Do you have to be evil to play an Oathbreaker paladin?
To answer this question directly, no, you don’t have to be evil to play an Oathbreaker Paladin, but the Oathbreaker subclass is typically associated with a dark and corrupt playstyle, and the character’s actions and backstory can influence their alignment. The Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5E) DMG defines an Oathbreaker as a paladin who breaks their sacred oaths to pursue some dark ambition or serve an evil power, implying a shift towards evil tendencies, but the ultimate choice of alignment depends on the player’s interpretation and the DM’s guidance.
Understanding the Oathbreaker Paladin
The Oathbreaker Paladin is a unique subclass that focuses on darkness and corruption, allowing players to explore a more complex and morally ambiguous character. This subclass is not inherently evil, but rather a fallen or corrupted version of the traditional paladin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Oathbreaker Paladins have a good alignment?
While the Oathbreaker subclass is often associated with evil alignments, it’s possible to play an Oathbreaker Paladin with a good alignment, focusing on the character’s backstory and motivations to justify their actions.
2. What is the difference between an Oathbreaker Paladin and a normal Paladin?
An Oathbreaker is a paladin who breaks their sacred oaths to pursue dark ambitions or serve evil powers, whereas a normal paladin adheres to their oath and upholds their code of conduct.
3. Can you start as an Oathbreaker Paladin?
No, you cannot start as an Oathbreaker Paladin in character creation, as you need an oath to break first. The Oathbreaker subclass is typically acquired through role-playing and character development.
4. How do you become an Oathbreaker Paladin?
To become an Oathbreaker Paladin, you need to break your oath, which can be done through various role-playing choices, such as sparing a life or freeing a prisoner, depending on the DM’s guidance.
5. What happens when a Paladin becomes an Oathbreaker?
When a paladin becomes an Oathbreaker, they lose their oath-related abilities and gain new dark and corrupt abilities, allowing them to explore a different playstyle.
6. Do Oathbreakers become Death Knights?
No, Oathbreakers do not automatically become Death Knights, but you can work with your DM to flavor your character as a Death Knight if desired.
7. Can Oathbreaker Paladins use Lay on Hands?
Oathbreaker Paladins can use a modified version of Lay on Hands, which deals necrotic damage instead of healing, reflecting their dark and corrupt nature.
8. Is Oathbreaker or Vengeance Paladin better?
The choice between Oathbreaker and Vengeance depends on your playstyle and preferences, as both subclasses offer unique abilities and playstyles.
9. Can Paladins sense evil?
Yes, paladins can sense evil auras and determine the strength of the aura, allowing them to detect and respond to evil presences.
10. What happens if a Paladin becomes evil?
If a paladin becomes evil, they typically lose their paladin powers and abilities, as their oath is broken, and they may need to find new ways to contribute to the party.
11. What is an evil Paladin called?
An evil paladin is often referred to as a dark paladin, which is a warrior dedicated to evil and chaos, rather than good and justice.
12. Can Oathbreaker Paladins raise the dead?
No, Oathbreaker Paladins do not inherently have the ability to raise the dead, as this is not a standard ability for this subclass.
13. What is the best race for an Oathbreaker Paladin?
The best race for an Oathbreaker Paladin depends on your playstyle and preferences, but popular choices include High Half-Elf, Human, Mephistopheles Tiefling, and Half-Orc.
14. Can Paladins be neutral evil?
Yes, paladins can be neutral evil, although this is a rare and complex alignment that requires careful role-playing and DM guidance.
15. Is Oathbreaker Paladin the strongest Paladin subclass?
The Oathbreaker subclass is a powerful and unique option, but whether it is the strongest depends on your playstyle and the specific campaign, as different subclasses excel in different situations.