What do Oathbreaker Paladins Get?
Oathbreaker Paladins gain access to unique Channel Divinity options, such as Control Undead, which allows them to target an undead creature and potentially control its actions, and Spiteful Suffering, a necrotic damage spell that deals damage over time. By breaking their Sacred Oath and embracing darkness and corruption, Oathbreaker Paladins can acquire powerful abilities that set them apart from traditional paladins, making them a fascinating and complex character choice for players.
Understanding Oathbreaker Paladins
To delve deeper into the world of Oathbreaker Paladins, let’s explore some frequently asked questions that can provide insight into their abilities, roles, and nuances.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What are the benefits of Oathbreaker? A: The biggest advantage of playing an Oathbreaker is access to the necrotic damage spell, Spiteful Suffering, which replaces a defensive spell with a very good damage-over-time ability that works on CHA saves that most monsters will not pass.
- Q: Do Oathbreaker Paladins get smites? A: Oathbreaker Paladins replace the paladin features specified as well as the features specific to their Sacred Oath with Oathbreaker features, and at the DM’s discretion, they may gain the modified Lay on Hands and Unholy Smite of the Oathbreaker before reaching 3rd level.
- Q: How do Oathbreaker Paladins get their powers? A: Throughout the ages, paladins who forsook their oaths were visited by the Oathbreaker Knight, a once-vassal to a corrupt lord who was the first individual to follow the path of the oathbreaker, offering them the powers of fear and darkness.
- Q: Can an Oathbreaker paladin be good? A: Very much so, as Oathbreakers aren’t inherently evil, and the subclass allows players to explore antihero or fallen paladin characters seeking redemption.
- Q: What happens if you break your oath and become an Oathbreaker Paladin? A: Breaking your oath causes you to lose any abilities associated with your oath but opens your character to new abilities and dialogue options.
- Q: Do Oathbreaker Paladins need a God? A: No, a paladin’s strength comes from their dedication to their ideals alone, and for an Oathbreaker, this means their dedication is to betraying the lofty ideals they once held.
- Q: What is the best race for an Oathbreaker paladin? A: The best races for an Oathbreaker Paladin include High Half-Elf, Human, Mephistopheles Tiefling, and Half-Orc.
- Q: Do Oathbreaker Paladins have to be evil? A: No, but it’s crucial to understand that the term Oathbreaker refers to a paladin who breaks their sacred oaths to pursue some dark ambition or serve an evil power.
- Q: Can an Oathbreaker paladin take a new oath? A: Yes, with the DM’s permission, a paladin can atone and become a true paladin once more, selecting a different deity or Sacred Oath than they had previously.
- Q: Does Oathbreaker have commander damage? A: No, the Oathbreaker format does not include commander damage as a win condition, unlike the Commander format.
- Q: Can Oathbreaker Paladins use Lay on Hands? A: Oathbreaker Paladins learn to cause pain, not mend it, and their Lay on Hands pool changes to unholy energy that deals damage instead of healing.
- Q: What is the most powerful oath in paladin? A: The Oath of Vengeance is considered one of the most powerful oaths, as it allows paladins to become literal avenging angels with the power of flight.
- Q: Which paladin oath does the most damage? A: The Oath of Devotion‘s level 20 ability, Holy Nimbus, deals the most damage, affecting enemies within 60 feet with radiant damage.
- Q: Can Oathbreaker paladin raise dead? A: There is a difference between a fallen paladin and an Oathbreaker, as a fallen paladin loses their powers but does not immediately gain Oathbreaker powers to raise the dead.
- Q: How do Oathbreaker Paladins work? A: To break their Paladin Oath, a paladin must betray their beliefs and violate one of the Oath’s tenets, after which the Oathbreaker Knight will appear, offering them new abilities and powers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Oathbreaker Paladins offer a unique and compelling character archetype for players looking to explore the darker aspects of the paladin class. With their access to necrotic damage spells, Control Undead, and other powerful abilities, Oathbreakers can bring a new level of complexity and depth to any campaign. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the Oathbreaker Paladin is definitely worth considering for your next character.