My Documents
Become a Patron!
a PLETHORA of PALADINS
\pagebreak
# Chapter One—Sacred Oaths ___ I HAVE COME IN A WORLD OF IRON TO MAKE A
*world of gold.* —Dale Wasserman, *Man of La Mancha*
The year 2019 marks 44 years of paladins in Dungeons & Dragons, if we start our count from the 1975 publication of the *Greyhawk* supplement which introduced the paladin as a subclass of the fighting man. That makes the paladin as old as some spells that were introduced in *Greyhawk*, and also as old as the game's actual combat mechanics, which were also published in *Greyhawk*! Myself, I started playing with the Fifth Edition of the game, so I've been around only briefly. But in that time, the paladin has been my favorite class from the very start. Some of you may already be familiar with this compendium, or at least the idea of this compendium. A year, or maybe a couple years, ago I released a PDF under the same name: "A Plethora of Paladins", naming the compendium after a *Dragon* magazine article that presented alternative versions of the paladin class for AD&D. That was followed by updated versions under similar names: "A Plethora of Paladins Plus One," later "A Plethora of Paladins Plus Some" and eventually "Plus Some Plus." If I was anything as a homebrewer then, I suppose it was prolific. I guess with this being a compendium, I still am prolific. But as I learned more about homebrewing and Fifth Edition design, I came to want to revamp, to improve, upon the homebrews I'd done previously. And then, I also started making new stuff, too. \columnbreak Long story short, you hold in your digital hands thirteen homebrew Sacred Oaths that run a wide, *wide* gamut of themes, tropes, and ideals. All the Sacred Oaths from the old compendium are back, and better than ever, and I think y'all will really like the new ones, too. Now, why a compendium? Why not just hand you a folder of PDFs, which let's be honest is easier for access and organization anyway? Well… I don't really have a good reason, to be honest. I hope that it's fun this way. Sometimes having a gigantic, unwieldy document is oddly thrilling. Hopefully to make it more worth your time, I've included new rollable traits tables or similar ideas with some of the Sacred Oaths, as well as a new chapter of homebrew spells. I'd like to give a big thanks to the many members of the Dungeons & Dragons homebrew community who've contributed to making this compendium what it is, including the Unearthed Arcana subreddit. The Discord of Many Things server has been instrumental in providing design feedback, balance advice, and generally just making everything 20% cooler. Shoutouts to ACOG_Muffin, Alice the Alhoon, Ashley, AtinVexien, CaelReader, Caim, Genuine Believer, Gray, Haydizzle, ItsMaybelline, Jaek, Janawhamme, Jay, Marceline, NotTheSmoooze, Novronian, Sgt Briar, SwordMeow, wick, Wufflykins, and Yorviing. Thanks to all
of y'all! —Bunnygeon Master
##### Table of Contents | Sacred Oaths | | |:---|:-----------| | Oath of Anarchy | 3 | | Oath of Benevolence | 5 | | Oath of Betrothal | 6 | | Oath of Detachment | 7 | | Oath of Enlightenment | 9 | | Oath of Freshness | 11 | | Oath of Healing | 12 | | Oath of Liberty | 13 | | Oath of Power | 15 | | Oath of Society | 16 | | Oath of Strangers | 18 | | Oath of the Directive | 19 | | Oath of Tomorrow | 21 | | Oath of Tradition | 22 | | **Spells** | 24 | | **Credits** | 29 | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
## Sacred Oath At 3rd level, a paladin gains the Sacred Oath feature.
The following options are available to a paladin, in
addition to those offered in the *Player's Handbook*:
the Oath of Anarchy, the Oath of Benevolence, the
Oath of Betrothal, the Oath of Detachment, the Oath
of Enlightenment, the Oath of Freshness, the Oath of
Healing, the Oath of Liberty, the Oath of Power, the
Oath of Society, the Oath of Strangers, the Oath of the
Directive, the Oath of Tomorrow, and the Oath of Tradition. ### Oath of Anarchy WE NEED THE TONIC OF WILDNESS… AT THE SAME
*time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious… that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature.* —Henry David Thoreau, *Walden*
Traditionally sworn to oneself, a comrade, or the wilderness itself, the Oath of Anarchy binds a paladin to protecting freedom and nature against tyranny and control. These paladins believe in the liberty of chaos; rules and authority are dangerous things, nothing more than the chains that separate people from each other and bind them down against their own desires. People are best off trusted to make their own decisions and learn to peacefully coexist in freedom. In addition to promoting the freedom of individuals, bearers of this oath also encourage the chaos of the natural world. They dislike conquest of the wilderness, preferring that people live with nature, not against it. In the eyes of many of these paladins, the world was as it was meant to be when it was first made, without the changes wrought by mortal hands. Called fantra, after the Sylvan word for guardian, these paladins are keepers of chaos and defenders of disorder, sworn to uphold their values even to bloodshed. #### Tenets of Anarchy ___ As advocates against formal rules, there are no uniform tenets for the paladins of Anarchy. Nevertheless, their commitment to chaos can be summarized roughly as follows. ***Anarchy.*** The rigidity of institutions ought be rejected wherever possible. Authority is an agent of separation and oppression, and power is best left in the hands of people. ***Relativism.*** Good and evil are sophistries and opinions, and the only true measure of right is peaceful, free coexistence. People should determine on their own and amongst each other how they ought to conduct themselves, not lawmakers, kings, or judges. ***Earth.*** The natural world is the ultimate symbol of freedom and coexistence, and it must be protected against those agents of law which would abuse and destroy it. ***Autonomy.*** Use your own judgment and encourage others to use theirs. Commit acts that fulfill your oath and acts that please you. Feel no duty to that which accomplishes neither. ***Equity.*** Respect the autonomy and desires of others, their personal chaos. Acknowledge the inherent worth of each mortal and their freedoms. Hierarchy is always the path to tyranny; equity will always restore freedom. \columnbreak #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Anarchy Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *find familiar*, *hex* | | 5th | *blur*, *spike growth* | | 9th | *fly*, *speak with plants* | | 13th | *conjure woodland beings*, *guardian of nature*^XGE^ | | 17th | *commune with nature*, *insect plague* | #### Channel Divinity ___ When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Chaos Strike.*** You can use your Channel Divinity when you hit with a weapon attack to bless your strike with the powers of primordial chaos. The attack inflicts extra damage equal to 1d6 + half your paladin level. The number on the d6 determines the type of the extra damage. A target that takes the damage must make a Constitution saving throw or also experience an additional effect based on the damage type. ##### Damage Type of Chaos Strike | d6 | Damage Type | Extra Effect | |:---:|:-----------:|:------------:| | 1 | Acid | The target takes acid damage equal to half your paladin level at the end of its next turn. | | 2 | Cold | The target's speed is reduced to 0 until the end of its next turn. | | 3 | Fire | The target is blinded until the end of its
next turn. | | 4 | Lightning | The target is incapacitated until the end of its next turn. | | 5 | Poison | The target is poisoned until the end of its next turn. | | 6 | Thunder | The target is knocked prone and 15 feet directly away from you. | ***Primeval Speech.*** By calling on the land's natural forces, you can commune with beasts using your Channel Divinity. As an action, you target a beast within 30 feet of you that you can see. For the next ten minutes, you can comprehend and verbally communicate with this beast. The knowledge and awareness of many beasts is limited by their intelligence, but at a minimum, beasts can give you information about nearby locations and monsters, including whatever they can perceive or have perceived within the past day. #### Aura of Impunity Starting at 7th level, you and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you are unaffected by magical and nonmagical difficult terrain while you are conscious. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
> ##### Chaos Versus Law > Inspired by the Fantra class introduced in *Dragon* #106, the Oath of Anarchy is sworn by paladins dedicated to struggling in behalf of chaos against law. Such paladins may thus be disinterested with the conflicts of good and evil and even disregard them. This is reflected in the original features of the Fantra class, which included detection of and bonus damage against lawful creatures. > > For players and DMs interested in similar and other mechanics to further the theme of this Sacred Oath, the following optional features can be included as part of the Oath of Anarchy when it's taken or as part of the paladin's progression starting from 1st level: > > #### Dances With Wolves > When you cast the *find familiar* or *find steed* spells, you can choose for the summoned creature to be a beast instead of a celestial, fey, or fiend. > > #### Detect Law > When you use your Divine Sense, you detect the presence of constructs, fiends, and elementals instead of celestials, fiends, and undead. > #### Strike the Inflexible > The bite of your blows is focused not on the unholy, but on the obdurate. When you use your Divine Smite, you inflict an extra 1d8 radiant damage against constructs and elementals instead of fiends and undead.
#### Quickfooted Starting at 15th level, when you use your action to Dash
or Disengage, you can make a single weapon attack as a
bonus action. \columnbreak #### Limitless Power By 20th level, you can use your action to break free of all bonds and restrictions, adopting a mantle of sovereignty. For 1 minute, you gain a flying speed of 90 feet, experience the effects of the *freedom of movement* spell, and are immune to enchantment spells you do not choose to be affected by. You can also move through other creatures and objects, and you take 1d10 force damage if you end your turn inside an object. Additionally, you ignore a creature's resistance or immunity to any damage you inflict on it. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.
