Paladin

By Ralsu

Pure and devout, paladins are Eberron’s most dedicated defense against the forces of evil. They live like normal people until they answer the calling to promote righteousness throughout the world. Then they hone their combat skills and learn the divine magic of clerics, a combination that lends paladins a fighter’s hit points and the cleric’s ability to heal.What is unique to the paladin is his enormous zeal for eradicating evil.

A paladin is welcome in most any party because of her ability to heal, turn undead, and take and deal damage. Paladins are also quick to assume the leadership role in a group, which can be both good and bad. Once she assumes command, a paladin will not permit her companions to decline aid sought from the worthy or to commit evil acts.

The life of the paladin is not a choice; it is a mission either received from the gods or founded in a myopic focus on righteous living. Such fanaticism can develop in any race, but human ambition and willingness to die for causes make them the most common. Dwarf paladins takes hits well, but are not as good at turning undead as most others. Elf paladins are graceful crusaders whose lower constitution contributes to a focus on divine arts over physical force. The halfling paladin does not deliver crushing blows but benefits from nimbleness. Human paladins are versatile, gaining an extra feat at Level 1. Warforged paladins are frontline warriors better at combating evil directly than turning undead or healing.

Motivation
Paladins exhibit extreme dedication and discipline in their tasks. They do not like to turn down any valid request for help but sometimes must choose which path will allow for the greater purge of evil from the world. Every quest is a personal test for a paladin—part of what she believes is a lifetime trial she must not fail.

Class features:
Aura of Courage: Paladins Level 3 and above are immune to fear. Companions within 10 feet receive a +4 to saving throws vs. fear.

Aura of Good: Paladins and their companions receive +2 bonuses to all saves and armor class when fighting evil creatures.

Divine Grace: Starting at Level 2, the paladin gains a bonus equal to her Charisma modifier to all saving throws.

Divine Health: At Level 3, paladins become immune to disease.

Lay on Hands: Unerring faith allows paladins of second level or higher to heal one ally or damage one undead foe an amount equal to Charisma modifier times paladin levels.

Remove Disease: At Level 6, paladins are capable or removing disease once per rest period. This benefit increases to twice per rest period at Level 9.

Smite Evil: Paladins or third level or higher can use their Charisma to increase their chances of hitting an enemy once per rest period, doing more damage with each character level they gain. This ability increases to twice per rest period at Level 5 and thrice per day at Level 10.

Turn Undead: Starting at Level 4, a paladin using holy energy to turn undead a number of time equal to Charisma modifier +3 per rest period.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Paladins train with all types of simple and martial weapons, in any armor, and with all shields except tower shields.

Spells
Upon reaching 4th level, paladins can cast spells from the cleric spells list. Paladin spell points and difficulty checks are based on the Wisdom score.

Suggested races

• Drow (bonuses to DEX, INT, and CHA give the paladin boost to enough Abilities to focus points on others without being spread too thin)
• Dwarves (dwarven heartiness and spell resistance makes for a tough paladin)
• Humans (extra Skill points and an extra Feat make human paladins more powerful)

Key Abilities
Each class begins with 28 points to spend over 6 abilities (Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity, Strength, and Charisma). Paladins can benefit from Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution to be frontline combatants. However, Wisdom is very important to a paladin for its effect on spell points and spell strength. Additionally, Charisma contributes to a paladin’s ability to turn undead.

Class Skills: Class Skills for the paladin consist of Concentration, Diplomacy, Heal.

Suggested Feats
Paladins designed for the front lines can focus on damage (Cleave, Power Attack, Slicing Blow). Paladins who concentrate on divine powers will benefit more from Combat Casting or Discipline.

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More on Paladins
Essentials A Guide to Alignments Paladin Tactics Guide Guide to Paladin Feats Paladin's Toolbox: Paladin Enhancements Branching Paths: Paladin Multiclassing	Spells and Casting Gifts from the Gods: Paladin Spellcasting
DDO Builds for Paladins Aereni Deathguard The All-Weather Paladin Dwarvish Bulwark Ironclad Zealot Mage Slayer Small but Feared Soldier