fiend, Undead), not its specific identity (e.g., a specific demon lord).

6. Can a Paladin detect a Rakshasa with Divine Sense?

A Paladin can sense the presence of a very evil creature – but this ability does not give them any power to KNOW it is a Rakshasa specifically.

7. Can Paladins serve evil gods?

Paladins must be lawful good, by rules. Most character, by rules, can only be one step removed from the alignment of any deity they want to worship. Which means that since paladins can only be LG, they can only follow LG, NG, or LN gods.

8. What is the opposite of a Paladin?

The opposite of a Paladin is a Blackguard, which is essentially an evil Paladin. Blackguards often serve evil deities and embody corruption and tyranny.

9. Can Paladins feel fear?

Paladins can feel fear, but they are often resistant to its effects. They are trained to overcome their fears and act with courage in the face of danger.

10. Can a Paladin detect vampires?

Yes, because vampires are undead, and paladins can use their divine sense to detect undead. You know the type (celestial, fiend, or undead) of any being whose presence you sense, but not its identity (the Vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich, for instance). Within the same radius, you also detect the presence of any place or object that has been consecrated or desecrated, as with the Hallow spell.

11. Can Paladins be atheist?

Yes, a paladin that is an atheist could for example, still be devoted to Justice, and he would still be granted divine powers through the divine portfolio of Justice with the approval of the God of Justice, Tyr.

12. How do Paladins break their oath?

In a Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, paladin characters generally break their paladin Oaths when they commit a blatantly amoral act or kill an innocent person unprovoked.

13. Can a Paladin heal himself?

Yes. Reviewing the Lay On Hands ability: Beginning at 2nd level, a paladin can heal wounds (her own or those of others) by touch.

14. What do Paladins believe in?

A paladin swears to uphold justice and righteousness, to stand with the good things of the world against the encroaching darkness, and to hunt the forces of evil wherever they lurk.

15. Can a Paladin have two deities?

Yes, a Paladin can serve two gods. As long as the Gods are not of an opposite alignment from the God your taking power from, yes.

Conclusion

A Paladin’s ability to detect evil is a cornerstone of their identity as champions of good. While the specifics vary across game systems, the core concept remains the same: Paladins possess a divine gift that allows them to sense the presence of evil and fight against it. Understanding the nuances of this ability is crucial for both players and game masters to create compelling and engaging roleplaying experiences.