Kara Sears
In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, a Paladin is a character known for their unwavering commitment to their oaths and their ability to heal. Traditionally, Paladins were restricted to the Lawful Good alignment, but with the release of 5e, this changed. The removal of alignment restrictions in 5e has sparked discussions about the possibility of a Lawful Neutral Paladin. Some players are intrigued by the idea of a character who embodies absolute dedication to law and order, reminiscent of Judge Dredd, without the same affinity for good. While this concept presents interesting role-playing opportunities, it also raises questions about the character's motivation for adventuring and their interactions with others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Alignment restrictions | No longer applicable to Paladins in 5e |
| Paladin's bonds/flaws | Can be within the bounds of existing law, making them Lawful Neutral |
| Oath | Core of Paladinhood; a set of rules of conduct |
| Oath of Devotion | Lawful Good |
| Oath of Ancients | Lawful Neutral |
| Oath of Vengeance | Lawful Evil |
| Lawful Good | Follow the law to the letter to achieve good outcomes |
| Lawful Neutral | Enforce the law without moral judgement |
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What You'll Learn
Alignment restrictions on Paladins in 5e
In 5e, there are no alignment restrictions on Paladins. This is a departure from earlier editions of the game where Paladins were restricted to the Lawful Good alignment. Now, players are free to choose any alignment for their Paladin character, as long as they adhere to the oaths they have sworn.
The removal of alignment restrictions in 5e allows for greater flexibility and diversity in character creation. Players can now create Paladins that align with their own unique interpretation of the class. This change also encourages role-playing and adds depth to the gameplay experience.
While there are no restrictions, it is worth noting that certain alignments may be more commonly associated with specific Paladin oaths. For example, the Oath of Devotion is typically associated with the Lawful Good alignment, while the Oath of Ancients tends towards Lawful Neutral, and the Oath of Vengeance is often linked to Lawful Evil.
That being said, these associations are not set in stone, and players are encouraged to create their own interpretations. For instance, a Paladin of the Oath of Ancients could be primarily focused on the "nature=neutral" aspect, prioritizing the "Light" over strict adherence to the "Law." This flexibility allows players to customize their Paladin's alignment to align with their character's unique beliefs, motivations, and playstyle.
In summary, while there are no alignment restrictions on Paladins in 5e, players should consider the implications of their chosen alignment and how it relates to their character's oaths, beliefs, and actions within the game world.
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Paladins and their affinity for good
Paladins are known for their affinity for good, with their ability to heal supporting their mission of spreading good in the world. Traditionally, paladins were always lawful good, and in some editions of the game, they were required to have a lawful good alignment. However, in 5e, there are no alignment restrictions on paladins, allowing for more flexibility in character creation.
A lawful good character is someone who believes in following the law to achieve good outcomes in society. They are highly principled and disciplined, upholding their oaths and following the teachings of their chosen deity. A paladin with this alignment may choose to break the law if they believe it will result in a greater good for people, but they will never take the life of an innocent person or act solely for personal gain.
While paladins are often associated with lawful good, it is not the only alignment option. In 5e, paladins can also be lawful neutral or even lawful evil, depending on their chosen oaths and the interpretation of their character. A lawful neutral paladin might be someone who enforces the law without any moral judgment, believing that a well-defined legal system is more important than individual notions of good and evil.
Regardless of their specific alignment, paladins are united by their dedication to their oaths and their commitment to standing against evil forces. Their affinity for good may manifest in different ways, depending on their alignment and personal interpretation of their character's motivations and beliefs. Ultimately, the player has the freedom to role-play their paladin character in a way that aligns with their chosen alignment and the tenets of their oath.
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The Oath of Devotion
- Honesty and Integrity: Paladins who take this oath value honesty and integrity above all else. They strive to be truthful in their words and actions, never resorting to deception or lies, even in the face of adversity. This commitment to honesty extends beyond their personal dealings, as they work to root out corruption, deceit, and tyranny wherever they may find it.
- Courage and Bravery: Devoted paladins possess exceptional courage and bravery, never shying away from danger or adversity. They face challenges head-on, always ready to sacrifice their own well-being for the greater good. These paladins are willing to stand alone if necessary, defending those who cannot defend themselves and protecting the innocent from evil and injustice.
- Compassion and Respect: The Oath of Devotion emphasizes the importance of compassion and respect for all life. Paladins who follow this path treat all creatures with dignity and kindness, regardless of their station or beliefs. They are quick to offer aid to those in need, whether it be healing the sick, feeding the hungry, or comforting the grieving. Devoted paladins also respect the natural balance of the world, working in harmony with nature rather than seeking to exploit it.
- Justice and Honor: Upholding justice and honor is a cornerstone of the Oath of Devotion. These paladins strive to maintain a just and honorable society, ensuring that laws are fair and applied equally to all. They are unwavering in their commitment to doing what is right, even when faced with personal sacrifice or opposition. Devoted paladins are known for their integrity and a strong sense of morality, earning the trust and respect of those around them.
