Human Paladin Guide (DND 5E)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on playing a Human Paladin in DND 5E! Paladins are versatile and powerful class in the game, excelling in both solo play and group dynamics. As defenders, faces, and strikers, they bring a unique set of abilities to the table. In this guide, we will explore the best Paladin builds, leveling tips, and playstyle strategies to maximize your Paladin adventure.

Key Takeaways:

• Paladins are durable melee combatants known for their Divine Smites.
• They offer a rewarding playstyle for those who enjoy complex gameplay.
• As a Paladin, you can fulfill different roles in a party, from defender to damage dealer.
• Choosing the right race, such as Human, can enhance your Paladin’s abilities.
• Leveling up will unlock new features and increase your power.

The Role of the Paladin in a Party

Paladins are valuable additions to any party due to their versatility and durability. They can fulfill various roles depending on their subclass and build. In a party, Paladins often serve as Defenders, protecting their teammates and drawing enemy attention. They can also act as Faces, utilizing their high Charisma to interact with NPCs and negotiate. Additionally, Paladins are formidable Strikers, dealing massive damage with their divine smites. While they can provide healing and utility, their abilities are not enough to replace a dedicated spellcaster. Overall, Paladins offer a well-rounded mix of offense, defense, and support, making them a great choice for both experienced and new players.

Choosing the Right Race for Your Paladin

When creating a Paladin character, the choice of race plays a significant role in enhancing your abilities and defining your playstyle. While there are several viable races for Paladins, the human race stands out as one of the best options. The flexibility and versatility of humans make them excellent candidates for Paladin characters.

As a human Paladin, you benefit from the flexible ability score increase that humans possess. This allows you to allocate ability points according to your desired playstyle and build. Whether you prioritize Strength for heavy hitting or Charisma for spellcasting and class features, humans accommodate a wide range of Paladin specializations.

Another advantage that humans have is the extra feat they gain at 1st level. Feats provide additional abilities and enhancements, allowing you to further customize your Paladin’s capabilities. With the freedom to select a feat at the start of your journey, you can tailor your character to synergize with your chosen subclass and playstyle.

While humans offer enticing benefits, it’s important to explore other races and consider their racial bonuses and abilities that can complement the Paladin class. For instance, Dragonborns make formidable Paladins with their Chromatic and Metallic subraces. Chromatic Dragonborns’ breath weapons grant additional damage options, while Metallic Dragonborns’ resistance to different energy types enhances survivability on the frontline.

Dwarves are another race that brings valuable bonuses and abilities for Paladins. Their natural resilience and proficiency in certain weapons and armor make them well-suited for tanky frontline combat. Whether you choose Mountain Dwarves for their proficiency with medium and heavy armor, or Hill Dwarves for their bonus hit points, Dwarves are a solid choice for Paladins seeking durability and stability on the battlefield.

Ultimately, the best race for your Paladin depends on your desired playstyle and build. Consider how different racial bonuses and abilities align with your vision for your character. Do you want to be a versatile and adaptable human, or harness the power of dragons as a Dragonborn? Perhaps the stoic and enduring nature of Dwarves resonates with you. Take the time to explore the unique traits of each race and select one that enhances your Paladin’s journey and resonates with your personal preferences.

Choose your race wisely, as it can significantly impact your Paladin’s abilities and playstyle. Consider your desired build and the racial bonuses and abilities that align with your vision for your character. Whether you opt for the adaptability of humans, the power of dragons as Dragonborns, or the endurance of Dwarves, embrace the unique traits of your chosen race and embark on your Paladin adventure.

Leveling Up Your Paladin

Leveling up your Paladin is an exciting journey that unlocks new abilities and enhances your power on the battlefield. As you progress through the levels, you’ll gain access to a wide range of features that further develop your combat prowess and utility. Let’s explore the key milestones and essential abilities you’ll acquire as you level up your Paladin.

