The Paladin is a divine champion‚ blending martial prowess with divine magic‚ adhering to a sacred oath that defines their purpose․ They serve as a moral compass‚ protecting allies and vanquishing evil‚ embodying righteousness in a chaotic world․ Paladins are versatile warriors‚ capable of dealing damage‚ healing wounds‚ and inspiring hope‚ making them invaluable to any party․ Their journey is one of honor‚ sacrifice‚ and unwavering commitment to justice․
1․1 Overview of the Paladin Class
The Paladin is a hybrid class‚ blending the martial prowess of a fighter with the divine magic of a cleric․ They are holy warriors‚ dedicated to a higher cause‚ and serve as protectors of the innocent․ Paladins are often bound by a strict moral code‚ making them paragons of virtue․ Their abilities include divine spells‚ martial skills‚ and auras that inspire allies․ They excel in both combat and support roles‚ making them versatile additions to any party․ Paladins are typically lawful good but can vary based on their oaths․ Their divine magic and combat prowess make them a formidable force on the battlefield․
1․2 Role in the Party
Paladins serve as versatile and vital members of any adventuring party․ They excel as tanks‚ absorbing damage and protecting allies with their martial prowess and divine auras․ Their ability to heal wounds and grant blessings makes them invaluable for sustaining the party in combat․ Paladins also deal significant damage‚ making them effective combatants․ Their divine magic and inspiring presence boost morale‚ while their high Charisma scores enhance social interactions․ Whether leading the charge‚ safeguarding companions‚ or resolving conflicts‚ Paladins embody the ideals of justice and righteousness‚ making them cornerstone members of any group․ Their versatility ensures they adapt to various party needs seamlessly․
1․3 Key Features of Paladins
Paladins are defined by their divine magic‚ combat skills‚ and sacred oaths․ They possess spellcasting abilities tied to their Charisma score‚ granting them access to healing‚ protection‚ and offensive spells․ Paladins are proficient in heavy armor and shields‚ making them formidable defenders․ Their key features include Aura of Protection‚ Divine Smite‚ and laying on hands to heal wounds․ As they level up‚ Paladins gain powerful abilities like immunities and divine interventions․ Their oaths‚ such as Devotion or Ancient‚ further customize their playstyle‚ emphasizing their role as holy warriors․ These features make Paladins versatile and influential in both combat and role-playing scenarios‚ embodying the ideals of their sacred vows․
Paladin Class Overview
Paladins are holy warriors‚ blending divine magic with martial prowess․ They serve as protectors‚ upholding justice and righteousness through their sacred oaths and divine abilities․
2․1 Alignment Restrictions
Paladins in Pathfinder are bound by strict alignment requirements‚ typically lawful good‚ though some oaths allow other alignments․ Their class features and oaths necessitate adherence to specific moral codes‚ ensuring they act as paragons of virtue and justice․ Deviation from these principles risks losing access to their divine abilities‚ emphasizing the importance of maintaining their ethical standards throughout their journey․
2․2 Divine Magic Basics
Paladins wield divine magic‚ drawing power from their deity or higher force․ Their spellcasting ability is fueled by charisma‚ granting them access to a wide range of spells that support allies‚ protect the faithful‚ and smite enemies․ While their spell slots progress slower than clerics‚ Paladins can still cast essential spells like cure wounds‚ bless‚ and shield of faith․ Divine magic allows Paladins to heal wounds‚ protect companions‚ and deliver justice in combat‚ making them versatile supporters and formidable opponents․ Their spells are prepared daily‚ emphasizing preparation and strategic use in and out of battle‚ reflecting their role as divine champions․
2․3 Martial Abilities
Paladins excel as warriors‚ mastering both weapons and armor with divine precision․ Their martial abilities include proficiency with heavy armor and weapons‚ making them formidable in melee combat․ They can wield a shield effectively‚ providing defense while attacking․ Paladins also gain access to special combat maneuvers‚ such as Lay on Hands‚ which allows them to channel divine energy to heal wounds or harm undead․ Their martial prowess is enhanced by divine abilities‚ enabling them to strike with holy force or protect allies․ Paladins are versatile combatants‚ blending physical strength with divine intervention to dominate the battlefield and safeguard their companions‚ embodying the ideals of their sacred oaths․
Choosing the Right Race
