In the traditional sense, a Paladin in Dungeons & Dragons is usually a devout believer in a specific deity or philosophy. However, ultimately it is up to the DM (Dungeon Master) and the player to decide if a Paladin can be an atheist in their specific game setting.
From a rules perspective, the Player's Handbook states that "a paladin swears to uphold justice and righteousness, to stand with the good things of the world against the encroaching darkness, and to hunt the forces of evil wherever they lurk" (page 82). It also mentions that "a paladin's power comes as much from a commitment to justice itself as it does from a god" (page 82).
With this in mind, it's possible to imagine a Paladin who is committed to upholding justice and fighting evil, but who does not believe in a specific deity. This Paladin could see their powers as stemming from their dedication to a cause rather than a divine being.
However, it's worth noting that many of the Paladin's abilities, such as their divine magic, are tied to their faith in a higher power. In order to use these abilities, a Paladin must be able to tap into their connection with their deity or philosophy, which would be difficult for an atheist Paladin to do. The DM and player may need to work together to come up with alternate explanations for these abilities if they want to allow an atheist Paladin in their game.
Here are some possible logical explanations for a Paladin's abilities that could work for an atheist character:
- Divine magic: Rather than drawing power from a deity, an atheist Paladin could draw power from their own strong sense of conviction and belief in their cause. They might see their spells as manifesting their willpower, or as tapping into the fundamental forces of the universe to achieve their goals.
- Divine smite: Similar to the above, an atheist Paladin could channel their own inner strength to deal extra radiant damage. They might see this ability as focusing their own energy to strike a powerful blow, or as manifesting their own righteous fury in battle.
- Oath: Instead of swearing allegiance to a specific deity, an atheist Paladin could swear an oath to a particular cause or philosophy that they believe in strongly. This oath might reflect their commitment to justice, righteousness, or protecting the innocent. The Paladin's abilities could be seen as a manifestation of their dedication to this cause, rather than as a gift from a higher power.
- Aura: The Paladin's aura ability could be seen as a natural extension of their own strong presence and leadership ability. They might inspire their allies through their words and deeds, rather than through any sort of divine magic.
Ultimately, the exact explanations for an atheist Paladin's abilities will depend on the specific character and game setting. However, by thinking creatively and reimagining the Paladin's powers in a way that aligns with an atheist worldview, it's possible to create a compelling and unique character that still fits within the rules of Dungeons & Dragons.