Level 2: Unleash Your Divine Power

At 2nd level, your Paladin gains access to spellcasting and the iconic ability known as Divine Smite. This allows you to channel your divine energy into your weapon strikes, dealing additional radiant damage and potentially smiting your foes with devastating power. Divine Smite adds a new layer of damage and versatility to your combat abilities, allowing you to make a memorable impact on the battlefield.

Level 5: Unleash Your Extra Attack

Reaching 5th level is a significant milestone for Paladins. At this point, you’ll gain the Extra Attack feature, allowing you to swing your weapon twice in a single Attack action. This boosts your damage output significantly and ensures that your strikes hit with even greater force. In addition to Extra Attack, you’ll also gain access to higher-level Paladin spells, allowing you to unleash more potent and impactful magic during combat.

Higher Levels: Unlocking Potent Class Features and Spells

As you progress to higher levels, your Paladin continues to grow in power and versatility. You’ll unlock a variety of class features and spells that enhance your combat capabilities and provide valuable utility to your party. Some notable abilities include:

• Aura of Protection: At 6th level, you gain the ability to extend a protective aura to yourself and nearby allies, granting a bonus to saving throws.
• Aura of Courage: At 10th level, you become immune to the frightened condition and grant your allies within range immunity as well.
• Improved Divine Smite: At 11th level, your Divine Smite damage increases, allowing you to deal even more radiant damage with your weapon strikes.

These are just a few examples of the powerful class features and spells that await you as you level up your Paladin. Each level brings new possibilities and potential for growth, allowing you to shape your Paladin’s abilities and playstyle to fit your desired approach.

Planning Your Level Progression

When leveling up your Paladin, it’s important to plan your progression carefully to maximize your effectiveness. Consider the specific subclass, or Oath, that you have chosen and select optional class features that synergize well with your desired playstyle. Tailor your level choices to enhance your strengths, compensate for weaknesses, and create a well-rounded Paladin.

Now that you understand the key milestones and abilities that await you as you level up your Paladin, you’re ready to embark on a thrilling progression towards becoming a mighty champion of justice.

Leveling up your Paladin is an exhilarating journey filled with new abilities and opportunities for growth. From unlocking the devastating power of Divine Smite to harnessing the protective auras that shield you and your allies, each level brings you one step closer to becoming a legendary champion. Plan your level progression carefully, choose features that complement your playstyle, and watch as your Paladin rises in power and influence.

Mastering Paladin Abilities and Features

Paladins possess a unique set of abilities and features that set them apart from other classes. These capabilities allow Paladins to excel in various roles on the battlefield, from dealing devastating damage to protecting their allies. Understanding and mastering these Paladin class features is essential to maximizing your character’s potential.

Divine Sense

One of the Paladin’s key abilities is Divine Sense, which grants them the power to detect the presence of celestial, fiendish, or undead creatures. By focusing their senses, Paladins can identify the nature of these entities without relying solely on sight or hearing. This ability allows Paladins to navigate threats with greater knowledge and make informed decisions during encounters, ensuring the safety of their party.

Lay on Hands

Lay on Hands is a potent healing ability unique to Paladins. By channeling their divine energy, Paladins can restore hit points to themselves or others. This ability not only provides a reliable source of healing but also allows Paladins to cure diseases and neutralize poisons. With Lay on Hands, Paladins can keep themselves and their allies in fighting shape, increasing their overall durability on the battlefield.

Divine Smite

Divine Smite is a cornerstone of a Paladin’s damage output. By expending spell slots, Paladins can empower their weapon attacks with radiant damage, dealing significant blows to their adversaries. This ability allows Paladins to unleash devastating strikes when needed, potentially turning the tide of battle. With Divine Smite, Paladins become formidable damage dealers and a force to be reckoned with.

Aura of Protection

The Aura of Protection grants Paladins and nearby allies a valuable bonus to their saving throws. This protective aura strengthens their resilience against spells, traps, and other effects that target their minds or bodies. By standing alongside their comrades, Paladins can increase the chances of successful saving throws, bolstering the overall survivability of the party.