Selecting a race for your Paladin is crucial‚ as it enhances class abilities․ Races like Humans and Dwarves offer bonuses to Wisdom or Strength‚ aligning with Paladins’ divine and martial traits․ Each race provides unique racial traits that complement the Paladin’s role‚ ensuring a well-rounded character build․
3․1 Recommended Races for Paladins
When selecting a race for your Paladin‚ consider those that complement the class’s divine and martial aspects․ Humans are a top choice due to their versatility and bonus to all ability scores․ Dwarves excel with their defensive traits and Wisdom bonuses‚ enhancing spellcasting․ Halflings offer mobility and saving throw bonuses‚ while Half-Orcs provide increased Strength for melee-focused builds․ Aasimars and Tieflings are ideal for divine or infernal-themed Paladins‚ granting resistance and spell-like abilities․ Each race offers unique traits that can enhance your Paladin’s effectiveness in specific roles‚ ensuring a well-rounded character tailored to your preferred playstyle․
3․2 Racial Bonuses and Traits
Each race in Pathfinder offers unique bonuses and traits that can enhance your Paladin’s abilities․ Humans gain a bonus to all ability scores‚ making them versatile․ Dwarves excel with defensive traits like DR 5/bludgeoning and Wisdom bonuses‚ enhancing their spellcasting․ Halflings benefit from increased mobility and saving throws‚ while Aasimars and Tieflings gain resistance to certain elements and spell-like abilities․ These racial traits allow players to tailor their Paladin to specific roles‚ whether focusing on offense‚ defense‚ or divine magic․ By leveraging these bonuses‚ you can create a Paladin that aligns perfectly with your desired playstyle and campaign needs․
Paladin Oaths and Codes
Paladins adhere to sacred oaths‚ defining their purpose and abilities․ Oath of Devotion embodies classic righteousness‚ while others like Oath of the Ancient offer unique playstyles‚ shaping their divine identity․
4․1 Oath of Devotion
The Oath of Devotion is the quintessential Paladin oath‚ embodying righteousness and unwavering dedication to justice․ Paladins sworn to this oath are often lawful-aligned‚ upholding strict moral codes and protecting the innocent․ They excel against fiends and undead‚ channeling divine power to smite enemies and shield allies․ This oath grants abilities like Aura of Protection and Cleansing Touch‚ enhancing their defensive and supportive roles․ The Oath of Devotion is ideal for players seeking a classic‚ heroic Paladin experience‚ blending martial prowess with divine magic to inspire hope and vanquish evil․ It remains a cornerstone of the Paladin class‚ offering balance and versatility in combat and role-playing scenarios․
4․2 Oath of the Ancient
The Oath of the Ancient is a sacred vow that binds Paladins to the guardianship of nature and the preservation of wisdom․ These Paladins often serve as protectors of sacred sites‚ ancient forests‚ and forgotten lore․ They channel divine power to heal the land‚ summon nature’s fury‚ and defend the innocent․ Abilities like Druidic Focus and Guardian’s Bond reflect their connection to the earth and its creatures․ This oath is ideal for Paladins who embrace a more mystical and protective role‚ blending martial prowess with the primal forces of nature․ It offers a unique path for those who seek harmony with the natural world and its rhythms․
4․3 Oath of the People
The Oath of the People is a sacred promise to protect and serve the greater good‚ focusing on the welfare of communities and the defense of the innocent․ Paladins who swear this oath are champions of the common people‚ often leading by example and inspiring hope in times of despair․ They gain abilities that enhance their role as protectors‚ such as Aura of Protection and Defensive Stance‚ which bolster allies and safeguard the vulnerable․ This oath is ideal for Paladins who prioritize the safety of others‚ embodying the ideals of justice‚ compassion‚ and leadership․ It emphasizes unity and the strength found in collective resolve․
Character Creation Guide
Creating a Paladin involves selecting the right race‚ abilities‚ and traits to align with their sacred oath․ Focus on high Charisma and Strength for optimal performance‚ ensuring a balanced build that reflects their divine purpose and martial prowess․
5․1 Ability Score Prioritization
For a Paladin‚ prioritize Charisma as it governs divine spellcasting and class abilities․ Next‚ focus on Strength for melee combat effectiveness․ Wisdom enhances perception and saving throws‚ while Constitution boosts survivability․ Allocate remaining points to Dexterity for better AC and Intelligence for skill versatility․ Ensure a balanced build by distributing ability scores according to racial bonuses and background traits․ High Charisma and Strength ensure strong spellcasting and combat prowess‚ making the Paladin a versatile and formidable party member․
