Dungeons & Dragons 5e Class Features : Paladin
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Paladin
Primary Abilities: Strength, Charisma
Paladins are united by their oaths to stand against the forces of annihilation and corruption. Whether sworn before a god’s altar, in a sacred glade before nature spirits and fey beings, or in a moment of desperation and grief with the dead as the only witnesses, a Paladin’s oath is a powerful bond. It is a source of power that turns a devout warrior into a blessed champion.
A Paladin swears to stand against corrupting influences and to hunt the forces of ruin wherever they lurk. Different Paladins focus on various aspects of these causes, but all are bound by the oaths that grant them power to do their sacred work.
Paladins train to learn the skills of combat, mastering a variety of weapons and armor. Even so, their martial skills are secondary to the magical power they wield—power to heal the sick and injured, to smite their foes, and to protect the helpless and those who fight at their side.
Almost by definition, the life of a Paladin is an adventuring life, for every Paladin lives on the front lines of the cosmic struggle against annihilation. Fighters are rare enough among the ranks of a world’s armies, but even fewer people can claim the calling of a Paladin. When they do receive the call, these blessed folk turn from their former occupations and take up arms and magic. Sometimes their oaths lead them into the service of the crown as leaders of elite groups of knights, but even then, their loyalty is first to their sacred oaths, not to crown and country.
Adventuring Paladins take their work seriously. A delve into an ancient ruin or a dusty crypt can be a quest driven by a higher purpose than the acquisition of treasure. Malign forces lurk in dungeons, and even the smallest victory against them can tilt the cosmic balance away from oblivion.
A Paladin swears to stand against corrupting influences and to hunt the forces of ruin wherever they lurk. Different Paladins focus on various aspects of these causes, but all are bound by the oaths that grant them power to do their sacred work.
Paladins train to learn the skills of combat, mastering a variety of weapons and armor. Even so, their martial skills are secondary to the magical power they wield—power to heal the sick and injured, to smite their foes, and to protect the helpless and those who fight at their side.
Almost by definition, the life of a Paladin is an adventuring life, for every Paladin lives on the front lines of the cosmic struggle against annihilation. Fighters are rare enough among the ranks of a world’s armies, but even fewer people can claim the calling of a Paladin. When they do receive the call, these blessed folk turn from their former occupations and take up arms and magic. Sometimes their oaths lead them into the service of the crown as leaders of elite groups of knights, but even then, their loyalty is first to their sacred oaths, not to crown and country.
Adventuring Paladins take their work seriously. A delve into an ancient ruin or a dusty crypt can be a quest driven by a higher purpose than the acquisition of treasure. Malign forces lurk in dungeons, and even the smallest victory against them can tilt the cosmic balance away from oblivion.
hit dice:
1d10 per Paladin level
hit points at 1st level:
10 + your Constitution modifier
hit points at higher levels:
1d10 (or 6) + your Constitution modifier
armor proficiencies:
Light Armor, Medium Armor, Heavy Armor, Shields
weapon proficiencies:
Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
tools:
None
saving throws:
Wisdom, Charisma
skills:
(Choose 2) Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion
starting equipment:
As a 1st-level character, you start with the following equipment, or you can forgo it and spend 150 GP on equipment of your choice.
Chain Mail
Holy Symbol
Javelin (6)
Longsword
Priest’s Pack
Shield
9 GP
As a 1st-level character, you start with the following equipment, or you can forgo it and spend 150 GP on equipment of your choice.
Chain Mail
Holy Symbol
Javelin (6)
Longsword
Priest’s Pack
Shield
9 GP
spellcasting:
Spell Slots. The Paladin table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a Long Rest.
Prepared Spells of 1st+ Level. You prepare the list of spells of 1st level and higher that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose two 1st-level spells from the Divine spell list. Rather than choosing, you may start with Heroism and Searing Smite.
The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Paladin levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Paladin table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Divine spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a 5th-level Paladin, your list of prepared spells can include six Divine spells of 1st or 2nd level, in any combination.
If another Paladin feature gives spells that you always have prepared, those spells don’t count against the number of spells on the list you prepare with this Spellcasting feature, but those spells otherwise follow the rules in this feature.
Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can replace one spell on your list with another Divine spell for which you have spell slots.
Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your Spellcasting Ability for your Paladin spells.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Holy Symbol as a Spellcasting Focus for the spells you prepare for this class.
1ST LEVEL: SPELLCASTING
You have learned to cast spells through prayer, meditation, and devotion. See the Player’s Handbook for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules as a Paladin.Spell Slots. The Paladin table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a Long Rest.
