Greetings, noble adventurers and champions of the light! Today, we embark on a journey to uncover the secrets of creating an epic Paladin character, a paragon of righteousness, a beacon of hope, or a terror in Dungeons and Dragons. Blessed with divine power, Paladins stand as guardians against the encroaching darkness, wielding both sword and faith. Whether your Paladin is a valiant defender of the realm, a fervent avenger of wrongs, or even a brutish thug, this guide will illuminate the path to crafting an unforgettable character poised to leave a legacy of heroism.
Before we begin, we need to understand what your character's background/story will make these following sections very important. It is, of course, very typical for Paladins to be the righteous heroes that we think of when we play Dnd, though we should remember that even though this is true, this does not mean they are perfect. Some characters are like this; a realistic character is likelier to have some angle or end game, which is most important to them. Through the sections, we will talk about how these backgrounds may change the oath's overall meaning depending on the experience of the character while at the same time keeping the core of their promise.
1. Choose Your Sacred Oath:
The foundation of every Paladin lies in their sacred oath, a solemn vow that binds them to a higher cause. Consider the distinct commitments, each bestowing unique abilities and guiding principles:
Oath of Devotion: Core: Emphasizes honor, duty, and the protection of all that is good. Devoted Paladins are usually paragons of virtue, unwavering in their commitment to righteousness. Looking at this at first, you would take its meaning at face value, but we must remember that Dnd is supposed to be a living world. The standard of good and evil is and is supposed to be, different between characters (yes, even Paladins). Your Paladin can have a mean streak just as much as they can have a nice streak. It simply depends on where they are from. A good example would be the Spartans from history, who were more war-like and cared about Sparta above all else. AKA
Oath of Vengeance: Core: Drives a Paladin to pursue evildoers relentlessly, typically seeking retribution for the oppressed and the wronged. However, This does not mean that when you choose this path, it can't be self-centered. Vengeful Paladins are fierce and
unyielding in the face of injustice. Whether that is injustice at them or others can be your pick. A good example is the 40K space marines that will kill/attack anyone that gets in their way, even if that means innocents. AKA Chaotic Lawful; I know that's not a typical archetype, but it's the most accurate.
Oath of the Ancients: Aligns with the ancient forces of nature, radiating light and preserving the beauty and balance of the world. Paladins of the Ancients are embodiments of hope and vitality. Also, these guys will be more the arborators who want peace, making them the craftier of the paladins. AKA Chaotic Neutral.
Oath of Conquest: Embraces the fervor of battle and the pursuit of absolute dominance. Conquest Paladins are unyielding conquerors dedicated to establishing order through might. Though these types can be seen as blood-lusting brutes, they could be seen as revolutionists or people wanting to unite the world, not always by force, much like the Ottoman Empire, or comparable to the Oath of Devotion. AKA Lawful Neutral
Oath of Redemption: Seeks to redeem the fallen and offer forgiveness to those who have strayed from the path. Redemptive Paladins are beacons of compassion and understanding typically, but this does not mean they will not pass rightful judgment. Though they can be seen as the more lovey characters, they can also easily be seen as the somber characters that can forgive but not forget. AKA True Neutral
2. Prioritize Your Attributes:
A Paladin's strength lies not only in their faith but also in their physical prowess. Focus on these key attributes:
Strength: Essential for melee combat, allowing you to wield heavy weapons and deal formidable damage.
Charisma: Enhances your divine powers and aids in interactions with others. It reflects the strength of your convictions and your ability to inspire.
Constitution: Bolsters your health and resilience, ensuring you can withstand the rigors of battle.
3. Divine Spells and Smite:
Paladins are gifted with the ability to channel divine magic. Choose spells that complement your chosen oath and playstyle. Additionally, the hallmark ability of a Paladin is the Divine Smite, allowing you to channel extra damage with your attacks, expending spell slots for devastating
blows. An excellent example is that I had a paladin that carried around a Cannon and could destroy enemies with three cannon balls, each with just 1 level of smite on it.
4. Select Appropriate Equipment:
A Paladin's choice of armor and weaponry is crucial for their effectiveness in battle. Opt for heavy armor to enhance your survivability, and choose a weapon that aligns with your favored combat style, be it a sword and shield, a versatile longsword, a two-handed greatsword, or, in my case, a cannon.
5. Master Your Class Features:
Familiarize yourself with the core class features, such as Lay on Hands, which allows you to heal wounds and cure diseases, and Aura of Protection, which provides a protective aura for you and your allies.
6. Feats and Multiclassing:
Consider feats like "Great Weapon Master" or "Sentinel" to refine your combat abilities further. Additionally, multiclassing can add depth to your character, with
options like a dip into Cleric for intriguing
roleplay possibilities, and increases your number of spell slots, giving you more ability to use smite.
7. Roleplay with Conviction:
Remember, the heart of a Paladin lies in their unwavering faith and dedication to their oath. Develop a rich backstory, embody your chosen oath, and let your character's convictions shine through in every interaction
8. Evolve and Adapt:
As your Paladin progresses, consider the evolving narrative of your character. Seek growth opportunities, both in terms of abilities and moral dilemmas. Embrace the challenges that come with embodying unyielding virtue.
Embark on your D&D odyssey with this epic Paladin character build, and watch as your radiance and virtue illuminate the darkest realms. Whether you stand as a beacon of hope on the battlefield or extend a hand of redemption to the fallen, your Paladin will be a force to be reckoned with, leaving an indelible mark on your campaign's legacy. Roll initiative, noble Paladin, for your journey of valor and righteousness awaits!