Paladin: The holy warrior, the righteous avenger, aka the goody-two-shoes with a sword.
Every D&D party needs one—whether they like it or not. If you’re a DM, you probably have a love-hate relationship with these divine do-gooders. And if you’re a player, you’re either playing one or envious of that shiny armor and unwavering moral compass.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about playing—and dealing with—a DND Paladin.
What Is a Paladin?
A Paladin is a class in Dungeons & Dragons known for its divine magic, combat prowess, and unwavering dedication to a cause or deity.
Think of them as the medieval equivalent of a superhero—only with more prayer and fewer capes.
They can heal the sick, smite the wicked, and generally make life difficult for morally ambiguous party members.
Paladins are driven by their oaths, which provide them with a clear moral code and a set of abilities that grow as they level up. They are often seen as the moral compass of the party, sometimes to the chagrin of their more chaotic or morally gray companions.
This steadfast dedication can lead to rich role-playing opportunities and interesting character arcs.
How Paladins Work
Paladins blend martial combat with divine magic.
They swear oaths that grant them unique abilities and dictate their behavior.
Breaking these oaths can lead to dire consequences, adding a layer of role-playing complexity.
Core Features
- Divine Sense: This ability allows Paladins to detect the presence of strong evil or powerful good within 60 feet. It’s a great way to sniff out hidden threats or ensure that the party isn’t walking into an ambush.
- Lay on Hands: A pool of healing power that replenishes with a long rest. Paladins can heal a number of hit points equal to their Paladin level times five. This ability also allows them to cure diseases and neutralize poisons, making them invaluable in situations where the party lacks a dedicated healer.
- Fighting Style: At 2nd level, Paladins can choose a fighting style that enhances their combat abilities. Options include Defense (bonus to AC), Dueling (bonus to damage with a single weapon), Great Weapon Fighting (reroll damage dice), and Protection (impose disadvantage on attacks against allies).
- Spellcasting: Paladins gain limited spellcasting abilities starting at 2nd level. Their spells are primarily focused on healing, protection, and smiting evil. They use their Charisma as their spellcasting ability, making a high Charisma score essential.
- Divine Smite: This feature allows Paladins to expend a spell slot to deal extra radiant damage on a melee weapon attack. The damage increases with the level of the spell slot used, making it a potent tool against undead and fiends.
Pros and Cons of Playing a Paladin
Let’s go over some pros and cons.
Pros
- Versatility: Paladins can hold their own in melee combat, support their allies with healing and buffs, and deal significant damage with their smites.
- Survivability: With access to heavy armor, shields, and healing abilities, Paladins are among the most durable classes in D&D.
- Support: Paladins have a range of abilities that can support their party, from healing to removing conditions and providing bonuses to saving throws.
- Damage: Divine Smite and other class features allow Paladins to deal impressive amounts of damage, especially to undead and fiends.
Cons
- Alignment Restrictions: Paladins must follow their oaths, which can restrict their actions and role-playing options. Breaking an oath can lead to severe consequences, including the loss of class features.
- Limited Spell Slots: While Paladins have access to powerful spells, their spell slots are limited, making resource management crucial.
- Role-playing Challenges: Staying true to a Paladin’s code can be challenging, especially in morally complex situations. This can lead to tension within the party if not handled carefully.
Paladin Features and Abilities
We’re going to start with a DND Paladin level progression table and then go over all the details of important features and abilities.