5․2 Traits Selection
Traits are crucial for customizing a Paladin‚ offering unique abilities that enhance combat‚ roleplay‚ or survivability․ Key traits include Deity’s Favor‚ boosting healing and divine magic‚ and Power Attack‚ enhancing melee damage․ Iron Will improves saving throws‚ essential for resisting mind-affecting effects․ Consider Alertness for initiative bonuses or Self-Sufficient for survival needs․ Racial traits like Human’s Versatile or Dwarf’s Stability also complement Paladins․ Choose traits that align with your oath and playstyle‚ ensuring synergy with class abilities․ Traits provide depth and flexibility‚ making your Paladin stand out in both combat and narrative contexts while adhering to their sacred code․
5․3 Feats Selection
Feats are essential for shaping a Paladin’s combat and divine capabilities․ Power Attack and Weapon Focus enhance melee prowess‚ while Critical Hits and Improved Critical boost damage potential․ Extra Lay On Hands increases healing capacity‚ and Selective Channeling prevents harming allies with divine magic․ For tanking‚ Shield Mastery and Guardian improve defensive capabilities․ Dodge and Mobility enhance movement and evasion․ Consider Cornugon Smash for trip attacks or Divine Interference for protection․ Feats should align with your Paladin’s oath‚ optimizing their role as a warrior‚ healer‚ or protector․ Choose feats that enhance your preferred playstyle while maintaining synergy with class abilities and divine magic․
5․4 Starting Equipment
A Paladin begins with a longsword‚ breastplate‚ and a shield‚ providing a balance of offense and defense․ A holy symbol is essential for casting divine spells․ Starting equipment often includes a backpack‚ bedroll‚ rations‚ and a healer’s kit․ Choose a warhorse if mounted combat is preferred․ For ranged attacks‚ a longbow or crossbow is viable․ Consider a signet ring or explorer’s pack for utility․ Always ensure your starting gear aligns with your Paladin’s oath and playstyle‚ whether focusing on melee‚ support‚ or divine casting․ Proper equipment selection enhances your effectiveness as a warrior of light and justice․
Paladin Progression and Leveling
Paladins progress by gaining martial and divine abilities‚ with key milestones at early‚ mid‚ and high levels‚ enhancing their combat and supportive roles effectively over time․
6․1 Early Levels (1-5)
At early levels‚ Paladins establish their foundation‚ gaining core abilities like Divine Sense and Lay on Hands․ These levels focus on building martial and divine prowess‚ with spells and combat skills improving steadily․ By level 5‚ Paladins become more versatile‚ enhancing their support and combat capabilities‚ setting the stage for higher-level advancements․
6․2 Mid Levels (6-10)
At mid levels‚ Paladins unlock significant class features‚ with level 6 introducing their first Aura‚ enhancing allies’ abilities․ Spellcasting improves‚ granting access to 2nd and 3rd-level spells‚ like Bless and Cure Wounds․ Combat prowess grows with better weapon and armor mastery‚ making Paladins versatile defenders and attackers․ Their divine magic becomes more potent‚ and they can inspire allies while debuffing foes․ This period refines their role as both a martial combatant and a divine supporter‚ solidifying their position as a party’s backbone․ By level 10‚ Paladins are well-rounded‚ capable of handling various challenges effectively․
6․3 High Levels (11-20)
At high levels‚ Paladins reach the pinnacle of their power‚ gaining access to their most potent abilities․ Level 11 introduces Divine Intervention‚ a powerful last-resort ability‚ while higher levels enhance their auras and spellcasting․ By level 14‚ Paladins can cast 4th-level spells like Heal and Holy Weapon‚ making them indispensable in combat․ At level 17‚ their martial prowess peaks with Improved Critical‚ and at level 19‚ they gain Attack Bonus improvements․ Finally‚ at level 20‚ the Divine Guardian capstone ability solidifies their role as a legendary protector and champion․ Paladins at this stage are unstoppable forces of justice‚ capable of turning the tide of any battle․
Combat Tactics and Strategies
Paladins excel as both offensive and defensive specialists‚ using divine magic and martial prowess․ They support allies with auras‚ heal wounds‚ and deal devastating melee attacks‚ inspiring hope in battle․
7․1 Melee Combat Techniques
Paladins dominate in melee‚ combining martial skill with divine power․ Using weapons like longswords or greatswords‚ they deliver powerful strikes‚ often enhanced by spells․ Positioning is key; standing at the front protects allies‚ while maintaining mobility ensures they can reach enemies quickly․ Paladins can also use their shields defensively‚ granting them extra AC․ Their divine smite ability allows them to channel holy energy‚ dealing extra damage to enemies․ Additionally‚ their auras can buff nearby allies‚ increasing their effectiveness in combat․ This blend of offense and defense makes Paladins versatile and valuable in close quarters․ Properly utilizing these techniques maximizes their battlefield impact․
