Can Paladins Wear Heavy Armour?
As the golden oath keepers of the Paladin class, Paladins are known for their exceptional martial prowess and unwavering dedication to justice. One of the most striking aspects of a Paladin’s appearance is their choice of armor. While many classes opt for lighter, more agile armor, Paladins are often adorned with heavy, imposing plate armor that exudes power and strength. But the question remains: can Paladins wear heavy armor? Yes, Paladins can wear heavy armor.
Proficiency in Heavy Armor
As per the official Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5E) rules, Paladins are automatically proficient with all types of armor, including heavy armor. This means that Paladins can choose to wear any type of armor, from the lightest chain mail to the heaviest plate armor, without any additional skill or expertise.
Paladins and Shield usage
In addition to proficiency with armor, Paladins also have the option to use shields as a means of defense. There are two types of shields that Paladins can use: Deployable Shields and Personal Shields. Deployable Shields allow Paladins to use a shield to deflect damage and protect themselves, while Personal Shields allow Paladins to wear a shield as an integral part of their armor. This provides an additional layer of protection and versatility for Paladins.
Why Paladins prefer heavy armor
Paladins prefer heavy armor for several reasons:
• Durability: Heavy armor provides excellent protection against damage, making it ideal for Paladins who take on the front lines.
• Intimidation: The imposing appearance of heavy armor can intimidate foes and demoralize opponents, giving Paladins a psychological advantage in combat.
• Survivability: Heavy armor makes it more difficult for Paladins to be struck, allowing them to take more damage before falling.
• Style: Let’s be honest – heavy armor looks awesome on a Paladin!
The Impact on Gameplay
When choosing heavy armor, Paladins should consider the following:
• Encumbrance: Heavy armor can limit a Paladin’s movement and agility, making it more difficult to perform complex maneuvers or escape from combat.
• Stealth: Heavy armor makes it difficult for Paladins to move quietly, limiting their ability to use stealth.
• Climbing: Heavy armor can make it difficult for Paladins to climb or scale obstacles.
Can Heavy Armor Stop Bullets?
In the world of D&D 5E, heavy armor can stop most handgun rounds and rifle rounds, but steel-core handgun rounds, such as the 7.62×25mm, can penetrate even the most advanced armor.
In Conclusion
Paladins can wear heavy armor, and it is often their armor of choice due to its durability, intimidation factor, survivability, and style. However, Paladins should also consider the potential drawbacks, such as encumbrance, stealth limitations, and climbing difficulties. In the world of D&D 5E, heavy armor is a viable choice for Paladins who want to take on the front lines and deliver crushing blows to their foes.