Master the Art of Building a Paladin!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing a Race for Your Paladin
   1. Dragonborn
   2. Goliath
   3. Half Orc
   4. Dwarf
   5. Genasi
   6. Aasimar
3. Allocating Statistics for Your Paladin
4. Selecting an Oath for Your Paladin at Level 3
   1. Oath of Conquest
   2. Oath of Redemption
   3. Oath of the Ancients
   4. Oath of the Crown
   5. Oath of Glory
   6. Oath of Vengeance
   7. Oathbreaker
5. Choosing a Background for Your Paladin
   1. Acolyte
   2. Soldier
   3. Folk Hero
6. Defining Alignment and Morals for Your Paladin
7. Developing Your Paladin's Backstory
8. Selecting a Name for Your Paladin
9. Conclusion

Building the Perfect Paladin for Dungeons and Dragons

Are you ready to embark on a grand adventure as a Paladin in Dungeons and Dragons? As a versatile class with both melee fighting and spellcasting abilities, Paladins offer a unique playstyle and a wide range of customization options. In this guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of building your ideal Paladin character. From choosing the right race and allocating statistics to selecting an oath and defining your background, we'll cover everything you need to know to create a powerful and impactful Paladin.

1. Choosing a Race for Your Paladin

When it comes to selecting a race for your Paladin, there is no right or wrong choice. Each race comes with its own set of advantages and bonuses that can enhance your character's abilities and skills. Here are some races that are particularly well-suited for Paladins:

1.1 Dragonborn

The Dragonborn race offers racial bonuses for both strength and charisma, making it an excellent choice for Paladins who want to excel in both melee combat and spellcasting.

1.2 Goliath

Goliaths are known for their bonuses in strength and constitution, providing Paladins with extra hit points and durability on the battlefield.

1.3 Half Orc

Half Orcs also have racial bonuses for strength and constitution, making them formidable melee fighters and able to withstand heavy damage.

1.4 Dwarf

Dwarves have a constitution racial bonus, granting them additional hit points and making them sturdy and resilient in combat.

1.5 Genasi

Genasi characters possess a constitution racial bonus, which increases their hit points and fortitude in battle.

1.6 Aasimar

Aasimars have a racial bonus in charisma, which is beneficial for spellcasting Paladins. They are often chosen for their alignment with the ideals of regular Paladins in the fight against evil and the pursuit of justice.

Remember that the choice of race ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the character concept you have in mind. Consider how each race's abilities align with your desired playstyle and character goals.

2. Allocating Statistics for Your Paladin

In Dungeons and Dragons, statistics play a vital role in determining your character's capabilities. When allocating statistics for your Paladin, it is essential to focus on three primary attributes: strength, charisma, and constitution.

Strength is crucial for melee combat, as it determines your Paladin's attack and damage bonuses. Charisma is essential for spellcasting, as it affects the effectiveness of your spells and your spell save DC. Constitution provides additional hit points, making your Paladin more durable in combat.

Depending on your preferred style of play, you can assign your highest statistic to either strength or charisma, with constitution being a close third. Remember that other ability scores can be allocated based on how you envision your character's role-playing and personality traits.

3. Selecting an Oath for Your Paladin at Level 3

At level 3, Paladins must choose an oath that will shape their character's path and abilities. Each oath offers unique benefits and mechanics for your Paladin. Here are some popular oath options:

3.1 Oath of Conquest

The Oath of Conquest is suitable for Paladins who seek glory and revel in battle. This oath focuses on offensive abilities and offers spells that require saving throws. To maximize the effectiveness of this oath, you'll want a high charisma score to set a challenging DC for your enemies.

3.2 Oath of Redemption

The Oath of Redemption is centered around non-violence and defensive strategies. This oath provides utility-based spells and defensive capabilities. To excel as a Redeemer, you'll need a high charisma score to ensure your DC is difficult to surpass in saving throws.

3.3 Oath of the Ancients

The Oath of the Ancients combines the Paladin's abilities with those of the Ranger and Druid classes. This oath focuses on restraining enemies and environmental manipulation. If you prefer a versatile Paladin with nature-themed abilities, this oath is an excellent choice.

3.4 Oath of the Crown

The Oath of the Crown is ideal for Paladins who want to protect their allies and draw attention away from their party members. With an emphasis on tanking and damage mitigation, this oath allows your fellow adventurers to focus on offense, while you take the brunt of enemy attacks.

3.5 Oath of Glory

The Oath of Glory provides a wide array of spells that can buff you and your allies during combat. However, keep in mind that many of these spells require concentration, which may limit your options in battle.

3.6 Oath of Vengeance

The Oath of Vengeance focuses on swift enemy elimination and dealing high amounts of damage. Paladins who choose this path rarely take defensive actions and prioritize offensive tactics. If you enjoy dealing massive damage and seek retribution for past ordeals, this oath may suit your playstyle.