Paladin Level Progression Table
| Level | Proficiency Bonus | Features | Ability Score Increase | Spell Slots per Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +2 | Divine Sense, Lay on Hands | – | |
| 2 | +2 | Fighting Style, Spellcasting, Divine Smite | 2 (1st) | |
| 3 | +2 | Divine Health, Sacred Oath | 3 (1st) | |
| 4 | +2 | Ability Score Improvement | +2 | 3 (1st) |
| 5 | +3 | Extra Attack | 4 (1st), 2 (2nd) | |
| 6 | +3 | Aura of Protection | 4 (1st), 2 (2nd) | |
| 7 | +3 | Oath Feature | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd) | |
| 8 | +3 | Ability Score Improvement | +2 | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd) |
| 9 | +4 | — | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 2 (3rd) | |
| 10 | +4 | Aura of Courage | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 2 (3rd) | |
| 11 | +4 | Improved Divine Smite | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd) | |
| 12 | +4 | Ability Score Improvement | +2 | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd) |
| 13 | +5 | — | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 1 (4th) | |
| 14 | +5 | Cleansing Touch | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 1 (4th) | |
| 15 | +5 | Oath Feature | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 2 (4th) | |
| 16 | +5 | Ability Score Improvement | +2 | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 2 (4th) |
| 17 | +6 | — | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 3 (4th), 1 (5th) | |
| 18 | +6 | Improved Aura | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 3 (4th), 1 (5th) | |
| 19 | +6 | Ability Score Improvement | +2 | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 3 (4th), 2 (5th) |
| 20 | +6 | Sacred Oath Feature | 4 (1st), 3 (2nd), 3 (3rd), 3 (4th), 2 (5th) |
Oaths
Paladins choose an oath at the 3rd level, defining their abilities and role-playing constraints.
- Oath of Devotion: These Paladins are the epitome of virtue, holding themselves to the highest standards of conduct. They gain abilities such as Sacred Weapon, which enhances their attacks, and Turn the Unholy, which allows them to drive away fiends and undead.
- Oath of the Ancients: These Paladins are connected to the natural world, protecting light and life. They gain abilities like Nature’s Wrath, which can ensnare foes, and Aura of Warding, which provides resistance to spell damage.
- Oath of Vengeance: These Paladins are relentless hunters of those who have committed great evils. They gain abilities like Vow of Enmity, which grants advantage on attack rolls against a target, and Relentless Avenger, which allows them to move after hitting an enemy.
- Oathbreaker: These are Paladins who have forsaken their sacred oaths to pursue a darker path. They gain abilities like Control Undead and Dreadful Aspect, which can terrify enemies.
Aura of Protection
Starting at 6th level, Paladins give nearby allies a bonus to saving throws equal to their Charisma modifier. This aura extends 10 feet from the Paladin and increases to 30 feet at 18th level.
Extra Attack
At 5th level, Paladins can attack twice in one turn whenever they take the Attack action. This significantly increases their damage output in combat.
Cleansing Touch
At 14th level, Paladins can use their action to end one spell on themselves or a willing creature they touch. This ability can be used a number of times equal to their Charisma modifier.
Check out this video about DND Paladins:
Paladin Fighting Style
Paladins choose their fighting style at the 2nd level, enhancing their combat capabilities and allowing them to tailor their approach to battle.
Here are the available options.
Defense
This style grants a +1 bonus to AC when the Paladin is wearing armor.
It’s perfect for those who want to maximize their survivability and take on the role of the party’s frontline defender. Combined with heavy armor and a shield, a Paladin can become incredibly difficult to hit, making them an effective tank.
Dueling
Paladins choosing this style gain a +2 bonus to damage rolls when wielding a melee weapon in one hand and no other weapons.
This style is ideal for those who prefer to wield a single weapon and a shield.
The added damage can make a significant difference in combat, particularly when combined with the Paladin’s Divine Smite ability.
Great Weapon Fighting
This style allows the Paladin to reroll a 1 or 2 on damage dice for attacks made with two-handed weapons, using the new roll even if it’s another 1 or 2.
For Paladins who favor big, heavy weapons like greatswords or mauls, this style boosts their damage output, ensuring more consistent and higher damage rolls.
It’s a great choice for those who want to dish out significant melee damage.
Protection
When wielding a shield, this style lets the Paladin use a reaction to impose disadvantage on an attack roll targeting another creature within 5 feet.
This style is perfect for Paladins who want to protect their allies.
You’ll draw enemy attacks away from more vulnerable party members.
It reinforces the Paladin’s role as a defender and support character, making them a cornerstone of party survivability.
Paladin Spellcasting
Paladins gain spellcasting abilities starting at the 2nd level, using their Charisma as their spellcasting ability.
Unlike full casters, Paladins have a more limited number of spell slots.
They focus their magic on utility, healing, and enhancing their combat prowess.
Spell Slots
Paladins have fewer spell slots than full casters like wizards or clerics, but their spells are designed to complement their martial abilities.
