Paladin Orders

[nutranurse]

We all know that they exist, and really shape what a Paladin can be.
We also know that certain orders allow for their members to multi-class (i.e. A Paladin of Nobanion can multi-class as a ranger), so I was wondering if, depending upon their order/patron Deity, could a Paladin Multi-Class?
Of course certain restrictions would be put up (i.e. The Paladin level must be higher than the other class by X amount). But I was just wondering, since a straight Paladin can only offer so much to RP with (While a Bard-Paladin of Milil can offer tons of tales of his exploits!)

[wangxiuming]

paladins can't multiclass to bards without an alignment shift.

... I still don't understand why singing makes you unlawful.

[nutranurse]

Oh wait..
Forgot about that, but the point still stands! Certain orders would let Paladins Multi-Class

[Scourn]

From the plaers handbook:

Like any member of any other class a Paladin may be a multiclass character, but paladins face a special restriction. A paladin who gains a new class or (if allready multiclass) raises another class by a level may never again raise her paladin level, though she retains all her paladin abblities. The path of the paladin requires a constant heart. Once you undertake the path, you must pursue it to the exclusion of all other careers. Once you have turned off the path, you may never return.

So yes they can, but for game rules its once you change, thats it.

[Kendaric]

From the plaers handbook:

Like any member of any other class a Paladin may be a multiclass character, but paladins face a special restriction. A paladin who gains a new class or (if allready multiclass) raises another class by a level may never again raise her paladin level, though she retains all her paladin abblities. The path of the paladin requires a constant heart. Once you undertake the path, you must pursue it to the exclusion of all other careers. Once you have turned off the path, you may never return.

So yes they can, but for game rules its once you change, thats it.

It is somewhat different in the Forgotten Realms setting (the standard D&D setting is based on the World of Grayhawk setting, even though Grayhawk isn't officially supported any longer except as RPGA 'Living Grayhawk'), as different orders of paladins exist:

Paladins of Azuth: May multiclass into wizard, but may not gain any more paladin levels afterwards.

Paladins of Chauntea: May multiclass into cleric & divine champion, they can gain additional paladin levels despite being multiclassed.

Paladins of Helm: May multiclass as fighter, cleric & divine champion, they can still gain paladin levels afterwards.

Paladins of Ilmater: May multiclass as cleric & divine champion, can still gain levels as a paladin.

Paladins of Kelemvor: May multiclass as ranger & cleric, may not gain anymore paladin levels afterwards.

Paladins of Lathander: May multiclass as cleric & divine champion, may gain paladin levels despite multiclassing.

Paladins of Sune: May multiclass as divine champion, may still gain more paladin levels.

Paladins of Torm: May multiclass with one other class of their choice, may still gain paladin levels.

Paladins of Tyr: May multiclass as cleric, fighter & divine champion, may still gain levels as paladin.

Non-human deities:

Paladins of Moradin: May multiclass as cleric, fighter, divine champion & dwarven defender, may still gain paladin levels.

Paladins of Yondalla: May multiclass as monks, may still gain levels as paladin.

This is according to D&D 3.0 Forgotten Realms campaign setting, thingsmay have changed in 3.5.
Personally, I'm no great fan of those paladin orders and follow the PHB rules for paladins in my own campaigns (i.e. no multiclassing and still gain paladin levels) as I find that more suited to how I imagine a paladin to be.