and I have to completely disagree. Even if this fight had been Scenario #1, which it apparently wasn't, the Paladin in question only chose the battlefield and struck the first blow in the fight. If a Paladin "sits and waits and hides peering out of a window", then he could just as well be said to be patrolling an area to guard it from the influence of evil. He summoned an evil opponent to the field of battle, and engaged in combat with them, one-on-one. Had he summoned someone to a closed room with a transmuter friend or a pair of permagroupies, there would definitely be an issue. If he had come into an area where an evil was solo-ranking, waited until he was beaten down and then attacked (or summoned him away), there could be a question of Valor or fairness. But if paladins were not meant to use summoning to their advantage, then the Gods wouldn't permit them to use it in that way. The Holy Brigade of the Maran, if I am not mistaken, are tasked with the eradication of evil- it is war, not a friendly jousting match. Ignore even for the moment that it is a Baerinika follower, and simply based on the paladin's raison d'etre, he is carrying out an efficient strike that is honorable by virtue of it being single combat.
The "higher standard" that Paladins must adhere does indeed exist, and it is easy to find under "help paladin code".
Valor? Covered in the single combat principle.
Fair? see Valor.
'PALADIN CODE'
1. Live to be the guiding light for all to follow and look towards. Your
beliefs must be as solid as your loyalty is to your god.
2. Do not be greedy; limit your belongings to only the basic necessities.
All extras will be donated to the less fortunate or sacrificed.
3. Think and control your actions before bloodshed. Patience and diligence
will guide your actions.
4. Never abandon your friends, allies or your beliefs. Fight with courage,
and if you must you will die. Never betray your comrades or cower in fear.
5. Fight and exact justice for all worthy causes.
6. Provide hope for all; you shall risk your own life to aid others and
when able heal and tend to the injured.
7. Be fair of speech and actions.
8. Never lie; be true to your word.
9. Respect the laws of the land and those who seek to enforce them.
10. Do not become like those you fight. Respect, Integrity, Valor.
11. Do not associate with the taint of evil, in any way.
12. Respect the guild, and the other Paladins that belong to it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2011 12:03PM by The Faithful of Nazmorghul.