alternate-paladin-llapal - OverTheMoon D&D

# Alternate Paladin *Source: Alternate Paladin* > [!tldr] Class and Feature Progression > > <table class="class-progression"> > <thead> > <tr><th colspan='5'></th><th colspan='5'>Spell Slots per Spell Level</th></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><th class"level">Level</th><th class"pb">PB</th><th class"feature">Features</th><th class="value">Spells Known</th><th class="value">Aura Radius</th><th class="spellSlot">1st</th><th class="spellSlot">2nd</th><th class="spellSlot">3rd</th><th class="spellSlot">4th</th><th class="spellSlot">5th</th></tr> > </thead><tbody> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">1st</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Fighting Style (Level 1)' class='internal-link'>Fighting Style</a>, <a href='#Anointed Warrior (Level 1)' class='internal-link'>Anointed Warrior</a>, <a href='#Divine Fervor (Level 1)' class='internal-link'>Divine Fervor</a></td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">2nd</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Spellcasting (Level 2)' class='internal-link'>Spellcasting</a>, <a href='#Divine Smite (Level 2)' class='internal-link'>Divine Smite</a></td><td class="value">2</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">3rd</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Divine Regeneration (Level 3)' class='internal-link'>Divine Regeneration</a>, <a href='#Sacred Oath (Level 3)' class='internal-link'>Sacred Oath</a></td><td class="value">2</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">4th</td><td class"pb">+2</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 4)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">5th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Extra Attack (Level 5)' class='internal-link'>Extra Attack</a>, <a href='#Divine Sense (Level 5)' class='internal-link'>Divine Sense</a></td><td class="value">3</td><td class="value">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">6th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Aura of Protection (Level 6)' class='internal-link'>Aura of Protection</a></td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">10 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">7th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Sacred Oath Feature (Level 7)' class='internal-link'>Sacred Oath Feature</a></td><td class="value">4</td><td class="value">10 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">8th</td><td class"pb">+3</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 8)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">10 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">9th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Divine Health (Level 9)' class='internal-link'>Divine Health</a></td><td class="value">5</td><td class="value">15 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">10th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Aura of Courage (Level 10)' class='internal-link'>Aura of Courage</a></td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">15 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">11th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Righteous Strikes (Level 11)' class='internal-link'>Righteous Strikes</a></td><td class="value">6</td><td class="value">15 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">12th</td><td class"pb">+4</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 12)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">20 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">13th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"></td><td class="value">7</td><td class="value">20 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">1</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">14th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Purifying Touch (Level 14)' class='internal-link'>Purifying Touch</a></td><td class="value">8</td><td class="value">20 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">1</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">15th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Sacred Oath Feature (Level 15)' class='internal-link'>Sacred Oath Feature</a></td><td class="value">8</td><td class="value">25 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">16th</td><td class"pb">+5</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 16)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">9</td><td class="value">25 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td><td class="spellSlot">⏤</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">17th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"></td><td class="value">9</td><td class="value">25 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">1</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">18th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Legendary Conviction (Level 18)' class='internal-link'>Legendary Conviction</a></td><td class="value">10</td><td class="value">30 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">1</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">19th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Ability Score Improvement (Level 19)' class='internal-link'>Ability Score Improvement</a></td><td class="value">10</td><td class="value">30 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td></tr> > <tr class="class-progression"><td class"level">20th</td><td class"pb">+6</td><td class"feature"><a href='#Sacred Oath Feature (Level 20)' class='internal-link'>Sacred Oath Feature</a></td><td class="value">11</td><td class="value">30 ft</td><td class="spellSlot">4</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">3</td><td class="spellSlot">2</td></tr> > </tbody></table> ^class-progression ## Hit Points - **Hit Dice**: 1d10 per Alternate Paladin level - **Hit Points at First Level:** 10 + CON - **Hit Points at Higher Levels:** add 6 OR 1d10 + CON (minimum of 1) ## Starting Alternate Paladin - **Saving Throw Proficiencies**: Charisma, Wisdom - **Skill Proficiencies**: *Choose 2:* Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, or Religion - **Weapon Proficiencies**: Simple weapons and Martial weapons - **Armor Training**: Light armor, Medium armor, Heavy armor, and Shields **Starting Equipment:** You start with the following items, plus anything provided by your background. - (a) martial weapon and shield or (b) two martial weapons - (a) simple