Paladin is Broken | Dungeons and Dragons 5e Guide

[@yeenbeans7645]

“It’s very rare for paladins to be evil” My gnoll paladin spreading the good word of the lord Yeenoghu(carnage and unyielding hellfire to all those who dare challenge his wrath) would like a word

[@ConstructedChaos]

Well, the PHB says that but maybe it isn't so true :)

[@Dayhawk101]

I love Oath of the Watchers the most. That dark in the shade mystery, and hording information to fight forces from the living gate. So epic.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Absolutely! I for one have lifted more than a few ideas from watchers lore in my campaigns!

[@Scream_Lord]

I think it depends on which Oaths you take. Oaths of Devotion, Redemption or the Crown? Yeah probably wanna hover around Lawful Good. Ancients, Conquest, and Watcher? Much more ambiguous. Especially Ancients which basically just wants you to respect nature and little else. Vengeance? Do whatever you want so long as you punish the wicked. Oathbreaker? No limits. Do whatever the hell you want.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Absolutely! I couldn't agree more with you here. And, honestly, I've never been the kind of DM to hold my players to their tenets anyway!

[@evandugas7888]

Conquest is... not good!

[@torunsmok5890]

Honestly crown isn't even all that good, it can very easily fall into tyrannical

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@torunsmok5890 very true! The crown is very often an antagonist in my campaigns anyway haha

[@bryanwoods3373]

And even Good has some wiggle room. You can commit atrocities for the benefit of others and the world. Heck, I once killed a party member to prevent the rest of the party from wiping trying to save them when I knew we didn't have a way to do it. That was still technically within Lawful Good. We did end up surviving the encounter.

[@travisharris4506]

This has to be the best paladin video I've seen for d&d especially for new players like myself and my friends who are about to start our first d&d campaign I just want to thank you for this amazing explanation on the class that I'm going to be playing.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Thanks so much! I'm happy it's proving useful for you! The last guide for the core classes is actually going up today so I'll have the complete set soon! :)

[@farkas266]

Yeyy, a new episode of "is Broken". Love it!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hooray! I'm glad you like it! I am finishing this series no matter what haha.

[@dracozero1009]

You are such an underrated channel. I hope you blow up soon! These videos are all top quality and its obvious you put a lot of time and effort into them. Love the vids!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Thank you so much! The success the channel has had thus far is still hard for me to believe at times!

[@greghamilton9505]

“Restrict how you role play” that’s what role play is. Acting within character motivations and beliefs.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I think you may be getting the wrong idea. Absolutely, characters should follow their own ideals and flaws. I just don’t think the game system should dictate those for you. I’d prefer the flexibility to decide for myself is all 😊

[@Wellgee]

@@ConstructedChaos then don't play a paladin? Part of the fun is acting within the tenants of the oath. It's not always easy, but it's part of the game.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@Wellgee again, I think you’re getting the wrong idea! Why should I avoid an entire class in 5e when it can be perfectly viable to play it in a different light? I’m NOT saying that you can’t follow tenets to the letter. I think that is pretty interesting as a character restriction. However, I don’t think that should be the only option for characters of this variety.

[@diegoundreiner6392]

​@@ConstructedChaosi think you are getting the wrong idea, i want to play a paladin for all thd benefits and do 0 leg work in any rp aspect go have a vague idea of the oaths without any consequence

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@diegoundreiner6392 😂😂😂

[@pauliepizzo8633]

During one of my games i played a cg oath of conquest paladin who had a rised to take back the land for his king after he was betrayed by his power hungry brother and my boy dealt the final blow with a crit 5 level divine smite to the face when the bbeg turned himself into some undead monstrosity

[@pauliepizzo8633]

Conquest, vengeance, redemption,devotion, and glory are my favorites for paladin subclasses

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha that crit moment sounds epic! I bet the DM's jaw was on the floor!

[@pauliepizzo8633]

@@ConstructedChaos that he was the worst part was most of the enemies during it were undead and fiends and we were level 14 and I hand the holy avenger as a great sword so yeah not the best day for the dm

[@pauliepizzo8633]

Plus I was playing a asumar with the belt of hill giant strength so yeah

[@deannekellogg8514]

Excellent as always! Bravo! I am with the majority with the vengeance subclass. My Vanguard: Minamoto, Asuga , doesn't have a "god" but rather ancestral worship- Japanese. Vengeance because her father and Emperor were slain... she killed the murders and now is on a path to continue to eradicate the world of their kind. Being that she has ancestral armor and weapons we are using an alternative 5e rule book "Ancestral Weapons" to unlock the powers of her family heirlooms. My other paladin is dual-class. The Green Knight: Ancient Oath + Hexblade to the Raven Queen. No conflicts. The Queen is mother and he is greatful to her for his existence. He will dutifully honor and fight for her. He's sort of warforged. The only metal on him is the armor. His interior is stone. Stone bones covered with thick to thin vines mimicking human anatomy. His hair is vines that actively grow. He's basically green with the head of a jackal, color sandstone. His eyes glow white from an unknown source and his canines are metal plated and sharpened. He doesn't care about his past life; believes he was reincarnated. "Mother" brought him into existence so that's all that matters, the here and now and the burning question, "Do I have a soul?"