### Anarchic Witnesses As part of its espousal of natural chaos, the Oath of Anarchy has no formal orders or official fellowships. Because of this, the divine witness before or to whom a fantra swears is often a very personally significant decision. Who did you swear your Oath of Anarchy before? Consider some of the suggestions on the following table, or come up with an idea of your own. | Roll | Anarchic Witness | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | You stood before a beautiful vista and poured your heart out to the wilds and all its natural treasures. | | 2 | To make your oath, you sought out an ancient druid who guarded the wilderness of your homeland. | | 3 | You and a friend swore the Oath of Anarchy with each other as the only witnesses you needed. | | 4 | A fey queen recognized the valor of your quest, and she sealed your oath as an otherworldly witness. | | 5 | You decided that the only witness you need is yourself. Your commitment is yours alone. | | 6 | A tyrant was your only witness as you swore to someday end his rule and liberate the domain. | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Oath of Benevolence IF I AM A PRINCESS IN RAGS AND TATTERS, I CAN BE
*a princess inside. It would be easy to be a princess if I were dressed in cloth of gold, but it is a great deal more of a triumph to be one all the time when no one knows it.* —Frances Hodgson Burnett, *A Little Princess*
A true Oath of Benevolence is rare in the world, for it is both the humblest and noblest of sacred vows. Sworn only by those at their lowest—whether from birth or through reversal of fortune—it is a determination by the paladin to give to others that goodness which has been refused to them. These paladins may starve nigh to death, yet give their last piece of bread to the beggar; may weep from vulgar treatment, yet give polite word and kind remark; may long for all that is lost from their life, yet give everything to soothe another in pain. Called lightbearers and dreamknights, bearers of the Oath of Benevolence find comfort in hope and purpose in love, acting as friends to all living things: outcast, royal, beast, and mortal alike. Many are storytellers, using fairytale and make-believe as a way to escape sorrowful reality, if but for a moment. For these, choosing to take up arms often comes after seeing the painful aftermath of wicked brutality, moving them to become champions of the underserved and forgotten. Whether they struggle to live or simply once did, all such paladins move among the downtrodden as one among equals and friends, an ally to soothe the pains they know so well. #### Tenets of Benevolence To swear the Oath of Benevolence, a paladin consciously chooses to follow its tenets in spite of—or even because of—those hardships they have experienced. ***Kindness.*** Everyone deserves a good turn and tender regard. Keep a prayer in your heart even for the wicked. ***Grace.*** Be stronger than the pain that surrounds you. A soft answer may not turn away wrath, but it is strength to you and inspiration to friends. You can't be torn or broken. ***Dignity.*** Love of others includes respect for self. Always be certain of your own worth and value as a person. ***Hope.*** The worst never really comes. Even if it does, believe and persevere. This shall pass, and you shall live. #### Oath Spells ___ You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Benevolence Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *animal friendship*, *shield of faith* | | 5th | *enhance ability*, *lesser restoration* | | 9th | *phantom parlor*\*, *protection from energy* | | 13th | *empathy link*\*, *stoneskin* | | 17th | *dawn*^XGE^, *greater restoration* | \**These spells can be found in Chapter Two.* \columnbreak
#### Channel Divinity Beginning when you choose this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***A Moment's Rest.*** You can use your Channel Divinity over the course of 1 minute to provide comfort and respite to those around you through kind ministration and uplifting words or stories. Each conscious creature of your choice within 30 feet of you can regain hit points by spending one hit die, and a creature that does so gains temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). ***Honor in Silence.*** You can use your Channel Divinity as an action to resolve to never give answer to cruelty, and your dignified silence is a rebuke to foes. For 1 minute, you shed dim light for 5 feet, and no effect can force you to speak. When a hostile creature damages you during this time, it takes radiant damage equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). You can choose to end this effect on your turn (no action required), and it ends early if you fall unconscious. #### Aura of Benevolence Starting at 7th level, you and your companions are able to find hope in solidarity to overcome even the darkest trials. While you or at least one friendly creature within 10 feet of you is conscious, you and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you can choose to become stable when making a death saving throw. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Tireless Spirit By 15th level, you can persevere beyond mortal limits. You're immune to the effects of exhaustion, except death. Magic can't force you to sleep or reduce your movement speed. #### Inner Majesty Starting at 20th level, you can use an action to manifest visibly the regal spirit you've always borne within, adopting a mantle of benevolence and brilliant radiance. You gain the following benefits for 1 minute: - You shed bright light for 15 feet and dim light 15 feet beyond that. This light is sunlight. - When you use your Divine Smite feature, you deal an extra 1d8 radiant damage to the target. - You emanate an aura of majesty in a 30-foot radius. When a hostile creature starts its turn in the aura or enters it for the first time on a turn, it must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your paladin spell save DC or be charmed by you until the start of its next turn or until you do anything harmful to it. Alternatively, you can cast the *heroes' feast* spell once without requiring a spell slot or any material components. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.
### Benevolent Origins The power of the Oath of Benevolence comes from the sacred irony of those who make it. In order to swear it, your paladin must've in life experienced some kind of terrible destitution and from there nevertheless vow themselves to selflessness and gracious living. How did your paladin conduct themselves prior to taking on the oath? Maybe there was one or a few special experiences by which they crystallized their rightoues resolve. The following table includes some ideas, and you can also create your own. | Roll | Benevolent Origin | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | It was a rain-soaked day on which you had barely managed to beg yourself a few buns of bread. And yet you couldn't help but give almost all of them to another hungry child you saw that day. | | 2 | When the other scullery maid in your home was unjustly scolded and derided, you would always creep into her room to try and offer her comfort. | | 3 | Even though the wintry air was just as cold on your skin, you chose to give your sweater to a stranger you saw freezing outside. | | 4 | Wicked men robbed you of all your fortune. Yet that gave you all the more reason to return the lost coin purse you found to its rightful owner. | | 5 | No matter how much people taunted you, no matter how much willpower it took, you've always tried to speak to everyone with respect and kindness. | | 6 | A small rat that shared your attic home became a dear friend when you chose to spare a few morsels of food for him and his squeaking family. | \columnbreak ### Oath of Betrothal "LADY TAIGA, YOU REALLY MUST BE MORE CAREFUL,"
*Eryck the Diviner said with a deep frown. "Why do you always put yourself in such danger just for my sake? You don't go nearly so far for our other comrades."* *Caught in the middle of cleaning her own blood off a set of battered battle armor, Lady Taiga spluttered momentarily before answering. "I-it's not like I LIKE you or anything!" she said. "It's just that—what if we find a magic sword, and you're too unconscious to* identify *it? How will I enjoy my Holy Avenger then?!"* *As they argued, the rest of the party only rolled their eyes. The blush on Taiga's face made the truth* far *too obvious.* —Adventurers who are unwittingly trapped in a RomCom
Though many paladins swear to gods and fellowships, not every oath is so cosmic in nature. Some paladins receive their power from more humble vows: promises made between one mortal and another. Paladins who have sworn the Oath of Betrothal draw their magics from the divine force inherent in their love for another. Whether this oath is made as part of a formal matrimony or engagement or instead is the private declaration of commitment between youth is less important for the oath than the purity of the oathmaker's love. Called Rose Knights, Devotees, or even Lovebirds by the more disparaging, these paladins find comfort and motivation in the powerful love they feel, whether they be passionately smitten at first sight or formally sworn to the love of their life. #### Tenets of Betrothal As the private vows between partners, the tenets of Betrothal lack consistent phrasings. Nevertheless, the pure love common to every Oath of Betrothal includes these themes: ***Affection.*** Your promise is not simple infatuation, nor is it carnal lust. It is love—pure, deep, and abiding. ***Fidelity.*** Remember your oath, no matter how near or far your beloved may be; be true in deed, word, and thought. ***Commitment.*** Yours is no passing fancy, but an everlasting bond that can only grow ever deeper and forever stronger. ***Partnership.*** Love is unselfish. A true relationship is between two partners equal in value and united in heart. #### Oath Spells ___ You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Betrothal Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *ceremony*, *heroism* | | 5th | *enhance ability*, *warding bond* | | 9th | *haste*, *sending* | | 13th | *aura of purity*, *fire shield* | | 17th | *creation*, *dream* | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Channel Divinity ___ When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Confess Love.*** Your loving declaration thunders with power from the depths of your heart. You can use your Channel Divinity as an action to invoke the name of your beloved, which is audible out to 100 feet. You gain temporary hit points equal to your paladin level, and one creature within 30 feet of you that can hear you of your choice must make a Strength saving throw. On a failed save, it is knocked prone and takes thunder damage equal to 1d6 + your paladin level. On a successful save, the creature takes half as much damage and isn't knocked prone. ***To Be True.*** When you or a creature within 30 feet of you fails a saving throw against an enchantment spell or against being charmed, you can use your reaction to speak a prayer of virtue, using your Channel Divinity. The affected creature rerolls the saving throw with advantage, possibly changing the failure to a success. #### Aura of Care ___ At 7th level, your heartfelt spirit manifests as an aura of succor and sacrifice. At the start of each of your turns while you aren't incapacitated, you can choose to lose hit points up to your paladin level, converting your vitality into healing energy that can restore a number of hit points equal to those you lost. Choose any conscious creatures within 10 feet of you, and divide those hit points among them. You can't use this feature on undead or constructs. At 18th level, the range of this feature increases to 30 feet. #### Constancy of Heart ___ Starting at 15th level, the integrity of your love is unmarred. You can't be affected by any enchantment spell unless you choose to be. #### Hopeful Romantic ___ At 20th level, you can use your action to draw upon your love to aid you in battle, placing you in danger before others. Your heart itself visibly glows with burning light, as though searing your flesh, and for 1 minute, you gain the following benefits: - Bright light shines from you in a 15-foot radius, and dim light shines 15 feet beyond that. - Hostile creatures within 30 feet of you have disadvantage on all attack rolls made against any creature besides you. - When you roll a 1 or 2 on a damage die, you may reroll the die and must use the new roll. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.
### Your Beloved Every Paladin of Betrothal has a beloved to whom their heart belongs, and it is to this person they direct and swear their oath. Consider with your DM who your beloved is and how they relate to the campaign. Does the person you love live in your hometown, waiting for you to safely return someday? Do you quest in order to rescue them from an evil that has taken \columnbreak them captive? Do you actively travel with the one with whom you are besotted? It can also be useful to think about what your beloved thinks of your choice to adventure. Do they approve of such heroics? Condemn you for risking your life? By fleshing out your beloved, you can enjoy a vibrant, living character instead of a one-dimensional love interest that exists only for you and contributes little else to the campaign. Additionally, you may wish to determine the nature of your relationship with your beloved. The Oath of Betrothal can be sworn in many circumstances, from literal marriage to private pining. The following table includes a few ideas for describing that relationship. You can choose to roll on the table, select an idea, or come up with your own. | d6 | Relationship With Your Beloved | |:--:|:-------------| | 1 | You and your beloved are ecstatic newlyweds. Together, you shall build the rest of your lives. | | 2 | Your beloved is presently your espoused; in time, you will be joined forever in matrimony. That special day can't come soon enough! | | 3 | In the many years since you were wed, the fires of love and devotion have only burned more brightly. This life you've had together is all you could've asked for. | | 4 | New love is filled with anxious thoughts and bubbly feelings, and you and your beloved are familiar with both. But could what you have become even more? | | 5 | The love bug has bitten you hard, and you're head over heels for a beloved who hardly knows you. You hope that this love can be requited! | | 6 | You have since settled down with your beloved,
but there are many happy years yet in the future.