Prepared Spells of 1st+ Level. You prepare the list of spells of 1st level and higher that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose two 1st-level spells from the Divine spell list. Rather than choosing, you may start with Heroism and Searing Smite.
The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Paladin levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Paladin table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Divine spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a 5th-level Paladin, your list of prepared spells can include six Divine spells of 1st or 2nd level, in any combination.
If another Paladin feature gives spells that you always have prepared, those spells don’t count against the number of spells on the list you prepare with this Spellcasting feature, but those spells otherwise follow the rules in this feature.
Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can replace one spell on your list with another Divine spell for which you have spell slots.
Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your Spellcasting Ability for your Paladin spells.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Holy Symbol as a Spellcasting Focus for the spells you prepare for this class.
class features:
As a Paladin, you gain the following class features when you reach the specified levels in this class. These features are listed on the Paladin table.
As a Bonus Action, you can touch a creature (which could be yourself) and draw power from the pool of healing to restore a number of Hit Points to that creature, up to the maximum amount remaining in the pool.
In addition, you can expend 5 Hit Points from the pool of healing to remove the Poisoned condition from the creature, rather than using those points to restore Hit Points.
Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can change the kinds of weapons you chose. For example, you could switch to using the Mastery properties of Halberds and Flails.
In addition, you can cast one of your prepared spells from this feature without expending a spell slot, and you must finish a Long Rest before you use this benefit again. SMITE SPELLS
Paladin Level Spells
2nd | Divine Smite, Thunderous Smite
5th | Shining Smite
9th | Blinding Smite
13th | Staggering Smite
17th | Banishing Smite
You can use Channel Divinity twice. You regain one expended use when you finish a Short Rest, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest. You gain additional uses when you reach certain Paladin levels, as shown in the Channel Divinity column of the Paladin table.
If a Channel Divinity effect requires a saving throw, the DC equals the Spell Save DC from this class’s Spellcasting feature.
Divine Sense. As a Bonus Action, you can open our awareness to detect Celestials, Fiends, and Undead. For the next 10 minutes or until you have the Incapacitated condition, you know the location of any creature of those types within 60 feet of yourself, and you know its creature type. Within the same radius, you also detect the presence of any place or object that has been consecrated or desecrated, as with the Hallow spell.
A subclass is a specialization that grants you special abilities at certain Paladin levels. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass’s features that are of your Paladin level and lower.
You can also cast the spell once without expending a spell slot, and you regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest.
You and your allies in the aura gain a bonus to saving throws equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum bonus of +1).
If another Paladin is present, a creature can benefit from only one Aura of Protection at a time; the creature chooses which one when entering the auras.
Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Dazed and Frightened conditions for 1 minute or until it takes any damage.
As a Paladin, you gain the following class features when you reach the specified levels in this class. These features are listed on the Paladin table.
1ST LEVEL: LAY ON HANDS
Your blessed touch can heal wounds. You have a pool of healing power that replenishes when you take a Long Rest. With that pool, you can restore a total number of Hit Points equal to five times your Paladin level.As a Bonus Action, you can touch a creature (which could be yourself) and draw power from the pool of healing to restore a number of Hit Points to that creature, up to the maximum amount remaining in the pool.
In addition, you can expend 5 Hit Points from the pool of healing to remove the Poisoned condition from the creature, rather than using those points to restore Hit Points.
1ST LEVEL: WEAPON MASTERY
Your training with weapons allows you to use the Mastery property of two kinds of weapons of your choice with which you have proficiency, such as Longswords and Javelins.Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can change the kinds of weapons you chose. For example, you could switch to using the Mastery properties of Halberds and Flails.
2ND LEVEL: PALADIN’S SMITE
You have mastered smiting your targets with divine energy. You always have certain spells ready; when you reach a Paladin level specified in the Smite Spells table, you thereafter always have the listed spells prepared.In addition, you can cast one of your prepared spells from this feature without expending a spell slot, and you must finish a Long Rest before you use this benefit again. SMITE SPELLS
Paladin Level Spells
2nd | Divine Smite, Thunderous Smite
5th | Shining Smite
9th | Blinding Smite
13th | Staggering Smite
17th | Banishing Smite
2ND LEVEL: FIGHTING STYLE
You have honed your martial prowess. You gain one of the following Fighting Style feats of your choice: Defense, Dueling, Great Weapon Fighting, or Protection.3RD LEVEL: CHANNEL DIVINITY
You can channel divine energy directly from the Outer Planes, using that energy to fuel magical effects. You start with one such effect: Divine Sense, which is described below. Other Paladin features give additional Channel Divinity effect options. Each time you use this Channel Divinity, you choose which effect to create from among those you have from this class.You can use Channel Divinity twice. You regain one expended use when you finish a Short Rest, and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest. You gain additional uses when you reach certain Paladin levels, as shown in the Channel Divinity column of the Paladin table.
