I want..
 

..to be a Barbarian Paladin. It just makes sense. Shadowknights have two large races within their roster of possible characters, while the closest equivalent paladins have are somehow the Dwarves, of all things. Slam is awesome, and paladins deserve to have access to it too. Lore-wise, barbarians usually follow the Tribunal, the gods of justice. We've got paladins of nature (Tunare), paladins of valor and love (Marr twins), paladins of storms (Karana), seas (Prexus), and even peace (Quellious).. so why not paladins of justice? Thematically, it makes sense.

I want stronk, tall cleric-warriors of truth and justice, shining brightly as they stride on their long, hairy legs across the lands, righting wrongs and smiting evil doers by shoulder checking them into the dirt. I want those juicy tall race combat stats so that paladins can stand shoulder to shoulder with shadowknights as equals.

I want Barbarian Paladins! Who's with me?

Agreed. Also barbarians need bards.

what in the EQ2 is going on here?

Facts. Skald.

https://open.spotify.com/track/34hYH6o60RtUv5u5UUgnd0

What point are you trying to make? Skalds were scandinavian/nordic. Norrathian bards are clearly inspired by celtic/gaelic cultures.

Exactly. Barbarians are primarily Scottish inspired, ie fit well into celtic/gaelic tropes

I wouldn't know. I never played EQ2.

Makes sense. Honestly Bard feels like one of those classes that basically every race should have access too, like warrior or rogue. Everyone loves listening to stories and songs.

On that note, even goblins manage to have wizards among their ranks. So, why can't more playable races be wizards as well? I feel like every race should have at least a basic spread of fighty, healy, sneaky, and zappy types available to play. Ogres and Trolls get the short end of the stick as well in this regard. Heck, the wizard guild of Freeport even has an Aviak (of all things) among its ranks.

Likely an illusion, or intended to be considered as much given that it's an enchanter.

https://everquest.allakhazam.com/db/npc.html?id=1175

On that note though, there doesn't seem to be a single bard aviak NPC on Norrath, which seems like such an oversight since a bird race would be naturally adept at singing. South Karana merchant even sells instruments.

I've always felt like Barbarians, while they might worship some of those gods, lore wise are supposed to be more fiery and hot tempered. I.e., maybe not quite the more calm/level headed mentality you'd expect from a Paladin.