How to Build an Evil Paladin
To build an evil paladin, you need to choose an evil alignment and select a suitable subclass, avoiding Devotion, Ancients, and Redemption, while also considering the Oath of Vengeance, Crown, or Conquest as potential options. By embracing the dark side and making intentional character choices, you can create a unique and formidable evil paladin that challenges the traditional notions of this typically good-aligned class.
Understanding Evil Paladins
Definition and Characteristics
An evil paladin is a rare and complex character that combines the martial prowess and divine magic of a paladin with the malevolent intentions and actions of an evil alignment. This can create an intriguing and nuanced character, as the paladin’s oath and alignment may be in harmony or at odds, presenting opportunities for character development and role-playing.
Subclasses and Oaths
When building an evil paladin, it’s essential to choose a subclass that aligns with your character’s evil alignment. The Oath of Vengeance, Crown, and Conquest are popular choices, as they offer a more martial and aggressive playstyle that can be easily adapted to an evil character. However, other oaths can also be suitable, as long as you can justify your character’s evil actions and motivations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Paladins be Evil?
Yes, paladins can be evil, although it’s a rare and unconventional choice. The paladin class is typically associated with good alignments, but there’s no rule that prevents a paladin from being evil.
What is the Best Evil Oath for a Paladin?
The Oath of Vengeance, Crown, and Conquest are popular choices for an evil paladin, but any oath can be suitable if you can justify your character’s evil actions and motivations.
What Happens if a Paladin Becomes Evil?
If a paladin becomes evil, they may lose access to their paladin powers and abilities, as their oath and alignment are no longer in harmony.
Can You be a Dark Paladin?
Yes, you can be a dark paladin, which is an evil analogue of the paladin class. Dark paladins can inflict harm and create diseases, making them a formidable and feared opponent.
Are Oathbreaker Paladins Evil?
Oathbreaker paladins are often considered evil, as they use necromancy, fear, and despair to defeat their enemies. However, this subclass can also be played as a neutral or chaotic character, depending on your interpretation.
What’s the Strongest Paladin Subclass?
The strongest paladin subclass is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences and playstyle. However, the Oath of the Ancients and Oath of Devotion are often considered among the most powerful options.
Do Paladins Need a God?
Most paladins are sworn to a deity, but it’s not necessary to worship a specific god to be a paladin. Paladins can receive their powers from a higher authority or a personal code, rather than a specific deity.
Can Paladins Sense Evil?
Paladins can sense evil auras and determine the strength of an evil presence, making them effective at detecting and combating evil forces.
Can Paladins Serve Evil Gods?
Paladins can serve evil gods, but it’s not common, as most paladins are sworn to good or neutral deities. However, some paladins may choose to serve an evil deity, either willingly or unknowingly.
Can a Paladin be a Werewolf?
Yes, a paladin can be a werewolf, as long as they can maintain their paladin powers and abilities while in their werewolf form.
What is the Dark Paladin Oath?
The Dark Paladin Oath is a sacred oath that allows paladins to embrace their inner darkness and fight against uncanny forces.
What is the Opposite of a Paladin?
The opposite of a paladin is often considered to be a rogue, as they represent a different set of values and playstyles.
Can a Paladin Lay Hands on Themselves?
Yes, a paladin can use Lay on Hands on themselves, as well as on others, to heal wounds and cure diseases.
How Do You Make an Overpowered Paladin?
To make an overpowered paladin, you can focus on strength, athletics, and sacred oaths like Oath of Conquest or Oath of Vengeance. You can also choose a race like dragonborn or variant human to gain additional abilities and benefits.
What is the Best Race for a Paladin?
The best race for a paladin depends on the player’s preferences and playstyle. However, dwarves are often considered a popular choice, due to their darkvision, weapon proficiencies, and poison resistance.
Who Does the Most Damage as a Paladin?
The paladin subclass that does the most damage is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences and playstyle. However, paladins with a focus on strength and melee combat can deal significant damage in combat.
What is the Best Paladin Weapon?
The best paladin weapon depends on the player’s preferences and playstyle. However, holy avengers, vorpal swords, and sunswords are often considered among the most powerful options.
Is a Paladin Better Than a Knight?
A paladin is not necessarily better than a knight, as both classes have their own unique abilities and playstyles. However, paladins are often considered more powerful due to their access to divine magic and sacred oaths.
What Abilities Should be Highest for a Paladin?
A paladin should prioritize constitution and strength, as these abilities are essential for melee combat and survival. Dexterity can also be important for ranged combat or evasive maneuvers.
Can a Vengeance Paladin be Evil?
Yes, a vengeance paladin can be evil, as long as their oath and alignment are in harmony. However, this may require careful justification and role-playing to ensure that the character’s evil actions and motivations are consistent with their oath and alignment.