Understanding Paladin Saving Throws: A Comprehensive Guide

Paladins primarily use Wisdom and Charisma saving throws. These are the saving throws they are most often called upon to make, especially as they level up and gain class-specific features. While proficiency in these saves isn’t inherent at level 1, the Paladin’s Aura of Protection at 6th level grants a bonus to all saving throws for themselves and nearby allies, based on the Paladin’s Charisma modifier, significantly enhancing their resilience. This means they effectively become better at all saving throws, not just Wisdom and Charisma.

The Importance of Saving Throws

Saving throws are a fundamental mechanic in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). They represent a character’s ability to resist harmful effects like spells, traps, and environmental hazards. Understanding which saving throws a class relies on is crucial for building an effective and resilient character. Paladins, as divine warriors, need to be especially resistant to mental manipulation and magical effects, making their proficiency (or lack thereof) and their Aura of Protection exceptionally important.

What are Saving Throws?

Saving throws are d20 rolls made by a character or creature when subjected to a potentially harmful effect. The character adds any relevant ability score modifier and proficiency bonus (if they are proficient in that saving throw) to the roll. The result is then compared to a Difficulty Class (DC) set by the effect’s source. If the result meets or exceeds the DC, the saving throw is successful, and the character avoids or mitigates the effect.

Why are Wisdom and Charisma Important for Paladins?

Wisdom and Charisma are key ability scores for Paladins, and thus, saving throws linked to them are particularly relevant. Wisdom saving throws are common against spells that target the mind, such as charm effects, frighten effects, and illusions. Charisma saving throws, while less frequent, are important for resisting effects that attempt to control or influence a character’s personality or force them to act against their will, such as banishment or effects like possession.

Paladin Class Features and Saving Throws

Several Paladin class features directly or indirectly impact saving throws.

Aura of Protection: The Cornerstone of Paladin Defense

The Aura of Protection, gained at 6th level, is arguably the most significant feature impacting a Paladin’s saving throws. It provides a bonus equal to the Paladin’s Charisma modifier (minimum of +1) to all saving throws for the Paladin and any friendly creatures within 10 feet. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.

This aura essentially transforms a Paladin into a bastion of defense against a wide array of threats. Maximizing Charisma becomes crucial for enhancing both spellcasting ability and the effectiveness of this protective aura. The Aura of Protection is why Paladins are often considered excellent protectors and valuable additions to any adventuring party.

Other Relevant Class Features

While Aura of Protection is the main saving throw influencer, other features play a role:

• Divine Health (Level 3): This feature grants immunity to disease, which can often require Constitution saving throws to resist.
• Oath Features: Specific Paladin Oaths can provide additional benefits that relate to saving throws, such as resistance to certain damage types or advantages on saving throws against specific conditions. For example, the Oath of Devotion grants resistance to charmed effects, effectively providing an advantage on Wisdom saving throws against such effects.
• Spells: Paladins have access to spells that can aid in saving throws, such as Bless (which adds a d4 to saving throws) or Protection from Evil and Good (which grants advantage on saving throws against certain creature types).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Paladin saving throws:

1. Are Paladins proficient in any saving throws at level 1? No, Paladins are not inherently proficient in any specific saving throws at 1st level. They are proficient in Wisdom saving throws, and Charisma saving throws, but gain the benefit of all saving throws being enhanced at 6th level, with Aura of Protection.

2. How does the Aura of Protection work exactly? The Aura of Protection adds the Paladin’s Charisma modifier (minimum +1) to all saving throws made by the Paladin and any friendly creatures within the aura’s radius. This is added after the d20 is rolled but before the result is compared to the DC.

3. Does the Aura of Protection affect death saving throws? Yes, the Aura of Protection affects death saving throws as these are technically saving throws. This can significantly increase a Paladin’s (and nearby allies’) chances of surviving when reduced to 0 hit points.

4. Can the bonus from Aura of Protection be increased beyond the Paladin’s Charisma modifier? No, the bonus is directly tied to the Paladin’s Charisma modifier. Increasing Charisma is the only way to increase the bonus.

5. Does the Aura of Protection stack with other bonuses to saving throws? Yes, the Aura of Protection bonus stacks with other bonuses, such as those from the Bless spell, magic items, or other class features.

6. What’s more important, a high Wisdom or a high Charisma for a Paladin? Both are important. Wisdom affects many common saving throws, and is the primary stat for several skills, while Charisma affects the Aura of Protection and spellcasting. Most players prioritize Charisma, then Strength, and then Constitution, using the Aura of Protection to compensate for a lower Wisdom.

7. How can I improve my Paladin’s saving throws beyond the Aura of Protection? You can use spells like Bless or Protection from Evil and Good, acquire magic items that grant bonuses to saving throws (such as a Cloak of Protection), or multiclass into classes that grant proficiency in additional saving throws. Feats like Resilient (Wisdom) can grant proficiency in Wisdom saving throws if you want a high Wisdom score.

8. What happens if my Paladin is incapacitated or unconscious? Does the Aura of Protection still work? Yes, the Aura of Protection continues to function even if the Paladin is incapacitated or unconscious, as it is an always-on effect as long as the Paladin is alive and conscious, although some DMs might have different interpretations.

9. Is there any way to suppress the Aura of Protection? The Aura of Protection can be suppressed if the Paladin is within an Antimagic Field or similar effect that suppresses magical auras.

10. How do I handle saving throws when a Paladin and another character with similar auras are nearby? The bonuses do not stack. You only apply the highest bonus that applies to the saving throw.

11. What are some common enemies or situations that target Wisdom saving throws? Mind flayers, hags, and liches often use spells that require Wisdom saving throws. Illusions and enchantments are also common sources of Wisdom-based saving throws.

12. What are some common enemies or situations that target Charisma saving throws? Fiends (devils and demons), celestials, and certain magical effects that attempt to possess or dominate a character often require Charisma saving throws.

13. Can a Paladin choose which saving throw to make? No, the type of saving throw required is determined by the effect causing it. The Paladin simply rolls the appropriate saving throw.

14. How does advantage or disadvantage on a saving throw affect the Aura of Protection? Advantage or disadvantage is rolled before applying the Aura of Protection bonus. You roll two d20s and take the higher (advantage) or lower (disadvantage) result, then add the Aura of Protection bonus.

15. If a Paladin fails a saving throw, what are the common consequences? The consequences vary depending on the effect that triggered the saving throw. They can range from taking damage to being charmed, frightened, paralyzed, or even instantly killed. Success mitigates or negates these effects.

Conclusion

Understanding Paladin saving throws, particularly the impact of the Aura of Protection, is essential for playing an effective and resilient Paladin. While not inherently proficient in every save, the Charisma-based bonus to all saving throws transforms the Paladin into a powerful defender, both for themselves and their allies. By focusing on Charisma and utilizing spells and equipment wisely, Paladins can become formidable protectors against a wide array of threats. Recognizing common saving throw threats, especially those targeting Wisdom and Charisma, will allow you to be well-prepared and effectively utilize the Paladin’s unique abilities to safeguard your party.