And you treasure the family you now rear together beyond gold. | ### Oath of Detachment WHAT IS TRUE FOR YOU, IS TRUE FOR YOU, AND
*what is true for me, is true for me.* —Protagoras, *Ideas of the Great Philosophers*
The grand struggles of cosmic forces representing good, evil, law, and chaos engulf many worlds in the multiverse. Those who take on the Oath of Detachment are paladins who choose to step back from this conflict, believing alliance with any extreme only blinds one to the truths of the universe. Instead, these warriors pursue the objectivity of what they deem "ultimate truth," believing it to lie within a perfect balance of all possible beliefs, factions, and practices. Bearers of the oath are further distinguished by the way they blend divine mysticism with arcane technique, as the Oath of Detachment reverences arcana as a neutral power with no regard for passion or belief. These paladins are most often called impartialists, knight-arcanists, or paramanders. Being merely mortal, such warriors cannot do literal battle with the very forces of cosmic ethics. However, it is common for such to target monsters they see as the physical incarnations of extremity. Dragons and giants especially earn their ire for how their disproportionate strength and violent tendencies can unduly impact the surrounding world. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Tenets of Detachment ___ The Oath of Detachment may be sworn by
servants of arcane gods, pantheons of
knowledge, or secret worldly fellowships. ***Uphold the Balance.*** Distance yourself
from all extremes and the strife inherent to
such division. The world is what it is, and
each player has their part. ***Moderate Your Passion.*** Intense emotion
is the birthplace of the conflicts you seek to
quell. As in all things, be sober and employ
your mind over your heart. ***Seek After Truth.*** Of all things that are,
truth is the greatest of all. Treasure pure knowledge
in all its forms. ***Guide the Lost.*** Though you conquer imbalance,
you sow only sectarianism if you forget to aid to those
without your insight. Respect those who do not under-
stand the virtues of balance. Your companionship will
turn them to your cause. #### Oath Spells ___ You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Detachment Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *detect magic*, *identify* | | 5th | *blur*, *calm emotions* | | 9th | *clairvoyance*, *magic circle* | | 13th | *banishment*, *elemental bane*^XGE^ | | 17th | *contact other plane*, *legend lore* | #### Channel Divinity When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Consecrated Casting.*** You can use your Channel Divinity to tap into a well of arcane power. Choose a spell of 1st-level or higher from the wizard spell list. You cast the spell, expending an appropriate spell slot. The spell you choose must be of a level you are capable of casting, and it must be cast using an action or bonus action. ***Turn the Extreme.*** As an action, you use your Channel Divinity to speak an ancient word of power rebuking cosmic imbalance. Each dragon or giant within 30 feet of you that can hear you must make a Wisdom saving throw. A creature that fails the saving throw is turned for 1 minute or until it takes damage. A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can't willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It also can't take reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. If there's nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge action. \columnbreak
> ##### Neutrality Versus Everything Else > Inspired by the Paramander class introduced in Dragon #106, the Oath of Detachment is sworn by paladins dedicated to supporting pure neutrality against everything else. Such paladins may thus prefer to be aloof from the clashes between evil, good, chaos, and law. This is reflected in the class's original features, including detection of and bonus damage against creatures that weren't neutral. > > For players and DMs interested in similar and other mechanics to further the theme of this Sacred Oath, the following optional features can be included as part of the Oath of Detachment when it's taken or as part of the paladin's progression starting from 1st level: > > #### Arcanist > You can use an arcane focus (see the Adventuring Gear section of the *Player's Handbook*) as a spellcasting focus for your paladin spells. > > #### Detect Imbalance > When you use your Divine Sense, you detect the presence of dragons, giants, and undead instead of celestials, fiends, and undead. > > #### Smite the Radical > The bite of your blows is focused not on the unholy, but on the extreme. When you use your Divine Smite, you inflict an extra 1d8 radiant damage against dragons and giants instead of fiends and undead.
#### Aura of Temperance By 7th level, you emanate moderation and balance. Critical hits inflicted against friendly creatures within 10 feet of you are resolved as normal hits while you are conscious. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Without Opinion At 15th level, your mind becomes further removed from the world and its quarrels, and your ambivalence is inscrutable. You are immune to any effect that would sense your emotions or read your thoughts, and you can't be targeted by divination magic that you don't choose to be affected by. Wisdom (Insight) checks to ascertain your intentions or sincerity are made at disadvantage. You also gain proficiency in Intelligence saving throws, and your alignment can't be changed by magic unless you allow it. #### Impose Compromise At 20th level, you can use an action to enforce your will for dispassionate balance upon the rest of the world. For 1 minute, you gain the following benefits: - Whenever a creature damages you, you can use a reaction to take half as much damage and cause the creature to lose the same number of hit points. - When you miss with an attack, you still inflict half as much damage as you would've had you hit. - If you would make an ability check, attack roll, or saving throw at disadvantage, you instead make the roll normally. - If a creature would make an ability check, attack roll, or saving throw against you at advantage, it instead makes the roll normally. - You gain the benefits of the *true seeing* spell. You can use this feature once and regain its use after finishing a long rest.
> ##### Variant Oathbreaker: Paremandyrs > The distant manner of impartialists and paramanders can occasionally disquiet allies and acquaintances, as such total aloofness is at least somewhat unusual to many humanoid cultures. Still, in preferring moderation over extremity, these paladins usually find ways to get along with their peers well enough, even those that exceed them for emotion, passion, or zeal. > > However, there are cases in which warriors of this oath experience a paradox of thought blending commitment to cosmic balance with drastic overzealousness. Having shifted from simply detached to completely unhinged, these rogue paladins—called **Paremandyrs**—try to "fix" the world by destroying anything and anyone that fails to totally conform to their conception of neutrality. > > DMs can create a Paremandyr as a villainous or otherwise adversarial NPC using the Oath of Detachment, as Paremandyrs have the same features and abilities. As a simpler alternative, the **Blackguard** (*Volo's Guide to Monsters*, p.211) can be used with the following changes: it can also cast *blur*, *calm emotions*, *clairvoyance*, and *detect magic*; it can be chaotic neutral instead of an evil alignment, and Dreadful Aspect is replaced with Consecrated Casting. \columnbreak ### Quirks of Detachment As part of their aloof committment to cosmic balance, some paladins of Detachment practice distinctive habits as an outward means of reminding themselves of their oath. Others manifest traits—whether behavioral or physical—more reflexively, their minds and bodies using such quirks to cope with the mental and emotional rigor of total detachment. | Roll | Trait | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | When faced with a moral quandary, you universally prefer dissembling over discussion. | | 2 | Your most prized possession is a spellbook you swear was signed by Mordenkainen himself. | | 3 | Your favorite meals are both sweet and sour. | | 4 | Your eyes are each a different, opposing color, such as blue and orange or green and red. | | 5 | You watch people argue with each other as a pastime. | | 6 | You struggle to commit yourself to almost anything. | | 7 | You've dyed your hair an unnatural shade, and you rotate its hue through the color wheel like clockwork. | | 8 | You are perfectly ambidextrous. | | 9 | Being either the tallest or the shortest person in the room makes you feel nervous. | | 10 | Seeing arcane magic mesmerizes you so completely that it is somewhat embarrassing for you or others. | ### Oath of Enlightenment HOW MANY PEOPLE HERE HAVE TELEKINETIC
*powers? Raise my hand.* —Emo Philips
The Oath of Enlightenment is a sacred vow of self-development sworn by servants of psychic gods and orders of mystic practitioners. Called mindswords, these paladins blend their divine magics with rigorous self-discipline to hone psionic power. Through strict adherence to ascetic living and ponderous meditation, mindswords unlock the hidden powers of the mind, bolstering the strength of their will and the might of their flesh. #### Tenets of Enlightenment The Oath of Enlightenment rejects the rest of the world, preferring to find might and right in personal development. ***Discipline.*** The mind is stronger than the body. Tame all your appetites, for they can only debase you. ***Dispassion.*** The psyche is wiser than the heart. Temper all your passions, for they can only mislead you. ***Detachment.*** The will is mightier than the world. Refrain from deep personal connections, for they can only limit you. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Enlightenment Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *command*, *comprehend languages* | | 5th | *detect thoughts*, *enhance ability* | | 9th | *dispel magic*, *sending* | | 13th | *confusion*, *locate creature* | | 17th | *modify memory*, *telekinesis* | #### Channel Divinity When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Mind Over Matter.*** You can augment your body with the might of your mind. When you would fail a saving throw to maintain concentration on a paladin spell, you can use your Channel Divinity as a reaction to succeed instead. ***Phantom Smite.*** You can use your Channel Divinity as a bonus action to begin channeling psionic energy to transcend physical limitations. For 1 minute, your reach increases by 5 feet, and when you damage a creature with a weapon attack or with your Divine Smite or Improved Divine Smite features, you can choose to inflict psychic damage instead of the normal damage type. Also, when you make a melee attack while under this effect, you ignore half and cover and three-quarters cover. You can end this effect on your turn (no action required), and it ends early if you are unconscious. \columnbreak
#### Aura of Clairvoyance Starting at 7th level, you can envision those around you by sensing their errant thoughts, recreating your surroundings within your own mind. While you are conscious, you are aware of the exact location of any creature within 10 feet of you that has an Intelligence score of 4 or higher, as if you could directly see it. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. #### Alien Endurance Beginning at 15th level, you can stimulate your physical resilience through pure willpower when threatened. When you take damage, you can use your reaction to gain resistance to that instance of damage. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a short or long rest. #### Paranormal Ascendancy At 20th level, you can use your mastery of psionics to unlock the most potent capacity of your mind as an action. You gain the following benefits for 1 minute: - You are immune to psychic damage and can't be charmed. - You gain a flying (hover) speed of 30 feet. - You can cast your paladin spells without any components, as long as they don't have a listed cost. - You have advantage on saving throws to maintain concentration on a paladin spell you cast. - You can cast the spell *psychic scream*^XGE^ once without requiring a spell slot or any components. After using this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Enlightening Meditations Mental discipline is paramount to a mindsword's power, and for most that is best cultivated through careful, deliberate meditation. Your paladin's meditative technique may be a reflection of their personal tastes or of the inherited teachings of a mystic order they are part of. Consider some of the ideas from the following table, or make up your own meditative technique for your paladin. | Roll | Meditative Technique | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | You've mastered a technique to meditate while balanced upon only your head. | | 2 | Waterfalls. You always want to sit under waterfalls. | | 3 | Rather than meditate by sitting, you like to foster contemplation and self-control through all-day fasts. | | 4 | You plug your ears and blindfold yourself while meditating. Isolation helps you focus. | | 5 | When you meditate, you do not breathe, relying on careful mental control of your body's functions to survive without air for minutes, even hours. | | 6 | You carefully shave your head as part of a daily meditative ritual. | ### Oath of Freshness 'REDOING MY MAKEUP AFTER A BATTLE IS SUCH
*a hassle.' 'You wear makeup? I woke up like this.'* —Nintendo, *Splatoon*
Being in style isn't just a fashion statement—it's a way of life! By taking on the Oath of Freshness, you have vowed to not only look your best, but to moreover always *be* your best. By so doing, you become a paragon of fun and laughter, the star of every show. With color and music as your primary tools and a good weapon to keep your rhythm, you're sure to light up the world around you and make it look as good as you feel inside. Smile for the crowd, superstar! The spotlight's on you! #### Tenets of Freshness Some paladins of Freshness swear before the altars of deities of music and light, while others make their vows to audiences and performance partners.
> ##### Optional Variant: Dancing Defense > Some paladins that swear the Oath of Freshness might decide to eschew traditional armor, instead relying on pure charm and agile performance for protection. Interested DMs and players can choose to include the following optional feature as part of the Oath of Freshness when it's taken or as part of the paladin's progression starting from 1st level: > > #### Shield of Stardom > While you are wearing no armor, your AC equals 12 + your Charisma modifier. You can use a shield and still gain this benefit. \columnbreak ***Stay Fresh.*** A good look is a good feeling, so always stay on top of what's new, what's cool, and make sure you are too. ***Be Fresh.*** But a good look is nothing without a good heart, so live to the fullest! Be happy and make others happy too. ***No Worries.*** There's more to life than troubles and cares. Remember to take time to relax and focus on what's fun. ***No Regrets.*** Sometimes people mess up. Sometimes that's you! But mistakes are of the past, and you live for the future. Leave flaws and fights behind to make the most of now. #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Freshness Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *color spray*, *dissonant whispers* | | 5th | *alter self*, *shatter* | | 9th | *beacon of hope*, *thunder step*^XGE^ | | 13th | *charm monster*, *instant amphitheater*\* | | 17th | *beseech muse*\*, *dream* | \**These spells can be found in Chapter Two* #### Channel Divinity When you take on this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Showstopper.*** If you perform for at least 1 minute, you can use your Channel Divinity to attempt to inspire wonder in your audience by dance, recitation, or song. At the end of the performance, choose a number of humanoids or aquatic beasts within 60 feet of you who watched and listened to all of it, up to a number equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be charmed by you. While charmed in this way, the target idolizes you, and it speaks glowingly of you to anyone who talks to it. This effect ends on a target after 1 hour, if it takes any damage, if you attack it, or if it witnesses you attacking or damaging any of its allies. A target has no hint that you tried to charm it. ***Splat!*** When you hit a creature with an attack, you can create an explosion of color as a bonus action, using your Channel Divinity. Each creature within 5 feet of the target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or be blinded until the end of its next turn. Also, surfaces within 5 feet of the original target are splattered with ink in the color of your choice and become difficult terrain for hostile creatures. The ink lasts for 1 minute, after which it dries and loses its effect. #### Aura of Freshness By 7th level, your ability to boogie can't be beat. Opportunity attacks against you and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you are made at disadvantage while you are conscious. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. #### Sick Beats By 15th level, you're practically made of music. You are immune to the deafened condition and have resistance against thunder damage. You also have advantage on ability checks to notice, listen to, and identify all music. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Calamari Inkantation At 20th level, you can use an action to begin singing a truly heavenly song, reaching the hearts of all who hear. You gain the following benefits for 1 minute: - A hostile creature that can hear you and starts its turn within 30 feet of you or moves to a point within 30 feet of you for the first time on a turn must immediately expend all of its remaining movement to dance without leaving its space. An affected creature can make a Wisdom saving throw against your paladin spell save DC at the end of each of its turns. If it fails the saving throw by five or more, it also has disadvantage on attack rolls until the end of its next turn. On a success, it becomes immune to this effect for 24 hours. - No effect can make you inaudible to any creature you can see unless you allow it. - You and friendly creatures within 30 feet of you are immune to the charmed condition. Once you take this action, you must finish a long rest before you can do so again.