7․2 Using Divine Abilities
Paladins wield divine magic to empower themselves and their allies․ Their spellcasting abilities include healing‚ buffs‚ and smites․ Spells like Bless and Cure Wounds enhance party effectiveness‚ while Divine Smite channels holy energy to punish enemies․ Auras‚ such as Aura of Courage‚ boost morale and grant immunity to fear․ Timing these abilities is crucial; healing during battles sustains allies‚ while debuffs like Bestow Curse weaken foes․ Paladins can also use their Lay on Hands feature to restore health or remove ailments․ Balancing offensive and supportive divine abilities ensures the Paladin remains a versatile and invaluable asset to their party‚ adapting to any combat scenario effectively․
7․3 Synergy with Allies
Paladins excel at enhancing their party’s effectiveness through divine support․ Their auras‚ such as Aura of Courage‚ bolster allies’ morale and grant immunity to fear․ Spells like Bless and Cure Wounds improve allies’ combat performance and sustain them in battle․ Paladins can also use Lay on Hands to heal wounds or remove debilitating conditions‚ ensuring allies remain fighting fit․ Their ability to Divine Smite enemies draws threat away from squishier party members‚ protecting them in combat․ By coordinating with clerics‚ fighters‚ and rogues‚ Paladins create a cohesive unit‚ amplifying their allies’ strengths and mitigating weaknesses‚ making them indispensable in any adventuring party․
Equipment and Magic Items
Paladins rely on sturdy weapons‚ armor‚ and divine magic items to enhance their martial and divine abilities․ Their gear is both practical and symbolic of their oaths․
8․1 Best Weapons for Paladins
Paladins excel with weapons that balance damage and versatility‚ often favoring swords‚ hammers‚ and maces․ A longsword or greatsword is ideal for dealing consistent melee damage‚ while a warhammer or mace provides bludgeoning power․ Many Paladins prefer weapons that align with their oath‚ such as a holy avenger or a weapon imbued with divine energy․ Magic weapons like +1 longswords or axes of disruption enhance their combat effectiveness․ Shields‚ especially those with divine properties‚ complement their defensive capabilities․ Choosing the right weapon ensures Paladins can fulfill their roles as both warriors and protectors‚ maximizing their martial and divine potential in battle․
8․2 Essential Armor and Shields
Armor and shields are vital for Paladins‚ who rely on their defensive capabilities to protect allies and survive combat․ Plate armor is often preferred due to its high AC‚ though lighter options like chainmail are viable for mobility․ Shields‚ such as a tower shield‚ provide additional AC and can be used for defensive maneuvers․ Divine magic can enhance armor‚ granting bonuses to AC or resistance to elements․ Many Paladins opt for shields with divine properties to bolster their defensive role․ Properly equipping a Paladin with armor and shields ensures they can withstand enemy assaults while maintaining their ability to heal and support the party effectively in battle․
8․3 Useful Magic Items
Paladins benefit greatly from magic items that enhance their martial and divine abilities․ Weapons like the holy avenger are ideal‚ as they deal bonus damage to undead and evil creatures; Armor such as plates of the pure provides excellent protection without hindering spellcasting․ Cloaks of resistance and rings of protection boost defensive capabilities‚ while periapts of Wisdom enhance spellcasting․ Potions of cure serious wounds are invaluable for emergency healing․ These items not only strengthen a Paladin’s combat effectiveness but also reinforce their role as a defender and supporter of the party․
Multiclassing Options
Paladins benefit from items like holy avenger weapons‚ which enhance damage against evil foes‚ and armor of light fortification‚ boosting defensive capabilities․ Cloaks of resistance and rings of protection provide additional defenses‚ while periapts of Wisdom improve spellcasting․ Potions of cure serious wounds are essential for healing‚ and belt of giant strength or amulet of natural armor enhance physical prowess․ These items complement a Paladin’s abilities‚ making them more effective in combat and supportive roles․ Choosing the right items ensures a Paladin remains a formidable defender and healer in any adventuring party․
9․1 Paladin/Cleric