They gain spell slots gradually, with access to up to 5th-level spells by the 20th level. Managing these slots effectively is crucial, as they can be used for both casting spells and powering Divine Smite.
Preparing Spells
Paladins prepare a number of spells equal to their Charisma modifier plus half their Paladin level, rounded down.
This preparation happens after each long rest, allowing them to adapt their spell selection to the needs of the upcoming day. They can choose from the entire Paladin spell list, giving them flexibility to handle various situations.
Key Spells
Paladins have access to a variety of spells that enhance their role as protectors and warriors:
- Bless: Adds a d4 to attack rolls and saving throws for up to three creatures.
- Cure Wounds: Restores hit points to a touched creature.
- Shield of Faith: Grants a +2 bonus to AC for a creature, boosting its defense.
- Hunter’s Mark: Marks a target for extra damage and improved tracking.
- Wrathful Smite: Adds psychic damage to an attack and can frighten the target.
- Misty Step: Provides short-range teleportation, adding mobility in combat.
Paladins also gain unique oath spells based on their chosen Sacred Oath at the 3rd level, further customizing their spellcasting abilities.
Best DND Races for Paladins
What are some of the best fantasy races for DND Paladins? Check out some of my suggestions below.
Half-Elf
- Charisma bonus: Helps with spellcasting and social interactions.
- Versatility: Boosts to other stats, darkvision, and Fey Ancestry, which grants advantage on saving throws against being charmed.
Dragonborn
- Strength and Charisma: Perfect for combat and spellcasting.
- Breath Weapon: Adds a ranged attack that can deal significant damage, useful for softening up enemies before closing in.
Human
- Ability Score Increases: Versatile and adaptable. The variant human option allows for a feat at 1st level, providing additional customization.
- Feat Access: More customization options, allowing for unique builds that can enhance a Paladin’s strengths or cover weaknesses.
Dwarf
- Constitution bonus: Increases survivability.
- Poison Resistance: Handy in many situations, especially when facing creatures that use poison attacks.
- Darkvision: Useful for seeing in low-light conditions, which is common in many D&D adventures.
Best Paladin Builds
Here are some of the best Paladin builds in DND.
The Classic Tank
- Race: Dwarf or Human.
- Oath: Devotion.
- Fighting Style: Defense.
- Equipment: Heavy armor and shield.
- Spells: Focus on healing and buffs. Key spells include Bless, Cure Wounds, and Shield of Faith.
The Smite Machine
- Race: Half-Elf or Dragonborn.
- Oath: Vengeance.
- Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting.
- Equipment: Two-handed weapon, such as a greatsword or maul.
- Spells: Focus on damage and utility. Key spells include Hunter’s Mark, Wrathful Smite, and Misty Step for mobility.
The Support Leader
- Race: Half-Elf or Human.
- Oath: Ancients.
- Fighting Style: Dueling.
- Equipment: Sword and shield.
- Spells: Healing and crowd control. Key spells include Healing Word, Protection from Evil and Good, and Hold Person.
Role-playing a Paladin
Let’s be real: role-playing a DND Paladin can get tricky, what with all the moral-compassing and ethics involved.
Try these tips for getting into character.
Upholding the Oath
A Paladin’s oath is their life. Break it, and you’re in trouble. Keep these tips in mind:
- Stay True: Always align actions with your oath. If you’ve sworn to protect the innocent, don’t go around robbing peasants.
- Be Consistent: Your character should be predictable in their values. This can help create a strong, reliable presence in the party.
- Role-play Conflicts: Use oath dilemmas as opportunities for character growth. How does your Paladin react when their oath conflicts with the party’s goals?
Interacting with Party Members
DND Paladins can be the moral compass of the party or a source of tension. Balance is key.
- Lead by Example: Inspire others with your actions. Show your commitment to your cause through deeds, not just words.
- Avoid Preaching: Respect other characters’ views. Being a zealot can create unnecessary friction within the group.
Paladin Background Ideas
Don’t be a boring Paladin with these creative background ideas.
