Do Oathbreakers get smite?

Do Oathbreakers Get Smite?

Introduction

The Oathbreaker is a unique and intriguing subclass of the Paladin class in the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons game. Oathbreakers are paladins who have rejected their original oath and swear to a different ideology. However, their paladin abilities and spells are not entirely disconnected from their former oath. In this article, we will explore the topic of whether Oathbreakers get smite, examining the lore and rules behind paladin abilities.

Can Oathbreakers use Smite?

A direct answer to the question is yes, Oathbreakers can use smite. According to the official 5th edition Player’s Handbook, the Oathbreaker subclass "replaces the paladin’s Divine Smite with Unholy Smite" (PHB, p. 85). This means that Oathbreakers gain access to a new version of smite, specifically designed for their unholy abilities.

Unholy Smite

Unholy Smite is a feature of the Oathbreaker subclass that allows paladins to deal extra necrotic damage to enemies. This ability is reminiscent of the Divine Smite ability, but with a darker and more malevolent twist. Oathbreakers can use Unholy Smite when making a melee attack, adding an additional 2d8 necrotic damage to the attack.

Comparison to Divine Smite

While Unholy Smite shares some similarities with Divine Smite, there are significant differences between the two abilities. For example, Divine Smite deals radiant damage, while Unholy Smite deals necrotic damage. Additionally, Divine Smite is tied to the paladin’s oath, whereas Unholy Smite is a manifestation of the Oathbreaker’s unholy abilities.

Table: Oathbreaker Abilities

Conclusion

In conclusion, Oathbreakers do get smite, but in a different form. Unholy Smite is a unique ability that reflects the Oathbreaker’s rejection of their original oath and their subsequent alignment with darker forces. While it may not be as powerful as Divine Smite, Unholy Smite offers a different set of possibilities for players who choose to play as Oathbreakers.