Sacred Oath

When reaching the 3rd level, Paladins swear a Sacred Oath, binding themselves to specific tenets or principles. This oath defines their subclass and grants them access to unique subclass-specific abilities and spellcasting options. The choice of Sacred Oath allows Paladins to specialize in a particular playstyle and further tailor their character to fit specific narratives or themes.

Mastering these Paladin abilities and features is crucial to harnessing the full potential of your character. Whether you focus on healing and support, dealing devastating damage, or protecting your allies, understanding the intricacies of these abilities enables you to excel in your chosen role. By honing your Paladin’s skills and utilizing their divine powers effectively, you become an invaluable asset to any adventuring party.

Choosing the Right Subclass for Your Paladin

Paladins in DND 5E have the option to choose from a variety of subclasses, known as Oaths. These Oaths determine the Paladin’s beliefs and grant them additional abilities, allowing for unique playstyles and focuses. Each subclass offers a distinct approach to combat and role-playing, giving players the opportunity to tailor their character to their desired style of play.

Oath of Devotion

The Oath of Devotion emphasizes righteous and honorable combat. Paladins who swear this oath strive to embody the tenets of truth, justice, and loyalty. They are unwavering in their dedication to protecting the innocent and standing against evil.

Oath of the Ancients

For Paladins who revere life and seek to preserve nature’s beauty, the Oath of the Ancients is a fitting choice. These Paladins embody hope and light, channeling nature’s power to defend the weak and fight against darkness and corruption.

Oath of Vengeance

Those who choose the Oath of Vengeance are driven by a relentless pursuit of evildoers. These Paladins seek justice for the oppressed and use their wrath to punish those who have committed atrocities.

Oath of Conquest

Paladins who embrace the Oath of Conquest seek to dominate and control their enemies. They value power and authority, utilizing their strength and imposing presence to establish order and bring their foes to heel.

Oath of Redemption

The Oath of Redemption offers an alternative approach to conflict resolution, focusing on non-violence and pacifism. These Paladins strive to redeem the wicked and seek peaceful resolutions whenever possible.

Oath of the Crown

Paladins who take the Oath of the Crown are dedicated to protecting and leading others. These noble warriors prioritize the defense of their lands and people, upholding order and striving for the betterment of society.

Oathbreaker

For those who embrace darkness and evil, the Oathbreaker subclass provides an intriguing choice. These fallen Paladins forsake their sacred oaths, embracing a path of corruption and destruction.

When choosing the right subclass for your Paladin, consider your character’s backstory, personality, and desired playstyle. Aligning your subclass choice with these factors will help create a cohesive and engaging character that fits seamlessly into the world of DND.

Building Your Paladin’s Attributes

When creating a Paladin character, it’s crucial to allocate your attribute points wisely to maximize your effectiveness in combat and spellcasting. The primary attributes for Paladins are Strength, Charisma, and Constitution. Each attribute plays a critical role in different aspects of your Paladin’s abilities.

Strength: Strength is the cornerstone of a Paladin’s melee combat prowess. It determines your attack and damage rolls when using weapons, as well as your ability to wear heavy armor effectively. A high Strength score increases your chances of hitting enemies and dealing significant damage.

Charisma: Charisma is essential for a Paladin’s spellcasting and class features. It influences the potency of your spellcasting, the saving throw DCs of your spells, and the effectiveness of your class features that rely on Charisma. A high Charisma score allows you to harness your divine powers and influence others with your presence.

Constitution: Constitution provides additional hit points and improves your chances of maintaining concentration on spells. As a frontline warrior, Paladins often find themselves in the thick of battle, and having a high Constitution score enhances your durability and survivability in combat.

When distributing attribute points for your Paladin, prioritize Strength and Charisma over other attributes. Focus on building a high Strength score to excel in melee combat, while investing in Charisma to make your spells and class features more potent. Consider putting some points into Constitution to boost your hit points and improve your concentration checks.