The Fallen Noble
Once a person of high status, now seeking redemption through their oath. This character could have lost their title and wealth due to betrayal or a grave mistake. Their journey as a Paladin is a quest for personal redemption and the restoration of their honor.
The Orphaned Avenger
Sworn to avenge a great wrong done to their family or community.
This Paladin’s oath is driven by a desire for justice—or perhaps vengeance. Their backstory is steeped in tragedy, and their dedication to their cause is unshakeable.
The Devout Scholar
A priest or monk who has taken up arms to defend their faith. This character combines scholarly wisdom with martial prowess. Their deep knowledge of their religion or philosophy informs their decisions and actions as a Paladin.
The Nature’s Guardian
A protector of the wilds, upholding an ancient pact with nature.
This Paladin is deeply connected to the natural world and fights to preserve it against encroaching civilization and dark forces. Their oath is a bond with the land itself, and they might have druidic influences in their abilities and outlook.
Best Paladin Names
Naming your Paladin can be an enjoyable part of character creation.
Here are some names that capture the essence of a noble warrior dedicated to a higher cause:
- Alexander: Defender of man. A strong, classic name that speaks to leadership and valor.
- Gwendolyn: Blessed ring. A name that evokes grace and nobility.
- Thorin: Brave heart. Perfect for a dwarf Paladin, embodying courage and strength.
- Arwen: Noble maiden. Ideal for a character with an air of elven elegance.
- Drake: Dragon. Suitable for a Dragonborn Paladin, emphasizing power and ferocity.
- Luna: Moon. A name that suggests mystery and a connection to the divine or the natural world.
DM Tips for Handling Paladins
Maybe you’re the Dungeon Master (DM) and need some tips for managing Paladins.
Here are my best tips.
Embrace the Oath
Use the Paladin’s oath to drive the story.
Create moral dilemmas that challenge their commitment. For example, put the Paladin in situations where their oath conflicts with the party’s objectives, or where following their oath has real, tangible consequences.
Reward Role-playing
Encourage players to stick to their oath with rewards and recognition. This could be in the form of divine boons, special items, or positive interactions with NPCs who respect the DND Paladin’s dedication.
Balance Encounters
Paladins are strong in combat but have limited spellcasting.
Use encounters that require a variety of skills. Incorporate challenges that test their social abilities, their adherence to their oath, and their tactical acumen in battle.
Encourage Creativity
Paladins can be more than just combat machines.
Encourage players to use their abilities creatively. Divine Sense can be used in unexpected ways, like detecting hidden dangers in a seemingly safe environment. Lay on Hands can be a lifesaver in both combat and role-playing situations, like curing a poisoned NPC to gain their favor.
Additional Tips and Tricks
I’m going to go even further by offering these tips and tricks for the best Paladin experience.
Multi-classing
Combining Paladin with other classes can create powerful characters.
- Paladin/Sorcerer: Strong spellcasting and smiting. This combination allows for devastating spells and high Charisma synergy.
- Paladin/Warlock: Adds eldritch abilities. The Warlock’s Pact Magic can complement the Paladin’s spellcasting, and Eldritch Invocations can add versatility.
- Paladin/Fighter: Extra combat prowess. The Fighter’s extra attacks and combat maneuvers can make a Paladin even more formidable in battle.
Feats
Choose feats that enhance your Paladin’s strengths.
- Great Weapon Master: Increases damage potential, especially with Divine Smite.
- Shield Master: Improves defense and adds tactical options with the shield bash.
- Inspiring Leader: Boosts party morale by giving temporary hit points, playing into the Paladin’s role as a leader.
Equipment
Invest in the best armor and weapons you can afford. Magic items that enhance your abilities are a must. Look for items that boost your spellcasting, provide additional smiting opportunities, or increase your survivability.
Strategy
In combat, position yourself to protect allies and focus on high-value targets with your smites.
Use your auras and healing abilities to support the party. Out of combat, leverage your high Charisma to lead social interactions and negotiate with NPCs.
FAQ for Paladins in DND
Let’s clear up some common questions about DND Paladins.
What is the best race for a Paladin?
Choosing the best race for a DND Paladin depends on your play style and the role you want your Paladin to fulfill. Half-Elves are popular due to their Charisma bonus, which benefits spellcasting and social interactions.
