Quote from Gronkuss >>

I know this doesn't apply to your half elf, but I really got into my newest characters build. Dragonborn Oath of Ancients.  who grew up in the valley in a small community that lived and worked under the protection of a legendary gold dragon.  I witnessed a group of murder hobos (from some stupid evil campaign) slay the dragon and felt and saw the dragons presence leave the surrounding area and that sorrow was enough that the community sent there 4 most promising young Dragonborn out on path dedicated to protecting the Light of this world and following a oath older then any silly empire that will crumble and fall.

Hmm... dunno if anything like my background's been posted yet, but thought I'd throw mine in too.

Morgann Solbeard is the youngest son of Thane Markus, current dwarflord of their ancestral keep-village Dawn's Crest. Their family has, for generations, worshipped and fought under the light of Pelor, the Dawnfather, and Morgann is the latest Paladin of a long line of acolytes, priests and paladin knights. With his hometown under increasing raids from a displaced Duergar warband, he's been sent on a mission deep into the neighbouring kingdom, to the Dawnfather's Temple in the great capital Lightspeak, to gather adventurers and recruit the help of famed Paladin commander, and his uncle, Mordecai the Daybreak. Dutiful, he not only carries on with his charge, but fulfills his sacred duty as a Paladin, offering help, comfort, and strength of arms when need be to the common folk he happens by, unshirking from challenge or hard work in spite of his lack of actual combat experience.

So a proud noble's son with a long family history of military and clerical service to their ancestral deity, but brought up to be both hard-working and honest to a fault. He drinks and carouses less than most of his kin, owing his dutiful nature and devotion to his wife and daughter, but cannot tell a lie to save his life, and can be blindly trusting to those of his faith.

I'm planning a character based on the song The General by Dispatch. In the song a well respected old general has a vision that his enemy is just like him and his war is pointless, so he sends his army home just before a great battle. Since visions make perfect sense in D&D, the song fits. I like the idea that this army was a world changing force about to senselessly crush some orcs or drow or whatever based on misunderstanding or greed. I think it would be fun to look at what one of those soldiers might go on doing after the general sends everyone home. 

I am thinking an Oath of Ancients Paladin that hasn't given up the good fight, but has risen beyond fighting in the names of gods and kings. Disgraced in his homeland, he's out in the world seeking beauty and truth while using his combat training to help the little guys. Gets his power from the same ancient force that granted the general his vision. Very much neutral good. The ancients' tenets make more sense for what I have in mind than redemption's - this character is more interested in celebrating life than converting to a cause.

Quote from JuicyBrucey >>

I'm planning a character based on the song The General by Dispatch. In the song a well respected old general has a vision that his enemy is just like him and his war is pointless, so he sends his army home just before a great battle. Since visions make perfect sense in D&D, the song fits. I like the idea that this army was a world changing force about to senselessly crush some orcs or drow or whatever based on misunderstanding or greed. I think it would be fun to look at what one of those soldiers might go on doing after the general sends everyone home. 

I am thinking an Oath of Ancients Paladin that hasn't given up the good fight, but has risen beyond fighting in the names of gods and kings. Disgraced in his homeland, he's out in the world seeking beauty and truth while using his combat training to help the little guys. Gets his power from the same ancient force that granted the general his vision. Very much neutral good. The ancients' tenets make more sense for what I have in mind than redemption's - this character is more interested in celebrating life than converting to a cause.

 respectfully, I think you have described the quintessential "redemption" story.

One of the Wizards of the Coast pre-made paladins is a half-orc with the Outlander background. It makes me think of someone who was abandoned by their tribe or rejected by their human mother/father, and had to make their way on their own.

I think a huge consideratikn to take will be the oath you plan on making.  For example if you choose conquest you could be like a conquerer type fighter from back in the day wielding a shield and morningstar flail prioritiaing glorious combat and a position of command on the battlefield. 

Devoition more of a templar, a holy knight bordering or full on zealot whose mussion it is to cleanse the world of of fiends, demons, hereteics and what other you deem unfit of your god. 

Crown, a champion of your king his right hand and instrument of destruction and rule inspiring companions and spreading the name of your king. 

Redemption, use Solomane Kane as a perfect example, bad ass warrior in your past probably killed hundreds for your own selfush gains now on a path of peace and redemption to save your soul.

Vengeance, your loved were murdered or something else horrible happened, mayve your dog was killed now you are on a path of destruction to claim your revenge (john wick lol)

Ancients, the path of good for the sale of good (you're captain america) light and what's right is all that is important.  Probably had a tough upbringing but ypu stand up for and believe in what is the morally good and right thing to do even if it isn't the smart thing to do. Etc

The Inquisitor background from Plane Shift: Innistrad is a good one for Vengeance or Conquest Paladins.

Bog standard soldier's easy, thematic, grants you skills most paladins want, and even better grants skills most paladins already have access to, so it's pretty easy to grab them preemptively, allowing you to swap out your background skills for whatever you want (ie, perception).  Kinda boring, but if you just want a decent background that fits the class without complicating your character's past history too much there's not really need to look any further.