weapon or (b) five javelins - (a) a priest's pack or (b) an explorer's pack - Chain Mail and a holy symbol ## Multiclassing Alternate Paladin **Ability Score Minimum:** Dexterity 13 or Strength 13 When you gain a level in a class other than your first, you gain only some of that class's starting proficiencies. - **Weapon Proficiencies**: Simple weapons, Martial weapons - **Armor Training**: Light armor, Medium armor, Shields ## The Paladin As the cult's champion taunted the villagers that remained in the armory, a young man uttered a desperate vow to defend his home at any cost. As he stepped out to meet the vile champion he felt a surge of divine power flow into his body. When he drew his sword to meet his foe in combat, the blade shone with the radiance of pure sunlight. The blade of his axe hung heavy in his hands as he stood above his defeated foe. The aging man thought back to the family he had once had before the slavers came to his lands. The vicious pirates who had taken his family from him had long since been slain, but the man lying prostrate at his feet was guilty of the same sins. Uttering his Oath of Vengeance, his axe fell. As the hobgoblins made their way deeper into the woods, a small halfling girl prayed to the elder forest for strength. Imbued with the ancient power of the ancient trees, she stepped forward as champion of the sylvan realm which had been her home for as long as she could remember. Through her, the primordial forest itself entered into the fray All three of the righteous warriors described above are Paladins, champions bound by Sacred Oath and infused with righteous power for as long as they remain true to their vows. ## Paragons of Virtue While there are many holy warriors across the lands, few are Paladins. Marked by unwavering dedication to their cause, a true Paladin is a living embodiment of the virtues they swear to uphold. Whether selfless or utilitarian, in service of good or evil, law or chaos, a Paladin is the pinnacle of whatever virtue, cause, or creed they pledge their life to uphold. Many Paladins are honored as holy knights who defend the innocent, inspire hope, and live with honor. However, not all are paragons of righteousness. Some swear to bring divine judgment upon their foes by any means necessary or vow to keep the balance between the wilderness and civilization. ## Bound by Oath No matter the cause or virtue they champion, all Paladins are bound by Sacred Oath. Whether they were raised from birth to swear their Oath when their training was complete, or they cried out to heaven in a fit of despair, all Paladins must swear a Sacred Oath in order to be infused with their divine power. Though the exact words of these Oaths vary across time and cultures, these holy vows bind all Paladins who swear it into common cause, whatever it may be. Once this sacred vow is made, a Paladin must uphold the Tenets of their Oath with unwavering dedication, or they risk losing their divinely ordained abilities. Small transgressions can be forgiven if reparations are made, but should a Paladin knowingly and willfully break the Tenets of their divine Oath, they risk shattering their Oath completely and losing access to the divine power that is infused in them by their Oath. ## Creating Your Alternate Paladin Those who swear a Sacred Oath and become Paladins are of singular purpose. What motivates your Paladin? Were they raised from birth to stand as the champion of their god? Are they consumed by a desire for revenge? Or, have they sworn to stand as the guardian of the natural beauty of the wild? Also, decide how and when they swore the Oath that marks them as a Paladin. Was it after years of preparation, training, and study? Was their Oath sworn in a fit of spontaneous fury or desperation? Or were they approached in their dreams by the divine emissary of a god and chosen as their champion? ### Quick Build You can make a Paladin quickly by using these suggestions: First, make Strength your highest ability score, followed by Charisma. Second, choose the Acolyte background. Finally, take the Balanced Fighting Style and choose a Sacred Oath. ## Class Features ### Fighting Style (Level 1) At 1st level, you adopt a Fighting Style that best reflects your training. You cannot select a Fighting Style more than once, even if a feature allows you to select another Fighting Style. Whenever you gain a level in this class, you can switch your Fighting Style for another Fighting Style of your choice. ### Anointed Warrior (Level 1) At 1st level, you are consecrated as a divine warrior and gain the ability below which corresponds to your Alignment. This feature, and other Paladin features you gain later, are fueled by a pool of Divine Fervor equal to your Paladin level. You regain all Divine Fervor when you complete a long rest. #### Good Your holy touch heals. As an action, you can touch a creature and expend Divine Fervor. For each use you expend, you can either restore its hit points equal to your Charisma modifier, cure one disease afflicting it, or end the Poisoned condition. #### Neutral Your touch fortifies allies in the cosmic struggle. As an action, you can touch one creature and expend one Divine Fervor to grant temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier. #### Evil Your vile touch siphons life. When you damage a creature with a melee attack, you can expend a Divine Fervor to gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier. ### Divine Fervor (Level 1) The righteous power of your Sacred Oath is represented by a pool of Divine Fervor used to fuel various Paladin and Oath features. You have an amount of Divine Fervor equal to your Paladin level. You regain expended Divine Fervor when you finish a long rest. ### Spellcasting (Level 2) At 2nd level, you learn to draw upon the power of your Sacred Oath to cast divine spells. You gain the following benefits: #### Spell Slots The Paladin table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st-level and higher. To cast a Paladin spell, you must expend a spell slot of the spell's level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a long rest. #### Spells Known Of 1st-Level And Higher At 2nd level, know two 1st-level spells from the Paladin spell list at the end of this class. The Spells Known column of the Paladin table shows when you learn more Paladin spells, all of which must be of a level for which you have spell slots. When you gain a Paladin level, you can choose one Paladin