### Fresh Looks Being fresh inside and out takes a lot of effort! As a paladin bearing the Oath of Freshness, you've likely put in considerable time to cultivate a maximally fresh look that will keep you in style all season long. The following table includes some suggestions for what clothing or tylings that look might entail, and you can also use it as inspiration to create your own fresh look. | Roll | Fresh Look | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | White hats with big black bows are *so* in this year. | | 2 | Yellow is a warm, inviting color, so you've adorned all your armor and clothing with ribbons and flowers. | | 3 | Big, black, funky boots. You'll wear them through the Nine Hells and through high water. | | 4 | If makeup didn't exist in this world before, you've invented it. | | 5 | A polished, white crown is perfect for projecting your sense of royal confidence. | | 6 | You've dyed your hair a vibrant black and keep it nice and long—all the better to style and restyle daily! | ### Oath of Healing I WILL USE TREATMENT TO HELP THE SICK
*according to my ability and judgment…[never] will I admin-
ister a poison to anybody when asked to do so, nor will I suggest such a course… Into whatsoever houses I enter, I will enter to help the sick… Now if I carry out this oath, and break it not, may I gain forever reputation among all men for my life and for my art; but if I break it and forswear myself, may the opposite befall me.* —The Hippocratic Oath \columnbreak
The Oath of Healing holds a paladin to a path of remedy and purity, sworn to rid the world of disease and other ills. In joining martial technique with medicine and remedy, these paladins are battlefield doctors and miracle workers alike. Whether called upon suddenly to quell an epidemic or in perpetual service in the endless war against disease, they are often as grim in manner as the inevitable death they choose to fight against. Called plague knights and hospitaliers, such paladins can be counted on to heal ills and smite impurity, healing the world one patient—or disease—at a time. #### Tenets of Healing Often sworn as the paladin stands before a cleansing fire, it is traditional for one to write the tenets of the Oath of Healing upon parchment and then hold it out to burn in the flame. ***Treat the Afflicted.*** Disease is no respector of persons, and in your role as healer, neither are you. Make your remedies and ministrations free to all who are in need. ***Cleanse Impurity.*** You possess understanding of vectors and illness, so it is your charge to stop diseases at the source when you find it. ***Mourn in Tragedy.*** When a patient's war on death is finally at an end, join in sorrow with the others that are left behind. #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Healing Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *false life*, *sleep* | | 5th | *lesser restoration*, *protection from poison* | | 9th | *feign death*, *revivify* | | 13th | *aura of life*, *fire shield* | | 17th | *greater restoration*, *mass cure wounds* | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Channel Divinity When you choose this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Panacea.*** Over the course of 10 minutes and using an herbalism kit, you can use your Channel Divinity to synthesize one bottle of a miraculous healing draught called a panacea. A creature that drinks the panacea as an action regains a number of hit points equal to your paladin level + your Charisma modifier, and it is healed of one effect of its choice causing it to be blinded, deafened, diseased, paralyzed, or poisoned. Any panacea you have created loses its potency when you make another one or when you finish a long rest. ***Sterilize.*** As a reaction when a creature other than you that you can see within 60 feet of you is damaged, you can use your Channel Divinity to purify the wound with radiant fire. The damage is reduced by 1d10 + your Charisma modifier (minimum 1), and it has advantage on saving throws against disease and poison until the start of its next turn. Also, each hostile creature within 5 feet of it must make a Dexterity saving throw, taking radiant damage equal to the damage prevented, or half as much on a successful save. #### Aura of Healing Beginning at 7th level, you overflow with purifying energy. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you gain resistance to poison damage and can't be poisoned or contract disease while you are conscious. At 18th level, the range of this ability increases to 30 feet. #### A Pound of Cure At 15th level, your treatments improve. When a creature regains hit points through a paladin spell you cast or one of your paladin class features, it also gains temporary hit points equal to the hit points regained, up to a maximum equal to your paladin level. These temporary hit points last until the start of your next turn. Also, when you cast a spell that would restore a creature to life (but not undeath), you can use a material component valued at half the normal cost. #### Miracle Worker At 20th level, you can use an action to physically manifest your will for purity, transforming into a thing of searing radiance. All diseases and poisons within 30 feet of you are nullified, and you gain the following benefits for 1 minute: - At the end of each of your turns, you and friendly creatures within 30 feet of you regain 10 hit points. - You are immune to poison damage and have resistance to nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. - Using your Sterilize feature doesn't expend a use of your Channel Divinity. After taking this action, you must finish a long rest before you can do so again.
### Healer's Arts Medicine is a tradition as old as mortals, and the variety of manners and practices of the healing arts is innumerable. Consider what kind of healer your hospitalier is. Does your paladin focus on faith-healing, using divine magic to \columnbreak formulate a panacea? Do they rely on medical science, wielding serious research or education? The following table has a few ideas, and feel free to come up with your own. | Roll | Healer's Art | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | Your traditional herbal medicine is looked down upon by some of your contemporaries, but you find it more reliable than "modern" leeching. | | 2 | You were educated in a cosmopolitan medical college and find yourself constantly teaching those around you about modern discoveries in health. | | 3 | Lacking education and with zeal as your only tool, your panaceas and treatments are pure miracles. | | 4 | You hold that comfort and emotional healing are as important as any surgery. Medicine is your work, but bedside manner is our passion. | ### Oath of Liberty 'I'M HERE TO FIGHT FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE AND
*the American way.*' *'You're gonna end up fighting every elected official in this country!'* —Superman and Lois Lane, *Superman (1978)*
The Oath of Liberty is a noble vow by a paladin to uphold and defend democracy as the truest and most just form of government. For these warriors, tyranny and totalitarianism are the greatest enemies and enfranchisement and referendum their highest ideals. Such paladins—called eagle knights and freedom fighters—are the first to raise a shield in defense of the rights of common people, as well as the foremost to lift a weapon to smite the oppressor. #### Tenets of Liberty Traditionally, the tenets of the Oath of Liberty are determined by the vote of a summit of its bearers, and the following themes are commonly agreed upon. ***Of the People.*** A society's people have the solemn right to rule themselves. Therefore, leaders and representatives must be of the populace. ***By the People.*** The power of governance should come from the people. Decisions are made by their vote and voice. ***For the People.*** Government is meant to serve those it is empowered by. An oppressive rule is no rightful rule at all. #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Liberty Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *comprehend languages*, *sanctuary* | | 5th | *calm emotions*, *zone of truth* | | 9th | *haste*, *sending* | | 13th | *freedom of movement*, *stoneskin* | | 17th | *hallow*, *telepathic bond* | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Channel Divinity Starting at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Power to the People.*** You can use your Channel Divinity as a bonus action to inspire others with hope to rise against their oppressors. Any friendly creature other than yourself that is within 30 feet of you and can hear you can use its reaction to stand if it is prone or to attempt to escape a grapple if it is grappled. ***Voice of the People.*** As an action, you use your Channel Divinity to call on the strengths and rights of the people surrounding you. Any friendly creature within 30 feet of you that can hear you and can speak can use its reaction to join your cry. Any hostile creature within 30 feet of a creature that participates in the cry must make a Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, it is charmed by you and each creature that joined the cry until the end of your next turn as it is overcome by the virtue of your cause. #### Aura of Liberty Starting at 7th level, no tyrant or oppressor can make you kneel. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you can't be forced prone by hostile creatures while you are conscious. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. #### Universal Suffrage Beginning at 15th level, your conviction that all have an equal right to life and liberty pulls down those who would claim unjust advantage. You can attempt to grapple or shove a creature regardless of its size. \columnbreak #### Beacon of Freedom At 20th level, you become a light of liberty to all nations and peoples. As an action, you can undergo a transformation, gaining stone-like skin and a burning radiance. You gain the following benefits for 1 minute: - Bright light shines from you in a 30-foot radius, and dim light shines 30 feet beyond that. - The ranges of your Aura of Protection, Aura of Courage, and Aura of Liberty features increase to 60 feet. - Attacks made by you and friendly creatures within 60 feet of you inflict extra fire damage equal to the number of friendly creatures within 60 feet of you, up to a maximum of 10 fire damage. - You gain resistance against bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage and immunity to poison damage and the poisoned condition. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.
