Paladin Handbook - DnD 5th Edition Class Guide

Introduction

• Paladins are durable, survivable, and self-sufficient.
• Serve roles as Defender, Face, and Striker in a party.
• Healing capabilities can partly cover the healer role.
• Lack of options for ranged combat.
• Complex due to numerous class features.

Paladin Class Features

Class Features Overview

• Hit Points: d10, standard for front-line martial classes.
• Saves: Good against charm/control, but weak in Constitution.
• Proficiencies: All armor and weapons, two skills.
• Divine Sense: Better than relying on Insight.
• Lay On Hands: Efficient healing option.

Fighting Style

• Blind Fighting: Useful but situational.
• Defense: +1 AC, simple but effective.
• Dueling: Works with shield, adds damage.
• Great Weapon Fighting: Adds damage, best with a greatsword.
• Interception: Reduces damage, always effective.
• Protection: Disadvantage to attackers, requires proximity.

Spellcasting

• Mix of buffs, healing, and smite spells.
• Divine Smite: High damage, consumes spell slots.

Sacred Oath

• Choose from various oaths that influence abilities:
  • Oath of Conquest, Devotion, Glory, Redemption, etc.

Optional Class Features

• Introduced in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything.
• Options for additional or replacement features.

Ability Scores

• Strength, Dexterity, and Charisma are key stats.
• Constitution important for survivability.

Paladin Races

• Important to boost key ability scores.
• Half-Elf, Dwarf, Goliath, Warforged are good options.

Skills

• Athletics, Intimidation, Persuasion are key skills.
• Insight useful for Face role.

Backgrounds

• Important for skill and language selection.
• Acolyte, Courtier, and Soldier are good fits.

Feats

• Feats enhance Paladin capabilities:
  • Alert, Athlete, Actor generally not useful.
  • Inspiring Leader, Polearm Master, Sentinel are effective.

Weapons and Armor

• Use weapons that enhance combat style (reach, one-handed, etc.).
• Armor choices depend on build (heavy armor, shields, etc.).

Multiclassing

• Options include Barbarian, Fighter, Sorcerer, Warlock.
• Consider class features and ability requirements.

Magic Items

Magic Item Rarity

• Common: Moon-Touched Sword, Ruby of the War Mage.
• Uncommon: Adamantine Armor, Amulet of the Devout.
• Rare: Amulet of Health, Armor of Resistance.
• Very Rare: Absorbing Tattoo, Belt of Giant Strength.
• Legendary: Armor of Invulnerability, Holy Avenger.

Example Paladin Build: Dragonborn Paladin (Oath of Devotion)

• Focus on Strength and Charisma.
• Skills in Persuasion, Athletics, Intimidation.
• Choose appropriate background for skill synergy.
• Level progression includes ability score improvements, feats, and spell choices.