Can a Paladin Use a Glaive? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, a Paladin can use a glaive in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). Paladins are proficient with all martial weapons, and the glaive is classified as a martial weapon. This proficiency allows Paladins to wield the glaive effectively, adding a versatile reach weapon to their arsenal. Understanding the implications of this proficiency, alongside related character builds and strategies, can greatly enhance a Paladin’s combat effectiveness.
Understanding Paladin Weapon Proficiencies
A Paladin’s combat prowess stems not only from their divine abilities but also from their proficiency with a wide array of weapons. Unlike some classes with limited weapon options, Paladins are trained to use nearly any weapon they find useful in their quest for justice.
Martial Weapons and the Paladin
As mentioned above, Paladins gain proficiency with all martial weapons. This is a core feature of the class, highlighting their martial capabilities alongside their spellcasting. Martial weapons include a broad category encompassing swords, axes, hammers, and, crucially, polearms like the glaive. This proficiency means a Paladin adds their proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with a glaive, making them accurate and effective in combat.
Starting Equipment for Paladins
When creating a Paladin character, you have a choice of starting equipment that includes a martial weapon. Specifically, the player can choose between:
- (a) A martial weapon and a shield
- (b) Two martial weapons
This choice reflects the potential for different Paladin builds, whether prioritizing defense with a shield or offense with two weapons. While you might not start with a glaive, you absolutely have the proficiency to pick one up later.
The Glaive in Combat
The glaive is a two-handed polearm with the reach property. This means you can attack creatures 10 feet away, giving you a significant advantage in controlling the battlefield. Using a glaive strategically can keep you safe from melee attacks while allowing you to deal damage.
Strength vs. Dexterity with a Glaive
It’s important to note that the glaive uses Strength for attack and damage rolls. Unlike weapons with the Finesse property, you cannot substitute Dexterity for Strength. So, a Paladin planning to wield a glaive should prioritize Strength as a key ability score.
Fighting Styles and the Glaive
Paladins can choose a Fighting Style at 2nd level, and some styles synergize well with the glaive. The most common fighting style to enhance a glaive-wielding Paladin is Great Weapon Fighting. This style allows you to reroll damage dice on 1s and 2s when using a two-handed weapon, increasing your damage output.
Making an Overpowered Glaive-Wielding Paladin
Want to maximize the potential of a Paladin with a glaive? Consider the following:
- Feat: Polearm Master: This feat is crucial for glaive users. It allows you to make an opportunity attack when a creature enters your reach, effectively controlling the battlefield. Additionally, you can use a bonus action to make an additional attack with the butt of the glaive.
- Feat: Sentinel: Combining Sentinel with Polearm Master makes you a formidable defender. Creatures you hit with an opportunity attack have their speed reduced to 0 for the rest of the turn.
- Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting: As mentioned before, this fighting style maximizes damage output with a glaive.
- Multiclassing: Dipping into another class, such as Sorcerer or Bard, can provide additional spells and abilities to enhance your Paladin’s overall power. However, be mindful of delaying Paladin-specific features.
FAQs About Paladins and Glaives
1. Can a Paladin use a Glaive?
Yes, Paladins are proficient with all martial weapons, including the glaive. This allows them to wield it effectively in combat.
2. What weapons are Paladins proficient with?
Paladins have proficiency with all armor (heavy, medium, and light), shields, and all simple and martial weapons.
3. Can a Paladin dual wield?
While theoretically possible to dual wield with the Dual Wielder feat, it’s generally not optimal for Paladins. Paladins often have better uses for their bonus action, like casting spells or using Divine Smite. A shield or two-handed weapon is usually the better choice.
4. Can a Paladin use ranged weapons?
The base Paladin class can use ranged weapons, as they are proficient with all martial weapons; however, Paladins are generally more effective in melee combat, where they can utilize abilities like Divine Smite.
5. What fighting style is best for a Paladin?
For a glaive-wielding Paladin, Great Weapon Fighting is often the best choice, as it maximizes damage output. Defense is a solid choice if you decide to go with a one-handed weapon and shield, while Dueling offers a damage boost if you prefer to fight with one weapon and no shield.
6. What stats are important for a Paladin?
Strength is crucial for melee attacks and carrying capacity. Charisma is important for spellcasting and some Paladin abilities. Constitution enhances survivability.
7. Can a Paladin multiclass?
Yes, Paladins can multiclass. Popular choices include Sorcerer for additional spellcasting, Warlock for powerful abilities, or Bard for support and utility.
8. What is Divine Smite?
Divine Smite is a Paladin class feature that allows them to expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a melee weapon attack. It’s a core part of the Paladin’s damage output.
9. Can Divine Smite be used with a glaive?
Yes, Divine Smite can be used with a glaive attack, as long as it’s a melee weapon attack.
10. What feats are good for Paladins?
Besides Polearm Master and Sentinel, other useful feats include Great Weapon Master (for even more damage), Resilient (Constitution) for better concentration saves, and War Caster (for casting spells in melee).
11. What subclasses are best for Paladins?
The best Paladin subclass depends on your play style. Oath of Vengeance is great for damage, Oath of Devotion offers strong support and defense, and Oath of Ancients provides nature-based abilities and healing.
12. How do I roleplay a Paladin?
Paladins are typically lawful good characters dedicated to upholding their oath. Consider their specific oath and how it influences their decisions and actions.
13. Can Paladins use magic items?
Yes, Paladins can use magic items. Items that enhance weapon attacks, armor, or spellcasting are particularly useful.
14. What armor can Paladins wear?
Paladins are proficient with all armor types, including heavy armor. This makes them highly durable in combat.
15. How do I make a good Paladin build?
Focus on maximizing Strength and Charisma. Choose a fighting style and feats that complement your weapon choice and play style. Pay attention to your oath and how it affects your abilities and roleplaying. Don’t forget the synergy you can create with your other party members.
Conclusion
A Paladin wielding a glaive is a force to be reckoned with. By understanding the class’s proficiencies, choosing the right feats and fighting styles, and optimizing your ability scores, you can create a powerful and effective character. Embrace the reach and damage potential of the glaive, and your Paladin will be a true champion of justice on the battlefield and be an active participant in the Games Learning Society for years to come!
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