[@ConstructedChaos]

I love the level of flavor and individuality of the green knight! As a DM, I’d have a lot to work with there!

[@deannekellogg8514]

@@ConstructedChaos and just for fun I want him to have a fear of drowning even though he doesn't need to breath. 😂

[@GerritRamaekers]

Omg, I've been waiting for this one since voting on a poll ages ago!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha thanks for your patience! I will not rest until I've finished this series!

[@mitchhamrick3117]

Thanks!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Wow! Mitch! Thank you so much for the continued support! I'm so happy you're finding these guides helpful!

[@paraschauhan1603]

This was great. The Paladin in my game is a mix of Thor and Kronk and he cooks and has a horse. Such a good guy. Also, son of Aphrodite, so he's hot and has a rough love life. Oath of Ancients.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Oooh that sounds fun to RP, honestly. Probably a nice goofy break from some of the over-serious paladins out there!

[@paraschauhan1603]

@@ConstructedChaos He's having a blast, especially with the romantic angle. And yes, there's tragedy. He's already lost her once. Next session, they're going to her workplace to convince her to travel with them. She wants to, but she feels awful since her dad is the BBEG.

[@Winterborn5]

I never thought of Kronk as a paladin…but it kinda makes sense.

[@shawnberry760]

I guess my life is more chaotic than I realized. My favorite build and my favorite channel. Thank you so much!!!

[@ConstructedChaos]

You flatter me! I'm happy you're enjoying it!

[@ogre589]

I wanted to get an opinion on my paladin's backstory as it helps explain why he changed from lawful good to true neutral. Having caught the head clergy he protected participating in debaucheries despite his projected kind nature ie hiring brigands(with donated gold) to attack rival religions, utilizing brothels and belittling/berating the poor and destitute that he should be helping, he has become disillusioned with his "betters." He hasn't given up his vows, but he chooses to leave the chantry that raised him and keeping the peace in his travels instead of just the town he grew up in, deciding for himself who to help and who to judge. Edit: Being a Sapphire Dragonborn, he has chosen to learn more of his gem ancestry and to carry the symbol of Sardior, a ruby with an inner glow. He had it inlaid into a ring for ease of wear and use.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Beautifully done! I love this progression for your character!

[@cyanideytcuriousseadoggo]

That works even for that. Broke away form the corruption that they used to serve to act for themselves. That’s evil so lawful stupid can’t disagree with you there

[@cyanideytcuriousseadoggo]

If I had control of that character screw the vows I’m making them kill that Corrupt Clergy.

[@srenthybomller8840]

looking into a new class "paladin" i scroll down simply looking for this guy, love this content! helps my little brain

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha I'm glad you found it useful! As a fellow smooth-brain, I make these guides because I kinda wish I had them when I was learning too!

[@dannyleo5787]

Ahh palidens, I recall a friend of mine being a conquerer vary.... yeah he lived by that oath many a times. False hydras, aboliths, giants. Guy was just diabolical in his problem solvings either in fights or puzzle traps. Said he devoted nearly twenty years to him in his ambitions towards becoming a " respectable " Tyrant

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hahaha "respectable tyrant" sounds about right

[@millionplayz7819]

For me, I am currently playing a Aasimar Paladin who is Oath do the Crown. Most people will look at that and think “Man he is just the golden retriever of a character aren’t they?” But that’s not the case. See my character comes from a Noble background and their oath to the crown is that for his own family’s house from where he is from. Meaning he follows the ideals that he grew up with and aren’t just black and white. He follows his family’s views on laws. One thing that makes Oath of the Crown interesting is there is a distinct part about their Oath. That is that you will be willing to do what it takes to allow for the law to stay in place. This allows you to get away with a lot of… questionable actions for a Paladin and not break their oath.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Very cool flavor here! It's giving wild west sheriff vibes! Fast and loose with the actual laws for the greater good!