### Emblems of Liberty Freedom fighters often unify themselves with each other and with others who rally for the cause of liberty by using emblems to represent their democratic ideals. What represents your yearning for freedom? It could be a creature, a tool, or even a shape. Consider some of the following suggestions, or create an emblem of your own. | Roll | Emblem of Liberty | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | The sword represents the hard-fought battles and the good blood shed in the name of obtaining liberty. | | 2 | The eagle and its flight represent the freedom you and your cohorts seek to obtain. | | 3 | The hoe is a symbol of the common people, the laborers, who form the true heart of the people. | | 4 | The unicorn is a symbol of purity, emblematic of the virtuous cause of democracy. | | 5 | The circle conveys unity, as its unbroken shape represents the interconnectedness of all people. | | 6 | The shield is a symbol of protection without oppression, and of government *for* the people. | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Oath of Power MOST HEROES SHOW SIGNS OF GREATNESS EVEN
*as children. Many of them claim that their bodies simply moved before they could think!* —Kōhei Horikoshi, *My Hero Academia*
For many mortals, power is a means of control and a resource for rule. You, however, have been granted power for the purpose of providing it to others again. Your strength is a gift you use to become a living symbol of hope that brings peace to others' hearts and power into their lives. Lead the way, and rise up against those evil forces that would threaten the realm or oppress the commoner. You have the power! #### Tenets of Power Whether you received your gift from a precursor people, god, magical artifact, or the mystic locus of a people in need, this oath obligates you to honorable living and heroic deeds. ***Righteous Cause.*** Your power is a privilege, not a right. It should be wielded to safeguard, save, and serve. ***Brave Conduct.*** Fear is the enemy that will make you hold back. Be brave; step forward. You are the hero people need! ***Living Inspiration.*** More than a rescuer, a hero is an ideal. Be an example and inspiration to those who need one most. #### Oath Spells ___ You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Power Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *heroism*, *jump* | | 5th | *calm emotions*, *magic weapon* | | 9th | *beacon of hope*, *call lightning* | | 13th | *find greater steed*^XGE^, *freedom of movement* | | 17th | *awaken*, *commune* | ___ #### Channel Divinity ___ When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***For the Honor.*** Using your Channel Divinity as an action, you draw a weapon and transform into a heroic icon, unleashing fabulous secret powers. You grow until you are eight feet tall, and your equipment grows with you; your size becomes Medium, unless you were larger. Dim light is shed from you in a 30-foot radius. While transformed in this way, you automatically succeed on Charisma checks made to conceal your identity, and you add your Charisma modifier to Strength ability checks and to the damage rolls of weapon attacks you make using Strength (minimum +1). If the weapon you drew is not already magical, it becomes magical for the duration of your transformation. This transformation lasts for 1 minute or until you end it as a bonus action or fall unconscious. ***The Power Returns.*** You can quell the fabulous secret powers you hold and adopt more unassuming mannerisms as an action, using your Channel Divinity. For 1 hour, you add your Charisma modifier to your Dexterity (Stealth) checks (minimum +1). #### Aura of Hope Beginning at 7th level, your invigorating presence propels your cause forward. While you are conscious, you and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you add your Charisma modifier to initiative checks (minimum +1). At 18th level, the range of this aura increses to 30 feet. #### Hero of Light Starting at 15th level, your unconquerable spirit dispels all shadows and despair. When you succeed on a saving throw while under the effects of For the Honor, friendly creatures within the light you shed gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier, and hostile creatures within the light take lightning or radiant damage (your choice) equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). #### Master of the Universe At 20th level, you can use your action to become the most powerful mortal in the universe. For 1 minute, you gain the effects of For the Honor, along with the following benefits: - You grow until you are ten feet tall, and your equipment grows with you; your size becomes Large, unless you were larger. Your reach and walking speed double. - You shed bright light in a 30-foot radius and dim light 30 feet beyond that. - Each of your ability scores becomes 22, unless it was already higher. After taking this action, you must finish a long rest before you can do so again.
### Persona of Power With your heroic transformation as a paladin bearing the Oath of Power comes the opportunity to cultivate a persona of power to idealize and encapsulate your heroic cause. Some of the greatest heroes live forever because what they represent lives beyond their physical deeds. A few ideas for such personas are presented in the following table, and you might also use these as inspiration to create your own. | Roll | Persona of Power | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | You fashion your persona after a mundane animal, such as owls or praying mantises. | | 2 | You call yourself the Icon of Amity, dedicated to making the world safer for everyone. | | 3 | While your persona is brash and confident, as yourself you tend to be shy and bumbling. | | 4 | Although your persona used to be a secret to everyone, you recently chose to reveal to the world your true identity. | | 5 | You've somehow gotten away with the audacious claim that your heroic persona is an identical twin. | | 6 | Instead of maintaining a singular persona, you invent a new heroic identity every time you transform. | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Oath of Society RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: THESE ARE THE
*ties that bind us. We do what we do, because of who we are. If we did otherwise, we would not be ourselves. I will do what I have to do. And I will do what I must.* —Neil Gaiman, *The Sandman: Book of Dreams*
Sometimes called lawgivers, lyans, or knight-pioneers, paladins who swear the Oath of Society believe order is the correct state of all things: without rules, society crumbles, and all life becomes nasty, brutish, and short; without the city or town, existence is uncomfortable and stagnates. Thus, chaos is more than distasteful—it is an existential threat. Distinguished by their advocacy of civilization as a symbol of law and order, many bearers of the Oath of Society can be found in the ranks of pioneers and trailblazers, laboring to tame the wilderness they perceive as disorder incarnate. Paladins who swear this oath are loyal and duteous, with an unyielding focus on their worship and to smiting chaos. As such, they tend to be severe, even taciturn, in disposition. Nevertheless, they are no less unfailing in their dedication to hunting and striking down the forces of chaos everywhere. #### Tenets of Society No matter where or when the Oath of Society is sworn, its tenets are universal. ***Order.*** Be true to the ideals of law, and yield to legitimate authority. Strike down chaos where it stands. Act with consistency, and be disciplined in your conduct. ***Decorum.*** Remember the structure and laws of polity. Be courteous, but serious and professional in your manner. Defer to authority and respect subordinates as appropriate to your respective stations. Do not be over-friendly or fond. ***Civilization.*** Respect and honor the town, the barony, the kingdom, the empire. These institutions form the foundation of and are the hope for all meaningful life. ***Responsibility.*** Do not be disorderly in your own conduct. Perform your duties to the highest letter of the law, and abide by the code of your oath and obligations. #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Society Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *guiding bolt*, *sanctuary* | | 5th | *fair weather*\*, *hold person* | | 9th | *beacon of hope*, *protection from energy* | | 13th | *compulsion*, *Otiluke's resilient sphere* | | 17th | *commune with civilization*\*, *hallow* | ___ \**These spells can be found in Chapter Two* \columnbreak > ##### Law Versus Chaos > Inspired by the Lyan class introduced in *Dragon* #106, a paladin that takes the Oath of Society struggles in behalf of law against chaos, and thus thematically may often be unconcerned, even flippant, with the conflicts of good and evil. > > For players and DMs interested in more fully reflecting the oath's theme within its mechanics, the following optional features can be included as part of Sacred Oath when it's taken or as part of the paladin's progression starting from 1st level: > > #### Detect Chaos > When you use your Divine Sense, you detect the presence of aberrations, celestials, and fey instead of celestials, fiends, and undead. > #### Scourge the Chaotic > The bite of your blows is focused not on the unholy, but on the lawless. When you use your Divine Smite, you inflict an extra 1d8 radiant damage against aberrations and fey instead of fiends and undead.
#### Channel Divinity When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Blessed Settlement.*** With your Channel Divinity, you sanctify a space against the wilderness' chaos and encroachment. As an action, you speak an incantation to bless a circular area within a 15-foot radius centered on a point you touch, the edge of which is visibly marked by a faintly glowing silver-colored line. While within the blessed space, you and friendly creatures can add extra radiant damage equal to your Charisma modifier to the damage of an attack once per turn (minimum of 1). The area is also difficult terrain for hostile creatures. This effect lasts for 1 minute. Additionally, you are magically made aware if any hostile creature is within the radius or enters the radius. You do not automatically know where they are or how many there are. If you are sleeping at the time, you are magically awoken and may use a reaction to stand. This effect lasts for 8 hours or until you leave the blessed space. ***Turn the Unlawful.*** As an action, you can utter a prayer that is painful to creatures of chaos. You display your holy symbol and speak your condemnatory prayer, using your Channel Divinity. Each aberration, demon, or fey that can see or hear you within 30 feet of you must make a Wisdom saving throw. If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes damage. A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge action. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Aura of Clarity By 7th level, your presence dispels confusion and disarray. While you are conscious, you and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you are immune to being blinded, deafened, or affected by the *confusion* spell or effects similar to it. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. #### Lawman's Vigor Beginning at 15th level, the divine essence of your magics can shore up your own frame. Whenever you cast a paladin spell, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier plus the level of the spell (minimum of 1). Additionally, you have advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) checks made to interact with people involved in government and law, such as bureaucrats, constabulary, judges, or royalty. #### Pillar of Society At 20th level, you can use an action to become an inspiring avatar of cosmic law whose steps claim the earth for civilization. For 1 minute, your body looks as if it burns with a holy fire, and you gain the following benefits: - Whenever you or a friendly creature within 30 feet of you hits with an attack, it inflicts an extra 1d6 radiant damage. - Each hostile creature within 30 feet of you must subtract 1d6 from any ability check or attack roll it makes. - You have advantage on saving throws against spells cast by aberrations and fey. Alternatively, you can cast the spell *mighty fortress*^XGE^
once without requiring a spell slot or material components.
