![[Pasted image 20250413155444.png]] ## What Is a Paladin? The Paladin is a warrior whose strength comes from unwavering conviction. Unlike Clerics, who are primarily devoted servants of the gods, Paladins are champions of an oath. Through dedication to a cause, ideal, faith, or sacred promise, they gain divine power that enhances their combat abilities and allows them to protect those around them. A Paladin combines martial skill, healing magic, and supernatural resilience, making them one of the most versatile frontline classes in Dungeons & Dragons. Whether they are noble knights, wandering protectors, holy champions, relentless avengers, or guardians of ancient traditions, all Paladins are defined by the promises they choose to uphold. --- ## The Power of an Oath At the heart of every Paladin is a sacred oath. This oath represents a set of beliefs and principles that guide the Paladin's actions. It is more than a personal philosophy; it is the source of the supernatural power that flows through them. Different Paladins swear different oaths. Some dedicate themselves to honour and justice, while others pursue vengeance, redemption, conquest, or the preservation of life and hope. Unlike many spellcasters, Paladins do not gain power through years of magical study. Their abilities are granted through the strength of their conviction and their commitment to the path they have chosen. --- ## Champions of Faith and Ideals Many Paladins serve deities, temples, or religious orders, but faith is not a requirement. A Paladin's oath may be dedicated to: - A god or divine being - A kingdom or ruler - The protection of the innocent - Justice and law - Nature and the preservation of life - Personal redemption - Revenge against a great evil What matters is the sincerity of the oath and the determination to uphold it. A Paladin who abandons their beliefs risks losing the very foundation of their power. --- ## Divine Magic Paladins are half-casters, blending martial combat with divine magic. Their spellcasting focuses on practical abilities that support their role as protectors and warriors. Common Paladin spells allow them to: - Heal wounds - Protect allies - Remove harmful effects - Enhance weapons and armour - Detect supernatural threats While they possess fewer spells than Clerics or Wizards, their magic is designed to complement their abilities in combat rather than replace them. --- ## Signature Abilities ### Lay on Hands One of the most recognisable Paladin abilities. Through a touch, a Paladin can heal injuries, restore vitality, and even cure certain diseases or poisons. This ability allows Paladins to support their allies without relying entirely on spells. --- ### Divine Smite Divine Smite is the ability most players associate with the class. When a Paladin strikes an enemy, they can channel divine power through their weapon to deal additional radiant damage. This makes Paladins particularly effective against powerful foes and supernatural enemies such as fiends and undead. --- ### Divine Sense Paladins can sense the presence of certain supernatural creatures and influences. This ability reflects their connection to divine power and helps them identify threats that may not be immediately obvious. --- ### Aura of Protection As Paladins grow stronger, their presence begins to inspire and protect those around them. Their conviction becomes a source of strength for nearby allies, making entire adventuring groups more resilient in dangerous situations. --- ## The Paladin's Role in an Adventuring Party Paladins are among the strongest frontline characters in the game. They combine the durability of a heavily armoured warrior with healing, support abilities, and impressive burst damage. Within a party, a Paladin often serves as: - A frontline defender - A damage dealer - A secondary healer - A leader - A protector of weaker allies Their combination of survivability and support makes them valuable in almost any adventuring group. --- ## Sacred Oaths At 3rd level, a Paladin chooses a Sacred Oath that shapes their abilities and outlook. ### Oath of Devotion The classic holy knight. Devotion Paladins embody ideals such as honour, courage, honesty, and compassion. They are often seen as champions of justice and protectors of the innocent. --- ### Oath of Vengeance These Paladins dedicate themselves to hunting down dangerous enemies. They focus on pursuing and defeating those responsible for great evils, often showing little mercy to their chosen targets. --- ### Oath of the Ancients Guardians of life, hope, and the natural world. Ancients Paladins draw power from ancient traditions and seek to preserve beauty, light, and joy wherever they can. --- ### Oath of Conquest Conquest Paladins believe that order is maintained through strength. They seek to impose discipline upon the world and crush threats before they can grow. --- ### Oath of Redemption These Paladins believe violence should be a last resort. They strive to resolve conflicts peacefully whenever possible while remaining capable warriors when diplomacy fails. --- ### Oathbreaker An optional subclass representing a Paladin who has abandoned or corrupted their sacred oath. Oathbreakers wield dark powers and often walk a very different path from traditional Paladins. --- ## What It Feels Like to Play a Paladin Playing a Paladin means standing at the centre of the fight. You wear heavy armour, protect your allies, heal when needed, and deliver powerful attacks against dangerous enemies. Few classes combine offence, defence, and support as effectively. Roleplaying a Paladin often involves exploring the beliefs that drive your character. Some are idealistic heroes. Others are stern judges, determined avengers, devoted guardians, or individuals struggling to live up to their own standards. While every Paladin is different, their oath is usually one of the most important parts of their story. --- ## Should You Play a Paladin? The Paladin is an excellent choice if you enjoy: - Frontline combat - Heavy armour and martial weapons - Healing and support abilities - Characters with strong convictions - Protecting allies - Delivering powerful single-target damage You may prefer another class if you are looking for: - Extensive spellcasting - Stealth-focused gameplay - Long-range combat - Characters with few responsibilities or personal ideals For players who want to combine martial prowess, divine power, and a strong sense of purpose, the Paladin remains one of the most iconic classes in Dungeons & Dragons.