[@YeForWorldPresident]

Your clips for the smite and other things were too funny. Very good job.

[@pauliepizzo8633]

Doesn't say in the players handbook that paladins can be any aliment you want

[@ConstructedChaos]

So then we agree I think?

[@pauliepizzo8633]

@@ConstructedChaos agreed

[@daim.02]

Been waiting for this one Thankyou!! 👏🏼

[@ConstructedChaos]

Thank YOU! Sorry to keep you waiting and I hope it was worth it! :D

[@daim.02]

@@ConstructedChaos no worries mate, and yes it definently was worth the wait 👌🏼

[@murphythelatecomer4608]

I recently played a Paladin in my current campaign, and I made him Oath of Vengeance. And here’s the fun part: I based him on Darth Vader, right up to the alignment. So this character was definitely not your average lawful good Paladin. I actually worked it out with my DM months in advance to have him play along with our group to achieve their goal until it was time for him to betray them. And it was so much fun. 🤩 It led to a fun chase scene and some great roleplay between me and one of the players whose character developed a close bond with mine; it’s still one of my favorite D&D moments. That character wound up becoming a recurring antagonist for a while in the campaign, which made it all the more delicious when that other player’s character dealt the final blow to him, killing him out of the campaign. So yeah, anybody who thinks paladins are strictly lawful good ain’t thinking deeply enough.

[@ConstructedChaos]

110% This story is a great illustration of that point!

[@shawnberry760]

Oh my god!!!! How ever did I miss this video. I don’t know if I should say thank you first or sorry.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hahaha no worries! Glad to see you back!

[@deantitus9734]

Hey Alex, got a question about the spell Thunderous Smite. Correct me if I'm wrong, but does the 2d6 thunder damage occur even if the target makes the Strength save, or does nothing happen if they make the save?

[@ConstructedChaos]

That's exactly right! The damage happens regardless of the save based on the wording of the spell.

[@nicolasfarizano1550]

Thank God, I've been waiting for this

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha sorry to keep you waiting!

[@mickmack1409]

I think all martial classes should be well designed and powerful like the Paladin.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I'd love to see it and I think that's been one of the biggest pieces of feedback WOTC has been given for OneDND. I like what they're doing with Rogue and the weapon mastery system is cool but I do think they still have some work to do outside of that.

[@mickmack1409]

Agreed. Baldur's Gate 3 has several good ideas WOTC could reuse to improve 5e.@@ConstructedChaos

[@TheRobversion1]

A couple of inputs: 1. BG3 circumvented the whole "why are you just swearing your oath at L3?" thing by moving the oath and 1 channel divinity option to L1 but it didnt unbalance anything IMO. 2. i actually prefer watchers over vengeance for more main class paladins over dip paladins. 3. IMO it wouldve been nice if you named some undead for the oathbreakers to control same way you named wild shape options for druids. Control undead IMO is the defining ability of that subclass and IMO the most powerful paladin subclass ability under L15.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Great input as always! I will say that BG3 is a different balancing act than a TTRPG just because the play experience is completely different. When you play BG3, you often are playing by yourself. When you play D&D, you're playing at a table with at least 3 other people and it's a lot cleaner and easier to manage when everyone is getting their subclass at the same time. Oh, and I don't know if control undead is that strong--I kinda hate how niche it is. Auras in general are just wild haha.

[@TheRobversion1]

@@ConstructedChaos i think personally, all classes should get their subclasses at level 1. I think its cleaner that way. Most people make flavor/theme/concept decisions based on the subclass and not their class. Control undead is strong with a collaborative DM (or an undead campaign). With party help, its easy to get them to consistently fail the save (make cha your main stat), especially if silvery barbs isnt banned. So if starting at higher levels, you write into your backstory already the undead thats been accompanying you around. For example, i had a hexblade 1, oathbreaker 6 in a L7 start walking around with a revenant (a CR 5 creature). The revenant pretty much had more hp than any party member at that point. Then of course as we progressed the, DM made sure to put other undead as enemies so i had the option of switching to another undead as i gained levels to ensure the controlled undead kept pace with party levels.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@TheRobversion1 as an experienced player I can understand your preference but I do think it can be overwhelming for new players to take on that many choices right off the bat.

[@TheRobversion1]

@@ConstructedChaos thats fair though i've never seen a new player be overwhelmed with sorcs, clerics and warlocks (all who have subclasses at L1). what i've seen overwhelms new players more are: 1. combing through spell lists of full casters. 2. combing through the different books with monsters for wild shapes. 3. combing through feats. Most of the time, when i encounter a new player, i just ask them what they'd like to play then recommend a few subclasses that come close to realizing the fantasy.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@TheRobversion1 that’s also fair but I’ve definitely seen it haha. It gets especially tricky when I see new players that jump into 5e warlock or cleric and are confused about what a subclass even is and why other players at the table don’t have to worry about it. At the end of the day, it’s a preference thing and I just like it cleaner with everyone choosing subclass at the same time.