Dragonborn are excellent for combat-focused Paladins, with bonuses to Strength and Charisma and a powerful breath weapon. Humans offer versatility with their ability score increases and feat access. Dwarves provide extra survivability with a Constitution bonus and poison resistance, making them ideal tanks.
Ultimately, the best race is one that complements your character concept and desired play style.
What happens if a Paladin breaks their oath?
Breaking a Paladin’s oath can have serious consequences.
Traditionally, this leads to the Paladin becoming an Oathbreaker, a subclass detailed in the Dungeon Master’s Guide. Oathbreakers lose access to their previous Sacred Oath features and gain new ones that reflect their fall from grace.
This can be a dramatic turn in a campaign, offering rich role-playing opportunities and challenges.
The DM may also impose additional consequences, such as losing the favor of their deity or suffering penalties until they atone for their transgressions.
Atonement typically involves undertaking a quest or performing a significant act of redemption.
Can a Paladin multi-class effectively?
Yes, Paladins can multi-class effectively, though it requires careful planning.
Common multi-class combinations include:
- Paladin/Sorcerer: This combination enhances spellcasting and smiting capabilities, taking advantage of high Charisma.
- Paladin/Warlock: Eldritch abilities and Pact Magic add versatility and additional spell slots.
- Paladin/Fighter: Extra attacks and combat maneuvers increase martial prowess. Multi-classing allows you to tailor your character to specific roles or play styles, but it’s essential to ensure that the combinations synergize well with the Paladin’s core abilities. Consider how the additional class features will complement your Paladin’s strengths and cover any weaknesses.
What are the best spells for a Paladin?
The best spells for a DND Paladin depend on the role you want to fulfill in the party.
Some key spells include:
- Bless: Provides a significant boost to attack rolls and saving throws, enhancing the party’s effectiveness in combat.
- Cure Wounds: Essential for healing allies in the heat of battle.
- Shield of Faith: Grants a +2 AC bonus to a creature, improving their defense.
- Hunter’s Mark: Adds extra damage to your attacks and helps track a marked target.
- Wrathful Smite: Deals psychic damage and can frighten the target, providing crowd control.
- Misty Step: Offers short-range teleportation, adding mobility and escape options. Choosing the right spells can significantly impact your effectiveness in various situations, from healing and support to damage dealing and battlefield control.
What is the difference between an Oath of Devotion and an Oath of Vengeance Paladin?
The Oath of Devotion and the Oath of Vengeance represent two distinct paths a DND Paladin can take.
Oath of Devotion Paladins are paragons of virtue, committed to upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and embodying ideals of honor and courage.
Their abilities, such as Sacred Weapon and Turn the Unholy, focus on protection and combating evil.
Oath of Vengeance Paladins, on the other hand, are driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and retribution. They swear to punish wrongdoers by any means necessary, often operating in a more ruthless and pragmatic manner.
Their abilities, like Vow of Enmity and Relentless Avenger, are geared towards hunting and defeating their foes with unyielding determination.
The key difference lies in their approach.
Devotion Paladins prioritize defense and righteousness, while Vengeance Paladins focus on offense and retribution.
Can a Paladin use ranged weapons effectively?
While DND Paladins are traditionally seen as melee combatants, they can use ranged weapons effectively if built and equipped for it.
Choosing a fighting style like Dueling (for one-handed ranged weapons like a hand crossbow) can help. They can also benefit from spells like Hunter’s Mark, which enhances damage on all attacks, including ranged ones.
However, most of the Paladin’s abilities and smites are designed for melee combat, so focusing too heavily on ranged attacks may limit their potential.
A balanced approach, using ranged weapons but focusing on melee combat, often works best.
Final Thoughts
Good luck keeping that moral compass straight while the rest of your party gleefully wallows in moral ambiguity.
Remember, your shiny armor doesn’t just protect you—it makes you a giant target for every evil overlord and their minions. Enjoy being the party’s designated beacon of virtue while they sneak, lie, and occasionally set things on fire. But hey, someone’s got to keep the party from spiraling into complete chaos, right?
Now, go forth and smite in the most righteous, self-righteous way possible.
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