A Paladin/Cleric multiclass combines divine magic and martial prowess‚ offering exceptional versatility․ Clerics enhance Paladins with higher-level spells like raise dead and resurrection‚ while Paladins provide combat superiority․ This synergy allows for robust healing‚ tanking‚ and damage output․ Paladins gain access to Cleric domains‚ expanding their spellcasting options‚ while Clerics benefit from Paladins’ martial abilities and auras․ High Charisma and Wisdom scores are crucial for this build‚ as both classes rely on these abilities for spellcasting․ Key feats like Selective Channeling and Extra Channel enhance healing efficiency․ This combination is ideal for players seeking a balanced healer and warrior archetype‚ capable of adapting to any combat scenario or party need․ Proper planning ensures a seamless blend of divine and martial capabilities‚ making the Paladin/Cleric a formidable and versatile character․
9․2 Paladin/Fighter
A Paladin/Fighter multiclass merges divine prowess with martial expertise‚ creating a versatile combatant․ Fighters bring advanced weaponry and combat feats‚ enhancing the Paladin’s martial capabilities‚ while Paladins add divine magic and auras․ This combination excels in melee‚ with Fighters’ weapon specialization and Paladins’ divine smite dealing devastating damage․ High Strength and Charisma scores are ideal‚ balancing combat and spellcasting․ Fighters’ archery or mobility feats complement Paladins’ mobility․ This build is perfect for players seeking a heavily armored‚ weapon-master with divine support‚ capable of dominating battles while maintaining a strong moral foundation․ Proper feat selection and ability score allocation ensure a well-rounded and formidable character․
9․3 Paladin/Rogue
A Paladin/Rogue multiclass offers a unique blend of divine power and cunning stealth․ This combination allows for unexpected tactics‚ as the Paladin’s auras and divine smite complement the Rogue’s sneak attack․ High Dexterity and Charisma scores are crucial‚ enabling both precise strikes and spellcasting․ Rogues’ Stealth and Deception skills add versatility‚ while Paladins’ Aura of Courage mitigates fear․ However‚ alignment restrictions may pose challenges‚ as Rogues often lean toward chaos or neutrality․ This build excels at surprise attacks and support‚ making it ideal for players who enjoy a mix of morality and cunning․ Proper feat selection‚ like Weapon Finesse‚ enhances this hybrid playstyle․
Advanced Builds and Archetypes
The Paladin stands as a divine champion‚ blending divine magic with martial prowess‚ adhering to sacred oaths that shape their role․ Advanced builds and archetypes enhance their effectiveness through specialized abilities‚ allowing players to craft unique characters that excel in various combat and support roles․
10․1 Hospitaler
The Hospitaler archetype transforms the Paladin into a devoted healer and supporter‚ specializing in restoring health and protecting allies․ Masters of divine magic‚ they excel at healing wounds and bolstering companions‚ often using wands and magic devices to enhance their abilities․ This archetype is particularly effective in mythic builds‚ where their capacity to sustain and protect the party becomes crucial․ By focusing on spells and abilities that repair and shield‚ the Hospitaler ensures the party’s survival without sacrificing combat potency․ Their role is that of a guardian and a healer‚ making them an indispensable asset to any adventuring group seeking balance between offense and defense․
10․2 Divine Guardian
The Divine Guardian is a Paladin archetype that prioritizes protection and defense‚ serving as an impenetrable shield for allies․ By focusing on defensive magic and abilities‚ they create a sanctuary of safety‚ reducing damage and preventing harm․ This archetype often employs shields and divine spells to fortify their party‚ making them a cornerstone of any defensive strategy․ Their abilities emphasize survivability and support‚ ensuring that companions remain unharmed even in the most perilous encounters․ The Divine Guardian’s unwavering dedication to protection makes them a vital asset‚ balancing their martial prowess with divine intervention to safeguard their allies and uphold justice through resilience and strength․
10․3 Sacred Shield
The Sacred Shield archetype embodies the Paladin’s role as a steadfast protector‚ focusing on defensive tactics and divine intervention․ By channeling their divine magic through their shield‚ they create a barrier of protection‚ absorbing attacks and safeguarding allies․ This archetype excels at redirecting enemy attention‚ using their shield to deflect harm and create opportunities for counterattacks․ Sacred Shield Paladins often possess abilities that allow them to grant nearby allies temporary protection or immunity to certain types of damage․ Their unwavering commitment to defense makes them a formidable guardian on the battlefield‚ ensuring their party’s survival while upholding their sacred oaths with unyielding resolve and divine authority․
