The Different Paladin Orders as Pirates?

[Cyrus_Blackfeather]

Hey guys,

 

So, I'm wanting to roll a Holy Slayer as my pro-Principi character. Obviously, the most fitting Paladin Order for such a character is Darcozzi, but Darcozzi, in terms of what it actually offers in terms of class benefit, kind of isn't that great, in my eyes. Shieldbearers and Kind Wayfarers also aren't really suitable for RP reasons... which leaves Goldpact Knights and Bleak Walkers. 

 

So basically - how would you guys justify a Goldpact Knight or a Bleak Walker as a pirate? 

[jtbehnke]

One word: Privateering.

 

Both those orders are mercenary types, so attacking the ships of whichever factions they haven't allied with is easily roleplayed.

[Cyrus_Blackfeather]

One word: Privateering.

 

Both those orders are mercenary types, so attacking the ships of whichever factions they haven't allied with is easily roleplayed.

 

That's a fair point. Though I do like the idea of the character having some stronger ties with the organization itself - maybe even being born into it (Deadfire culture). I could still make Goldpact work pretty well with that - there was a pretty rigorously upheld code of ethics aboard pirate ships regarding fair shares for fair work. 

[Zaris]

Keep in mind that Watcher has spent years away from his/her paladin order, so the code of conduct may have became quite flexible for him/her. So there is no reason why Bleak Walker or Goldpact could not decide to support Principi out of simple sympathy for their cause, even when there is no contract from them strictly speaking. It would not go against any of their dispositions.

Also, one reason for which a member of this group could side with pirates is that he/she sees them as the best way to keep the conflict in Deadfire going and thus provide a large number of future contracts for both the Watcher and other members of Goldpact and Bleak Walkers (which are essentialy mercenaries after all). Helping any other faction would lead it to dominate the region and end any reason for hiring mercenaries around here except some odd jobs like bounties or protection.

[jtbehnke]

 

One word: Privateering.

 

Both those orders are mercenary types, so attacking the ships of whichever factions they haven't allied with is easily roleplayed.

 

That's a fair point. Though I do like the idea of the character having some stronger ties with the organization itself - maybe even being born into it (Deadfire culture). I could still make Goldpact work pretty well with that - there was a pretty rigorously upheld code of ethics aboard pirate ships regarding fair shares for fair work. 

 

 

A good way to look at it!  It fits very well with the Goldpact Knights' stance on payment being a binding contract.  If the Prinicipi are paying them more than the RDC or VTC, then the Principi is who they will side with.

 

Keep in mind that Watcher has spent years away from his/her paladin order, so the code of conduct may have became quite flexible for him/her. So there is no reason why Bleak Walker or Goldpact could not decide to support Principi out of simple sympathy for their cause, even when there is no contract from them strictly speaking. It would not go against any of their dispositions.

 

Precisely.  As I said, the conviction that grants Goldpact Knights their paladin powers is that payment is a binding contract, that personal sympathies and stuff shouldn't cloud the basic issue of who is paying you for what.  For the Bleak Walkers, they gain their powers from their belief in total war.  Even if they aren't being paid (but they often are), nothing less than completely crushing whoever their pointed at is acceptable, so even if the Bleak Walker Watcher doesn't necessarily give two hoots about the Principi's internal and external conflicts, if the Principi have hired them, the piracy is merely an opportunity to display the notorious brutality their order is known for.  That said, Bleak Walkers also work because they're kinda ****, so robbing and murdering on the high seas probably would sound appealing to them, Principi or no Principi.

[Cyrus_Blackfeather]

 

 

One word: Privateering.

 

Both those orders are mercenary types, so attacking the ships of whichever factions they haven't allied with is easily roleplayed.

 

That's a fair point. Though I do like the idea of the character having some stronger ties with the organization itself - maybe even being born into it (Deadfire culture). I could still make Goldpact work pretty well with that - there was a pretty rigorously upheld code of ethics aboard pirate ships regarding fair shares for fair work. 