A high Dexterity score can also be beneficial for a Paladin, as it improves your Armor Class and initiative. This attribute allows you to be more agile and have better reflexes in combat. However, it’s important to note that Dexterity is not as crucial for Paladins as Strength and Charisma.

Quote:

The relentless strength of a Paladin’s strike, the commanding presence of their words, and their unwavering fortitude on the battlefield are fueled by the harmonious balance of Strength, Charisma, and Constitution. Together, these attributes shape the indomitable warrior of righteousness and justice.

Distributing Attribute Points

When allocating attribute points, consider the specific requirements of your chosen subclass and build. Some subclasses may benefit more from higher Charisma scores, while others may require higher Strength. Consult class guides and optimize your attribute distribution accordingly.

Additionally, consider the mechanics of your chosen race. Certain races may provide bonuses or penalties to specific attributes. Take these racial attributes into account when planning your attribute distribution to maximize your character’s potential.

Feats and Ability Enhancements

As your Paladin progresses, you’ll have the opportunity to gain feats and enhancements that further enhance your abilities. Feats such as Great Weapon Master or War Caster can improve your combat prowess and spellcasting reliability. These feats can complement your attribute distribution and provide additional benefits that align with your playstyle.

Remember to consult with your DM and consider your campaign’s specific rules and limitations when selecting feats and ability enhancements. Collaborating with your DM ensures a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience for everyone.

Building Your Paladin’s Attributes – Table

Equipping Your Paladin with Weapons and Armor

Paladins have proficiency in all weapons and armor, allowing them to choose from a wide range of options. When selecting weapons, consider your playstyle and subclass. Two-handed weapons such as greatswords or polearms can maximize your damage potential, while sword and shield provide a more balanced approach.

“Choose your weapon wisely, for it will be an extension of your divine might.”

When it comes to armor, prioritize heavy armor for maximum protection. Plate armor is the best choice if you have the strength to wear it effectively. However, medium armor or a combination of medium and heavy armor can be viable options depending on your build and desired level of mobility.

Take into account the physical attributes of your character and the tactical requirements of your adventures. A tank focused on absorbing damage might prefer a shield and heavy plate armor, while an agile paladin specializing in quick strikes may opt for lightweight chainmail and a versatile weapon like a longsword.

Remember to also consider your character’s backstory and personal preferences when choosing equipment for your Paladin. A paladin devoted to a lawful deity might choose tradition-steeped gear, while a paladin representing a nature deity might possess equipment with motifs of leaves, animals, or natural elements. Finding the right balance between functionality and role-playing immersion is key.

Multiple Weapons for Multifaceted Avengers

Paladins have the unique ability to switch between different weapons based on the situation at hand. This versatility allows them to adapt to various combat scenarios and fulfill different roles within the party. Consider the following options when assembling your arsenal:

Remember, the weapon you choose should align with your playstyle and complement your subclass abilities. Consult with your DM to discuss any custom weapons or unique additions you’d like to incorporate into your Paladin’s arsenal.

Armor for Unyielding Guardians

The choice of armor is crucial for a paladin as it determines the level of protection they can provide to themselves and their allies on the battlefield. Here are some iconic armor options:

Your choice of armor should be influenced by your character’s physical attributes, as well as your role within the party. Remember, a well-equipped paladin can inspire confidence in their comrades and command respect on the battlefield.

