Greetings, traveler!
So, as of late I have been trying to dig into the very core of the different classes (and sub-classes) of the Forgotten Realms. Usually the descriptions are rather straight-forward through the 5e Player's Handbook alone, but regarding paladins in particular - not even the combined force of the FR Wiki and 5e PHB could answer my questions - so now I turn to the community for some answers.
1) Who does a paladin answer to? Is there any form of authority system amongst the paladins - like temples or other form of organized movements within the paladin section that uses physical locations? Or do they answer to the local authority at whatever location they happen to be at? As far as I've understood, paladins supposedly value their oath (regardless if aimed at a principle or deity) higher than the country laws. I would very much appreciate if someone could redirect me towards a source where I could gather some more information on the matter.
2) The wiki says that paladins more often than not choose the adventurous life-style. But *why* ? Do they just embark on a quest to make the world a better place after swearing their oaths? Are they all by themselves by then and hence choosing a more independent lifestyle, or do they actually somehow stay in touch with whatever place they trained at / served at / with their mentor?
3) According to 5e PHB, paladins can break their oath (intentionally or non-intentionally). As far as I've understood, the most paladins seek redemption by themselves if their oath is broken, using either a cleric or paladin of same beliefs to redeem themselves. However, those who break their oath without signs of regret might suffer "more serious consequences" according to the PHB. What exactly does this mean? The wiki seems to hint at the paladin risking to lose their divine powers by failing to uphold their oath, but is that the "more serious consequences" the PHB is refering to?
4) Oathbreakers - how would a paladin typically react upon meeting an oathbreaker? Would they know it right away throughout some communication channel amongst paladins? Or would they have to either figure it out or be told by an external source (such as the oathbreaker him-/herself)? Would the paladin become hostile and resort to violence (thinking of the following statement from the FR wiki: "All paladins, regardless of whom they served and how they acted, were expected to serve as sworn defenders of their beliefs, smiting those who would debase or devalue them.")? Or would they simply wrinkle their noses in disgust and walk away?
5) Regarding worship and oathes - is it possible for a paladin to swear an oath based on principle, but worship a god without the god being the very center of his oath (leaving room for potential overlaps)? As in, the paladin's religious faith is secondary to his belief in the principle of his oath, and hence they are not directly connected. The example I am curious of would be - could a paladin worship a peaceful/almost-pacifistic god/goddess while still being able to "defend" their beliefs by "smiting" enemies of their faith?
Thanks in advance!
