RP Advice - a pc is my squire/student
Michael/Kabax, Pete/Rovenna, Ron and Liam/Garth don’t read.
Our campaign recently lost a few players and reached a convenient point for me to change characters. I plan on playing an Aasimar Oath of the Crown Paladin (who serves the community not the law) who has accepted our Swashbuckler Rogue as her student/squire. We’re level 12 but he’s only just started to take levels in Paladin. They have been traveling together for three months but we haven’t actually played our characters at the table yet.
The Swashbuckler has tried to become a better person but needs to become less impulsive and self-centered.
I would appreciate any thoughts on how my Paladin might act as his teacher without stepping on the other player’s toes too much. The player enjoys rolling with whatever happened in the moment and our table is good at sharing the rp spotlight.
I plan to instruct my squire on the magics and philosophies of the oaths during ten minute periods of Inspiring Leader every day. I’m less certain about what kind of duties I might ask of my squire, or what kind of lessons I might use to teach him how to be a better person.
My squire’s player will be collaborating with me away from the table to develop things, but he would like to be surprised by what my Paladin teaches him. I’d love to have some cool ideas to bring to the table.
Any ideas or advice are welcome.
Posted Aug 22, 2019, 6:26 AM UTC
I suppose the easiest thing would simply be to showcase what they're getting into. Show the power of Command and Compel Duel in action, so they see what the impact can be once it's part of their day to day.
Otherwise, it's going to be an un-paladin way of thinking, but when you're that deep into the game, you can't coddle them like a true level 3 paladin. They have an oath to fulfill, but you acknowledge there's way more going on there. I think your character has to face the dilemma of smiling that you introduce another into your fold, but that they will never rise to your level. It could be an almost bittersweet sorta thing.
But absolutely the first thing you need to do is grab your Cleric, have them cast Beacon of Hope, and then flex as you two give 72 hp out in 12 point increments in under a minute.
You know, so they know they have something to look forward to.
To add to this, you could even do "training sessions". Once you have shown what Compel Duel does, the next time your DM throws a chump encounter at you, you could be like, "Padawan! Try out that Compel Duel I showed you. Remember, concentrate and let Torm's power flow through you!" Stand back and observe their progress while you swat away some pesky goblins or whatever.
Other than that I guess just look for moments to RP with him. If you find yourself in a city with the slums, visit with him and give some of your rations to the hungry. Show him the extent of your oath to the community and your self-sacrifice.
These both sound like great suggestions. I especially like the community service lessons. It’s probably going to be more life lessons than actual combat tips for my student.
If we get a cleric in the party again I’ll keep that strategy in mind! Right now I am the only person in the party with Revivify. 😂