If a Channel Divinity effect requires a saving throw, the DC equals the Spell Save DC from this class’s Spellcasting feature.
Divine Sense. As a Bonus Action, you can open our awareness to detect Celestials, Fiends, and Undead. For the next 10 minutes or until you have the Incapacitated condition, you know the location of any creature of those types within 60 feet of yourself, and you know its creature type. Within the same radius, you also detect the presence of any place or object that has been consecrated or desecrated, as with the Hallow spell.
3RD LEVEL: PALADIN SUBCLASS
You gain a Paladin subclass of your choice: Oath of Devotion, Oath of Glory, Oath of the Ancients, or Oath of Vengeance. Subclasses are detailed after this class’s description.A subclass is a specialization that grants you special abilities at certain Paladin levels. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass’s features that are of your Paladin level and lower.
4TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.5TH LEVEL: EXTRA ATTACK
You can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.5TH LEVEL: FAITHFUL STEED
You can easily call on the aid of an otherworldly steed. You always have the Find Steed spell prepared.You can also cast the spell once without expending a spell slot, and you regain the ability to do so when you finish a Long Rest.
6TH LEVEL: AURA OF PROTECTION
You radiate a protective, invisible aura that extends 10 feet from you in every direction, but it doesn’t extend through Total Cover. The aura is inactive while you have the Incapacitated condition.You and your allies in the aura gain a bonus to saving throws equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum bonus of +1).
If another Paladin is present, a creature can benefit from only one Aura of Protection at a time; the creature chooses which one when entering the auras.
7TH LEVEL: SUBCLASS FEATURE
You gain a feature from your Paladin subclass.8TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.9TH LEVEL: ABJURE FOES
As a Magic action, you can expend one use of your Channel Divinity to overwhelm foes with divine awe. As you present your Holy Symbol or weapon, you can target a number of creatures equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of one creature) that you can see within 60 feet of yourself.Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Dazed and Frightened conditions for 1 minute or until it takes any damage.
10TH LEVEL: AURA OF COURAGE
You and your allies are immune to the Frightened condition while in your Aura of Protection. If a Frightened ally enters the aura, that condition has no effect on that ally while there.11TH LEVEL: RADIANT STRIKES
You are so suffused with divine might that your weapon strikes carry supernatural power with them. When you hit a target with an attack roll using a melee weapon or an Unarmed Strike, the target takes an extra 1d8 Radiant damage.12TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.14TH LEVEL: RESTORING TOUCH
When you use Lay on Hands on a creature, you can also remove one or more of the following conditions from the creature: Blinded, Charmed, Dazed, Deafened, Frightened, Paralyzed, or Stunned. You must expend 5 Hit Points from the healing pool of Lay on Hands for each of these conditions you remove; those points don’t also restore Hit Points to the creature.15TH LEVEL: SUBCLASS FEATURE
You gain a feature from your Paladin subclass.16TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.18TH LEVEL: AURA EXPANSION
Your Aura of Protection now extends 30 feet from you rather than 10 feet.19TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.20TH LEVEL: SUBCLASS FEATURE
You gain a feature from your Paladin subclass.subclass options:
| Level | Prof. Bonus | Class Features | Channel Divinity | Prepared Spells | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | Lay on Hands, Spellcasting, Weapon Mastery | — | 2 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 2nd | +2 | Fighting Style, Paladin’s Smite | — | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 3rd | +2 | Channel Divinity, Paladin Subclass | 2 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement | 2 | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | — |
| 5th | +3 | Extra Attack, Faithful Steed | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — — | |
| 6th | +3 | Aura of Protection | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — |
| 7th | +3 | Subclass Feature | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement | 2 | 7 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — |
| 9th | +4 | Abjure Foes | 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — |
| 10th | +4 | Aura of Courage | 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — |
| 11th | +4 | Radiant Strikes | 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement | 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — |
| 13th | +5 | — | 3 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 14th | +5 | Restoring Touch | 3 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 15th | +5 | Subclass Feature | 3 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement | 3 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 17th | +6 | — | 3 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 18th | +6 | Aura Expansion | 3 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement | 3 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| 20th | +6 | Subclass Feature | 3 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
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