Paladin (character class)

Paladin is a character class in Dungeons & Dragons and later role-playing games, many of which were influenced by D&D. The paladin is a holy knight, crusading in the name of a specific god. Paladins are always (at least in Dungeons & Dragons) of the Lawful Good alignment. In addition, the paladin class is one of the most difficult to roleplay due to the singlemindedness and utter devotion to good paladin characters are expected to demonstrate. The paladin class has the most severe ability score prerequisites. (Note: in the latest edition of Dungeons & dragons ability score requirements for classes have been abolished, but the paladin character is expected to have high scores in order to be effective)

The paladin's specialties in Dungeons & Dragons are its high defense, its ability to cast defensive spells, the ability to heal (with the spell 'Lay on Hands'), and especially its proficiency against undead monsters.

The paladin is the second character class of Final Fantasy IVs main character Cecil Harvey, after he gives up being a Dark Knight.

The paladin character class can also be found in:

• Diablo II
• EverQuest
• Fire Emblem (as a promoted version of the Trobadour or Social Knight (Cavalier) base classes)
• Ultima III through IX (Honor/Trinsic)
• Final Fantasy XI