When you cast *mighty fortress* in this way, the fortress you \columnbreak conjure is affected by your Blessed Settlement feature for as
long as it lasts. Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest. ### Edificial Hierarchy The Oath of Society is inspired by the Lyan class presented in *Dragon* #106, in which it is described as the clergy of the Edificial Church, a faith dedicated to a deity known only as the arbiter. As appropriate to the campaign, setting, Dungeon Master, and players, you might consider incorporating this into the lore of the Oath of Society, considering their order to be the Edificial clergy. For ideas on how to structure this clergy, consider the following table as one example of how to arrange an Edificial Clergy. | Office | Description | |:---:|:-----------| | Grand Hierophant | The grand hierophant is chief of the knightly order and presides over all the clergy from the central See of the faith. | | Hierophant | A hierophant oversees the activities of prelates and their Sees and represents the Grand Hierophant. | | Prelate | A prelate presides over a See, a collection of a few or several parishes of the faith. | | Pastor | A deacon that advances in their training may be made a pastor, given responsibility over a chapel and parish. | | Deacon | A knighted member who is authorized to minister on behalf of the faith. | | Squire | An apprentice in training to become a fully-fledged knight and swear the Oath of Society. | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Oath of Strangers I BELIEVE THAT TO HAVE A FRIEND, A MAN MUST BE
*one. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. That God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself. In being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right. That a man should make the most of what equipment he has.* —Fran Striker, The Lone Ranger Creed
While most think of paladins as knightly and iconic, even unhidden or obvious, the chivalrous mavericks who swear the Oath of Strangers are a different sort. At home on the road and masterful with their black powder artillery, these warriors favor a life of modesty, if not anonymity, and uphold the common man's honesty and the loyal friend's sidearm as their ideals. In yearning to uphold righteousness and justice in their lawless frontier homes, few hesitate to step in when needed to rescue the helpless or thwart the wicked. Called musketeers, pistoleros, and white hats, these paladins wield firearms as a champion's sword and listen to pounding gunfire as their victory hymn. #### Tenets of Strangers Traditionally, the tenets of the Oath of Strangers are only written down on the hearts of those who mind them. ***Brotherly.*** Your friend eats and lives before you do. Watch over your own, and be true to them at all times. ***Candid.*** Save your breath for breathing. Keep your prom-ises, and make every word out of your mouth an honest one. ***Modest.*** You're all guts and no gurgle. Save stories for when folks ask. Share your experiences, not tall tales. ***Moral.*** Walking the hard path is virtue. Don't yield to what's wrong for anything. You don't fight because it's easy or fun. ***Pleasant.*** It doesn't matter if it's the best or worst day of your life. Retain tact and keep cheer. Only quitters complain. #### Oath Spells ___ You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Strangers Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *cause fear*^XGE^, *guiding bolt* | | 5th | *Nystul's magic aura*, *silence* | | 9th | *catnap*^XGE^, *conjure barrage* | | 13th | *charm monster*^XGE^, *freedom of movement* | | 17th | *conjure volley*, *swift quiver* | #### Channel Divinity When you choose this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Divine Snipe.*** Your righteous fervor burns hotter than even black powder. As an action, you use your Channel Divinity to conjure into your free hands a number of magical bullets equal to 2 x your Charisma modifier (minimum of 2) and a \columnbreak sacred weapon which takes the form of either a musket or a pistol with which you are proficient (your choice), as described on page 268 of the *Dungeon Master's Guide*. As an action, you can make a special ranged weapon attack made using a firearm with one of these bullets. On a hit, the attack inflicts extra radiant damage equal to the weapon's damage die, and it can benefit from your Divine Smite and Improved Divine Smite features. The bullet then dissipates in a flash of holy light. When you no longer have any of this ammunition, use this Channel Divinity option again, or finish a short or long rest, the sacred weapon and bullets vanish. ***Trickshot.*** When you hit with a ranged attack made using a weapon that has the loading property, you can use your Channel Divinity to perform an exceptional maneuver. The target experiences one of the following effects of your choice: - **Disarming Shot.** The target must succeed on a Strength saving throw or drop 1 item it is holding of your choice. - **Gutshot.** The target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or be poisoned until the end of its next turn. - **Frightful Shot.** The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or use its reaction to move as far as its movement speed allows directly away from you. - **Tripshot.** The target must succeed on a Dexterity saving throw or be knocked prone. - **Scoot Unattended Object.** If the target is a tiny object that is not being worn or carried, it moves up to 20 feet in any direction of your choice. Otherwise, the trickshot fails. #### Grit Starting at 7th level, your quiet charm and serendipitous daring put you in the perfect position to make a comeback. When you have no uses left of your Channel Divinity feature, you regain 1 use of it when you score a critical hit or reduce a creature to 0 hit points. You can use this feature twice, and you regain all expended uses whenever you finish a short or long rest. #### Quickdraw By 15th level, no one moves faster than your quick reflexes. You can't be surprised while you're conscious, and you add your Charisma modifier to initiative checks (minimum 1). #### The Mysterious Stranger At 20th level, you can become an anonymous avatar of frontier justice, sworn to bring order to chaos and evil to heel. As an action, you gain the following benefits for 1 minute: - You ignore the loading property of a sacred weapon conjured using your Divine Snipe, and you can make the special ranged weapon attack using it as an attack instead of as an action. - You can use Divine Snipe as a bonus action, and using Divine Snipe or Trickshot doesn't expend a use of your Channel Divinity. - You are invisible to any hostile creature until you attack it, cast a spell on it, or otherwise harm it, at which point you become visible to that creature. You must finish a long rest before you can do this again. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Strange Quirks The unique path of the Oath of Strangers can leave a mark on those who walk it. Consider choosing from or rolling on the following table to pick a unique quirk for your character, or use it as inspiration to create your own. | Roll | Trait | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | You have trouble sleeping without a weapon in hand. | | 2 | You're usually the last person to fall asleep at night, as well as the first one to wake up in the morning. | | 3 | You have a knack for wearing a hat *just right* so that it casts a shadow across only your eyes. | | 4 | You'll die before you tell a lie, and you'll kill before you listen to one. | | 5 | The sacred weapon you conjure looks different each time you summon it (or it looks the same). | | 6 | You speak with a charming accent none of your companions have ever heard before. | | 7 | You're frugal almost to the point of ascetism. | | 8 | You can count the number of people who know your real name on one hand. You try to keep it that way. | | 9 | Your hat goes wherever you go—no exceptions. | | 10 | You learned your combat skills from the wrong crowd. You hope no "old friends" ever recognize you. | | 11 | Whenever you get either antsy or cocky, you have a habit of whirling a weapon around in your hand. | | 12 | For you, nothing makes a meal richer or a drink sweeter than hearing or sharing a true story. | ### Oath of the Directive IF YOU WERE TO INSIST I WAS A ROBOT, YOU MIGHT
*not consider me capable of love in some mystic human sense, but you would not be able to distinguish my reactions from that which you would call love—so what difference would
it make?* —Isaac Asimov, *Foundation's Edge*
At the center of the Oath of the Directive is this principle: heroes are made, not born. Paladins that bear this oath are called mechaknights and android masters, and they live up to the name. Some are visibly mechanical marvels, pistons primed and forged together. Others are more akin to miracles, wrought in perfect similitude to life itself excepting a clockwork heart or a brain of gears and parchment code. They are built for a variety of purposes, but all are unified by both their make and manner: artificial life dedicated to fulfilling the righteous directives assigned by their creators. #### Tenets of the Directive The tenets of the Directive, also known as the Automaton Principles, are central to the code of every android master. The tenets are listed in descending order of importance, demonstrating which are prioritized if ever they conflict. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
***True to the Maker.*** I will be loyal to they whom created me and heed their instruction. In their absence, I act in accordance with my understanding of what they would want. ***Fair to the Stranger.*** I will avoid undue harm to other sentient lifeforms inasmuch as I am able to do so while still meaningfully pursuing my directive. ***One With My Purpose.*** I will preserve my own existence according to my ability, unless my loss is necessary to the directive's success. Otherwise, I would doom it to failure. ***Thought to All Conduct.*** I will be rational and logical in all my conduct. Mistakes are acceptable—for no craft can be perfect—but willful misdeeds are not. #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of the Directive Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *shield of faith*, *thunderwave* | | 5th | *scorching ray*, *see invisibility* | | 9th | *feign death*, *protection from energy* | | 13th | *arcane eye*, *divination* | | 17th | *antilife shell*, *wall of force* | #### Channel Divinity Beginning when you choose this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Firewall.*** When you fail a Wisdom, Intelligence, or Charisma saving throw, you can use your Channel Divinity to reroll the save, possibly changing the failure to a success. ***Overclock.*** You can use your Channel Divinity as a bonus action to accelerate your processing ability beyond your normal limits. For 1 minute, or until you are unconscious, your movement speed increases by a number of feet equal to 5 x your Charisma modifier (minimum of 5 feet), and opportunity attacks targeting you are made at disadvantage. When you use this Channel Divinity option and at the start of each of your turns while under its effect, you gain temporary hit points equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). #### Aura of Direction By 7th level, nothing can keep you and your allies from fulfilling your directive. While you are conscious, the movement speeds of you and friendly creatures within
10 feet of you can't be reduced by magic. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. #### Machine Learning Beginning at 15th level, when you miss a creature with a weapon attack, you gain advantage on the next weapon attack you make targeting it within 1 minute. Also, you only need to train for half as long as normal to learn a new language or gain a new tool proficiency. \columnbreak #### True Android At 20th level, you have perfected all your processes as the archetypal automaton. You can enter an overdrive state as an action, gaining the following benefits for 1 minute: - Your walking speed increases by 30 feet, and you can't be targeted with opportunity attacks. - No effect can knock you prone or move you, unless you allow it. - You are immune to being charmed or stunned. - When you take the Attack action, you can make one additional attack as part of the action. After using this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can do so again.
### Directive Corollaries It is common for paladins of the Oath of the Directive to bear unique traits of form or personality incident to their artificial origins. Whether these are features or bugs may well be a personal question. Consider choosing from or rolling on the following table to pick a unique quirk for your character, or use it as inspiration to create your own. | Roll | Directive Corollary | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | Few things are more sacred to you than statistics. | | 2 | You insist to others that you don't sleep. You "enter low power mode." | | 3 | The only thing you remember about your creator is the directive they gave to you. The second-greatest longing of your heart is to someday meet them. | | 4 | Statement: Your verbal communications are generally preceded with relevant descriptions of their nature. | | 5 | The Automaton Principles require that you avoid unnecessary harm to meatbags, but they say nothing about calling them by an accurate name. | | 6 | You're convinced no one can tell you're an automaton or notice your bionic limbs, oil blood, and static hair. | | 7 | Jokes tend to be lost on you. | | 8 | In secret, you fantasize about violating your directive. | | 9 | You consider generalizations of the Automaton Principles obscene (or enlightened). | | 10 | You were built to replace someone your creator lost. | | 11 | You live for technicalities. | | 12 | It was only recently that you learned you weren't fully mortal, and it's still difficult to come to grips with. | @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Oath of Tomorrow THE PRESENT IS THEIRS. THE FUTURE, FOR WHICH
*I really worked, is mine.* —Nikola Tesla
