Navigating the Ethical Dilemmas of a Murder Hobo Paladin in Dungeons Dragons 5E

When a player character (PC) in Dungeons Dragons (DD) 5E takes the path of a Paladin, they commit to a strict code of chivalry and honor. However, the allure of unrestricted power can sometimes lead to a character who commits wanton acts of violence, known as a murder hobo. This article explores the ethical and gameplay implications of such a character, and how to manage their impact on the campaign world.

Consequences of a Murder Hobo Paladin

When a player takes on the role of a murder hobo paladin, the consequences on the campaign and beyond can be significant. Players may find themselves facing various challenges, from bounty hunters and wandering adventuring parties to full-scale military campaigns.

Bounty Hunters and Wanted Posters

As the character becomes notorious, the posters may evolve from:

WANTED - DEAD OR ALIVE. 1,000,000 GP DEAD, 2 CP ALIVE.

To:

WANTED - DEAD OR ALIVE. 1,000,000 GP DEAD, 1,000,000 GP ALIVE.

The appearance of a level 45 bounty hunter team, consisting of six NPCs, each attuned to three artifacts, serves as a stark reminder that the party has crossed the line. These powerful foes present a formidable challenge, and the paladin must carefully consider whether to face them in a direct confrontation or find a way to avoid them.

Consequences within the Campaign World

The actions of a murder hobo paladin do not go unnoticed. If the character operates outside the jurisdiction of a lord, baron, duke, or king, their violent actions will soon draw the attention of local authorities such as the militia. Towns and villages may instruct their inhabitants to avoid the paladin, leading to a hunt for the character.

Expanded Opposition

As the character's notoriety grows, the opposition also increases. Bounty hunters, reflecting the violence and chaos that the character brings, may form into teams, equipped with powerful artifacts to counter their deadly prowess. Wandering adventuring parties, even those with allies or potential friends, may turn hostile if they view the character as a threat to the community or the campaign's balance.

In extreme cases, the entire town or region may send troops, including magic-users and other types of spellcasters, to eradicate this "vicious killer." The challenge now becomes not just defeating the paladin, but doing so in a way that maintains the integrity of the campaign world.

Consideration of Divine Law

Furthermore, a murder hobo paladin's actions may also face divine retribution. Paladins swear oaths to their gods, often with strict codes of conduct. If their actions deviate from these tenets, the deity may withhold its blessings. This could manifest in the loss of class features, spells, and divine assistance.

Resolution and Next Steps

Should the paladin be too powerful to be defeated or captured through normal means, it is advisable to consider creating a new character. This serves not only as a fresh start for the player but also as a reminder of the importance of alignment and character development.

Create a New Character: If the original character has become too powerful or destructive, consider letting the player create a new character that better aligns with the campaign's ethical standards. Explore Ethical Play: Encourage the player to reconsider their motivations and align their character's actions with the established rules and ideals of the campaign world. Improve Campaign Balance: If multiple players are acting as murder hobos, work with the party to establish clearer guidelines and expectations for in-game behavior.

Conclusion

When dealing with a murder hobo paladin in Dungeons Dragons 5E, it is crucial to address the ethical and gameplay challenges head-on. By understanding the potential consequences and considering the divine and secular reprisals, players and DMs can ensure that the campaign remains balanced and enjoyable for all involved. Whether through new characters, improved guidelines, or addressing character motivations, the goal remains to foster a fun and fair gaming environment.