[@CooperAATE]

A return to greatness

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha I'm trying so hard! Lots of little struggles behind the scenes but I'm through the worst of it and taking another shot at publishing more regularly!

[@chadnorris8257]

Some oaths are situational. Like an Oath of Devotion not displaying its full potential unless undead and fiends are common in the story. Still, even when your subclass isn't being used, the base class is strong enough to keep you relevant in a fight.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Absolutely!

[@Oddthebard]

Been waiting for this.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hahaha me too!

[@e443productions9]

"Could be useful in some niche situations" I've used my divine sense literally every single time I've played as a Paladin haha. It's probably my favorite ability and it's such a steal at level 1. Always useful for exploration and to know whether we are about to enter an encounter so the party can prep beforehand. Also helps a lot since my paladin kinda sucks at perception.

[@cyanideytcuriousseadoggo]

8:12 my take on paladin oaths. The paldin has already made the oath binding them to this life but hasn’t picked a specific branch of the will of their god to carry out.

[@zippy312]

Oh have I been waiting so long

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha sorry to keep you waiting! I promise it was in the name of quality! :)

[@MyKingdomforAdRevenue]

Great weapon fighting really needs to apply to smite dice, otherwise there's virtually no reason not to just go 1H and shield and have almost the same amount of damage output but with up to +5 AC. Hell even with smite rerolls the shield is probably still more valuable but at least this makes 2H weapons have at least some cool appeal for ensuring those crits are almost certainly gonna slap

[@ConstructedChaos]

Why would a shield give you +5 AC? Are you confusing a physical shield with the shield spell?

[@MyKingdomforAdRevenue]

@@ConstructedChaos As you level up and grow in power, shield enchantments can scale the AC bonus all the way up from +2 initially to +5. When you think about it it's actually +3 to +6 in total since GWF is an opportunity cost for the Defense style. And even if they don't give that full AC bonus from a standard enchantment, there are other rare and legendary shields that give powerful effects like bolstering defenses vs magic or projectiles. Shields have a LOT of upside that scales across a campaign, and given that paladins don't keep getting more and more extra attacks like fighters do then GWF barely scales at all unless it's tied to the power of your smites able to be cast from higher and higher spell slots.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@MyKingdomforAdRevenue I see, you’re assuming your DM will give you a +3 shield haha. That’s totally viable and I respect your opinion here, but I don’t think that describes most DND campaigns.

[@MyKingdomforAdRevenue]

It's a scalable comparison at all levels bro not just the limit, even with a +1 shield at like lvl 7 or 8 or whatever that's still a +4 AC differential with defense. Completely shits on "reroll 2d6 1/3 of the time and nothing else ever." I dunno if it's even controversial anymore at this point, seems like a lot of people just treat rerolling smite dice on 2H builds standard. It's literally just granting your weapon a single-hit super-powerful damage enchantment for an attack roll you make anyway which is what GWF is written to allow for, any damage dice rolled as part of a weapon attack roll.

[@shawnberry760]

I’ve been super busy trying to create the 12 classes of dnd as signs of the zodiac. It just so happens that my astrological sign, cancer the crab, is also my favorite dnd class, the paladin!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Ohhh sounds like an interesting endeavor! What's leo?

[@shawnberry760]

@@ConstructedChaos thank you kindly for asking. Goes like this: Aries barbarian Taurus fighter Gemini warlock Cancer paladin Leo bard Virgo sorcerer Libra monk Scorpio rogue Sagittarius ranger Capricorn druid Aquarius wizard Pisces cleric

[@shawnberry760]

@@ConstructedChaos I called it heroscopes or if you’re feeling naughty, horrorscopes!

[@BranBal]

@@shawnberry760 Seems interesting 🤔 What are the lore explanation for each star sign class?

[@sven1480]

*Pokes someone with a stick I found on the ground* oops 5d8 radiant damage

[@ConstructedChaos]

HAHAHAHAHA I never thought about the fact that it could be literally any melee weapon.

[@sven1480]

@@ConstructedChaos yea, it made alot of funny scenarios. Always reminds me of Meliodas from 7 deadly sins destroying a mountain with a stick.

[@ottr-life5511]

It's heree !!!!!¡!!!!!!!!!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hahaha better late than never!