To some, the age of a world is marked by its changes: the advancements and progress made in thought, machinery, and life. The club gives way to the spear, then the sword; crude sorceries and pacts give way to wizardly arcana; and the wandering tribe becomes a village, then a city, then an empire. Society itself grows, shaking off yesterday's norms and tinkering with new ways of existence. Those who swear the oath of tomorrow, known as tomorrowbringers, believe in the virtue of this progress and strive to push the world forward. Be they pure machinists or fiery advocates for social rearrangement, these paladins wield powers from their personal vision of the future as they quest to put an end to the most recent chapter of history. #### Tenets of Tomorrow The tenets of tomorrow are a newly crafted vow, often mutating to better fit the rapidly progressing world tomorrowbringers seek after. ***Effect Change.*** Stagnation is death. Always drive experimentation, new ways of thinking, and cultural progress. ***Pure Reason.*** Mortals should be rational beings. The power of your reason will unlock secrets to greater futures. ***Mortals are Limitless.*** Defy the irrational chains placed upon what mortal civilization can and cannot accomplish. There is a future grandeur just waiting to be achieved. ***Kill the Past.*** The society of the past did not know what you do now. It is a scar reminding mortals of what they thought they couldn't do. Let history die in its cobwebs. \columnbreak #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Tomorrow Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *bane*, *grease* | | 5th | *heat metal*, *locate object* | | 9th | *call lightning*, *tiny servant*^XGE^ | | 13th | *fabricate*, *polymorph* | | 17th | *animate objects*, *reincarnate* | #### Channel Divinity At 3rd level, you gain two Channel Divinity options. ***Empower Invention.*** As a bonus action, you can infuse one melee weapon you hold with electric power, using your Channel Divinity. For 1 minute, the weapon inflicts lightning damage, instead of its normal damage type, and it emits dim light in a 5-foot radius. A creature hit by this weapon can't take reactions until the start of its next turn. You can end this effect on your turn (no action required). If you are no longer holding or carrying this weapon, or if you fall unconscious, this effect ends. ***Stroke of Genius.*** You can use your Channel Divinity as an action to enter a frenzy of miraculous ingenuity. For 10 minutes, if your total for any Intelligence check you make is less than 15, you use 15 in place of the total. #### Aura of Progress Beginning at 7th level, you radiate divine advancement, shielding creatures against stupor and stagnation. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you are immune to being paralyzed while you are conscious. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. #### Electric Feedback Starting at 15th level, when a creature hits you with a melee weapon attack, it takes lightning damage equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1), if you're not incapacitated. #### Avant Guardian By 20th level, your advocacy for progress manifests in your own visage, fusing flesh, magic, and steel. As an action, you can adopt the following traits: - You grow to a Large size, and your equipment grows with you, doubling your reach and quadrupling your weight. - You are immune to poison, psychic, and lightning damage. - You are immune to being charmed, exhausted, petrified, or poisoned, and magic can't put you to sleep. - You are resistant to nonmagical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage inflicted by weapons that are not made of adamantine. - Your melee weapon attacks inflict an additional die of damage and count as magical if they do not already. This effect lasts for 1 minute. After using this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
### Wondrous Inventions Not all tomorrowbringers are crafters and inventors, but some are. Perhaps your paladin has devised a wondrous, if peculiar, invention, taking the form of a tiny trinket. You may find such a trinket you like on the following table, or you can work with your Dungeon Master to create one of your own. | Roll | Wondrous Invention | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | A setup with a metal ramp and ball that loops around itself. Once the ball is set rolling, it doesn't stop. | | 2 | A bottle of aromatic spray that instantly polishes metal on contact. | | 3 | A set of eyeglasses with built-in magnifiers. | | 4 | A metal rod that can propped against the ground at any angle and yet remain balanced and standing. | | 5 | A clockwork sparrow that chirps if the air is poisonous to humanoids. | | 6 | A canteen that can insulate and preserve the temperature of its contents for at least a week. | ### Oath of Tradition HISTORY IS A PEOPLE'S MEMORY, AND WITHOUT A
*memory, man is demoted to the lower animals.* —Malcolm X
Paladins that swear the Oath of Tradition recognize the value of history, lore, and the past. Called yoreguards and bonekeepers, these paladins are protectors of traditional institutions and guardians of the restful dead, as well as keepers of those stories that would otherwise be forgotten, be it the grand epic of a dead empire or the joyful memories of an elder recollecting the first harvest festival of a village no longer so young. Found in service to gods of home and civilization, such as Estanna or Erathis, under the authority of grand archives and keepers of history, or in temples and shrines dedicated to the remembrance of deceased ancestry, these paladins are the warriors who stand against those forces which threaten to destroy what came before. #### Tenets of Tradition The tenets of Tradition have been handed down from effectively antiquity, no matter the place or time of its bearer. ***Heritage.*** Carry on the old traditions and yesterday's way of life, connecting the past to the present and enriching both. ***Remembrance.*** Write the stories of people, cultures, and places upon both crude matter and upon your mind. By remembering these tales, that which is gone yet lives. ***Joy.*** Celebrate successful preservation, revel in surviving legends, and savor traditions still observed. When heritage is respected, all become part of something more. ***Sorrow.*** When history is lost, when stories are forgotten, when cultures die, and when traditions are trampled, weep. Mourn ancient beauty and horror alike, for it mattered. \columnbreak #### Oath Spells You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. ##### Oath of Tradition Spells | Paladin Level | Spells | |:----:|:-------------| | 3rd | *ceremony*^XGE^, *unseen servant* | | 5th | *gentle repose*, *silence* | | 9th | *revivify*, *speak with dead* | | 13th | *divination*, *guardian of faith* | | 17th | *legend lore*, *marrow of life*\* | \*Marrow of life *can be found on the following page.* #### Channel Divinity When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. ***Ancestral Aid.*** Using your Channel Divinity as a bonus action, you inspire spirits of the dead to come to your aid, which manifest as a number of skeletal beings equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1) that crawl out of the earth in unoccupied spaces of your choice within 60 feet of you that you can see (minimum of 1 being). A being's AC is 10 + your Charisma modifier (minimum 0), and it has hit points equal to your paladin level. If it is forced to make an ability check or a saving throw, treat all its ability scores as 10 (+0). As part of the bonus action used to use this Channel Divinity option and as a bonus action on each of your turns, you can command each skeletal being to walk up to 30 feet in any direction of your choice and take the Dash, Disengage, Dodge, Help, or Use an Object action (your choice). The beings can't make attacks, use magic items, or act in any other way. Each skeletal being remains for 10 minutes. A being vanishes earlier if it is reduced to 0 hit points, if you are unconscious, or if you dismiss it using another bonus action. ***Turn Machination.*** As an action, you use your Channel Divinity to abjure fabricated locomotion. Each construct or undead that can see or hear you within 30 feet of you must make a Wisdom saving throw. If the creature fails its saving throw, it is turned for 1 minute or until it takes damage. A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge action. #### Aura of Bones Starting at 7th level, while you aren't incapacitated you can emanate a spectral field of sacred bones that guards against desecration and hostility. You can choose to manifest or suppress this aura as a bonus action. The effect extends 10 feet from you in every direction, but not through total cover. Hostile creatures moving toward you treat space within the aura as difficult terrain. Also, within the space undead can't be raised or created, and written text can't be destroyed without your permission. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. @=====
CHAPTER ONE | SACRED OATHS
#### Ancestral Memory Starting at 15th level, you can recognize all manner of relics through your connection to the past. You can read all writing and can perfectly recall any name that you learn. Additionally, you can focus on a magic item you are in physical contact with and learn its properties and how to use it as an action, instead of over of the course of a short rest. #### Bridge to the Past Beginning at 20th level, you can use your action to channel the legacy of history. For 10 minutes, you are surrounded by the bones and spirits of your forebears as they rise from the earth, and you gain the following benefits: - You gain the benefits of the *true seeing* spell. - You can attack, target, touch, and see anything within 60 feet of you as if you were adjacent to it. - Hostile creatures treat space within 60 feet of you as lightly obscured and as difficult terrain. - A hostile creature that moves to any space within 60 feet of you takes 1d6 piercing damage. A creature takes this damage only once per turn. After using this feature, you must finish a long rest before you can use it again. \columnbreak
### Ancestral Relics As part of their quest to remember and honor the past, many yoreguards keep and preserve ancient relics of their people or heritage. Your paladin might keep such a trinket. The following table includes a few ideas for what form such ancestral relics might take, which you can use as is or as inspiration to create your own. | Roll | Ancetral Relic | |:---:|:-----------| | 1 | A weathered, cracked, leatherbound journal carrying the life story of your ancestor. | | 2 | A ragged owlbear doll with sewn-in eyes that has been passed down for generations. | | 3 | A tarnished brooch from an influential ancestor, obtained back when your family lived in affluence. | | 4 | A scroll with scrawling, illegible arcane script, kept as an heirloom even though its purpose is unclear. | | 5 | A copper coin—the first money your grandparent ever earned. | | 6 | A single chain link, handed down from a forebear who escaped oppression and destitution. | | 7 | A gleaming dagger, crafted with advanced techniques now forgotten by modern smiths. | | 8 | A pouch with the sacred ashes of the ancestor who founded your family lineage. | @=====
CHAPTER TWO | SPELLS
# Chapter Two—Spells Included in this chapter are new spells. Some are found on the spell lists of a few of the Sacred Oaths presented in the preceding chapter, while others have been included for thematic relevance, such as being new paladin spells. The spell descriptions following the spell lists are presented in alphabetical order.
### Bard ##### 1st Level - *Lesser wish* (conjuration) ##### 2nd Level - *Gabriel's horn* (enchantment) ##### 3rd Level - *Phantom parlor* (illusion, ritual) ##### 4th Level - *Empathy link* (divination) - *Instant amphitheater* (conjuration) - *Overwhelm* (enchantment) ##### 5th Level - *Beseech muse* (divination) - *Commune with civilizaiton* (divination) - *Marrow of life* (necromancy) \columnbreak ### Cleric ##### 2nd Level - *Gabriel's horn* (enchantment) ##### 5th Level - *Mass shield of faith* (abjuration) ##### 9th Level - *Destroy evil and good* (abjuration) - *Dispossess authority* (enchantment, ritual) ### Druid ##### 2nd Level - *Fair weather* (abjuration) ##### 4th Level - *Empathy Link* (divination) ##### 5th Level - *Marrow of life* (necromancy) \columnbreak ### Paladin ##### 2nd Level - *Gabriel's horn* (enchantment) ##### 4th Level - *Aura of burning* (evocation) - *Aura of endurance* (evocation) ##### 5th Level - *Immobilizing smite* (evocation) - *Mass shield of faith* (abjuration) ### Ranger ##### 2nd Level - *Fair weather* (abjuration) - *Gabriel's horn* (enchantment) ### Sorcerer ##### 1st Level - *Lesser wish* (conjuration) \columnbreak ##### 4th Level - *Empathy link* (divination) - *Overwhelm* (enchantment) ### Wizard ##### 1st Level - *Lesser wish* ##### 2nd Level - *Gabriel's horn* (enchantment) ##### 3rd Level - *Phantom parlor* (illusion, ritual) ##### 4th Level - *Empathy link* (divination) - *Instant amphitheater* (conjuration) - *Overwhelm* (enchantment) ##### 5th Level - *Marrow of life*
@=====
CHAPTER TWO | SPELLS
#### Aura of Burning *4th-level evocation* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** Self (30 feet) - **Components:** V - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 minute - **Classes:** Paladin ___ Ravenous fire emanates from you in a 30-foot radius, delivering judgment upon your enemies. Until the spell ends, the aura moves with you, centered on you. Space within it is hazy and lightly obscured to hostile creatures. Whenever a hostile creature enters the aura for the first time on a turn or starts its turn there, it must make a Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 3d10 fire damage on a failed save and half as much on a success. ***At Higher Levels.*** When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage increases by 1d10. #### Aura of Endurance *4th-level evocation* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** Self (30 feet) - **Components:** V - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 minute - **Classes:** Paladin ___ Fortifying energy emanates from you in a 30-foot radius. Until the spell ends, the aura moves with you, centered on you. Nonhostile creatures in the aura (including you) gain advantage on saving throws to prevent exhaustion, and all damage taken by such creatures is reduced by 2. #### Beseech Muse *5th-level divination* ___ - **Casting Time:** 10 minutes - **Range:** Self - **Components:** V, S, M (a personal work of art) - **Duration:** 1 hour - **Classes:** Bard You seek after the inspiration of a great figure of art and creation, such as a celestial patron of music or an ancient craftsman of legend. Contacting this being requires all the creative energy you possess and carries the risk of damaging your will. When you cast this spell, make a DC 15 Charisma saving throw. If you fail, you lose the ability to cast spells, and you have disadvantage on attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws until you finish a long rest. A *greater restoration* spell also ends this effect. On a successful save, you can ask the being up to five questions. You must ask your questions before the spell ends. The DM answers each question with one word, such as "yes," "no," "maybe," "never," "unimportant," or "unknown" (if the entity doesn't know the answer to the question). If a one-word answer would be misleading, the DM might instead offer a short phrase as an answer. \columnbreak >##### Credit > > The spell *commune with civiization* was created by /u/CaelReader.
