Mastering the Art of Building a Paladin in DND: A Guide for All Ages

Building a Paladin in Dungeons & Dragons (DND) can be an exciting and rewarding experience, whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner. Paladins are the holy warriors of the game, known for their unwavering commitment to justice and their ability to wield divine magic. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essentials of creating a Paladin character, from choosing your race and class features to selecting spells and equipment. Let’s embark on this journey together!

Choosing Your Race

The first step in building a Paladin is selecting a race that complements the class’s strengths. Here are a few popular choices:

• Human: Humans are versatile and receive a +1 bonus to all ability scores, making them a solid choice for any class.
• Dragonborn: Dragonborn gain a +2 bonus to Strength and a +1 bonus to Charisma, both crucial for a Paladin. Their breath weapon ability also adds some extra firepower.
• Dwarf: Dwarves, particularly Hill Dwarves, receive a +2 bonus to Constitution and a +1 bonus to Wisdom. This makes them resilient and good at healing.
• Half-Elf: Half-Elves get a +2 bonus to Charisma and +1 to two other ability scores of your choice, offering great flexibility.

Selecting Class Features

As a Paladin, you’ll have access to several unique class features:

• Divine Sense: This ability allows you to detect the presence of undead, fiends, and celestials within 60 feet. Use it to spot hidden threats.
• Lay on Hands: A healing ability that lets you restore hit points to yourself or your allies. It’s a lifesaver in tough situations.
• Fighting Style: Choose a fighting style that suits your playstyle. Popular options include Defense for extra armor class (AC) or Dueling for increased damage with one-handed weapons.
• Divine Smite: This powerful ability lets you expend spell slots to deal extra radiant damage on a hit. It’s excellent for taking down tough foes.

Picking Your Spells

Paladins have access to a limited number of spells, but they can be incredibly impactful. Here are some must-have spells for beginners:

• Bless: Grants a bonus to attack rolls and saving throws for your allies. It’s a fantastic buff spell.
• Cure Wounds: A reliable healing spell to keep your party in fighting shape.
• Shield of Faith: Increases a target’s AC by 2, providing much-needed protection.
• Divine Favor: Adds radiant damage to your weapon attacks, enhancing your combat prowess.

Equipping Your Paladin

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for your Paladin’s effectiveness in battle. Here are some tips:

• Armor: Paladins can wear heavy armor, so opt for chain mail or plate armor to maximize your AC.
• Weapons: A longsword and shield combination is a classic choice, offering a good balance of offense and defense. Alternatively, a greatsword can deal massive damage.
• Holy Symbol: Always carry a holy symbol, as it’s necessary for casting many of your spells.
• Adventuring Gear: Don’t forget essentials like a healer’s kit, a tinderbox, and a waterskin. They can be lifesavers in various situations.

Tips and Tricks for Beginners

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your Paladin:

• Roleplay Your Oath: Paladins take a sacred oath that defines their character. Embrace your oath and let it guide your decisions and interactions in the game.
• Balance Offense and Defense: While Paladins are formidable in combat, they also excel at protecting and healing their allies. Find a balance between dealing damage and providing support.
• Use Divine Smite Wisely: Divine Smite can turn the tide of battle, but it’s essential to use your spell slots strategically. Save them for tough enemies and critical moments.
• Communicate with Your Party: Paladins often serve as leaders or protectors in their adventuring parties. Coordinate with your teammates to make the most of your abilities and ensure everyone’s safety.

Building a Paladin in DND is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. With the right choices and a bit of creativity, you can create a character that embodies the virtues of justice and bravery. So gather your dice, don your armor, and let your Paladin shine on the battlefield!

Happy adventuring!

Author: James Taylor