Rules edition: This guide uses the legacy 2014 fifth-edition Dragonborn, Rogue, Paladin, and multiclass rules. The revised 2024 versions change several class and species features, so use one rules version consistently.
A Blue Dragonborn Rogue/Paladin can combine skill expertise, Sneak Attack, and Divine Smite, but it has a real ability-score and level-progression cost. The combination works best when you choose one main role, meet the multiclass requirements before planning a split, and use a finesse melee weapon such as a rapier. Blue ancestry adds lightning resistance and a limited breath weapon; it does not remove the tradeoffs between the classes.
Blue Dragonborn traits
Under the 2014 rules, a Dragonborn increases Strength by 2 and Charisma by 1. Blue ancestry gives lightning resistance and a 5-foot-by-30-foot line breath weapon that deals lightning damage. Creatures in the line make a Dexterity save; the breath takes an action, starts at 2d6 damage, scales at character levels 6, 11, and 16, and recharges after a short or long rest. It is a limited area-damage option, not a condition or a way to trigger Sneak Attack or Divine Smite. The legacy Dragonborn traits do not grant Darkvision.
Meet the multiclass requirements
The 2014 multiclass rules are optional and require your DM’s approval. To multiclass into or out of Paladin, you need Strength 13 and Charisma 13; Rogue requires Dexterity 13. A character using both classes therefore needs Strength 13, Dexterity 13, and Charisma 13. The Dragonborn’s fixed Strength and Charisma increases help, but you still need Dexterity for the Rogue requirement and for a Dexterity-based build.
One standard-array example before ancestry increases is Strength 13, Dexterity 14, Constitution 15, Intelligence 8, Wisdom 10, and Charisma 12. After the legacy Dragonborn increases, that becomes Strength 15, Dexterity 14, Constitution 15, Intelligence 8, Wisdom 10, and Charisma 13. This meets the prerequisites and supports rapier attacks, while leaving Wisdom and Intelligence lower. Adjust the spread to fit your character and party.
Use a finesse weapon to combine the class features
Rogue Sneak Attack can apply once per turn when you hit with a finesse or ranged weapon and meet its advantage or nearby-ally condition. Paladin Divine Smite, starting at Paladin 2 in the 2014 rules, can spend a spell slot when you hit with a melee weapon attack. A rapier is both a melee and finesse weapon, so one qualifying rapier hit can carry both features. Sneak Attack does not require you to use Dexterity for the attack; a finesse weapon lets you choose Strength or Dexterity, but a Dexterity-based approach usually fits the Rogue’s skills and armor better.
A ranged weapon can deliver Sneak Attack but cannot trigger the 2014 Divine Smite, which requires a melee weapon attack. The Blue Dragonborn breath weapon also uses your action instead of making a weapon attack, so it does not deliver either feature. Choose the breath when its line can catch multiple foes or when conserving spell slots matters.
Choose a starting class and level plan
- Start Paladin, then add Rogue: You begin with Paladin’s full starting proficiencies, including heavy armor. This is useful if you plan to wear heavy armor or want a sturdier martial opening. If you later take Rogue levels, your Sneak Attack progression and Rogue features arrive later.
- Start Rogue, then add Paladin: You begin with Rogue skills and proficiencies, then gain light armor, medium armor, shields, and weapon proficiencies from multiclassing into Paladin. You do not gain Paladin’s heavy armor proficiency this way. This route suits a skill-focused character who uses Dexterity and medium armor.
- Take two Paladin levels for Divine Smite, then favor Rogue: This gets the core smite feature while keeping most later levels in Rogue, but it delays Rogue features and Sneak Attack dice. Paladin 5 adds Extra Attack and Paladin 6 adds Aura of Protection, at the cost of still more Rogue progression.
For multiclass spell slots, Paladin levels count as half levels, rounded down; Rogue levels do not add spellcasting levels. Check the multiclass spellcaster table for the number of slots available rather than using your total character level as if you were a single-class Paladin. Decide whether more Sneak Attack, Paladin spells, Extra Attack, or Aura of Protection matters most to your character, then set the level split around that goal.
Build for the campaign you actually play
A rapier-and-shield character can stay near allies to qualify for Sneak Attack while using armor and a shield for defense. A more mobile build can lean on Rogue skills and movement, accepting lower armor protection. Pick skills and Expertise that support the party’s needs, and choose a Paladin oath and Rogue archetype only after checking the level at which each one arrives. Multiclassing delays features from both classes, so a single-class character will reach its higher-level features sooner.
Official Rules Sources
- D&D Basic Rules (2014): Step-by-Step Characters (ability scores).
- D&D Basic Rules (2014): Races (Dragonborn ability scores, blue ancestry, breath weapon, and resistance).
- D&D Basic Rules (2014): Classes (Paladin Divine Smite, Rogue Sneak Attack, and class progression).
- D&D Basic Rules (2014): Multiclassing (optional rule, prerequisites, proficiencies, and spell slots).
