Paladin: From Holy Knight to Oath Driven Defender

In the distance, a massive tear in the sky rips open.

Spilling over from Avernus, the first layer of the Nine Hells comes the Blood War, an ancient battle between devils and demons spanning millennia.

Between the Material Plane and this wave of carnage and destruction stands their only defense: you and your party

Among snarls and cries of war, you stand in your gleaming plate armor, sword raised in defiance

After a quick whisper under your breath to stand against these forces of evil, you cry out to your party,

“You will not falter this day! You will stand mightier than the oak and flow like the raging river!”

It’s hard to tell where your standing, but they all seem to stand a little straighter and smile a little wider.

They believe in you as much as you believe in them.

                                                                           ---- The original mythos of the Paladin is etched in oath and ordeal, born not of noble birth but of sacred promise and unwavering resolve. Their legend marches through the ruins of shattered cathedrals and the crossroads of broken kingdoms, where light was not given—but chosen. They are the heirs of martyrs and radiant blades, molded by those who turned conviction into armor and compassion into strength. Paladins do not beg the heavens for favor; they bind themselves to purpose, and in doing so, become its vessel. They are champions and redeemers, judges and protectors. Some fight to uphold justice, some to redeem the fallen, some because the world must be reminded that honor still walks among us. Their strength is not in divine spectacle, but in the quiet miracle of standing firm when others fall.

Aspect	Mythic (2014)	Modular (2024)
Fantasy Role	Sacred guardian – sworn to uphold virtue, justice, and divine law	Empowered emissary – channeling celestial force through chosen oath, ideal, or divine patron
Party Function	Durable frontline defender with healing, smite-based burst, and aura support	Versatile hybrid – blends offense, defense, and utility based on subclass and divine theme
Flavor Pillars	Devotion, righteousness, divine authority	Personal creed: oath tenets, divine manifestations, moral complexity

The flavor and description in the 2014 Player’s Handbook significantly fleshed out each class, and although I personally recommend using those descriptions to further help emotionally deepening your class (if you wish), here are a few questions to consider when building your Paladin: Mythic Paladin Questions

• What sacred oath defines your purpose?

• Who or what did you once fail to protect—and how does that failure shape you?

• Are you a beacon of hope, a sword of vengeance, or a wall against chaos?

  
  

Modular Paladin Questions 

• Did you choose your oath, or did it choose you?

• Do you question your god—or your interpretation of their will?

• What lines are you willing to cross to keep your vow?
  

Behind the Screen

You Win by Timing the Smite 

Divine Smite isn’t a spam button—it’s a burst damage detonator. Use it when:

• You land a critical hit (for double smite dice)

• The enemy is a priority target (like a caster or regenerating foe)

• You need to finish the fight now Think of it as “the last hit that matters,” not just “more damage always.”

You’re a Defender Who Radiates Value 

Your aura (from level 6 onward) is always on. Use that passive presence to anchor your party: stand between your wizard and the dragon, or next to your rogue before they leap into melee. You don’t just protect—you make others braver.

Bonus Action Economy is Clean—but Don’t Waste It

Smite doesn’t use bonus actions. That leaves room for subclass features (Vow of Enmity, Shield of Faith) or quick healing (Healing Word if multiclassed). Time your spellcast or channel effects to stack with burst turns, not delay them.

Your Spell Slots = Utility Reserve, Not Volume Casts

You’re a prepared half-caster. Use spells tactically—not frequently. Think:

• Compelled Duel to split an enemy off

• Bless for a boss fight opener

• Wrathful Smite to front-load control into your first attack These spells support your sword, not replace it.

Subclass = Tactical Mood

• Vengeance: Nova striker—lock onto priority targets, Smite them down

• Devotion: Anti-control tank—cleanse charm/fear, lead the defense

• Ancients: Buff aura and anti-magic—great for support-tank hybrids

• Oath of Glory or Watchers: Mobile defenders with battlefield presence—work best in party-aware play

Short Rest? Unneeded. Divine Is Long-Burn Power

Your tools run deep, not fast. Plan for sustained output—you don’t depend on rests to stay relevant, and that’s a huge edge in attrition campaigns.

Play Your Morals—They’re Mechanically Relevant

Paladins get punished (in some games) for breaking their oaths, sure—but even without strict rules, leaning into your code helps you decide who to protect, which spell to prep, or when to not smite. Tactical thinking and roleplay can go hand-in-hand.

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Let Their Oath Shape the World’s Expectations  A Paladin’s word is binding. Townsfolk might look to them for moral clarity, while enemies may target them first out of fear—or spite. Let their Oath stir prophecy, suspicion, or awe. When they speak, the world should feel the weight of vow behind each word.

Make Smite a Divine Choice, Not a Reflex  Smite isn’t just a damage burst—it’s a sacred judgment. Encourage players to declare why this moment warrants divine wrath. Let critical hits shine narratively, with echoes of celestial thunder or searing justice that leaves enemies—and allies—stunned.

Subclass Should Influence How They Protect A Vengeance Paladin might act like a divine assassin, relentless and grim. A Devotion Paladin could embody incorruptible light, their shield a symbol of hope. A Glory Paladin might charge with radiant bravado. Let their oath colors show in both conflict and calm.

Reward Conviction, Even in Moral Gray Paladins shine in moments of difficult choice. Offer dilemmas where duty, compassion, and justice don’t align. Then reward them—not for perfection, but for clarity. Their faith isn’t just armor; it’s the reason they stand when others falter. Let that conviction shake the story. If you found this helpful, check out the Dungeon Dudes Class Guide for the Paladin for both 2014 and 2024. It was a huge help in learning more about the class!

2014 Paladin Class Guide

2024 Paladin Class Guide

Next up: the Ranger! Featured Image by Nik Shuliahin 💛💙 on Unsplash Knight Picture by Toby on Unsplash