What’s the Best Paladin Subclass?
Choosing the right Paladin subclass is crucial for any player of the iconic tank class in Dungeons & Dragons. In this article, we will explore the different Paladin subclasses and determine which one reigns supreme.
Divine Justice: The Pros and Cons of Each Paladin Subclass
Before diving into the analysis, here’s a brief overview of each Paladin subclass:
Ancients: Paladins who follow the oath of the Ancients prioritize the preservation of ancient treasures and knowledge. They become skilled archaeologists and linguists, using their holy power to uncover hidden relics and decipher ancient texts.
Devotion: Those who swear the oath of Devotion are devoted servants of their deity, carrying out their will and enacting their judgment. These Paladins are single-minded in their pursuit of righteousness, using their faith to guide their actions and decisions.
Vengeance: Paladins who pledge the oath of Vengeance seek to punish those responsible for the harm and destruction they have witnessed. Driven by a desire for justice, they use their martial prowess and holy abilities to exact vengeance on the wicked.
Conquest: Those who swear the oath of Conquest desire to spread their deity’s influence and expand their lands. They become skilled at war and conquest, leading armies and using their military prowess to achieve their objectives.
Watchers: Paladins who maintain the oath of Watchers are guardians of the fabric of reality, dedicated to protecting the multiverse and its inhabitants from threats external and internal. They utilize their magical abilities to repair and maintain the balance of the cosmos.
Oath Breaker: Those who defy their oath and break their oath are Paladins consumed by darkness and chaos, using their powers for personal gain and self-interest.
In this analysis, we’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of each Paladin subclass.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Subclass
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each Paladin subclass:
| Subclass | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Ancients | Skilled at archaeology and linguistics, able to uncover and decipher ancient texts | Weaker in combat, slow to react to threats due to focus on discovery |
| Devotion | Devotion to their deity guides their actions, using faith to make decisions | Can become overly reliant on their faith, neglecting other forms of wisdom |
| Vengeance | Skilled in martial combat, driven by a desire for justice | Can become consumed by hate and anger, losing objectivity |
| Conquest | Skilled at warfare, able to lead and command armies | Can prioritize conquest over justice, acting impulsively |
| Watchers | Able to sense and repair distortions in reality, guardians of the multiverse | Can become absorbed in their duties, losing focus on other aspects of their life |
| Oath Breaker | Ambitious and cunning, capable of achieving their goals using any means necessary | Are consumed by darkness and self-interest, losing their Paladinish values |
Based on these strengths and weaknesses, we can identify the advantages and disadvantages of each Paladinish subclass.
Conclusion: The Best Paladin Subclass
After reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of each Paladin subclass, I conclude that the Paladin of Devotion is the best subclass.
Why?
• Faith-based determination: Paladins who swear the oath of Devotion are guided by their faith, using their sense of purpose to drive them forward. This unwavering dedication makes them relentless in their pursuit of justice.
• Martial prowess: Paladins of Devotion are formidable warriors, using their holy abilities to smite their enemies and protect the innocent.
• Single-minded focus: By prioritizing their faith, Paladins of Devotion stay focused on their goals and avoid distractions, making them more effective in combat.
• Balanced alignment: While Paladins of Devotion are inclined towards good, they have the capacity to adapt their alignment to fit the context of the campaign, providing flexibility in roleplaying scenarios.
In conclusion, choosing the Paladin of Devotion as your subclass offers many benefits, including faith-based determination, martial prowess, single-minded focus, and balanced alignment.