Personally, I like the Knight variant of Noble.  Skills really aren't what you'd like to see, but the retainers class feature is just great in terms of prividing some npc helpers to be friendly with.  Have your own couple of squires to help put your armor on, take care of your horse, carry your gear, and talk up how great you are.  Or become your own 'Dark Knight', complete with npc butler and orphan ward.

I have three "stock" backgrounds I will use for NPC Paladins.  I don't like to play a Paladin myself.

The first is the orphan that was brought up in the court of the castle by one of the mid-level castle dwellers.  Somehow this orphan becomes a squire and is compelled to work a little harder than the other squires of the court.  Because of this he end up a bit older as a squire before one day performing an heroic act that gets him recognized by the Baron / Earl / Marquis and promoted to become a full knight (Paladin).  From there he is sent on a quest that cements his role as a righteous avenger.

The second paladin is a fourth, or fifth, or sixth son of a knight (Paladin) character.  He ends up a squire because he has no other option but had no love for that direction for himself.  He was never quite able to live up to his father's expectations and felt it was his fault so he just kept trying.  He became a Paladin (knight) and is still trying to live up to his father's standards but had to leave on a faraway quest because being near his father was too much.  He is a good guy but doesn't want to return home until he can look his father in the eye and say he's earned some respect.  Until he does, he always seems to try a little too hard, polishing his armor, his sword, acting especially noble and chivalrous, stuff like that.

The third Paladin is the first born son of a prominent noble that knew he was set for life because of his inheritance.  His father isn't the best example of chivalry and honor but he isn't a total weasel either.  His father sometimes flies off the handle, sometimes drinks more than he should (but then realizes it is time to go to bed so he doesn't do anything worse), is seen gazing at women and occasionally commenting in a manner that gives away his lust, and stuff like that.  The son, however, is a real phallus.  He takes advantage of young women if he thinks he can get away with it.  He doesn't **** them or anything like that for fear of his father, but he will make unwelcome comments, steal a kiss that is clearly unwanted, pat behinds, and stuff like that.  He doesn't just lose his temper, he just plain yells at underlings almost as if throwing a tantrum.  He basically looks down on everyone he can and is disloyal to folks that he owes loyalty too and just generally selfish.  The only thing keeping him from losing it is knowing his dad would eventually throttle him, so he waits his time thinking how things will be better when he gets his inheritance.

I am now working on an actual paladin character that will be one member of an 8-member party including: Paladin, Cleric, Ranger, Wizard, Druid, Bard, Rogue, Barbarian.  They are starting an adventure together at level 1 and each of them is paired up with one other PC in their back stories.  The Paladin is paired up with the Cleric, and they are the third and fourth sons of a Baron with only a small estate to give to his oldest son.  The second son elected to stay in the kingdom as a knight but the third and fourth sons elected to seek fame and fortune in the wild.

The paladin, , is the fourth son of a relatively poor Baron who only had a title and small estate to give to his oldest son.  The Baron's second son became a knight as was the custom and expectation in the kingdom.  The third son elected to give his life to the church and so he became a clergyman.  Then after a time the fourth son was born, ten years younger than his older brother (the third) and fourteen years older than his oldest brother.  He was bound to seek out a life among noblemen which required him to either become a squire and earn his place as a knight or he could choose the path of a clergyman.  , chose the path of a paladin and so he became a squire.  Being the much younger son of a relatively poor Baron, his father was unable to support him in a fashion followed by most squires.  His armor was ill fitting and his sword was not properly balanced for his frame.  He didn't have "fine" clothes but they were good clothes.  And as such he had to work a little harder than the other boys in training.  His older brothers were squires to better known knights in the realm and he was selected by a knight of modest means but a good heart that recognized the lad needed a patron or he would be swallowed up by the system and ignored.

On the occasion of his brother becoming a priest, his patron decided his entourage would travel to the cathedral where the ceremony would take place to permit him to attend the service.  His patron knew he had led a difficult life and it didn't appear that would change soon so he wanted to do this for the young man as a reward for his dedication.  The ceremony was very beautiful with many clergymen in attendance in their fine colorful robes and after he was permitted some time to enjoy in the celebration with his brother.

On the following day the patron and his entourage left early to begin the day long journey home.  But they were beset upon by a band of orcs a bugbear and two hobgoblins and had to defend themselves for their lives.  This was an organized fighting group and not a band of bandits.  The party included three knights, three squires and several men-at-arms but also servants and women.  One of the squires, only an older boy of fourteen, fled.  The orcs cut him down with archers.  The remaining knights and squires had to led the men-at-arms in the defense as they had no choice.

The orcs were divided into three groups, two groups with spears and hand axes and one group with short bows.  The patron, the oldest most experienced fighter present, understood the party would need to organize the defense to remain facing the archers of their armor would not help against the arrows.  So the defense was organized to withdraw steadily so the archers were unable to speedily find a position on one side or another.  This also forced the orcs to throw themselves at the party, which helped the party keep them off balance.