[@cyanideytcuriousseadoggo]

I actually have an idea for a paladin based on the oathbreaker. The idea is that They’re a dark paladin who woke up and realized the atrocities committed by their god while they were kept alive but trapped in their body mentally but willingly did the atrocities in their name and than went to their main church just to slash the hand of their leader and destroyed their own holy sign having their oath already broken before the game begins. They still use the same Dark paladin powers but with a personal vendetta and an oath to hunt down evil and turn the monster they made against them. They know they’re not able to get normal paladin powers and got a new holy sign in a brand onto their hands that glows through armor (I would tell the DM this particular paladin from their past cannot cast Divine smite but has a homebrew replacement skill called Vendetta’s edge that is the same with TYPELESS damage but can’t gain any boosts for targets in it’s place but is otherwise the same but needs a bladed(Swords, Axes or any weapon with a sharp edge to attack with) weapon or it’s disabled. What I mean by typeless damage is that it doesn’t apply a damage type or work with that system.) of course the characters past means I’m kind of forced into oathbreaker(The character broke their oath in the backstory so having a separate oath would contradict hard. They know they’re not worthy of a paladin oath they’re just trying to atone for their sins and use their dark powers for good. A fiend that thought the same way as them restored the powers. They do help each other at times in ways like scout ahead for each other or get maintenance.)

[@ArcheoneGaming]

0:26 i havent seen the rest of the video yet. But everytime people say "Paladins must be lawfull good" This is just rubs me the wrong way. I will watch the video till the end and probably add more to this later... But just those few lines deserve the rant below. (no hate to the creator, its my beef with the book) I am currently playing a lawful evil paladin. His personal/family goal is to reunite the shattered kingdom of guillion in which his family holds a noble house. So here is the thing, he believes that the unification of the kingdom is the greater good. And so i will do that by ANY means necessary. Also in general, most paladins are "noble", that means that you are an aristocrat. Insulting noble/royal bloodline is punishable by death for commoners... That doesnt sound to "good" but it is acording to the law. Basically the only thing you MUST do as a "GOOD" paladin is vanquish evil, undead, fieds, tieflings.... Because it would be pretty difficult to tell your god that you are friends with his enemies. But there really is no need to play the goody two shoes as a paladin. You can do plenty of evil stuff if you do it for the right reasons. Remember the crusades? Yeah those were basically "paladins" of the real world. That event is hardly labled as "good". And on the guise of religion you can go far... Witch hunts, burning people at the stake, forcing pety criminals to repent in ways that they couldnt possibly do. Killing heretics, who is a heretic, literally anyone who doesnt follow your god. Hell... or Heaven... even those who do follow your god but dont follow him enough in your eyes. You can do SO MUCH EVIL as a paladin in the name of "good" it really is amazing. I mean yeah, you cant really be a murder hobo unless ur vengeance or oathbroken.... But even as a Conquest paladin (which i currently am) you can still kill people by the number when for example you are claiming an area in the name of your king/religon/god. EDIT: Ok so he did mention this to some degree... im happy :)

[@ConstructedChaos]

Absolutely well-deserved rant here haha. I’m glad you’re going to watch the rest of the video 😜

[@user-mu8ok5xf8d]

They really are. They just do t have that much endurance. Almost all of their stuff besides their aura is active and has a number of uses and unlike fighters and monks they don’t come back on a short rest. They also have no real range options as all of their features want them to be in melee

[@ConstructedChaos]

This is true. However, I find some of this is mitigated now that you can get your channel divinity uses back on a short rest and get some smites back with it.

[@user-mu8ok5xf8d]

@@ConstructedChaos is that from the one dnd thing

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@user-mu8ok5xf8dharness divine power is an optional rule from Tasha’s!

[@deantitus9734]

You were asking what's the most broken part of the base paladin class? I'd say that it's the Aura of Protection ability at level 6!! Your Charisma mod added to all saving throws(YES, including death saving throws!!)?!?! PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!!!! Also, I've already played an Oath of Vengeance paladin. I might try the Oath of Conquest next!!

[@ConstructedChaos]

Yep! That Aura of Protection is freaking nuts--especially with how early it comes online!

[@deantitus9734]

BTW, are you showing everybody's character stats, AC, HP maximums and descriptions on your broadcasts?

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@deantitus9734 yessir! It’s something we started partway through the campaign but it’s up there now!

