First of all, I really like that paladins in 5E do not need to be lawful good anymore.
I am sure there are gods ( or other powerful creatures) who are not LG but they still want somebody to fight for them. Not a typical cleric but a warrior with divine powers.
I really liked the paladin concept of PoE and I am happy I can do something similar in DnD now.
I would like to play a paladin of vengeance.
Some cultists burned your house, all your family died, only you survived with massive scars. You swear to avenge them. Some things he would say:
* All criminals must be purged by steel and fire.
* I am here to deliver punishment. If you seek mercy you should ask your god. No worry, you will meet him soon.
* You have burned my family so you must burn as well. But I am not a monster such as you. If you ask nicely, I will beheading you before burning you.
Edit: I just realized that I become an oathbreaker if I manage to forgive them.
So an oathbreaker is not automatically evil.
Hmm, alright. Yes, I am indeed pleasantly surprised to see that paladins are not as strict as I thought.
Now I even dare creating one! (although, he is gonna be as stereotypical as ... As... Banana bread. Yes, very stereotypical. x] )
Homebrew RP aside, you guys realize that Oath breakers are evil right? Like the abilities? Necro themed, undead control, buffs to fiends and undead monsters. Generally evil abilities.
Not sure how your roleplaying that class as good. You literally can't keep your original subclass class if you turn traitor.
I think some people confuse themselves because they go deep into breaking the rules with homebrew. Its not really a problem per say I guess. I'm use to learning the rules first and save homebrew for when I get in an experimental mood.
I do see your point (I am however in no position to participate in the debate regarding what paladins are / aren't) - but I agree when you say that one should just try and stay true to the original rules until one actually understands them. It just makes sense to me, however I will not say that anyone shouldn't do what they way - it is a RP world after all. :] But to me, staying to the stereotypes at first helps me build a proper understanding so that I later can go into more complex and compelling character writing