spell you know to replace with another of your choice. #### Spellcasting Ability Your power is drawn from the strength of your convictions, so Charisma is your spellcasting ability for Paladin spells. You use Charisma when a spell refers to your spellcasting ability, your Saving throw DC, or making a spell attack roll. <span class='abilityDc'>**Spell save DC**: Charisma + Proficiency Bonus</span> <span class='abilityAttackMod'>**Spell attack modifier**: Charisma + Proficiency Bonus</span> #### Spellcasting Focus You use a holy symbol as the focus for Paladin spells. A holy symbol is a Tiny object or emblem that represents what you stand for. If you emblazon this Holy Symbol on a shield, you can use that shield as a spellcasting focus for your spells. ### Divine Smite (Level 2) Also starting at 2nd level, you can channel holy wrath through your strikes. Whenever you hit with a melee weapon attack or an unarmed strike, you can spend one spell slot to deal bonus damage, its type determined by your Alignment: **Smites** | Alignment | Damage Type | |-----------|-------------| | Good | Radiant | | Neutral | Thunder | | Evil | Necrotic | ^smites This bonus damage is 2d8 for a 1st-level slot, plus 1d8 for each slot level higher than 1st, to a maximum of 6d8 damage. ### Divine Regeneration (Level 3) Also at 3rd level, you learn to draw on the power of your Oath to regain some of your divine power. During a short rest, you can recover spell slots of a combined slot level equal to your Charisma modifier, or the same amount of Divine Fervor. Once you use this feature to regain spell slots or Fervor, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again. ### Sacred Oath (Level 3) You have earned the honor to swear a Sacred Oath, marking you as a true Paladin. At 3rd level, choose a Sacred Oath that best represents your beliefs: Oath of the Ancients, Conquest, Devotion, Glory, Splendor, Throne, Vengeance, or Vigilance. Also included are Repentance, Oathless, and Blackguard. Your Sacred Oath grants features at 3rd level, and again when you reach 7th, 15th, and 20th level in this class. #### Oath Spells Each Sacred Oath includes a list of Oath Spells you learn at the Paladin levels in your Sacred Oath description. They are Paladin spells for you, they don't count against your number of Spells Known, and they cannot be replaced. #### Sacred Tenets Each Oath has three Sacred Tenets that you vow to uphold. If a Paladin knowingly and willingly violates one of their Sacred Tenets, they cannot use their Sacred Oath features until they spend 1 hour making reparations appropriate to their Oath. #### Breaking an Oath A Paladin who consistently violates their Sacred Tenets risks breaking their Oath. Some vow an Oath of Redemption, but others fall and become an Oathless or a vile Blackguard. Talk with your DM about the limits of your Oath and its Tenets. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 4) When you reach 4th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Extra Attack (Level 5) Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. Moreover, if you use your action to cast a Paladin spell, you can make one weapon attack as a bonus action on that turn. ### Divine Sense (Level 5) Starting at 5th level, you can use an action to awaken your senses to the presence of otherworldly creatures. For 10 minutes, you know the exact location and creature type of Celestial, Elemental, Fey, Fiend, or Undead creatures within 60 feet, so long as they are not behind total cover or shielded from Divination magic. Once you use Divine Sense, you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again. If you have no uses, you can expend one use of Divine Fervor to use it again. ### Aura of Protection (Level 6) Unwavering belief in your creed bolsters those who stand alongside you. Beginning at 6th level, you exude an invisible Aura in a 10-foot radius, so long as you aren't Incapacitated. Your Aura only benefits you and creatures of your choice. Creatures under your Aura of Protection can add your Charisma modifier (minimum of +0) to saving throws. At certain levels, the radius of this Aura increases, as shown in the Aura Radius column on the Paladin table. ### Sacred Oath Feature (Level 7) At 7th level, you gain a feature granted by your Sacred Oath. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 8) When you reach 8th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Divine Health (Level 9) The divine power of your Oath protects you from harm. At 9th level, you gain resistance to poison damage and immunity to all disease and the Poisoned condition. ### Aura of Courage (Level 10) Your Aura infuses those under its effects with great bravery in the face of evil and danger. Beginning at 10th level, creatures under your Aura of Protection are immune to the Frightened condition. If a Frightened creature enters your Aura, you can suspend the effect while it remains within your Aura. ### Righteous Strikes (Level 11) Your supernatural conviction infuses your strikes. Starting at 11th level, you deal a bonus 1d8 damage whenever you hit a creature with a melee weapon attack. This bonus damage is the same type dealt by your Divine Smite. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 12) When you reach 12th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Purifying Touch (Level 14) Starting at 14th level, you can use your divine power to drive out hostile spells. As an action, you can instantly end a single spell affecting you, or one willing creature that you touch. Once you use this feature you must finish a short or long rest before you can use it again. If you have no uses left, you can expend five uses of your Divine Fervor to use it again. ### Sacred Oath Feature (Level 15) At 15th level, you gain a feature granted by your Sacred Oath. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 16) When you reach 16th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Legendary Conviction (Level 18) Your legendary devotion to your Oath grants you an unending well of Divine Fervor. Beginning at 18th level, you regain one use of Divine Fervor at the beginning of each of your turns in combat, so long as you are not Incapacitated. ### Ability Score Improvement (Level 19) When you reach 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature. If your DM allows the use of feats, you may instead take a feat. ### Sacred Oath Feature (Level 20) At 20th level, you gain a feature granted by your Sacred Oath.