What Weapon Does a Paladin Start With?
Paladins, the heroic and powerful champions of virtue, are known for their unwavering dedication to justice and righteousness. With their impressive combat prowess, divine magic, and sacred oaths, they can be formidable opponents on the battlefield. One of the most crucial aspects of being a Paladin is choosing the right weapon, which provides the foundation for their offense and defense. In this article, we will explore the weapons that Paladins start with and why they are the best for this iconic class.
What Weapons Do Paladins Start With?
According to the 5th edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook, Paladins start with a martial weapon and a shield. This weapon can be either a Longsword, a Warhammer, or a Lance. The shield is a key component of the Paladin’s defense, as it increases their Armor Class (AC) and allows them to absorb more damage.
| Martial Weapon Options | Description |
|---|---|
| Longsword | A versatile sword that deals piercing damage |
| Warhammer | A powerful blunt weapon that deals bludgeoning damage |
| Lance | A long, sharp weapon that deals piercing damage |
Why These Weapons?
These weapons were chosen for the Paladin for several reasons:
- Balance: Longsword and Warhammer provide a balanced mix of offense and defense, making them suitable for Paladins who are both combatants and holy warriors.
- Ease of use: These weapons are relatively easy to wield, even for those with limited combat experience.
- Flexibility: Both Longsword and Warhammer can be used as single-handed or two-handed weapons, giving Paladins flexibility in combat.
- Thematic fit: Lances, with their long, pointed design, fit well with the Paladin’s martial prowess and are reminiscent of traditional knightly weapons.
Other Notable Options
While Paladins do not officially start with a specific "best" weapon, Javelins can be a useful addition to their arsenal. Javelins are ranged weapons that can be thrown at a distance, allowing Paladins to engage enemies at a safe range. With the right spellcasting or martial abilities, Paladins can also use Rapiers and Morningstars, providing additional options for combat and exploration.
| Optional Weapons | Description |
|---|---|
| Javelins | Ranged weapon that deals piercing damage |
| Rapiers | Finesse weapon that deals piercing damage |
| Morningstars | Blunt weapon that deals bludgeoning damage |
Paladin Subclasses and Customization
As Paladins progress in level, they can choose from a variety of subclasses that focus on specific themes, abilities, and playstyles. These subclasses often come with unique weapon choices or access to new combat abilities that can be tailored to fit the Paladin’s preferred role.
| Paladin Subclasses | Unique Features |
|---|---|
| Oath of Devotion | Access to spells that enhance martial combat |
| Oath of the Crown | Ability to use spells to heal and support allies |
| Oath of Vengeance | Access to spells that deal damage to enemies |
In conclusion, Paladins start with a martial weapon and shield, which provide a solid foundation for their combat capabilities. While other weapons like Javelins, Rapiers, and Morningstars can be useful, the core equipment of Paladins remains the versatile Longsword, Warhammer, and Lance. Through their subclasses and customization options, Paladins can further refine their combat strategies and become even more effective champions of justice.