In short order the hobgoblins understood their plan and decided on a plan of their own.  They rushed one group to the right side of the fight along with the bugbear and on the signal of a loud blast from a horn they rushed the party from that side in an attempt to cause the party to turn their attention to that side and give the archers better chances.  This only worked for a short moment until the party once again withdrew away from the archers.  But in a critical moment a knight moved forward to face the bugbear, for he was stronger than the others, and the knight became very exposed fight him.   rushed forward to the knight's shield side to allow the knight to fight with advantage.  The knight rallied but was struck by a lucky arrow and collapsed.   fought off the orcs to protect the knight and the knight was pulled away from the fighting into the main body.

Men-at-arms rallied to either side of him and they were able to hold back the orcs while the party regained their defensive structure.  As they were reforming their defense another group of men rode over a rise and seeing the fight quickly organized to join the battle.  The orcs, not having the advantage of numbers melted away and ran to the sound of a great cheer from the men.

Back at the stronghold the battle tales were told over and over and the name of  was heard and recognized as that son of the old baron.  His patron spoke to the lords in the hold and he was brought forward to be recognized.  Because of his strong heart and strength, he was advanced to knight and sent to become a paladin under the training of a high ranking paladin serving the cathedral.  He was rejoined with his brother and they were never separated again.  Meanwhile the lords gathered to discuss how and why an organized band of orcs were able to muster such a raid in their lands.

Maybe not quite what this thread was asking for but I have just rolled up a Rogue/Paladin multiclass character with a criminal background.

The premises is that I started off as a Rogue class breaking into an old manor house with a friend.  A great evil darkness snatched my friend and I was not able to save him. Seeking help in the city where I live I encountered an old Paladin who saw the hard knocks I had endured up until now and the potential in me to do good.  I change class to Paladin but have a foundation of skills and contacts that lets me operate within the murky underside of the city.

I'm still looking for answers on the great evil darkness that took/killed my friend but along the way I'm trying to help other people less fortunate than me.

I see my role as a proto-constable with a strong ethical streak now that drives me to help others and seek out the evil that is lurking at the edges of the city.

This was honestly my first character in quite a while, but i went with a dragonborn paladin. he was originally a guard for a sacred dragon crypt, Not THE Dragon Crypt, in which his family held the title for as long as the crypt was around. about 2 years before the campaign starts a wicked sorcerer attacked the crypt to get his hands on some skeletons and whatnot for his macinations, and he was rooted out, not before injuring many of the family. so under the code of vengeance my paladin has set out to find and punish this sorcerer. he shows of for the campaign because he heard that the sorcerer in the dungeons was using necromancy, and we cant have that. Also he hails from an accolyte background and his god is Chronepsis, the protector of the dead side of Null.

Quote from Groz02 >>

 

Maybe they were a pirate and learned the error of their ways.

Alternatively, maybe they're a pirate and chose to double down on their pirate antics, becoming an oath of conquest paladin and attempting to rule the seas with an iron fist.

I have a few random paladin backgrounds, though I'm not particularly fond of Paladin as a class so I doubt i'll ever play them.

First one is an ex-bandit who was imprisoned for a decade or so. During his prison stay, he had slowly reflected on his situation and his life; He went from a poor orphan, simply stealing to survive, to a smuggler who dealt dirty products in the slums, to an enforcer who would bloody his blade for the slightest infraction. Despite his circumstances, he had come to realize that his selfish actions had only hurt those he cared about and trampled over the innocent and hard working. Eventually, he was let go, and he devoted himself to righting his wrongs. Did I mention he's a very large, white tabaxi with a lion's mane and a sick eyepatch? Because that's important. 

Second one is a half-elven kid; Her father owned the largest bookstore in town and she was a real fantasy geek. She became so obsessed with tales of chivalry and adventure that she flat out refused to inherit the family business and instead decided to run out into the world and become a freakin' legend.. Except, it's a lot harder to put up with people than she thought it was. She starts cutting corners here and there, and cares more about her  "chivalrous image" than the reality of the matter.  A very grey interpretation of the "Oath of Heroism" that turns into a borderline Oathbreaker, basically. 

Last one is a goblin who "apparently" lived near a sacred glade that his tribe had frequently used as hunting grounds. One afternoon, he and his companions had encountered a glorious, pure white unicorn that stunned them with its sheer beauty. The rest of his hunting party had wanted to kill it for a grand feast, but the goblin had objected. It had seemed that the creature had awakened a sense of reverence and awe from the goblin, and he stood between his hunting party and the beast, eventually slaying them to protect it. He stayed there, at the edge of its domain. In retaliation, his tribe had sent their best warriors to come back with his head. He fought them to the last nail, and right before the last of the warriors managed to strike him down, the unicorn sacrificed itself and took the blow, giving the goblin the opportunity to slay his kin. As the unicorn stood there, he swore upon its dying breath that he would protect the purity and beauty of the realm, and once the unicorn passed, he skinned it and wore its hide like a cloak.