The Oathbreaker Paladin stands as a stark antithesis to the traditional Paladin. These are warriors who have not merely strayed from the path of righteousness but have plunged headfirst into the abyss.
Once paragons of virtue, their broken oaths have extinguished the light within, leaving them consumed by darkness. They wield necrotic magic, command undead thralls, and walk a path shrouded in shadow.
Shattered Vows and Dark Allegiances: Oathbreaker Traits
- Broken Oaths: An Oathbreaker Paladin has irrevocably violated their sacred oath. This transgression severs their connection to their divine patron, leaving them vulnerable to the seductive whispers of darkness. They may become thralls to malevolent deities, champions of twisted ideologies, or simply succumb to their own insatiable ambition.
- Alignment Shift: Only Paladins who have demonstrably embraced evil can become Oathbreaker Paladins. This typically requires a character to be at least 3rd level and demonstrably evil. Evil, in this context, isn’t merely about malicious acts, but about a fundamental corruption of one’s moral compass. Imagine a Paladin who once championed the downtrodden but now hoards wealth and power, viewing others solely as tools or obstacles.
A Dance with the Macabre: Building the Oathbreaker
Oathbreakers excel when they can leverage the power of the undead alongside their martial prowess.
Party synergy is crucial. Collaborate with allies who possess necromantic abilities like Animate Dead, often found with Wizards, Clerics, or specific subclasses like the Circle of Spores Druid or the Divine Soul Sorcerer.
Example: The Crimson Legion and Xal’ath, the Oathbreaker
Xal’ath was once a beacon of hope, leading a legendary order of paladins known as the Crimson Legion.
However, a devastating betrayal by a trusted advisor shattered his faith. Consumed by vengeance, Xal’ath broke his oath and embraced the power of a slumbering evil.
Now, accompanied by a legion of undead raised by his party’s necromancer, Xal’ath seeks to eradicate the betrayer and reshape the world in his own, grim image.
Equipping Yourself for Darkness
- Race: Select a race that complements your playstyle. Half-Elves offer a blend of martial prowess and arcane aptitude, while Tieflings possess a natural affinity for the shadows. Consider races with inherent resistances to necrotic damage, like Goliaths or Dwarves, for added resilience.
- Background: Craft a compelling backstory for your character. Did a personal tragedy lead them down a dark path? Perhaps they were seduced by the promise of power from a malevolent entity. Backgrounds like Haunted One, Soldier (with a dishonorable discharge), or Cult Fanatic can add depth and intrigue.
- Skills and Tools: Develop a skillset that complements your role. Intimidation allows you to project a menacing aura, while Deception can help you manipulate others to your advantage. Religion can provide valuable insight into the forces of darkness you may encounter, while Arcana aids in understanding and potentially corrupting ancient magic. Tools like thieves’ tools or mason’s tools might aid your exploration of forgotten crypts and undead-infested ruins.
- Feats: Feats like Great Weapon Master, Polearm Master, or War Caster enhance your combat prowess. For a stronger connection to the shadows, consider feats like Necrotic Adept or Savage Attacker, which bolster your necrotic damage. Sentinel can be a powerful choice to control the battlefield and protect your undead minions.
- Multiclassing: If your party lacks necromantic support, consider multiclassing into a Wizard or Cleric to gain access to crucial spells like Animate Dead and Command Undead. Warlock, particularly the Undying patron, offers a unique path, allowing you to tap into dark pacts for power and bolster your undead companions.
A Legacy Forged in Darkness
The Oathbreaker Paladin walks a perilous path, wielding the chilling embrace of necrotic magic and leading legions of the undead.
Do you seek redemption for your broken oath, or do you revel in the power your darkness bestows? Embrace your role as a fallen champion, for the shadows await, and the choice of your destiny lies within them.
FAQs
What is an Oathbreaker Paladin?
An Oathbreaker Paladin is a Paladin who has broken their sacred oath and embraced darkness. This can happen for various reasons, such as a personal tragedy, a betrayal, or a thirst for power. Oathbreakers lose their connection to their divine patron and gain access to necrotic magic and the ability to control undead creatures.
How do I become an Oathbreaker Paladin?
There’s no single act that triggers the Oathbreaker transformation. It’s a narrative choice driven by your character’s backstory and roleplaying decisions. However, to qualify mechanically, your Paladin must be at least 3rd level and demonstrably evil. Evil, in this context, isn’t just about random acts of cruelty; it’s about a fundamental shift in your moral compass. Imagine a Paladin who once championed justice but now prioritizes their own wealth and power, viewing others as expendable.
Are Oathbreaker Paladins bad guys?
Not necessarily. While they have embraced evil and wield dark magic, Oathbreakers can have complex motivations. They might seek a twisted form of justice, be consumed by vengeance, or be slaves to a malevolent entity. Ultimately, their alignment and morality are up to the player.
How do I play an Oathbreaker Paladin effectively?
Oathbreakers excel when they can work alongside allies who use undead minions. Wizards, Clerics with specific domains (Death, Grave), and certain subclasses like the Circle of Spores Druid or Divine Soul Sorcerer can be fantastic teammates. Utilize spells like Animate Dead and Command Undead to bolster your undead army.
What are some good build options for Oathbreaker Paladins?
- Race: Half-Elves and Tieflings are popular choices due to their versatility and natural affinity for darkness. Consider races with necrotic damage resistance like Goliaths or Dwarves for added survivability.
- Background: Haunted One, Soldier (dishonorable discharge), or Cult Fanatic can add depth to your character’s descent into darkness.
- Skills and Tools: Focus on Intimidation, Deception, Religion, and Arcana. Tools like thieves’ tools and mason’s tools can be useful for exploring forgotten tombs and ruins.
- Feats: Great Weapon Master, Polearm Master, War Caster, Necrotic Adept, Savage Attacker, and Sentinel are all strong options depending on your desired playstyle.
- Multiclassing: If your party lacks necromantic support, consider multiclassing into Wizard, Cleric, or even Warlock (Undying patron) to gain access to crucial spells and abilities.
Can Oathbreakers be redeemed?
Absolutely! The path of redemption is always open, even for Oathbreakers. Perhaps they witness the true cost of their actions or encounter a force that inspires them to return to the light. The journey back to redemption can be a compelling narrative arc for your character.
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