Does an Oathbreaker Still Have Smite?

An Oathbreaker Paladin still retains the ability to smite, as they only lose their original subclass features which are replaced with Spiteful Suffering and Dreadful Aspect, but they keep the majority of their spells and abilities, including Divine Smite. The Oathbreaker subclass is a unique and complex aspect of the Paladin class, allowing for a fallen or corrupted Paladin to still wield significant power, including the ability to smite, albeit with different motivations and potentially evil intentions.

Understanding Oathbreakers and Smite

To fully grasp the concept of an Oathbreaker and their ability to smite, it’s essential to delve into the specifics of what it means to be an Oathbreaker Paladin and how their abilities, including smite, are affected by their oath-breaking.

FAQs About Oathbreakers and Smite

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Can Oathbreaker Paladins still smite? – Yes, Oathbreaker Paladins can still use Divine Smite as it is not a feature of their original subclass that is lost when they become Oathbreakers.
2. Do Oathbreakers still have divine smite? – Yes, Oathbreakers retain Divine Smite as part of their abilities.
3. Can an Oathbreaker smite in BG3? – In Baldur’s Gate 3, Oathbreaker Paladins can still use Smite spells, including Searing and Branding Smite, making certain race choices beneficial for this subclass.
4. What do you lose as an Oathbreaker? – As an Oathbreaker, you lose your original subclass features, which are replaced by Oathbreaker features.
5. Is an Oathbreaker paladin evil? – Oathbreakers are not inherently evil but can be played as such; they offer a unique opportunity to play an anti-hero or a fallen Paladin seeking redemption.
6. Does Antimagic stop smite? – Antimagic Field prevents Divine Smite from working as it counts as a magical effect.
7. Can Astarion turn you into a vampire? – Astarion can bite you, but this does not turn you into a vampire; it provides him with a buff.
8. Can an Oathbreaker paladin have a God? – An Oathbreaker can still have a god, but the relationship may change, especially if the Paladin switches to an evil deity.
9. Can you start as an Oathbreaker paladin? – No, you cannot start as an Oathbreaker Paladin; you must first be a Paladin and then break your oath.
10. Is Divine smite a leveled spell? – Divine Smite becomes available at the 2nd level and scales with the level of the spell slot used.
11. Is Divine smite unlimited? – There’s no limit to how many times you can use Divine Smite per turn, but each use requires a spell slot.
12. What is the best smite for a paladin? – The best Smite for a Paladin depends on the situation, but Divine Smite is generally very effective.
13. Can a paladin smite with an improvised weapon? – No, Divine Smite requires a melee weapon attack, so improvising a weapon or using an unconventional method to deal damage does not qualify.
14. Can a paladin smite with a gun? – According to the rules, Divine Smite cannot be used with a ranged weapon, including guns.
15. Can an Oathbreaker paladin heal? – Yes, an Oathbreaker Paladin retains the ability to heal, including using Lay on Hands, as these are not subclass-specific features that are lost upon becoming an Oathbreaker.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an Oathbreaker Paladin indeed still has the ability to smite, retaining Divine Smite as part of their arsenal. This complex subclass offers a rich role-playing opportunity, especially for those interested in exploring the nuances of a fallen or corrupted Paladin. Understanding the Oathbreaker‘s capabilities, including their ability to smite, is crucial for both players and Dungeon Masters to fully leverage this unique subclass in their campaigns.