3.7 Oathbreaker

While the Oathbreaker Paladin can be challenging to incorporate into a party, it can be an excellent option for dungeon masters creating non-player character (NPC) Paladins. Oathbreakers deal significant damage and possess high survivability, but their abilities can interfere with teamwork and cooperation.

Consider the narrative and combat style you envision for your Paladin character when selecting an oath. Each oath offers distinct mechanics and role-playing opportunities, so make sure to choose the one that aligns with your character's goals.

4. Choosing a Background for Your Paladin

Your Paladin's background helps shape their personality, provides context for their skills, and adds depth to their backstory. Here are some common background options for Paladins:

4.1 Acolyte

Acolytes have been brought up in temples, where they learned their oath and honed their martial and magical abilities. Choosing the Acolyte background emphasizes your devotion to serving a higher power and portrays your character as a holy warrior.

4.2 Soldier

If your Paladin has a history as a knight or a soldier, the Soldier background is a fitting choice. You may have fulfilled your previous oath and embarked on an adventure to continue your mission of helping those in need.

4.3 Folk Hero

The Folk Hero background is a great fit for Paladins who hail from a small town and have become a local hero. A catastrophic event or act of bravery may have propelled you to seek a grander purpose and join an adventuring party.

Remember that each background comes with specific personality traits, ideals, flaws, and bonds. These details help flesh out your character and provide a foundation for role-playing opportunities. Choose a background that complements your Paladin's story and aligns with their motivations.

5. Defining Alignment and Morals for Your Paladin

Traditionally, Paladins are depicted as lawful good characters. They adhere to strict moral codes and seek to bring justice to the world. However, it is essential to remember that alignment is flexible and can be adjusted to suit your character concept.

If you're interested in exploring a Paladin with a neutral alignment, you can envision a character whose morals align more with personal principles rather than rigid adherence to the law. The choice of alignment allows you to infuse your Paladin with unique motivations and a more nuanced approach to justice and righteousness.

6. Developing Your Paladin's Backstory

Your Paladin's backstory adds depth and richness to their character. It helps establish their motivations, goals, and relationships with other characters in the world. Consider your chosen race, background, and oath as you build your Paladin's backstory. Here are some questions to help you get started:

• If your Paladin has the Soldier background, did your term end, or did you decide to leave the military to pursue a different path?
• As a Folk Hero, what catastrophic event led you to become an adventurer? What drove you to seek something greater than your small-town heroism?
• If you chose the Acolyte background, what sign or calling prompted you to embark on a journey as a holy knight?
• How does your Paladin's backstory tie into their chosen race, oath, and alignment? How do these elements shape their worldview and actions?

Allow your creativity to flow as you weave a compelling and engaging backstory for your Paladin. This will not only provide you with a broader understanding of your character but also offer opportunities for character growth and development throughout your Dungeons and Dragons campaign.

7. Selecting a Name for Your Paladin

Finally, you'll need to choose a name that suits your Paladin's background, race, and personality. If you already have a name in mind, fantastic! If not, there are numerous name generators available online that can help you find the perfect name for your character. Whether you prefer a generic fantasy name or something more specific to your chosen race, a suitable name will add the finishing touch to your Paladin creation.

8. Conclusion

Building a Paladin character in Dungeons and Dragons allows you to create a versatile and impactful hero. With careful consideration of race, statistics, oath, background, alignment, and backstory, you can forge a compelling and engaging Paladin that will leave a lasting impression on your gaming group. Remember to embrace creativity, explore different possibilities, and have fun crafting your ideal Paladin. Good luck on your adventures!

Highlights

• The Paladin class offers a unique combination of melee fighting and spellcasting abilities.
• Choose your race wisely, considering racial bonuses that align with your desired playstyle.
• Allocate your statistics strategically, prioritizing strength, charisma, and constitution.
• Select an oath at level 3 that complements your character concept and desired abilities.
• Explore various backgrounds to add depth and personality to your Paladin.
• Alignment can be adjusted to suit your character's morals and principles.
• Develop a compelling backstory that weaves together your chosen race, background, and oath.
• Choose a name that reflects your Paladin's identity and enhances their role-playing experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I choose any race for my Paladin? A: Yes, you can choose any race for your Paladin. However, consider racial bonuses that enhance your character's abilities and skills.

Q: Can Paladins have a neutral alignment? A: Traditionally, Paladins are depicted as lawful good. However, alignments can be adjusted to align with personal principles and motivations.

Q: What is the best background for a Paladin? A: The best background for a Paladin depends on your character's story and motivations. Popular choices include Acolyte, Soldier, and Folk Hero.

Q: How important is the Paladin's backstory? A: The Paladin's backstory adds depth and richness to their character. It provides motivations, goals, and relationships, contributing to a more immersive role-playing experience.

Q: Can I use a name generator to find a name for my Paladin? A: Absolutely! Name generators can be a helpful tool in finding the perfect name that fits your Paladin's background, race, and personality.