 

 

A good way to look at it!  It fits very well with the Goldpact Knights' stance on payment being a binding contract.  If the Prinicipi are paying them more than the RDC or VTC, then the Principi is who they will side with.

 

Keep in mind that Watcher has spent years away from his/her paladin order, so the code of conduct may have became quite flexible for him/her. So there is no reason why Bleak Walker or Goldpact could not decide to support Principi out of simple sympathy for their cause, even when there is no contract from them strictly speaking. It would not go against any of their dispositions.

 

Precisely.  As I said, the conviction that grants Goldpact Knights their paladin powers is that payment is a binding contract, that personal sympathies and stuff shouldn't cloud the basic issue of who is paying you for what.  For the Bleak Walkers, they gain their powers from their belief in total war.  Even if they aren't being paid (but they often are), nothing less than completely crushing whoever their pointed at is acceptable, so even if the Bleak Walker Watcher doesn't necessarily give two hoots about the Principi's internal and external conflicts, if the Principi have hired them, the piracy is merely an opportunity to display the notorious brutality their order is known for.  That said, Bleak Walkers also work because they're kinda ****, so robbing and murdering on the high seas probably would sound appealing to them, Principi or no Principi.

 

 

Another source I just read talked about how one of a pirate's most effective tools was overwhelming force in order to encourage their target to surrender - so Bleak Walker would definitely fit that aesthetic as well.

 

I suppose it comes down to which would be more fun for roleplay purposes. Personally, I'm leaning toward Goldpact, just because I don't like being aggressive/cruel ALL the time. 

[Zaris]

Actually, out of the two BW seem more interesting, although that depends on the way you play. For me they aren’t mere brutes but rather people who embrace the true nature of war and conflict, instead of hiding behind honor, loyality or other illusions other warriors use to justify their actions. And, unsuprisingly, their attitude leads to lesser violence since many opponents straight up surrunder when they hear who’s coming for them. They use strategy that actually saves the most people, instead of focusing on pretentious moral grandstanding.

As to Goldpact when I first saw their dispositions I thought they’re going to be some kind of Order of Rationality, scientists at heart, warriors devoted to reason same as traditional paladins are devoted to their gods, which got me pretty excited. How sad that they turned out to be just very loyal mercenaries instead.

But I’ve gotten offtopic; both these orders seem like a good match for Principi, especially when siding with new blood. Do let us know with which one you decided to roll, once you make up your mind.

[Cyrus_Blackfeather]

Actually, out of the two BW seem more interesting, although that depends on the way you play. For me they aren’t mere brutes but rather people who embrace the true nature of war and conflict, instead of hiding behind honor, loyality or other illusions other warriors use to justify their actions. And, unsuprisingly, their attitude leads to lesser violence since many opponents straight up surrunder when they hear who’s coming for them. They use strategy that actually saves the most people, instead of focusing on pretentious moral grandstanding.

As to Goldpact when I first saw their dispositions I thought they’re going to be some kind of Order of Rationality, scientists at heart, warriors devoted to reason same as traditional paladins are devoted to their gods, which got me pretty excited. How sad that they turned out to be just very loyal mercenaries instead.

But I’ve gotten offtopic; both these orders seem like a good match for Principi, especially when siding with new blood. Do let us know with which one you decided to roll, once you make up your mind.

 

Hmm... Alright! In terms of both thematic flavor and ability-wise, I think I'm going to decide on Bleak Walker for my Newblood Principi, with his Bleak Walker-ness more centered around how he conducts his pirate business moreso than anything else. 

 

(I will also be playing with disposition changes from dialogue turned /on/)

[jtbehnke]

Another source I just read talked about how one of a pirate's most effective tools was overwhelming force in order to encourage their target to surrender - so Bleak Walker would definitely fit that aesthetic as well.

EXACTLY...

Edited August 13, 2018 by jtbehnke