There's a huge difference between 'unspecified' and 'nonreligious'.

There might be unspecified options in BG I+II, but it would take an awfuly selective memory to come to the conclusion that Paladins and Clerics in the original Saga were nonreligious.

Paladins in those games are followers of one or more of the deities Torm, Helm, and Tyr.

Clerics either follow Helm, Lathander, or Talos (Tempus and Tyr with the EE). Aerie and Viconia don't have specialty classes but worship their own unique gods. Anomen isn't a specialty cleric either afaik. Not choosing a specialty class does not equal not being religious in BG I+II.

Anyways, in regards to BG III, there has been evidence found and referenced from the PHB, SCAG and the twitter account of the creator of the setting. 5e Paladins *do* get their power from the gods in the 5e Realms. Whether Larian is going off of this popular misconception, or cut it to time/labor restraints, or it's just the way 5e is going and WoTC want's Paladins to be divorced from religion in all settings now, incl FR......either way it is extremely disappointing. It might not mean as much to a casual D&D fan, but for me retconning out an essential aspect of the setting. Larian's played fast and loose with the setting in a few ways in EA, but above all others this one bugs me the most.

Last edited by Leucrotta; 24/12/22 04:04 PM.