A Fallen Aasimar Paladin is an original 2014 build with unusually convenient ability increases for a Strength-and-Charisma Paladin, plus Necrotic Shroud for a frightening transformation. It is a legacy option, not the revised Aasimar, and it should use the original Paladin class if the table is playing the 2014 ruleset.
Rules edition: Original 2014 fifth edition using the legacy Aasimar from Volo’s Guide to Monsters and the original Paladin. Fallen Aasimar is not a revised 2024 subrace. For current rules, use the revised Aasimar Paladin build.
Legacy Fallen Aasimar Paladin Quick Build
| Choice | 2014 recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Species increases | +2 Charisma, +1 Strength | Both directly support the original Paladin. |
| Primary abilities | Strength and Charisma | Strength drives common weapons; Charisma drives spells and aura. |
| Secondary ability | Constitution | Supports durability and Concentration. |
| Transformation | Necrotic Shroud at character level 3 | Creates a fear effect and once-per-turn extra Necrotic damage. |
| Oath | Choose by values and party role | “Fallen” does not force an evil alignment or a particular oath. |
Legacy Species Features
The Volo-era Aasimar provides +2 Charisma, Darkvision, resistance to Radiant and Necrotic damage, the Light cantrip using Charisma, and Healing Hands that restores Hit Points equal to character level once per Long Rest as an action. Fallen adds +1 Strength and Necrotic Shroud.
Necrotic Shroud becomes available at character level 3. Activating it uses an action, lasts for one minute, can frighten nearby creatures that fail the Charisma-based save, and adds extra Necrotic damage equal to character level to one qualifying target once on each of the Aasimar’s turns. It is usable once per Long Rest. Use the exact legacy feature for area, targets, and timing.
Ability Scores
With the 2014 standard array, place 15 in Strength for 16 after the Fallen increase, 14 in Charisma for 16 after the base Aasimar increase, and 13 in Constitution. Dexterity, Wisdom, and Intelligence follow the armor plan and character concept. Heavy armor reduces the need for Dexterity, but Dexterity still affects Initiative and common saving throws.
For revised 2024 character creation, remove the legacy species increases and use the chosen background’s ability-score increases, Origin feat, and proficiencies. A 2014 background does not grant ability-score increases. If you use a revised background with the legacy species and class, treat that as a deliberate mixed-edition build and apply all of that background’s listed benefits, including its Origin feat.
Original Paladin Progression
The original Paladin receives Divine Sense and Lay on Hands at level 1, Fighting Style, Spellcasting, and Divine Smite at level 2, and a Sacred Oath at level 3. In these rules, Lay on Hands uses an action and Divine Smite is a class feature triggered by a qualifying melee weapon hit rather than the revised always-prepared spell.
That distinction matters. Do not combine the original instant smite feature with the revised Paladin’s spell-based smite structure, free daily casting, or level-1 spellcasting.
Oath and Story
Fallen describes a legacy celestial condition, not a required morality. A character might seek restoration, reject a manipulative celestial guide, carry a family curse, or deliberately use frightening power to defend others. Define what caused the fall and what the character believes redemption would actually require.
Oath of Vengeance can fit relentless pursuit, Devotion can frame active restoration, Ancients can reconnect the character to hope, and Crown or Conquest may suit campaign-specific sources. Identify the exact book and version for any oath outside the original Player’s Handbook.
Use Necrotic Shroud Deliberately
The transformation consumes an action, so the first round may be setup rather than attacks. Its fear effect can also affect creatures the character did not intend to intimidate. Check positions before activating it. The extra damage occurs once per turn, not on every attack.
A frightened enemy may have trouble approaching, which can protect allies or disrupt a formation. It can also push an enemy away from the melee Paladin’s preferred range. Choose it when control and the full minute of extra damage justify the action.
Spell and Resource Plan
Bless and Shield of Faith both require Concentration in the original rules, so choose one. Preserve at least one spell slot when healing, utility, or a defensive spell may matter more than another smite. Healing Hands and Lay on Hands are separate resources; label them separately on the sheet.
Convert to Revised 2024 Rules
- Use the revised Aasimar species and remove +2 Charisma and +1 Strength.
- Select a revised background and apply its ability-score increases, Origin feat, and proficiencies, or keep the original 2014 background rules as a DM-approved conversion choice.
- Replace permanent Fallen features with the revised Celestial Revelation choices.
- Rebuild the class using revised Paladin progression, spell preparation, Lay on Hands, mastery, and smite timing.
- Select a revised oath at Paladin level 3.
Common Mistakes
- Calling Fallen Aasimar a current revised subrace.
- Applying legacy species increases together with revised background increases, or omitting the revised background’s Origin feat and proficiencies.
- Adding Necrotic Shroud damage to every attack instead of once per turn.
- Forgetting the transformation uses an action in the legacy version.
- Mixing original Divine Smite with the revised smite spell.
- Assuming Fallen requires an evil alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fallen Aasimar still current?
No. It is a legacy Volo-era subrace. The revised Aasimar chooses a Celestial Revelation form when activating the feature.
Can a Fallen Aasimar be a good Paladin?
Yes. Neither the legacy species nor the Paladin class automatically imposes an evil alignment. The oath and character decisions define conduct.
Can Necrotic Shroud and Divine Smite work on the same turn?
Necrotic Shroud takes an action to activate, so the character normally needs another source of an attack or a later turn to deliver weapon damage. Follow the exact action economy at the table.
Official Rules Sources
- D&D Beyond: legacy Volo’s Guide Aasimar
- D&D Beyond Basic Rules (2014): Paladin
- D&D Beyond: revised Aasimar for conversion
- D&D Beyond: original versus revised Paladin changes