- Divine Power and Responsibility: Paladins who take the Oath of Devotion recognize the divine power that grants them their strength and abilities. With this power comes a great responsibility to use their gifts for the betterment of all. These paladins often serve as champions of their deity's cause, spreading their faith through their actions and deeds. They are mindful of their behavior, ensuring that their conduct reflects positively on their divine patron.
- Self-Sacrifice and Discipline: Devotion demands self-sacrifice and discipline. Paladins embracing this oath put the needs of others before their own and endure rigorous training to hone their body, mind, and spirit. Through their unwavering discipline, they can resist evil temptations and maintain their commitment to the path of light. Their self-sacrifice knows no bounds, as they are willing to lay down their lives to protect the innocent or further their sacred cause.
Paladins who dedicate themselves to the Oath of Devotion embody the ideals of honor, virtue, and selflessness. Their unwavering commitment to these principles guides their every action, as they strive to be shining examples of all that is good and just.
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The Oath of Ancients
Paladins are devoted to the ideals of their sacred oaths, and Ancients paladins are no exception. They are guardians of the natural world, champions of the ancient traditions, and defenders of innocent creatures. The Oath of Ancients is a sacred vow that binds a paladin to the service of ancient traditions and the natural world. Here is a detailed and direct guide to the Oath of Ancients.
Tenets of the Oath
Paladins who swear the Oath of Ancients are known as guardians of the natural world and defenders of innocent creatures. They are often called upon to protect the weak and innocent, preserve the ancient traditions, and stand against the forces that would corrupt or destroy the natural order. The tenets of the Oath of Ancients are:
- Kindle the Light: Through your acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, kindle the light of hope in the world, beating back despair.
- Shelter the Light: Where there is good, beauty, love, and laughter in the world, stand against the wickedness that would swallow it.
- Preserve Your Own Light: Despair is a powerful force, and it can consume even the mightiest of heroes. You must maintain your own light in the face of darkness to shine a beacon of hope for others.
- Be the Light: Be a brave force against the darkness and a shining light in the world.
Oath Spells
Paladins gain access to specific spells as they progress in their oath, unique to each sacred oath. The Oath of Ancients grants the following oath spells, cast using spell slots or the Lay on Hands feature:
- 3rd level: ensnaring strike, speak with animals
- 5th level: moonbeam, warding wind
- 9th level: beacon of hope, elemental bane
- 13th level: freedom of movement, stoneskin
- 17th level: commune with nature, tree stride
Channel Divinity
Channel Divinity allows a paladin to channel their oath's power, gaining benefits. The Oath of Ancients offers:
- Nature's Wrath: Use Channel Divinity to invoke primal force, dealing extra radiant damage and emitting light with attacks.
- Turn the Faithless: Channel energy to compel aberrations, fiends, and undead to flee.
Aura of Warding
At 7th level, the paladin's devotion manifests as an aura, granting resistance to spell damage to themselves and friendly creatures within 10 feet.
Undying Sentinel
At 15th level, the paladin's devotion to life and light lets them cheat death, dropping to 1 hit point instead of 0. They and allies within 10 feet gain saving throw bonuses, and the paladin heals when casting paladin spells.
Paladins who swear the Oath of Ancients dedicate themselves to protecting the natural world, ancient traditions, and standing against corruption and despair, becoming beacons of hope.
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The Oath of Vengeance
The core principles of the Oath of Vengeance are:
- Fight the Greater Evil: When faced with a choice between fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil.
- No Mercy for the Wicked: Ordinary foes might win my mercy, but my sworn enemies do not.
- By Any Means Necessary: My qualms can't get in the way of exterminating my foes.
- Restitution: If my foes wreak ruin on the world, it is because I failed to stop them. I must help those harmed by their misdeeds.
However, other sources argue that a paladin of any alignment can justify taking the Oath of Vengeance, as it is more based on function than any higher ideal. A paladin of vengeance could be good if they view their actions as serving the greater good, or if they believe that their ends justify their means. Ultimately, the alignment of a paladin of vengeance can vary depending on the individual player and the decisions they make for their character.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a 5e Paladin can be Lawful Neutral. The removal of alignment restrictions in 5e means that Paladins can be any alignment, as long as they uphold their oaths.
A Lawful Good character upholds the law because they believe it will result in good outcomes for society. They may break the law if they believe it will result in a greater good. A Lawful Neutral character will never break the law, regardless of the outcome. They enforce the law without any moral judgement and believe that a well-defined law and order system removes the need for individual judgement.
A player could create a Lawful Neutral Paladin with a Judge Dredd-like character. This Paladin would not be concerned with good and evil but with upholding the law.
The Oath of Ancients is a Paladin oath that is often associated with a Neutral alignment. This is because it is primarily concerned with nature and the "light", rather than the "law".