[@SunLovinSolaire]

Oath of Glory is top tier imo

[@ConstructedChaos]

Just about any Paladin qualifies, I think haha

[@SunLovinSolaire]

@@ConstructedChaos I just like the fact that a level 13 Oath of Glory Paladin can technically move 600 feet in one turn. Pegasi have 90 feet of flight, Aura adds 10, Haste doubles that to 200, dash twice.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@SunLovinSolaire dash actually only increases by your base movement speed. So that technically wouldn’t work.

[@SunLovinSolaire]

@@ConstructedChaos meh, even then it’s only 50ft less.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@SunLovinSolaire you’d also get more mileage out of a rogue or monk if movement speed is your goal.

[@Vampireknight99]

I am a lawful evil player, assimar Dhampir Subclass Conquest Vengeance Oathbreaker Watchers

[@ConstructedChaos]

Are you playing in an evil campaign? Do your fellow adventurers know about your evil tendencies?

[@Vampireknight99]

@ConstructedChaos they do because I will to be a villain of the party. It's better to have one evil in the party than none.

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@Vampireknight99 very cool! Which subclass did you go with?

[@Vampireknight99]

@ConstructedChaos depends on what we need. Conquest is default for me Oathbreaker is 2nd Watchers 3rd Vengeance is 4th

[@jigui26]

Dexadin a criminally underrated imo

[@ConstructedChaos]

I agree! And it’s odd because dex is such a god stat over the whole game!

[@deanvine8981]

Thinking of going conquest and 1 lvl in undead warlock. Big fear combo

[@ConstructedChaos]

I've definitely been seeing how powerful fear strats can be lately!

[@bubble-xt]

I am a paladin in a group of a bard, a rogue, a ranger and sorcerer… they all hide while I am there taking the heat on my own. I literally have no stealth and no dexterity. Last time when we were taking on 15 cultists who 8 of them were surrounding me and all of them were hiding in the bushes, I couldn’t move… all I could do was hit people with my axe. (Yes, not the long sword but the sorcerer gave it to me) … and then they complained I didn’t hide lol..

[@ConstructedChaos]

Why hide when you have a god on your side!?

[@dewolfeFSP]

In my experience, most people really have a hard time playing a good person with a just heart and either over play the paladins abilities or the lawful good alignment

[@ConstructedChaos]

That's a really good point, honestly. I do think it can be easy to overstep your "goodness" just to make things interesting.

[@EverettMcMahan-u1b]

They should DEFINITELY flop Aura of Courage and Aura of Protection as far as level placement goes. My DM hadn't had a paladin at the table before me, and let's just say that a barbarian/fighter, Monk, and Vengeance Paladin Swarming with a wizard in the back didn't go over well.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I do think that would make sense. I wonder if that'll be a change in the revised edition!

[@MortusVanDerHell]

The Paladin is one of the two most role-play intensive classes in DnD. And unfortunately, many simply don't understand that paladins get their powers because they are exceptionally good people to begin with, not exceptionally religious. The powers are a support to be able to continue the previous way of life. Not a reward for fanatical zeal and certainly not a licence to mutate into a murder hobo. That's why I always tell my players in advance: do you want to play a character who is a protector and diplomat, who is also prepared to use the sword as a last resort to defend the weak, helpless and innocent, or do you want to play a warrior with a divine agenda? The first is the paladin, for the latter you should better play a fighter who is religious by background. A former temple guard or a cleric.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I love this outlook on the class, honestly. Paladins in my setting are not typically so zealous but I do feel like they're written that way in the sourcebooks so a lot of tables fall into this unintentional trap.

[@8umber]

I have a problem with the Oath system. I do want to try a paladin sometime but I don't like playing a purely good character and feel like the Oath system is very limiting. I've talked to several people about this and some of them have said that I should think of the Oath of the Paladin as a guideline and not as ironclad rules that the paladin has to follow all the time. Side note My buddy in our homebrewed Saltmarsh campaign plays a paladin and he is thirstier than our bard Npc. Also, he plans on taking levels in bard soon. The thing that scares me is his reasoning for this is well I feel like taking the bard class as a currently level five paladin speaks for itself.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I completely agree with that approach. Truthfully, in my own games, I nearly ignore the tenets for my players myself. Unless a player goes completely against what they stand for (i.e. an oath of devotion murdering an entire orphanage) I just let it play.

[@bryanwoods3373]

Also don't think of the tenets as they are intended. You can find ways to twist them or go fanatical. Oath of Ancients can be an eco-terrorist. I play a Redemption paladin that is kind of a rogue cop beating people into being better. Good doesn't have to be nice, and the ends can justify the means. I've even thought about a Vengeance paladin seeking retribution for the death of his family. He'll have the flaw that he's willing to kill to keep his shameful secret hidden. That secret is that he's actually responsible for his family's death, but he's in such denial that he hunts goblins or something that never turn out to be the killers.

