The Best Starter Martial Weapon for a Paladin: A Comprehensive Guide

The question of the best starter martial weapon for a Paladin is a crucial one for any aspiring holy warrior. While the provided article mentions a “Moon-Touched Sword” as a common starting item, and it is a good option, let’s analyze the best overall choice. Considering a Paladin’s role as a frontline fighter and their need for both damage and survivability, the best starter martial weapon for a Paladin is a versatile martial weapon like a longsword, paired with a shield. This combination offers a balanced approach to both offense and defense, crucial for a Paladin’s early adventures.

Why a Longsword and Shield Combination is Ideal

Here’s why a longsword and shield are an excellent starting combo for a Paladin:

• Versatility: The longsword is a one-handed weapon dealing 1d8 slashing damage, which can be wielded in one hand, allowing a Paladin to use a shield in the other for increased survivability. It’s also a simple martial weapon, meaning Paladins are always proficient with it. This versatility allows for a balanced fighting style.
• Defense: A shield provides a crucial +2 bonus to Armor Class (AC), making it considerably harder for enemies to hit you. This added defense is vital for a melee-focused Paladin who will often be the target of enemy attacks. In the early stages of the game, when resources are limited, survival is paramount.
• Starting Equipment: The default equipment options that a Paladin can choose often include a martial weapon and a shield, making it a readily available starting configuration.
• Flexibility: Later on, if a Paladin chooses to switch to a two-handed weapon, they can, but starting with a longsword and shield provides them with a reliable and forgiving start to their adventuring career. This is especially good for a character who is in the early levels.

While greatswords offer higher damage output initially (2d6), sacrificing the defensive benefits of a shield early on can be risky. The increased AC from a shield is more valuable for staying in the fight longer, allowing a Paladin to dish out consistent damage and be a more reliable frontline.

Considering Other Starting Weapon Options

While the longsword and shield are ideal, here are a few other options you might see and why they’re not ideal starting weapons:

Two Martial Weapons

Starting with two martial weapons can seem appealing, but it will not offer any increase to attack or damage until the character gets feats later in the game, which are gained much later in progression. Also, it does not offer the Paladin increased defensive ability like the shield, which is much more valuable.

Greatsword

As mentioned, greatswords offer higher initial damage (2d6) but sacrifice the defensive bonus of a shield. This means you will get hit more and are more vulnerable to damage. This can mean death for low-level characters. It is good later on, but early on, defense is king.

Maces and Warhammers

While maces and warhammers are viable options and offer bludgeoning damage, they do not provide any significant advantage over the longsword at the start, and it is better to have the one-handed option for the shield. They may become important in specific campaigns where undead are more prominent, but starting out, the sword is a better choice.

Javelins

Javelins are a great option for ranged combat, but Paladins are most effective when they are in melee range. They also do not offer the defensive options that other weapons provide. This means that while they might be good as a backup option, they are not ideal as a primary starting weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Paladin Starting Weapons

Here are some frequently asked questions about Paladin starting weapons, expanding on the information provided above:

What about the “Moon-Touched Sword”?

The “Moon-Touched Sword” is a good starting weapon, but it doesn’t change the logic of the longsword and shield being the most effective starting weapon set up. While a Moon-Touched sword does 2d6 slashing damage as a two-handed greatsword, you still lose out on the defense offered by the shield.

Should I always use a shield as a Paladin?

Not always, but it’s highly recommended for starting out. As you gain levels and feats, you can experiment with two-handed builds.

Can I use two longswords?

You can use two longswords, but you will not get the +2 bonus to AC that the shield provides. This is not ideal as a starting weapon option. You need feats later to use two-weapon fighting to its full potential.

What fighting style pairs best with a longsword and shield?

The Defense Fighting Style is an excellent choice. It grants an additional +1 bonus to AC when you are wearing armor, which further enhances your survivability. The Dueling Fighting Style is a solid choice if you don’t want the defensive bonus, but instead, want +2 damage to your melee attacks.

What race is best for a Paladin using a longsword and shield?

Races like Human, High Half-Elf, and Mephistopheles Tiefling are good choices due to their ability score bonuses. Variant Humans are also good because they get a free feat that is very beneficial.

What if I want to focus on strength?

Even with a strength focus, the longsword and shield are still a strong start. Your strength will enhance the longsword’s damage, while the shield keeps you safe.

When should I consider a greatsword?

Consider a greatsword when you’ve gained enough levels and feats to compensate for the loss of AC. A Paladin who has the Great Weapon Fighting style can make great use of it.

What skills should I focus on?

Focus on Athletics, Intimidation, and Persuasion, which are all Charisma-based, which will enhance your Paladin abilities. Acrobatics is also a good choice for a Dexterity-based Paladin.

How does Charisma impact my weapon usage?

Charisma is not for your weapon damage. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your paladin spells, and it also makes your smites stronger.

Is Constitution important for a Paladin?

Absolutely! Constitution is vital for a Paladin because it will increase your hit points, so you can survive more damage on the frontline.

Do I need a magical weapon?

While magical weapons are powerful, you don’t need them to excel, especially in the beginning. A good magical weapon will make the Paladin stronger.

What makes an “overpowered” Paladin?

A combination of high Strength, the Oath of Conquest or Vengeance, a race like Dragonborn or Variant Human, and the Soldier or Sailor backgrounds make for a powerful Paladin.

Are Oathbreaker Paladins evil?

Yes, Oathbreaker Paladins are on a path toward becoming a death knight, it is an entirely evil path.

Is a Paladin a good solo class?

Yes, Paladins are great solo classes because of their combination of healing, defenses, and moderate damage.

What’s the best Paladin subclass?

Oath of Ancients, Devotion, and Vengeance are among the most powerful Paladin subclasses.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right starting weapon is crucial for setting the foundation for your Paladin’s journey. While the allure of heavy-hitting weapons is strong, the longsword and shield offer the best balance of offense and defense, making it the most effective and versatile choice for a Paladin’s starting gear. This will help keep the character alive during the crucial early levels of the game. As you progress, you can then tailor your weapon choices to fit your specific build and playstyle.