Can Paladins heal themselves with lay on hands?

Can Paladins Heal Themselves with Lay on Hands?

As a Paladin, one of the most iconic and powerful abilities at their disposal is Lay on Hands, a divine gift that allows them to channel the power of their deity to heal wounds. But a question that has been on the minds of many Paladin enthusiasts is: Can Paladins heal themselves with Lay on Hands?

The Official Answer

According to the official 5th edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, the answer is no. Lay on Hands is a ability that allows a Paladin to heal wounds, but it specifically states that it can only be used to heal others, not themselves. This is clearly stated in the Paladin’s class description: "Beginning at 2nd level, a paladin can heal wounds (her own or those of others) by touch." (Source: Player’s Handbook, p. 74)

Why Can’t Paladins Heal Themselves?

So, why can’t Paladins use Lay on Hands to heal themselves? The answer lies in the Paladin’s role as a divine champion. As a champion of their deity, Paladins are meant to be a symbol of hope and healing to others, not to themselves. By limiting Lay on Hands to healing others, Paladins are encouraged to prioritize the well-being of those around them, rather than focusing on their own personal needs.

But What About Oathbreaker Paladins?

However, there is an exception to this rule. Oathbreaker Paladins, a subclass introduced in the Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, have a unique twist on Lay on Hands. Instead of healing, Oathbreaker Paladins can use Lay on Hands to deal damage to themselves, essentially using their own life force to fuel their dark magic. This allows Oathbreaker Paladins to use Lay on Hands to harm themselves, which can be a powerful ability in certain situations.

Other Options for Self-Healing

While Paladins cannot use Lay on Hands to heal themselves, there are other ways for them to recover from damage. Paladins have access to a range of spells and abilities that can help them heal themselves, such as Healing Word, Bless, and Cure Wounds. Additionally, Paladins can use their Divine Health feature, which grants them resistance to poison and disease, as well as immunity to poison damage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Paladins cannot use Lay on Hands to heal themselves, there are still many ways for them to recover from damage and continue to serve as champions of their deity. Whether through spells, abilities, or other means, Paladins have a range of options available to them to stay healthy and effective in combat.