[@meikahidenori]

The Silver Flame enters the comments. They're they most morel grey ones you'll come across.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Too true! They're a great example of why Paladins shouldn't be confined to the rules of their tenets!

[@DiceDragondnd]

You changed something. A roll has more noise in it...hmm

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha I did! I'm filming on a different camera here to take advantage of a few other things. It'll probably take me a little while to lock things in but I was able to avoid being out of focus now haha.

[@ConstructedChaos]

It'll probably just take me a few videos to dial in like I had the old camera.

[@DiceDragondnd]

@@ConstructedChaos so you changed the camera? What did you swap it out for?

[@ConstructedChaos]

@@DiceDragondndI was using my old Sony FS7 but I upgraded to a new FX6 late last year. The FS7 is on its last leg so I finally started using the FX6 for my KZbin channel this time!

[@DiceDragondnd]

I really like the look from fs7. It has this "filmic" vibe. Fx6 is a beast, cograts!

[@octapusxft]

Sadly I found pure paladin builds unremarkable in combat outside of the moments where smites happen or saving throws are rolled. If however one gets some levels in hexblade and or Divine soul...

[@ConstructedChaos]

I can't say that I've seen the same of pure paladin builds but I can definitely attest to the power of a hexblade dip!

[@octapusxft]

@@ConstructedChaos it it just that a pure paladin without spell slots to use felt like a gun without bullets; one can use it as a blunt weapon but it is not it's intended use. The Blessed warrior style helped a lot making it less of an issue though

[@Nintendoggy]

I play a Glory Paladin but making super-low damage. Never rolling those 20s, so Smite does barely any damage. Not really feeling OP at all. Doing mere 7-12 damage while the hunter ranger deals 50+ damage.

[@ConstructedChaos]

What level are you? Don't forget how strong those auras can be!

[@coltonmaggard2557]

Yeahhhhh I tell my players who want to be a paladin to ignore the rp parts if they don’t want to be lawful good. It’s way more fun to be a paladin who fell /failed his god and or whose god failed him so now he wonders the world searching for meaning and trying to figure out what kind of person he truly is

[@ConstructedChaos]

I'm with ya all the way! Hopefully they make this change in the new rules as well.

[@greghamilton9505]

I’ve played non-good paladins 5e has no alignment restrictions for paladins I’ve played numerous evil campaigns and unlike the trope they have been the tightest most dependable parties I’ve even been in.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hehe you may not have watched far enough into the video to see that I completely agree with you!

[@nalrashido]

So my friend wants to make a Bretonnian Paladin for DND. Which Oath would be the most appropriate?

[@ConstructedChaos]

I'm not imminently familiar with bretonnia but, from what I can see, oath of the crown might be best suited in terms of flavor!

[@harmonlanager2670]

I disagree with the ‘yuck’ on the tenets. Restrictions can often foster more creativity than limitless freedom. If you’re character is playing a religiously devote person who draws powers from their ideals, you should have rules those ideals impose.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I totally respect your opinion here and I can't agree more that restrictions often foster creativity! However, I'd rather restrictions in the form of mechanics--NOT in my RP where my character should be able to set their own restrictions based on alignment, flaws, and ideals that I select during character creation.

[@DemonsRun87]

Booyah

[@ConstructedChaos]

Hahaha it happened!! Finally! Time to vote on the next one!

[@DemonsRun87]

@@ConstructedChaos just waiting for that post now 😉

[@BitigoBlack]

I'm a noob... and I'm trying to put together a chaotic evil Paladin. 😂 would be my first Paladin ever 😂

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha sounds like a blast and a great first character for you to cut your teeth on! Happy adventuring!

[@Tomha]

I'm playing Paladin for the first time and my group is making me nervous. I picked Oath of Glory as it fits my guys backstory/personality but the group was pretty critical about it. Claiming there are much better options and I should consider being an Oathbreaker. Honestly I felt insulted by the suggestion xP

[@ConstructedChaos]

Dang! I'm sorry that's been your experience. Some groups learn hard into the power gaming experience and there's nothing wrong with that. But, I personally prefer to play at tables that play more for flavor than anything else. Your Oath of Glory Paladin would be welcome in our games any time!

[@Tomha]

@ConstructedChaos Honestly, I don't even get their logic. Like they actually suggested Devotion or Redemption...while we have a murder hobo in the party.

[@Ashen-cinders]

5

[@ConstructedChaos]

Ah yes, the one after 4 and before 6. Perfect.

