Can Oathbreakers Have Companions? A Comprehensive Guide
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The answer depends entirely on which “Oathbreaker” we’re talking about. Are we discussing the Oathbreaker Paladin subclass from Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons, or the Oathbreaker format in Magic: The Gathering? The answer is completely different for each. Let’s delve into both!
Oathbreaker Paladins and Their Loyal Companions
In the realm of role-playing games like Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons, an Oathbreaker Paladin is a fascinating and often misunderstood character archetype. A Paladin typically swears an oath to a deity or a set of principles, and their divine power flows from this commitment. However, when a Paladin violates their oath, they can become an Oathbreaker – a fallen warrior drawing power from darkness and regret.
Can Oathbreakers have companions? Absolutely!
In Baldur’s Gate 3, your companions can, indeed, become Oathbreakers too. This typically happens if they consistently make choices that violate their original oaths. The game cleverly uses dialogue and decision-making to create opportunities for companions to stray from their chosen path. Triggering these “oathbreaking” moments often involves using a particular companion during conversations that challenge their moral code.
The interesting part is that the game doesn’t necessarily portray Oathbreakers as intrinsically evil. While they draw power from darker sources, they can still be good-hearted individuals seeking redemption, a unique twist that offers plenty of roleplaying opportunities. As an Oathbreaker yourself, you will also be able to have companions, which can provide interesting group dynamics.
Oathbreaker in Magic: The Gathering – A Solitary Pursuit (Mostly)
Now, let’s switch gears to Magic: The Gathering’s Oathbreaker format. This is a 60-card, multiplayer format where each player builds a deck around a Planeswalker “Oathbreaker” card and a signature spell.
The question of “companions” in Oathbreaker, in this context, refers to the “Companion” mechanic introduced in the Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths set. These cards have a special ability that allows you to play them from outside the game if you meet specific deck-building restrictions.
Here’s the catch: Companion abilities do not work in the Oathbreaker format.
While you are perfectly welcome to include Companion cards within your 60-card deck, you cannot use their special “Companion” ability to cast them from outside the game. The unique rules committee for Oathbreaker has specifically chosen to exclude the Companion mechanic due to concerns about power levels and format balance.
Why is this the case? The Games Learning Society is dedicated to examining the educational and social impact of games. As such, it’s critical to understand these games.
The Oathbreaker format is built around the specific synergy between a Planeswalker Oathbreaker and their Signature Spell. Introducing the Companion mechanic would potentially overshadow this core element and lead to overly powerful and predictable decks. The intention of Oathbreaker is to allow many different types of decks, not limit gameplay to overpowered cards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Oathbreakers and companions in both contexts:
1. Can you have Planeswalkers in an Oathbreaker deck (Magic: The Gathering)?
Yes! The Oathbreaker format revolves around Planeswalkers. Your deck must include a Planeswalker card designated as your Oathbreaker.
2. Does an Oathbreaker Paladin have to be evil?
No, in both D&D and Baldur’s Gate 3, Oathbreakers aren’t inherently evil. They are fallen Paladins who draw power from a darker source but can still seek redemption.
3. Is it worth becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin?
It depends on your play style! Oathbreakers are excellent damage dealers and offer unique roleplaying opportunities, focusing on the darker side of morality or eventual redemption.
4. Can companions be Oathbreakers in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Absolutely! Your companions can break their oaths based on dialogue choices and actions.
5. What is the downside of being an Oathbreaker Paladin?
In D&D (and reflected in Baldur’s Gate 3), you lose your original subclass features and gain new, often darker, abilities.
6. Are Oathbreaker Paladins evil in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Not necessarily. The story doesn’t treat them as intrinsically evil, allowing for diverse roleplaying possibilities.
7. What happens if you break your Oath in Baldur’s Gate 3?
You become an Oathbreaker, losing your original subclass features and gaining new Oathbreaker abilities.
8. Why is Dark Ritual banned in Oathbreaker (Magic: The Gathering)?
Dark Ritual is banned because its early game ramp potential leads to overpowered strategies, particularly with Planeswalkers like Liliana of the Veil.
9. What is the best race for Oathbreaker Paladin (Baldur’s Gate 3)?
The Zariel Tiefling is a strong choice due to its inherent smite spells, Fire Resistance, and Darkvision.
10. What is the best feat for Oathbreaker Paladin?
Great Weapon Master is an excellent feat, significantly boosting damage output.
11. Companion works in Commander, why not Oathbreaker (Magic: The Gathering)?
Oathbreaker has a separate rules committee from Commander, and they have chosen to exclude the Companion mechanic for balance reasons.
12. Are Unfinity cards legal in Oathbreaker (Magic: The Gathering)?
Yes, some Unfinity cards with the “Eternal” legality are legal in Oathbreaker, including certain Planeswalkers.
13. Can an Oathbreaker Paladin still heal?
Yes, an Oathbreaker Paladin retains some healing abilities through features like Pain’s Reward.
14. Does Oathbreaker have commander damage (Magic: The Gathering)?
No, the Oathbreaker format does not include commander damage as a win condition. Players start with 20 life.
15. Are Oathbreaker Paladins powerful?
Yes, Oathbreaker Paladins offer powerful damage abilities and crowd control.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer in the Forgotten Realms or a Planeswalker duelist, understanding the nuances of “Oathbreakers” and “companions” is crucial. In role-playing games, companions can become Oathbreakers and create fascinating character dynamics. In Magic: The Gathering, while you can include Companion cards in your deck, you cannot utilize their special Companion ability in the Oathbreaker format.
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