Enhancing Your Paladin with Feats and Abilities

Feats can be a powerful way to enhance your Paladin’s abilities and specialize them further. By carefully selecting feats, you can optimize your Paladin for different combat roles and playstyles. Here are some notable feats for Paladins:

• Great Weapon Master: This feat allows you to make powerful melee attacks with heavy weapons, sacrificing accuracy for increased damage. Perfect for Paladins focused on dealing massive damage.
• Polearm Master: If you prefer using polearms, this feat is a great choice. It grants you additional attacks and the opportunity to make bonus attacks when enemies enter your reach.
• Sentinel: As a protector of your allies, this feat is invaluable. It enhances your ability to take hits for your teammates and grants you the power to punish enemies who try to bypass your defenses.
• Shield Master: If you prefer a defensive playstyle, this feat is for you. It allows you to effectively use your shield for blocking attacks, and also provides the ability to shove enemies, creating strategic advantages in combat.
• War Caster: If you want to improve your spellcasting capabilities, War Caster is an excellent choice. It grants you advantage on concentration saving throws, allows you to perform somatic components of spells even with weapons or a shield in hand, and enables you to cast spells as opportunity attacks.

Additionally, your Paladin class features offer exciting enhancements to your combat capabilities:

• Improved Divine Smite: This class feature grants you the ability to deal even more radiant damage with your Divine Smites as you gain levels. The extra damage adds up quickly and can turn the tide of battle in your favor.
• Aura Improvements: As you progress in levels, your Aura abilities become more potent. Whether it’s providing better saving throw bonuses to your allies with Aura of Protection or inspiring courage and immunity to fear with Aura of Courage, your auras become powerful tools in supporting your party.

When selecting feats and abilities to enhance your Paladin, carefully consider your desired playstyle and build. Choose options that synergize well with your chosen subclass and complement your preferred combat role. Remember, feats and class features are opportunities to specialize your Paladin and make them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

The image above illustrates the different feats and abilities that can enhance your Paladin’s capabilities.

Mastering the Paladin’s Playstyle and Strategies

To excel as a Paladin, it’s important to understand and master their unique playstyle. Paladins are durable frontline warriors who excel in dealing melee damage, protecting their allies, and supporting their party. Balance your offensive capabilities with defensive tactics and support abilities to create a well-rounded Paladin.

Use your spell slots strategically for Divine Smites and spellcasting, and utilize Paladin-specific abilities such as Lay on Hands, Aura of Protection, and subclass features to your advantage. Communicate and collaborate with your party members, and adapt your playstyle to the specific challenges and encounters you face.

By mastering the Paladin’s playstyle and strategies, you can become a formidable force on the battlefield.

“A Paladin’s strength lies not only in their sword arm, but in their unwavering devotion to justice and protection.” – Sir Arthur, Paladin of the Order of Light

Paladin Playstyle Tips

• Focus on positioning: As a frontline warrior, positioning is crucial. Stay close to your allies to provide support and protect them from harm.
• Manage your resources: Divine Smites and spellcasting consume spell slots. Use them wisely to optimize your damage output and utility.
• Prioritize teamwork: Collaborate with your party members to maximize the effectiveness of your support abilities, such as healing and aura effects.
• Adapt to the situation: Be flexible in your approach and adapt to the specific challenges and encounters you face. Adjust your tactics as needed.

Paladin Combat Strategies

In combat, Paladins can fulfill multiple roles simultaneously. Use these strategies to excel in battle:

• Tanking: Paladins have high durability and excellent defensive options. Draw enemy attention and protect your allies by positioning yourself between them and the enemy.
• Damage Dealing: Paladins are capable of dealing significant melee damage, especially when utilizing Divine Smites. Focus on high-value targets and maximize your damage output.
• Support: Use your support abilities to bolster your party’s effectiveness. Healing with Lay on Hands, providing Aura effects, and protecting against harmful spells and effects can greatly enhance your party’s survivability.

Paladin Tanking Strategies

Tanking is a key role for Paladins. To excel as a tank, consider the following strategies:

• Threat Management: Establish and maintain threat on enemies to prevent them from targeting your allies. Utilize abilities like Divine Smite to generate high burst threat.
• Positioning: Stand between your allies and the enemy to draw aggro. Use your high AC and defensive abilities to soak up damage and protect your party.
• Cooldown Management: Use defensive abilities and spells strategically to mitigate incoming damage. Save Lay on Hands and other healing options for emergencies.