[@leodouskyron5671]

Paladins are funny as they are as broken as you and your DM let them be. Point 1 - RP as the Pal(adin). Remember that in older editions Paladins had to police the party and that is NEVER the way to play them now. It was wrong then and is now. No matter how good your Paladin is - or not - it is best you lead by example. If the Rogue steals that is his issue let the cleric wag the finger. Next time you see the bad guy steal something a snide remark about he steals too should be avoided. But if he asks why you are not happy when the others do then maybe you say that there was another way IF THERE WAS ONE. If there was no other way, maybe shake your head and say so. But you never turn them over to the guard because you are devotion paladin . If you can you make amends you do because you can’t be a Paladin unless you are first a “Pal” to your party. Point 2. Paladin capstones are an “attractive hazard”. The paladins are mostly great for the capstones but you are almost never going to get there. Ask you dm for the honest truth if you will or not have a 90% chance of getting to level 20. If so then mutliclassing is off the table - trust me being a Paladin level 20 is a RPGer capstone too. But if not… Point 3. Consider the moment you will multiclasses and how and plan that at the beginning of your session 0. There is no great time to leave but consider 2 a min, 6 is optimal and 7 is a watcher’s perfect time to go. Fighters are great multi class options (at least two levels but getting Samurai or Echo Knight are worth the 3 level) They also work great with Bards (focusing in on party support), Sorcerer (because you can smite more with full caster slots) or Hexblade…I mean warlock (okay I meant Hexblade so you can be more Single attribute dependent and have 2 short rest smites). Point 4. DMs often forget to make sure Paladin players have the eyes of the world on them - but some do only when you mess up. Try to keep you oath on a card at the table write a short phase to remind you under your character name. Some DMs love tripping up players in that thinking this is how they will balance the power but you as player can RP better and avoid this issue with this tip. Point 5. Smites and mounts. This is the place where all DMs hate me telling you something important- get your mount and make sure they are large. Even though you have few ASI get the Mounted Combatant feat. This does a) get you to the enemy to smite b) when you get there if they are smaller then your steed (often true) you get advantage. Now with your attack you can attack twice for a total of 4 dice. On your first set you have about 20% of a critical (perfect for smiting) if you do this three times you get about a 60% (58%) of the same. General rule on smiting, smite early but not often (BBEG and dragons always smite). The idea is you don’t want to use a smite and to 30pts on an injured Kobold if there is not good reason for that. If your dm runs few combats or you know you can retire to a long rest go for it but try not to over kill and have something in the tank for the next fight. I know it is long, again but these are the points I think a Paladin should consider when they pick up the class. Of course, background is very important and heck of you can manage to pick up a feat extra or two it is always a great idea Great weapon master, Heavy armor master and inspiring Leader all help a lot too) and species picks like Aasimar can be sweet when you need to fly up to an enemy and smite them down). So many options but just one thing never changes that oath!

[@ConstructedChaos]

I think these are fantastic points and I mostly agree--aside from point 2 where you mention that paladins are mostly great for the capstones. I think paladins are fantastic for other reasons and it's why I didn't dwell much on the capstones for each subclass.

[@leodouskyron5671]

@@ConstructedChaos I must have said it poorly. The Paladin is unique because there capstones are good - not the other way around. Lots of players see that and focus on the capstone when most game will not get past level 10. Of course, that renders the capstone moot. Sorry for not making that clear.

[@agentchaos9332]

"The Class loosely suggests some guidelines for you to follow, that you're free to ignore at your table. Yuck, how dare they."😂😂😂😂😂Think up a cool, compelling backstory for why your character isn't Lawful good, ignore the lore, or play any of the zillion other options (Including some of the Oaths who's tenets are not necessarily good or lawful), but don't bash the cool lore that's necessary for decent world building. If you want absolutely no guidelines for Character creation, then your choices are to ignore the lore of whatever setting you use, or have really crappy lore.

[@ConstructedChaos]

I’m guessing you didn’t watch far enough into the video to see me make exactly this point 😂

[@indigoblacksteel1176]

You don't even need to do a video for this. Everybody knows Paladins are broken. ;)

[@ConstructedChaos]

Too true! I feel like the last few class guides I have left are that way but I will make them nonetheless!

[@shantoreywilkins651]

🆗️🎁🤔🕵🕵‍♀️🕵‍♂️🕵‍♀️

[@bholl6546]

Everything about 5e is broken.

[@ConstructedChaos]

Haha a lot of it can be broken, yes!

[@ihateyou1514]

nuh uh