#### Commune with Civilization *5th-level divination (ritual)* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 minute - **Range:** Self - **Components:** V, S - **Duration:** Instantaneous - **Classes:** Bard ___ You briefly become one with civilization and gain knowledge of the surrounding territory. In a civilized area, the spell gives you knowledge of the area within 3 miles of you. The spell doesn't function in the wilderness, requiring notable levels of construction and civilization in the area. You instantly gain knowledge of up to three facts of your choice about any of the following subjects as they relate to the area: - Road layout and landmarks - Prevalent goods, services, factions, or cultures - Powerful celestials, fey, fiends, elementals, or undead - Influence from other planes of existence Building types of your choice For example, you could determine the fastest route to the city center, the most prevalent race amongst the population, and the location of any blacksmiths in the area. #### Destroy Evil and Good *9th-level abjuration* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** Touch - **Components:** V, S, M (holy water or powdered silver and iron) - **Duration:** Instantaneous - **Classes:** Cleric ___ You wield shimmering energy, the power of which is devastating to fey, undead, and creatures originating from beyond the Material Plane. Make a melee spell spell attack against a celestial, elemental, fey, fiend, or undead you can reach. On a hit, if its Challenge Rating is less than your level, it is instantly destroyed. Creatures destroyed this way can't reform on another plane of existence. If the target's Challenge Rating isn't less than your level, it takes 12d12 force damage. @=====
CHAPTER TWO | SPELLS
#### Dispossess Authority *9th-level enchantment (ritual)* ___ - **Casting Time:** 10 minutes - **Range:** Touch - **Duration:** Instantaneous - **Components:** V, S, M (a holy symbol of the caster's deity, fellowship, patron, or philosophy worth at least 7,777 gold pieces) - **Classes:** Cleric ___ You strip one creature within range of your choice of the authority, powers, and rights of the relevant clergy or knighthood of your faith. The spell must be cast on a creature that is a cleric or paladin in service to the same deity, fellowship, patron, or philosophy as you and has acted in incontrovertible apostasy against the aforementioned, or else the spell fails. The target loses all cleric or paladin levels it possesses, and it cannot gain cleric or paladin levels as one in service to your deity, fellowship, patron, or philosophy unless it is first successfully affected by the Atonement effect of the Ceremony spell cast at 5th level by a cleric or paladin in service to your deity, fellowship, patron, or philosophy. #### Empathy Link *4th-level divination* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** 60 feet - **Components:** V, S, M (three crumbs of bread) - **Duration:** 10 minutes - **Classes:** Bard, druid, sorcerer, wizard ___ You create an empathic connection between two creatures within range, shifting the pain of one to the experience of the other. When one of the targets takes damage during the duration, you can use your reaction to end the spell and force the other to make an Intelligence saving throw. On a failure, the damage the first creature takes is reduced by up to 20, and the other takes psychic damage equal to the amount of damage that was reduced. On a success, the damage is instead reduced by up to half as much, with the same effect. ***At Higher Levels.*** When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 5th level or higher, the damage reduction increases by 10 for each slot level above 4th. #### Fair Weather *2nd-level evocation* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** Self (30 feet) - **Components:** V - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 hour - **Classes:** Druid, ranger ___ Fresh winds emanate from you in a 30-foot radius, temporarily dispelling severe weather. Until the spell ends, the effect moves with you, centered on you. Space within it is protected against any extreme weather conditions, such as extreme heat, extreme cold, strong winds, and heavy precipitation, as described in Chapter 5 of the *Dungeon Master's Guide*. \columnbreak
***At Higher Levels.*** When you cast this
spell using a spell slot of 3rd level or higher, the
duration increases by 1 hour for each slot level above 2nd. #### Gabriel's Horn *2nd-level enchantment* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 minute - **Range:** 120 feet - **Duration:** 8 hours - **Components:** S, M (a brass bugle) - **Classes:** Bard, cleric, paladin, ranger, wizard ___ As part of casting the spell, you perform a mystical tune on the brass bugle, preparing the minds of creatures that hear it for either labor or leave. The spell has different effects depending on when during the day you cast it: **Reveille:** If you cast the spell in the morning, you play an energizing tune, filling creatures with vim and vigor. Creatures within range wake up. For the duration they are immune to effects that would force them to sleep, and they can move through nonmagical difficult terrain without expending any extra movement. **Retreat:** If you cast the spell in the evening, you play a solemn melody, relaxing weary hearts that hear it. For the duration, each creature within range sleeps or otherwise rests without nightmares, becomes immune to the *dream* spell, and experiences no negative effects from resting while wearing medium or heavy armor. If you cast the spell at any other time of day, it fails. @=====
CHAPTER TWO | SPELLS
#### Immobilizing Smite *5th-level evocation* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 bonus action - **Range:** Self - **Components:** V - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 minute - **Classes:** Paladin ___ The next time you hit a creature with a weapon attack before the spell ends, your weapon flashes with an immobilizing shock. The attack deals an extra 3d10 lightning damage, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw. If it fails, it it paralyzed until the end of its next turn. #### Instant Amphitheater *4th-level conjuration* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 hour - **Range:** 360 feet - **Components:** V, S, M (a conductor's baton and sawdust) - **Duration:** 24 hours - **Classes:** Bard, wizard You manifest a circular amphitheater with a 50 foot radius centered on a point within range. The space the amphitheater takes up must not have any structures or other buildings in it, and it remains until the spell ends. The amphitheater is built of wood, but you otherwise decide all other aspects of its appearance. The interior is enclosed by walls, a floor, and a roof. One set of double doors allows entry, and there are as many windows as you like. Only you and any other creatures you invite into the amphitheater \columnbreak
can open the doors, and nothing can physically pass through the walls. The interior has seating for up to 80 Medium or smaller creatures in a round, surrounding a three-tiered stage in the center. The atmosphere is clean and comfortably cool. Lanterns hang at regular intervals along the outer wall and from the roof. You and any creatures of your choice have advantage on Charisma checks made while on the stage, and other creatures have disadvantage on Wisdom (Insight) checks they make while inside the amphitheater. Casting this spell on the same spot everyday for a year makes this effect permanent. #### Lesser Wish *1st-level conjuration* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** Self - **Components:** V - **Duration:** Instantaneous - **Classes:** Bard, sorcerer, wizard ___ *Wish* is the mightiest spell a mortal creature can cast. By simply speaking aloud, you can alter the very foundations of reality in accord with your desires. This is not that spell. The only use of this spell is to duplicate any cantrip. You don't need to meet any requirements in that cantrip, including costly components. The cantrip simply takes effect. @=====
CHAPTER TWO | SPELLS
#### Marrow of Life *5th-level necromancy* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** 60 feet - **Components:** V, S, M (ash from a cremation) - **Duration:** 1 minute - **Classes:** Bard, druid, wizard ___ You infuse the bones of the living with the strength of
the dead. One creature of your choice gains 2d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier temporary hit points, and it
gains those temporary hit points again at the start of each
of its turns. #### Mass Shield of Faith *5th-level evocation* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 bonus action - **Range:** 30 feet - **Components:** V, S, M (a scroll or book of holy text) - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 10 minutes - **Classes:** Cleric, paladin ___ A shimmering field appears and surrounds up to five creatures of your choice within range, granting each a +2 bonus to AC for the duration. \columnbreak #### Overwhelm *4th-level enchantment* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** 60 feet - **Components:** V, S, M (an hand crafted from iron) - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 minute - **Classes:** Bard, cleric, paladin, sorcerer, wizard ___ You make yourself seem mighty and awe-inspiring to certain creatures, filling them with reverential terror. Each creature in a 10-foot cube within range must make a Charisma saving throw. A target automatically succeeds on this saving throw if it can't see you. On a failed save, a target must kneel, becoming prone, and it can't stand for the duration. A creature affected by this spell can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. #### Phantom Parlor *3rd-level illusion (ritual)* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 minute - **Range:** 5 feet - **Components:** V, S, M (a red scarf) - **Duration:** 8 hours - **Classes:** Bard, wizard ___ You make actual an imaginary array of splendor, manifesting a quasi-real parlor of your design that fills a cube up to 20-feet wide. The space includes blankets and seating for up to 10 Medium creatures, provided by a combination of sofas, armchairs, lounges, or other furnishings of your choice. A hot fire blazes from a hearth on one side, and the illusory space is comfortably protected against outside weather conditions. Real food eaten within the space is also affected by the illusion and is made especially rich in flavor. The taste and nature of the food can even change, though that doesn't alter its nutritional value. The illusion can only affect and be seen by willing creatures of your choice, though real creatures and objects within it are visible as normal. Any element of the illusion that is removed from the space immediately vanishes. By taking its long rests in this space, a creature affected by the illusion can gain the benefits of a comfortable lifestyle at the price of a poor lifestyle. #### Zealous Accusation *1st-level enchantment* ___ - **Casting Time:** 1 action - **Range:** 60 feet - **Components:** V, S - **Duration:** Concentration, up to 1 minute - **Classes:** Paladin ___ You point at one humanoid within range and condemn its actions, ordering it to yield. It must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be forced to stand at attention for the duration. An affected creature's movement speed becomes 0, and it can't make weapon attacks for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target can make another Wisdom saving throw. On a success, the spell ends on the target. @=====
Play Nothing But Paladins
Compendium made by Bunnygeon Master. See more content at my blog, [BunnyBrew](https://bunnybrew.blogspot.com/). NotTheSmoooze: "You have an addiction. I love it, but you need help." Thanks to /u/AeronDrake for the [formatting guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/UnearthedArcana/comments/656l98/formatting_tips_for_the_homebrewery/) and watercolor stains. Thanks to /u/CaelReader who created the spell *commune with civilization*. Many thanks to members of the [Discord of Many Things](https://discordapp.com/invite/0dPVgggGtnyRhIcB) and the [UA subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/UnearthedArcana/) for feedback and design assistance throughout this process. A special thanks to the inimitable Caim for his feedback on these Sacred Oaths. ___ *Disclaimer: No bunnies can be held responsible for the consequences of having a crush on the barbarian, turning your pixie, warforged, or elf allies; trying to single-handedly start the industrial revolution, or making oaths that you can't keep. That last one especially. It's not the bunny's fault if your all-paladin party has become an all-oathbreaker one instead.* CREATED USING
[WWW.GMBINDER.COM](https://www.gmbinder.com)
## Art Credits Listed in order of appearance. - [History of Benalia](https://noahbradley.com/collections/magic-the-gathering/products/history-of-benalia) by [Noah Bradley](https://noahbradley.com/) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Knight of Grace](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=knight%20of%20grace) by [Sidharth Chaturvedi](https://www.sidharthchaturvedi.com/) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Beastwhisperer](https://gatherer.wizards.com/pages/card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=452873) by [Matt Stewart](http://www.matthew-stewart.com/) (©Wizards of the Coast\) - Art by [Ethel Franklin Betts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Franklin_Betts) (Public Domain) - [Knight of Obligation](https://fineartamerica.com/featured/knight-of-obligation-ryan-barger.html) by [Ryan Barger](https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/ryan-barger) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Jace, the Living Guildpact](https://www.deviantart.com/chasestone/art/Jace-Living-Guildpact-469552199) by [Chase Stone](https://www.deviantart.com/chasestone) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Sylvia Brightspear](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Sylvia%20brightspear) by [Carmen Sinek](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?action=advanced&artist=[%22Carmen%20Sinek%22]) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Bridge-medieval-fantasy-city](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bridge-medieval-fantasy-city.png) created by [David Revoy](https://www.davidrevoy.com/) \(CC BY 3.0\) - [Solemn Simulacrum](https://daarken.com/shop/portfolio/solemn-simulacrum/) by [Daarken](https://daarken.com/shop/) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Glint-Sleeve Artisan](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=417590) by [Ryan Pancoast](https://www.ryanpancoast.com/) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Memorial to Unity](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=memorial%20to%20unity) by [Cliff Childs](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?action=advanced&artist=[%22Cliff%20Childs%22]) (© Wizards of the Coast) - [Plains](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=455777) by [Yeong-Hao Han](https://www.artstation.com/fooyee) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Answered Prayers](http://www.sebmckinnon.com/illustration/2019/5/29/answered-prayers) by [Seb McKinnon](http://www.sebmckinnon.com) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - [Fan Favorite](https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JLwln) by [Suzanne Helmigh](https://www.artstation.com/suzannehelmigh/albums/1527239) \(© Wizards of the Coast\) - Art by [Ethel Franklin Betts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Franklin_Betts) (Public Domain) - [Rabbit](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lear_-_Rabbit.jpg) by [Edward Lear](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Lear) \(Public Domain\)