Paladin Support Strategies

Supporting your party is a crucial aspect of playing a Paladin. Consider the following strategies to excel as a support Paladin:

• Aura Management: Maximize the benefits of your Aura of Protection and other subclass-specific auras by staying close to your allies. Communicate with your party to coordinate positioning for maximum effectiveness.
• Healing Priorities: Use Lay on Hands and other healing abilities strategically. Prioritize healing allies who are in immediate danger or at low health.
• Buffing and Debuffing: Utilize spells and abilities that enhance your party’s offense or hinder enemies. Bless, Protection from Evil and Good, and other supportive spells can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

Paladin Damage Dealing Strategies

To maximize your damage output as a Paladin, consider the following strategies:

• Divine Smite: Use your spell slots to fuel Divine Smites, dealing extra radiant damage on your weapon attacks. Save your slots for high-priority targets or critical moments when a burst of damage is needed.
• Exploit Vulnerabilities: Identify and exploit enemy vulnerabilities. Choose weapon types or spells that deal extra damage against specific creature types or weaknesses.
• Buffs and Debuffs: Use spells and abilities that enhance your own offensive capabilities or hinder enemies. Spells like Elemental Weapon or Crusader’s Mantle can significantly boost your damage output.

Fine-Tuning Your Paladin with Magic Items

As a Paladin, you have the opportunity to further enhance your abilities and augment your playstyle through the use of magic items. Equipping yourself with the right items can greatly optimize your combat effectiveness, provide additional utility, and increase your overall versatility on the battlefield. Consider the following suggestions for the best magic items to enhance your Paladin:

Combat Magic Items

When it comes to combat, having the right magic items can significantly boost your offensive capabilities and improve your chances of success. Here are some must-have magic items for Paladins:

• Azure Blade: A legendary longsword infused with holy energy, the Azure Blade grants bonuses to attack and damage rolls against evil creatures.
• Shield of Divine Protection: This enchanted shield enhances your AC and provides resistance to various damage types, making you more durable in battle.
• Amulet of Divine Wrath: This amulet allows you to channel your divine smites more effectively, granting additional damage on your smite attacks.

Utility Magic Items

Paladins are not only formidable warriors but also possess utility abilities that can be further enhanced with the right magic items. Consider these utility-focused items to aid you in combat and exploration:

• Ring of Healing Touch: This ring allows you to cast healing spells or use lay on hands to heal yourself or your allies more effectively.
• Wand of Teleportation: With this wand, you can quickly move yourself and your party across long distances, allowing for strategic positioning or hasty escapes.
• Divination Tome: This enchanted tome grants you access to powerful divination spells, offering invaluable information and insight during your adventures.

To optimize your Paladin’s equipment selection, consult with your Dungeon Master (DM) about in-game opportunities to acquire these magic items. They can weave them into the story or provide quests that lead to the discovery of these powerful artifacts. Additionally, keep an eye out for treasure or share your desires with your party members, as they may come across items that could be of interest to you.

Remember, the choice of magic items should align with your Paladin’s goals and playstyle. Assess your strengths, weaknesses, and tactical preferences to make the best selections. By fine-tuning your Paladin with the right magic items, you’ll become an even more formidable force in combat and gain a significant edge in utility and versatility.

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide to playing a Human Paladin in DND 5E! Throughout this guide, we have explored the key aspects of building and optimizing your Paladin character, including subclass selection, attribute distribution, equipment choices, and playstyle strategies.

Remember, as you embark on your Paladin adventure, it’s important to tailor your choices to fit your character’s backstory, personality, and desired playstyle. The Paladin class offers a versatile and rewarding experience, combining formidable melee combat prowess, spellcasting abilities, and valuable support options.

Whether you choose to be a righteous defender, a vengeful avenger, or a beacon of redemption, embrace the tenets of your oath and let your Paladin shine. With your unwavering dedication and the power of righteousness on your side, you are poised to become a true hero in the world of DND 5E. Good luck on your adventures, and may your path be filled with triumph and glory!